Open AccessDetection of Coxiella burnetii antibodies among humans and slaughtered ruminants in Jalingo abattoir, Nigeria
Author(s) -
Ambi Silas NYIFI,
Ahmad Usman Ardo,
Ja Afar
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
savannah veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2636-6150
DOI - 10.36759/svj.2017.005
Subject(s) - zoonosis , seroprevalence , q fever , veterinary medicine , coxiella burnetii , livestock , epidemiology , serology , prevalence , zoonotic disease , environmental health , brucellosis , medicine , disease , biology , population , immunology , virology , antibody , pathology , ecology
Q–fever is an important zoonosis in many parts of the world. However, the disease is not vastly studied in Africa. Although few studies previously carried out both in animal and human populations in Nigeria had revealed the occurrence of the disease, there is an urgent need for a study to provide clinical data on its epidemiology.Methods: A serological study was carried out at Jalingo Abattoir, Taraba state, Northern Nigeria to determine the prevalence of the disease in humans (both abattoir workers and non-livestock handlers) and slaughtered ruminants, as well as its distribution in relation to species, sex, age and occupation. A cross sectional design, random cluster sampling technique were employed for the study. Three hundred and fifty serum samples were analysed using ELISA.Results: An overall seroprevalence of 10.9% was recorded with species-specific prevalence of 10%, 9%, 13% and 12% in goats, sheep, cattle and humans respectively.Significance: Our findings demonstrated that Q-fever is present among abattoir workers and slaughtered animals at Jalingo abattoir. The prevalence reported in this study calls for the government’s attention towards public enlightenment on its economic and zoonotic importance.