Original Research

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Brucella antibodies among patients seeking medical attention at health facilities in selected districts of Western Province in Zambia

Armand M. Mambote, Ruth L. Mfune, Victor Daka, Melai Mubanga, Mary Mubiana, Flavien N. Bumbangi, Chitalu Chanda, John B. Muma
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 14, No 1 | a2885 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/ajlm.v14i1.2885 | © 2025 Armand M. Mambote, Ruth L. Mfune, Victor Daka, Melai Mubanga, Mary Mubiana, Flavien N. Bumbangi, Chitalu Chanda, John B. Muma | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 31 May 2025 | Published: 11 December 2025

About the author(s)

Armand M. Mambote, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
Ruth L. Mfune, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia
Victor Daka, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia
Melai Mubanga, Department of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Eden University, Lusaka, Zambia
Mary Mubiana, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
Flavien N. Bumbangi, Department of Medicine and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Eden University, Lusaka, Zambia
Chitalu Chanda, Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
John B. Muma, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia

Abstract

Background: Brucellosis is a neglected zoonosis that impacts public health and livestock productivity. It is endemic in Zambia, particularly in regions with extensive livestock farming, such as the Western Province.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies and identify risk factors for Brucella exposure among healthcare-seeking patients at health facilities in Western Province, Zambia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 16 December 2022 to 31 December 2023 among 197 patients at health facilities in Mongu, Senanga, and Limulunga districts of Western Province. Serum samples were collected and tested for Brucella antibodies using the Rose Bengal test (RBT) and competitive-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. According to the serial interpretation of results, only sera that tested positive on RBT and competitive-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay were considered positive. A structured questionnaire was used to gather epidemiological data.
Results: Most study participants were women (55.8%), married (54.31%), and had a primary level of education (55.33%). There was a 4.57% seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies. Most participants (67.01%) were unaware that Brucella affects humans, and 91.88% lacked knowledge about its mode of transmission to humans. Multivariable logistic regression model showed that the number of animals kept was a statistically significant risk factor (p < 0.039) associated with human Brucella seropositivity.
Conclusion: Brucella antibodies were detected among patients visiting health facilities in Western Province, Zambia. The number of animals kept was significantly associated with Brucella antibodies.
What this study adds: This is the first study on the seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies in patients at health facilities in Zambia, addressing a research gap that has largely centred on livestock. This information will help to develop public health strategies for preventing and controlling human brucellosis intervention.


Keywords

Brucella antibodies; human brucellosis intervention; risk factors; seroprevalence; Western Province; Zambia

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

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