ISOLATION, IDENTIFICATION, AND ANTIBIOGRAM PATTERN OF BRUCELLA ABORTUS BACTERIA FROM RAW MILK AND ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL HUMAN RISK FACTORS IN TEHSIL PAHARPUR, DISTRICT DERA ISMAIL KHAN

Abstract

Brucella abortus is an important zoonotic, Gram-negative bacterium responsible for brucellosis, a disease that can be transmitted from infected animals to humans through direct contact with infected animals or consumption of contaminated, unpasteurized milk and dairy products. The present study was conducted in Tehsil Paharpur, District Dera Ismail Khan to investigate the occurrence of Brucella in raw milk samples, assess the antimicrobial resistance profile of the recovered isolates, and identify potential risk factors associated with human exposure. A total of 80 raw milk samples were collected from different areas of Tehsil Paharpur and subjected to bacteriological examination. Initial examination identified 57 samples with suspected bacterial growth, of which 48 were subsequently reported as positive following further identification procedures, representing an overall positivity of 60%. The antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the recovered isolates was evaluated against eight antibiotics. The highest reported resistance was observed against ampicillin (66.66%), whereas the lowest resistance was recorded against tetracycline (30%). Potential risk factors for human exposure included inadequate vaccination practices, lack of personal protective equipment during animal handling and laboratory-related activities, direct contact with potentially infected animals, and improper disposal of animal waste and reproductive materials. The findings highlight the potential public health importance of Brucella contamination in raw milk and the need for improved livestock health management, milk hygiene, occupational safety, and public awareness. Further molecular confirmation and representative epidemiological investigations are recommended to establish the identity of the isolates and determine the wider distribution of brucellosis in the study area.