Abstract
Background and Objective: The objectives of the present study were to survey brucellosis and to determine risk factors among humans in occupational contacts with dairy cattle in suburban and peri-urban regions in Khartoum State, Sudan. Materials and Methods: Serum samples (n = 362) were collected from people in association with 11 farms with history of brucellosis in Khartoum State between August 2009 and February 2010. Results: Out of the 362 serum samples 14 (3.9%) were positive for brucella infection using competitive ELISA (cELISA). A significant association was observed between the seropositivity and community living in association with brucella-infected livestock notably: Illiterate males (P = 0.002), middle age group (20-40 yrs) (P = 0.003), and consumers of raw milk and milk products (P = 0.004) are at risk of infection. Conclusions: A signifiicant association was observed between the seropositivity and community living in association with brucella-infected livestock notably: Illiterate males, middle age group (20-40 years), and consumers of raw milk and milk products are at risk of infection. The study recommends routine serological screening for brucellosis among herders and workers and their livestock particularly in regions with history of brucellosis.