article · Microorganisms
Brucellosis represents a significant zoonotic infection affecting animal and human health, yet camel brucellosis remains understudied in Egypt. Investigation across three governorates with substantial camel populations and key markets involved testing 381 serum samples using multiple serological and molecular assays. Serological testing revealed antibody prevalence ranging from 15.5 percent to 31.0 percent depending on the specific diagnostic test employed, which included the Rose-Bengal plate test, competitive ELISA, indirect ELISA, and complement fixation test. Real-time polymerase chain reaction testing on seropositive samples confirmed Brucella DNA in 32 cases. Identified species comprised Brucella abortus, Brucella melitensis, and Brucella suis, marking the first recorded identification of Brucella suis DNA in camel serum. Statistical assessments revealed that risk factors such as age, sex, breed, and geographic location had no significant link to infection rates, demonstrating widespread exposure across the evaluated populations.
Brucellosis is a serious zoonotic disease that poses substantial risks to livestock productivity and human health. Identifying multiple circulating Brucella species, including the unexpected presence of Brucella suis in camels, highlights an intricate disease landscape. These findings underscore the necessity of targeted surveillance and improved control measures to protect pastoral livelihoods, market handlers, and public health systems from zoonotic transmission.
This early-stage epidemiological research provides data to support veterinary authorities, diagnostic developers, and livestock managers seeking to design targeted surveillance programmes. The findings could guide the calibration of multi-species molecular diagnostics and serological screening protocols tailored for camel holdings and markets. However, practical application remains at the exploratory research stage, requiring further field validation and regulatory adoption before informing commercial diagnostic services or disease control products.
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Brucellosis is one of the most important worldwide zoonoses of many countries including Egypt. Camel brucellosis has not gained much attention in Egypt yet. This study is focused on the three governorates with the highest camel populations and the largest camel markets in the country to determine the disease seroprevalence and identify the <i>Brucella</i> species in local camel holdings. In total, 381 serum samples were collected from male and female camels from Giza, Aswan, and Al-Bahr Al-Ahmar (the Red Sea) governorates. Samples were serologically examined using the Rose-Bengal plate test (RBPT), indirect ELISA (i-ELISA), competitive ELISA (c-ELISA) and complement fixation test (CFT). <i>Brucella</i> antibodies were detected in 59 (15.5%), 87 (22.8%), 77 (20.2%) and 118 (31.0%) of sera by RBPT, i-ELISA, c-ELISA and CFT, respectively. Using real-time PCR, <i>Brucella</i> DNA was amplified in 32 (8.4%) seropositive samples including <i>Brucella abortus</i> (25/32), <i>Brucella suis</i> (5/32) and <i>Brucella melitensis</i> (2/32), defining a complex epidemiological status. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting <i>Brucella suis</i> DNA in camel serum. The risk-associated factors including age, sex, breed and geographical distribution were statistically analyzed, showing non-significant association with seroprevalence. The results of this study will raise awareness for camel brucellosis and help develop effective control strategies.
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DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8071035
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