Publication:

Serological evidence of human brucellosis with female predominance in livestock-exposed communities of rural Haryana, India

Background Human brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic infection transmitted through direct animal contact. It frequently eludes clinicians since its presentation is often non-specific and consequently leads to underdiagnosis. Haryana is predominantly an agrarian state with close human and livestock interactions. There is a dearth of systematic population-based data on human brucellosis. This study was aimed to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis among febrile patients within livestock exposed population and identify associated risk factors.

Methods A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted over 1 year, from November 2024 to November 2025, at a tertiary care centre in Budhera, Haryana. Individuals residing within 15 km of the hospital presenting with fever, headache or malaise, giving history of contact with livestock were included. Serum specimens were tested for anti-Brucella antibodies using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Structured interviews were used to collect data. Associations between risk factors and seropositivity were evaluated by multivariate analysis.

Results Of 173 participants (mean age 32.95±18.55 years; 55.5% male), RBPT detected antibodies in 19 (10.98%) and ELISA in 22 (12.72%). Seropositivity was significantly associated with unpasteurised milk consumption, assisting animal birthing, handling foetuses and contact with animal excreta (OR 6.3-18.8, p<0.01). ELISA and RBPT showed substantial concordance (κ=0.91). Women involved in livestock care had disproportionately higher seropositivity.

Conclusions Human brucellosis among febrile patients was primarily linked to domestic exposures to high-risk activities. Integrating exposure histories with clinical assessment, promoting pasteurisation of milk, enhancing animal vaccination and strengthening One Health surveillance are critical for early diagnosis in endemic areas.