Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Al Jouf University

INTRODUCTION The prevalence of human brucellosis in Saudi Arabia has reached an alarmingly high level in recent years, which is believed to be due to a large extent to the consumption of raw camel milk, a widely spread habit among the population of this country. Camels are not known to be primary hosts for any of Brucella organisms, but they are susceptible to both B. abortus and B. melitensis.

OBJECTIVES The present work was aimed to detect the occurrence of brucellosis among health care workers

This study was conducted during the year 2010 to 2011 in Al-Jouf area Saudi Arabia. The study involve a total of 497 health care workers, information of each individual was obtained. Blood samples were collected from 216 (43.5%) health care workers of both sexes.

METHODOLOGY The blood was allowed to clot and the sera were separated by centrifugation and stored at -20°C until testing. Enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) technique was adopted using commercial coated plates. The test was carried out according to (1) The CHEKT brucellosis serum ELISA test kit provides a rapid, simple, sensitive and specific method for detecting antibodies against Brucella abortus ( B.abortus ) (1) Alton, G.G., L. M.Jones, R.D. Angus and J.M.Verger, 1988 Techniques for Brucellosis Laboratory, (INRA Paris).

WIDAL TEST FOR BRUCELLOSIS All sera were screened for Brucella antibody by agglutination method using Widal test for brucellosis. Samples showing positive result for Brucella were further repeated using CHEKT brucellosis serum ELISA test kit.

RESULT Fig (1):Frequency of brucellosis in hospital workers

Fig (2):Frequency of Male and Female

CONCLUSION The survey confirms the presence of Brucella species among health-care workers in Al-jouf area and shows a significant prevalence rate. The health authorities should recognize this and should be prepared to apply intervention strategies in order to prevent and control brucellosis in the future.