Awareness of Zoonotic Infections and a Seroprevalence Meta‐Analysis of Brucellosis, Q‐Fever and Toxoplasmosis Among Abattoir Workers

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Workers handling infected animals and carcasses are at risk of zoonotic diseases. However, knowledge, practices and the burden of zoonotic infections among abattoir workers in Africa remain poorly characterized. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess knowledge and practices regarding selected zoonoses among abattoir workers in the Eastern Cape, determine seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii among brucellosis-seropositive workers in Gauteng, and evaluate variability in seroprevalence of brucellosis, Q-fever and toxoplasmosis across Africa through a meta-analysis. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 76 abattoir workers using a structured questionnaire to assess knowledge and practices related to zoonotic diseases. In addition, 92 workers with known brucellosis seropositivity were tested for C. burnetii antibodies. A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the seroprevalence of brucellosis, Q-fever and toxoplasmosis across African studies. RESULTS: Univariate analyses revealed that job description and education level were significantly associated (p ≤ 0.05) with knowledge of brucellosis and toxoplasmosis. The overall C. burnetii seropositivity was 61.9% (95% Cl: 51.3-71.9). A total of 57/92 (61.96%) had IgG antibodies and 1/92 (1.09%) had IgM and IgG antibodies. The meta-analysis showed that brucellosis seroprevalence ranged from 1.3% to 46.4%, based on two or more tests conducted in 12 African countries. Toxoplasmosis seroprevalence, detected using various single tests, ranged from 2.2% to 84.0% in eight countries, while Q-fever seroprevalence, assessed in three countries, varied from 6.5% to 37.1%. CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasizes the importance of educating abattoir workers about zoonotic diseases to improve their practices, attitudes and understanding. Abattoir facilities management may improve practices and PPE to encourage workers to follow necessary protocols. The study further demonstrates the limited number of abattoir worker studies on the selected zoonotic diseases observed across Africa, illustrating the importance of further investigations.