[Knowledge, practices, and human seroprevalence of brucellosis in the central dairy-producing area of Cochabamba, BoliviaConhecimentos, práticas e soroprevalência humana de brucelose na área central de produção de laticínios de Cochabamba, Bolívia].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To validate the applicability of the Rose Bengal (RB) test, indirect IgG or IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the Brucellacapt test® to the local context, determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis, and evaluate knowledge of the disease in people at risk in a dairy-producing area of La Maica, Cochabamba (Plurinational State of Bolivia). METHOD: The tests were initially validated with a group of 76 people; the final study population was 330 people, who also participated in a socio-epidemiological survey. RESULTS: Of 330 samples tested, 12.7% were positive, using either the RB or Brucellacapt test®. The indirect IgG ELISA gave false positive results, indicating that the cut-off point should be adapted to the local epidemiological situation. Almost all RB-positive cases were asymptomatic. The socio-epidemiological survey highlights a lack of information and awareness about brucellosis, with regard to its zoonotic nature, mode of transmission, and symptoms. CONCLUSION: This study revealed a high seroprevalence of brucellosis in the La Maica dairy-producing area in Cochabamba (Plurinational State of Bolivia), with many asymptomatic cases and a high number of false positives from IgG indirect ELISA. It is recommended to conduct awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of this disease and to discourage the consumption of raw milk.