Abstract

Brucellosis is one of the most common global zoonoses with significant impact on animal and human health. A serological survey was conducted among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Maiduguri and its environs from April – June, 2017; aimed at detecting brucella antibodies using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) antigen for both Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis. Two IDP camps, Dalori and Bakasi camps were used. A total of 106 sera samples of which twenty (20) were from Bakasi camp and eighty six (86) from Dalori camp were tested for Brucella antibodies. An overall seroprevalence of 3.77% (4/106) was obtained in this study. No brucella antibody was detected (0.00%) from Bakasi camp, while in Dalori camp, brucella antibodies were detected in 4.65% (4/86) samples screened. There was no association between brucellosis and IDPs location (p>0.05). Sex predisposition showed higher prevalence in males (6.35%) than in females (2.56%) in Dalori camp. There was insignificant association (X²=1.292; p>0.05) between brucellosis and sex among the IDPs in Dalori camp.  This study has provided a baseline serological evidence of brucellosis among IDPs in Borno State and shows the risk of the infection among the IDPs. Further expanded studies need to be conducted to include other target population in the study area and the need for public awareness on the dangers of the infection was recommended.

Keywords: Brucellosis, Internal Displaced Persons, Maiduguri, Rose Bengal Plate Test, Seroprevalence