Research Article Clinical Research and Trials Clin Res Trials, 2017 doi: 10.15761/CRT.1000191 ISSN: 2059-0377 Volume 3(5): 1-7 Knowledge and practices of brucellosis among high-risk groups in Bahr El Ghazal Region, South Sudan Nuol Aywel Madut 1,2 , George William Nasinyama 2 , John Bwalya Muma 3 , Adrian Muwonge 4 , James Muleme 2 , Jacques Godfroid 5 , Ambrose Samuel Jubara 1 and Clovice Kankya 2 * 1 Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Bahr el Ghazal, Wau, South Sudan 2 Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems &Veterinary Public Health (BEP), College of Vet. Animal Resources & Biosecurity (COVAB). Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda 3 Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka Zambia 4 Department of Genetics and Genomics, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK 5 Department of food Safety and infection Biology, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Troms, Norway Abstract Background: Brucellosis is the most common zoonotic infections in pastoral settings. Lack of knowledge about the disease may cause devastating out come to the patients, thus sustained it in such communities. Tis study assessed knowledge and practices among high-risk groups in Bahr el Ghazal region, South Sudan. Methods: Across sectional survey involving abattoir workers, febrile patients at Wau referral hospital and cattle herders from cattle camps from four states namely, Wau, Tonj, Gogrial and Aweil. By using open-ended questionnaire and key informant guideline, for triangulations by for interviews, focus group discussions and key informant interview. Data collected include knowledge on causes, symptoms, transmission, treatment, prevention and risk factors of brucellosis. Using SPSS version 24 for analysis, X 2 and Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: In this study, 234, 416 and 87 abattoir workers, febrile patients and herders. Brucellosis prevalence is fair among abattoir workers and the febrile patients, all workers Knows Brucellosis and Tuberculosis more than other diseases. Brucellosis among febrile patients, female more than male’s respondents 23.7% (50/416), 22.9% (47/234/416) respectively, the prevalence is very high among age group 16 to 35. Te disease was very high among non-educated people 25.4% (35/416). Nilotic group have high prevalence 21.8% (39/416), according to C-ELISA. In the cattle camps brucellosis prevalence among males was high than females 44.0% and 29.0% respectively. Te prevalence was high among age groups 16- 35 years and 36-60years, 32.7% and 38.1 respectively, according to C- ELISA. Te distribution of awareness of zoonotic diseases and brucellosis among abattoir workers, knowing zoonotic diseases 33.3% (30/90), knowing brucellosis 27.8% (25/90), knowing transmission of brucellosis 11.11% (10/25), however, knowledge of causes, signs of brucellosis in animals and signs human mode of transmission and treatment of brucellosis is very low. Conclusions: Brucellosis prevalence is fair among abattoir workers, febrile patients and high in the cattle camps. All workers Knows Brucellosis and Tuberculosis more than other diseases.in the community the prevalence look equally between gender, knowledge about the diseases causes, signs in human and animal also mode of transmission and treatment was very low between the three groups. Community sensitization and awareness about zoonotic diseases is needed. Correspondence to: Dr. Clovice Kankya, Associate Professor, Head of Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health, College of Vet. Animal Resources & Biosecurity (COVAB). Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, Tel: +256772545999; E-mail: clokankya@yahoo.com / clokankya@gmail.com Key words: Brucellosis prevalence, Knowledge and practices of Brucellosis, high- risk groups, Bahr el Ghazal region, South Sudan Received: July 14, 2017; Accepted: August 01, 2017; Published: August 03, 2017 Abbreviations: C-ELISA: Competitive Enzyme-Linked Immuno sorbent Assay; RBPT: Rose Bengal Plate Agglutination Test; CI Confdence Interval. Introduction Brucellosis is an infectious bacterial disease of animal origin, circulating among animals and can be transmitted to those who live in closed proximity with their animals [1]. Brucellosis brings reproductive failure to livestock and serious health problems to humans [2,3]. It’s described as neglected zoonotic disease in malaria endemic areas [4]. In many countries, zoonotic diseases are not considered as important simply because the diagnostic capacity to detect them hardly exists and equally important the focus of the clinician on the patients, not on their surroundings limited their diagnosis [5]. Where Lack of awareness the disease afects human health and as the result economic implications on animal production sector [6]. Brucellosis has been eradicated from developed countries, however it remains endemic in many parts of the developing world, including Latin America, parts of the middle east, Western Asia, some countries in the Mediterranean basin, and Africa [7]. In sub-Saharan Africa, clinicians attribute most fever to malaria, even though an estimated 50-80% of fevers result from other causes [5]. e g. rif valley fever, bird fu and Yellow fever among others may be mixed with malaria fever, which called malaria like disease including Brucellosis [8]. Many countries look at the prevention and control of zoonotic diseases as very expensive so been deleted from the priorities. Consequently, some of governments ofen neglect zoonotic diseases, main while