Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Brucellosis in Dogs in Buea Municipality, Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Brucellosis in Dogs in Buea Municipality, Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Brucellosis in Dogs in Buea Municipality, Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study Tamdjo Moyopo Sharon Siegfried, Elvis Asangbeng Tanue, Nkemnyi Bertha Anyizi, and 7 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-8811209/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background Brucellosis remains a serious public health concern in Cameroon because of intimate human-dog interactions, unrestricted consumption of dog meat, and an overall weak veterinary infrastructure. Because the size of the dog population in Buea Municipality is unknown, the study was designed to estimate the sample seroprevalence of brucellosis in dogs and assess the various associated risk factors for the disease. Methods This research used a cross-sectional study design in which a total of 134 dogs were sampled from six communities, with 99 dog owners being interviewed to assess potential risk factors. Blood was collected from the animals and initially screened for Brucella antibodies using RBPT. Later testing was done with iELISA. For data analysis, SPSS version 25 was used and chi-square at a 95% confidence level was employed. Results The estimated sample seroprevalence of brucellosis in dogs by RBPT was 17.9% (24/134), while by iELISA it was 11.9% (16/134), thus indicating exposure to Brucella transmission amongst the dog population in the study area. Dogs owned by people who consume dog meat had higher rates of seropositivity, indicating exposure risks associated with behaviour and culture. Conclusion The present study documents the first evidence of Brucella antibody exposure and provides an estimated sample seroprevalence of brucellosis in dogs from Buea Municipality. Dog-related characteristics, including sex, local breeds, and free-roaming behavior, were explored for their potential risk association with Brucella seropositivity, but they were not significantly associated with Brucella antibody detection by either RBPT or iELISA in the study area. Enhanced veterinary surveillance, public health education, regulating dog-meat practices, and molecular identification of circulating strains are important for effective One Health control of brucellosis in Cameroon. Brucellosis Dog Seroprevalence Cameroon One Health Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Introduction Brucellosis is a widely spread zoonotic disease throughout the world, involving animals and humans, and is associated with substantial socioeconomic and public health impacts, especially in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) [ 1 ][ 2 ]. The etiological agent is bacteria belonging to the genus Brucella ; they are spread by direct interaction with diseased animals or by consuming animal products tainted with the pathogen [ 3 ]. Although historically, the epidemiology of brucellosis has been studied in livestock such as goats, cattle, and sheep, evidence is growing that dogs also have an important epidemiological role as spillover hosts and reservoirs, especially in settings with high levels of human-animal contact [ 4 ][ 5 ][ 6 ]. Poorly developed surveillance systems, low public awareness, and a lack of veterinary facilities are factors contributing to brucellosis being a neglected zoonotic disease in West Africa that often remains undiagnosed [ 7 ][ 8 ]. In West African countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone, the seroprevalence rate of brucellosis in livestock and humans has been found to be variable across these areas [ 9 ][ 10 ][ 11 ][ 12 ]. These studies identified risk factors that include consuming raw animal products, which facilitate the spread of Brucella species [ 13 ]. However, despite these findings, research efforts in much of Central Africa, including Cameroon, have largely concentrated on brucellosis in small ruminants and bovines, with comparatively little attention given to brucellosis in dogs [ 14 ][ 15 ][ 16 ]. Brucellosis in dogs in Africa remains particularly poorly characterized, largely due to the limited availability of diagnostic tools specifically designed to detect Brucella canis [ 17 ]. As a result, many studies rely on general serological assays originally developed for Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis . These limitations have contributed to the underrecognition of dog infections and an incomplete understanding of the role dogs may play in the epidemiology of brucellosis [ 18 ][ 19 ]. While consumption of dog meat, uncontrolled breeding practices, and the presence of free-roaming dogs are factors of an ecological and cultural nature that increase the risk of zoonotic transmission in Cameroon, especially in the Southwest Region [ 20 ][ 21 ], their potential role in maintaining brucellosis transmission cycles has been less discussed. Brucella seropositivity in cattle and abattoir workers was, however, confirmed in previous studies done in other regions of the country [ 15 ], but there is very limited information on the risk factors and seroprevalence of brucellosis in dogs in Cameroon. The present study, therefore, assesses estimated sample seroprevalence and associated risk factors of brucellosis in dogs in Buea Municipality, an area experiencing rapid urbanisation with rising dog ownership and close human-animal interactions due to dog meat consumption. The findings aim to contribute preliminary evidence on dog exposure to Brucella spp. and to inform future species-specific studies, surveillance strategies, and One Health interventions in Buea municipality. In this study, commercially available serological kits and Rose Bengal reagents targeting B. abortus and B. melitensis were therefore used to assess exposure to Brucella spp. among dogs in Buea Municipality, providing preliminary evidence of dog involvement in brucellosis transmission cycles. Materials and Methods Study area This research investigated dogs in Buea municipality, the Southwest region of Cameroon (Fig. 1 ). With an estimated 200,000 residents, Buea is a semi-urban area with a high concentration of domestic dogs [ 22 ]. Dogs are usually kept in the municipality’s rural and peri-urban neighbourhoods for hunting, security, and companionship. The dog population consists of local, mixed, and increasingly imported dog breeds. Dog ownership practices vary according to socioeconomic status and access to veterinary services. This area also has an informal dog meat market, with limited public awareness regarding zoonotic diseases such as brucellosis. Study Design and Sampling A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2025 in Buea Municipality, Cameroon, combining the serological screening of dogs to estimate exposure to Brucella spp. with the assessment of risk factors associated with dog owners. Data on dog ownership practices were collected to identify behaviors and management conditions that may increase the likelihood of Brucella exposure among dogs, and to highlight potential zoonotic transmission pathways to humans. However, the study did not assess human infection directly; therefore, risk factors were evaluated only in relation to seropositivity in dogs. Buea Municipality was used because there is no evidence of brucellosis in dogs in this region. Sampling was from dogs of both sexes aged 3 months and above. A total of 134 dogs were sampled, stratified by age, breed, housing status, site, and sex. Since this was a cross-sectional descriptive study, the minimum sample size was calculated using the formula provided by [ 23 ], assuming a population size that is unlimited. Sample size (n) = \(\:\frac{{z}^{2}x\:p\left(1-p\right)}{{d}^{2}}\) ≈ 88 dogs In this context, d represents the absolute error or precision, estimated at 5%. The variable z denotes the z-score of 1.96, corresponding to a 95% confidence interval. Finally, p signifies the anticipated proportion within the population, as derived from past studies (6.06%) [ 24 ]. The minimum required sample size was estimated at approximately 88 dogs; however, 134 dogs were ultimately sampled to improve the precision and robustness of the prevalence estimates. Questionnaire Survey The study adopted the questionnaire from a published article by [ 38 ]. The questionnaire was then modified to take into account the specifics of our study in Buea, Cameroon. The structured questionnaire included a specific section designed to capture information on dog-meat consumption and associated practices among dog owners. Respondents were asked whether they consumed dog meat, the frequency of consumption, and the primary reasons for consumption. Additional questions assessed involvement in the sale of dogs or dog meat, the perceived economic importance of this activity, and slaughtering practices, including the location and hygiene conditions under which dogs were slaughtered. Participants were also asked whether dog-meat consumption was linked to cultural beliefs or driven by other motivations. These variables were included to identify behaviors that may increase the risk of exposure to Brucella spp. and to explore potential zoonotic transmission pathways. Serum Sample Collection Five millilitres (5ml) of blood was drawn from the cephalic vein of each dog into a dry tube that was allowed to clot. Each was clearly marked and packed carefully in avoidance of any sort of contamination. Before being transferred to the laboratory, the blood sample was held at 4°C in a field thermo-cooler. To separate the serum from the blood cells, each clotted sample was centrifuged for 10 minutes at 3500 rpm. About 2ml of serum was pipetted and transferred into sterile, labelled cryotubes. The sera were stored at -20°C until they were analysed. Serological Sample Analysis The Rose Bengal Plate Test ( RBPT) The Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) was carried out in accordance with [ 25 ]. Before being used, the serum and antigen were at room temperature. Equal volumes (30 µl) of the standardised B. abortus antigen Weybridge strain 99 and test serum were dispensed onto a clean glass plate and gently mixed using a disposable applicator stick. Thereafter, the mixture was spread, and rocked the plate for four minutes. The presence of agglutination, noted as positive, and the lack of agglutination within four minutes were considered negative. Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ( iELISA) Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay was carried out using the ID Vet kit (Innovative Diagnostics, Grabels, France) following the manufacturer’s protocol without any alterations. This assay was done on a 96-well polystyrene plate precoated with purified Brucella abortus LPS antigen. According to [ 26 ], in this reaction, the multi-species HRP conjugate was used. After the removal of the unbound conjugate by washing, the substrate solution was added (TMB + DMSO + H2O2). The intensity of colour developed for the antigen-antibody conjugate-peroxidase complex depended on the of anti- Brucella antibodies level in the specimen being tested. Thus, presence of antibodies showed a blue solution, and it became yellow after the addition of the Stop Solution, and no colouration appeared when no antibodies were present. Measuring the optical density of each well was performed with an automated ELISA reader at a wavelength of 450 nm. 𝑆/𝑃% = \(\:\frac{(\text{O}\text{D}\text{s}\text{a}\text{m}\text{p}\text{l}\text{e}\:-\:\text{O}\text{D}\text{n}\text{c}\:)\:\:\:}{\:\:\:(\text{O}\text{D}\text{p}\text{c}\:-\:\text{O}\text{D}\text{n}\text{c})\:}\) × 100, (1) The optical density of the sample is represented by ODsample, ODnc denotes the negative control measurement, and ODpc signifies the positive control reading. If the 𝑆/P% was equal to or greater than 120%, the samples were considered positive. If it was equal to or less than 110%, the samples were considered negative. If it was between 110% and 120%, the samples were considered doubtful. The test was also working correctly because ODpc was greater than 0.350 and OD pc/ODnc was greater than 3. Data analysis The data collected was analysed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS statistical software (Version 25). To determine the degree of correlation between gender, age range, breed, and sampling site, the chi-square test was employed. A value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The detection of antibodies using both iELISA and RBPT confirms that dogs in the study area have been exposed to Brucella antigens, suggesting the presence of brucellosis in the dog population. While these findings do not allow for species-specific identification, they demonstrate that dogs can harbor Brucella infections potentially attributable to B. abortus or B. melitensis . This supports the notion that dogs may play an underappreciated role in the epidemiology of brucellosis caused by these species, particularly in settings where dogs have close contact with livestock, humans, and contaminated animal products. Importantly, the detection of Brucella antibodies in dogs highlights the potential zoonotic risk to humans, especially in communities where dog meat is consumed or where dogs are handled without appropriate protective measures. Prevalence of Brucella antibodies in dogs 134 dogs were tested for Brucella antibodies using RBPT and iELISA. Based on the iELISA, which served as the confirmatory test, the overall estimated sample seroprevalence of brucellosis in dogs in Buea Municipality was 11.9% (16/134). The RBPT detected a higher seropositivity of 17.9% (24/134) (Tables 1 and 2 ) (Fig. 2 ). Table 1 RBPT Prevalence RBPT Results Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent Valid Negative 110 82.1 82.1 82.1 Positive 24 17.9 17.9 100.0 Total 134 100.0 100.0 Table 2 iELISA Confirmatory Test iELISA Results Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent Valid Negative 118 88.1 88.1 88.1 Positive 16 11.9 11.9 100.0 Total 134 100.0 100.0 Diagnostic Performance of RBPT Compared with iELISA The performance of RBPT was evaluated using iELISA as the reference standard. 10 true positives and 104 true negatives, with 14 false positives and 6 false negatives, RBT were identified. From the results, the sensitivity was 62.5%, and the specificity was 88.1%. The positive predictive value (PPV) was 41.7%, and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 94.5%. The overall diagnostic accuracy of RBPT relative to iELISA was 85.1% (Table 3 ). Table 3 Contingency table comparing RBPT and iELISA results RBPT result iELISA Positive iELISA Negative Total Positive 10 (True positive) 14 (False positive) 24 Negative 6 (False negative) 104 (True negative) 110 Total 16 118 134 Association Between Dog Demographics and Brucella Seropositivity Analysis of demographic characteristics revealed no statistically significant associations between Brucella antibody prevalence and the dogs’ sex (p = 0.7823), age group (p = 0.2137), breed (p = 0.9705), or sampling location (p = 0.1130). Although not significant, some descriptive patterns were noted. Dogs aged 37 + months had the highest seroprevalence (16.7%), while female dogs showed slightly higher positivity rates (12.5%) compared to other groups (Table 4 and Table 5 ). Table 4 Seroprevalence of canine brucellosis in Buea communities based on RBPT and iELISA results layered by dog demographics RBPT iELISA Dog Characteristics Negative (%) Positive (%) N Χ 2 -test Negative (%) Positive (%) N Χ 2 -test Sex Female (n = 88) 84.1 15.9 100 Χ 2 = 0.6984 df = 1 P = 0.4033 87.5 12.5 100 Χ 2 = 0.07637 df = 1 P = 0.7823 Male (n = 46) 78.3 21.7 100 89.1 10.9 100 Grand Total 110 24 134 118 16 134 Age group (months) 3–12 (n = 70) 85.7 14.3 100 Χ 2 = 1.408 df = 2 P = 0.4946 84.3 15.7 100 Χ 2 = 3.087 df = 2 P = 0.2137 13–36 (n = 52) 78.8 21.2 100 94.2 5.8 100 37+ (n = 12) 75.0 25.0 100 83.3 16.7 100 Grand Total 110 24 134 118 16 134 Breed Cane Corso (n = 5) 80 20 100 Χ 2 = 31.49 df = 5 P = < 0.0001 80 20 100 Χ 2 = 0.8958 df = 5 P = 0.9705 Cross (n = 22) 86.4 13.6 100 90.9 9.1 100 German Sheperd (n = 11) 54.5 45.5 100 90.9 9.1 100 Maltese (n = 1) 100 0 100 100 0 100 Mongrel (n = 94) 84 16 100 87.2 12.8 100 Rottweiler (n = 1) 100 0 100 100 0 100 Grand Total 110 24 134 118 16 134 Table 5 Seroprevalence of canine brucellosis in Buea communities based on RBPT and iELISA results, based on sampling site RBPT iELISA Sampling sites Negative (%) Positive (%) N Χ 2 -test Negative (%) Positive (%) N Χ 2 -test Bomaka (n = 20) 85 15 100 Χ 2 = 1.248 df = 5 P = 0.9402 75 25 100 Χ 2 = 8.903 df = 5 P = 0.1130 Bosta Junction (n = 8) 75 25 100 100 0 100 Great Soppo (n = 12) 91.7 8.3 100 100 0 100 Mile 15/16 (n = 58) 81 19 100 84.5 15.5 100 Molyko (n = 16) 81.3 18.8 100 100 0 100 Tole (n = 20) 80 20 100 90 10 100 Grand Total 110 24 134 118 16 134 Seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies according to sampling sites Seroprevalence varied across the six sampled communities, though the findings revealed no statistically significant (p = 0.1130) differences in Brucella antibody prevalence across the six sampling sites. However, dogs sampled from Bomaka had the highest seropositivity (25%), followed by Mile 15/16 (15.5%) and Tole (10%), while no positive cases were detected in Bosta Junction, Great Soppo, and Molyko. Despite these observed variations, they did not reach statistical significance (Table 5 ). Findings from questionnaires: Assessing dog meat consumption Only 99 dog owners were included because the questionnaire component targeted owners of the sampled dogs who were available and consented to participate. Among the 99 dog owners surveyed, only a small number 32 (32.3%) of participants consumed dog meat. Among those who consumed dog meat, most participants consumed it a few times in a month, 17 (53.1%). The primary reason for dog consumption was that it was tasty and enjoyable, 28 (87.5%). Most participants out of the 99 dog owners, 67 (67.7%), sold dog meat or dogs alive, and over half of the 32 dog owners, 17 (51.12%) reported that the income derived was very significant. Slaughtering practices were largely informal, with 87.5% of dog-meat consumers indicating that dogs were slaughtered at non-designated locations. Furthermore, half of the respondents 16 (50%) disagreed that dog-meat consumption is rooted in cultural traditions, suggesting that the practice is driven mainly by economic benefits and personal preference rather than by cultural beliefs. (Table 6 ). Table 6 Assessing dog meat consumption among dog owners in Buea municipality Variable Category Frequency Percentage (%) Dog meat consumption No 67 67.7 Yes 32 32.3 Total 99 100 Frequency of consumption Several times a week 7 21.8 A few times a month 17 53.1 Rarely 8 25 Total 32 100 Reason for dog consumption Tasty and enjoyable 28 87.5 Express a sense of belonging 2 6.2 Comparatively affordable protein source 2 6.2 Total 32 100 Sell a dog alive or dog meat No 32 32.3 Yes 67 67.7 Total 99 100 Significance of income Very significant 17 51.125 Somewhat significant 14 43.75 Not very significant 1 3.125 Total 32 100 Dog slaughter point At home 2 6.25 Non-applicable 1 3.125 In the bush 1 3.125 Anywhere possible 28 87.5 Total 32 100 Dog meat and cultural belief Strongly Disagree 4 12.5 Disagree 16 50 Neutral 7 21.9 Agree 3 9.4 Strongly agree 2 6.3 Total 32 100 Discussion This study evaluated the seroprevalence and potential associated risk factors of brucellosis in dogs by detecting the presence of Brucella antibodies in dogs. The RBPT, a screening technique, and iELISA were employed in this study as they are standard serological assays commonly suggested for epidemiological investigations of brucellosis Leuenberger et al . [ 27 ]. According to iELISA testing and RBPT results, the current study found that the estimated sample seroprevalence of brucellosis in dogs in Buea Municipality, Cameroon, was 11.9% and 17.9%, respectively, suggesting ongoing transmission within the dog population. Workers reported that this prevalence shows that Brucella is endemic in the region and may go unnoticed, causing a zoonotic risk to people. This also depicts the active circulation of Brucella antibodies among dogs Darbaz et al. [ 28 ]. This agrees with the only earlier study that detected Brucella antibodies in dogs in southern Cameroon, Kamga et al. [ 24 ], who found a prevalence of 6.06% in domestic dogs in Nadougare using the iELISA test. The higher seroprevalence observed in Buea may be explained by management and behavioral factors that increase dogs’ exposure to Brucella organisms Oosthuizen et al. [ 29 ]. Free movement of dogs allows frequent contact with contaminated environments, aborted animal materials, and livestock waste, all of which can harbor Brucella spp [ 30 ][ 31 ]. In addition, dog-meat consumption practices often involve informal slaughter and handling of animals without veterinary inspection, creating opportunities for dogs to ingest infected tissues or come into contact with contaminated blood and reproductive fluids. Close human–dog interactions further facilitate indirect exposure through shared environments and poor hygiene practices. Similar transmission pathways have been described in settings with unregulated dog movement and animal product handling [ 31 ][ 32 ], supporting the likelihood that these behaviors contribute to increased seroprevalence in dogs. Compared to iELISA, RBPT proved to have a moderate sensitivity of 62.5% and a high specificity of 88.1%, hence being more reliable for ruling out the infection rather than definitely identifying all the infected animals. These results agree with a previous study by Sanogo et al . [ 33 ], which reported an RBPT sensitivity of 54.9% and a high specificity of 97.7% in the Ivory Coast's bovine brucellosis. The observed lower sensitivity in the current study may be attributed to variations in antibody titres at the early stages of the infection, antigen quality, and test conditions. Comparing the estimated seroprevalence in this study to other prevalence studies in livestock, this 11.9% is significantly higher than the 3.1% and 5.5% reported in cattle from Buea and Douala, Cameroon, respectively, using ELISA and PCR assays. The lower values in livestock, as compared to those from unofficial dog meat markets we found in our study, could be a result of regular veterinary inspections. Variations in geographical areas of study, sample sizes, diagnostic techniques, and sensitivity of the technique or dog management practices may reflect the differences [ 34 ][ 35 ]. The abundant free-roaming dogs, unregulated breeding, and limited veterinary care in Buea probably expose dogs to the infection. These findings of the study corroborate observations by Hensel et al. [ 31 ] and Wareth et al . [ 36 ] that dogs could be exposed to Brucella spp. and act as reservoirs of infection cited in the statements of de Oliveira et al . [ 37 ]. In this study, several dog-related characteristics, including sex, local breeds, and free-roaming behavior, were explored for their potential association with Brucella seropositivity. However, the findings from the analysis showed that none of these variables were significantly associated with Brucella antibody detection by either RBPT or iELISA in the study area. Although higher seropositivity was observed descriptively among male dogs, older age groups, local breed, and free-roaming dogs. These findings are opposite to the report on seroprevalence and risk factors of brucellosis in dogs in Nigeria by Anyaoha et al . [ 38 ], where there was a significant association (P < 0.05) between the presence of Brucella canis antibodies and free-roaming dogs. Infection related to free-roaming dogs depicts a pattern similar to that observed in pastoral livestock, where animal movement and intermixing enhance transmission [ 15 ][ 24 ], and other factors such as scavenging, wildlife contact, and uncontrolled mating by Wilson-Aggarwal et al . [ 39 ]. The association of dog-meat consumption and infection risk constitutes an example of cultural and economic drivers of zoonotic transmission in Cameroon. Similarly, Barbosa et al . [ 20 ] described the same practices, citing poverty and cultural habits as driving factors for dog ownership and meat consumption. A total of 32.3% of all respondents acknowledged the consumption of dog meat, which normally occurs under unsanitary and unregulated conditions. This attitude may increase the risk of Brucella spillover to humans. Similar public health concerns have been raised in earlier studies stating the zoonotic threat of unregulated animal product consumption in Cameroon (Barbosa et al . [ 20 ] and Nigeria (Adesokan et al ., [ 7 ]). In the current study, iELISA demonstrated a sufficient level of sensitivity in the detection of Brucella antibodies. According to Kamga et al . [ 24 ], there was a high concordance between RBPT and iELISA for cattle. However, unlike the livestock-focused studies that find B. abortus as the dominant species (Eko et al ., [ 40 ]), this study did not find evidence of the infecting species, which calls for molecular characterization in canine populations. The inability of the study to provide species identification is a limitation that the study shares with previous serological surveys conducted in Cameroon (Kamga et al ., [ 24 ], which observed that confirmation using PCR-based methods is important to clarify the diversity and movement of Brucella strains in Cameroon. The detection of Brucella antibodies from urban dogs, as identified in Buea, signifies that brucellosis in dogs is a public health concern. The close contact between dogs and humans, especially at home, at slaughter slabs, or at unofficial dog-meat markets, poses a great risk for the zoonotic transmission of this infection. Thus, the results support the calls by Kamga et al . [ 24 ] and Ahmed et al . [ 41 ] for targeted control programs that consider multi-host species and local cultural practices. Regulating animal trade, ensuring slaughter hygiene, and incorporating veterinary services with public health education would go a long way in reducing transmission risks. Conclusion and Recommendations For the first time, the study reports the serological confirmation of Brucella infection in dogs within Buea Municipality. Estimated sample seroprevalences of 17.9% and 11.9% emphasize a neglected zoonotic reservoir that needs attention. In the cultural context of dog-meat consumption, unregulated animal movement, and low public knowledge, brucellosis in dogs is a health menace toward which One Health interventions and intersectoral monitoring are called for in order to protect human and animal health. The detection of antibodies against Brucella among free-roaming and mongrel dogs indicates that poor management of dogs, inadequate veterinary control, and unregulated activities in dog meat contribute to the perpetuation of the transmission. These findings have far-reaching implications for animal health. Dog brucellosis is of concern to public health, with urgent attention needed in an urban and peri-urban setting where human-canine interaction is high. This would be of critical importance in mitigating this risk, with a unified One Health approach that incorporates veterinary medicine, human health screening, and community education. Indeed, the most basic ways of preventing such a disease are routine serological checking of dogs, controlling dog meat slaughter and trade, and targeted public awareness about zoonotic transmission. In addressing these issues, the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries (MINEPIA) should encourage regular serological testing among dogs, especially around high-risk settings like dog-meat markets and slaughterhouses, to help in the early detection and monitoring of Brucella infections. It is thus important that the Ministry of Public Health, MISANTE, undertakes community-based sensitization campaigns to make people aware of brucellosis, its zoonotic status, and prevention measures through good hygiene at the abattoir level, wearing protective clothes, and avoiding meat that is raw or undercooked. Slaughtering, processing, and sales for consumption at the retail level of dog meat must fall under national policies or municipal policies designed and implemented by the Ministry of Public Health-MISANTE. Establish inspection criteria, as with livestock, to maintain the cleanliness of the practices that minimize public exposure. Encourage interagency coordination of veterinary, medical, and environmental health officers in establishing a uniform plan of action related to the surveillance, reporting, and management of zoonotic diseases. Future studies should prioritize the use of B. canis -specific serological and molecular diagnostics to determine the true burden of canine brucellosis and to clarify the role of B. canis in zoonotic transmission. Additionally, further investigation is required to assess the risk of human infection associated with dog handling and dog-meat consumption, thereby strengthening understanding of the public health implications of canine brucellosis within a One Health framework. Limitations The serological assays used in this study were general Brucella tests designed primarily to detect antibodies against Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis and were not specific for Brucella canis . Consequently, the study could not determine the exact Brucella species responsible for seropositivity in dogs. The sample size might not represent the large population of free-roaming dogs in Buea, and selection bias may apply. Questionnaire responses were self-reported by dog owners and may perhaps be prone to recall bias or social desirability bias, particularly in relation to sensitive activities such as the killing and consumption of dog meat. Abbreviations RBPT Rose Bengal Plate Test iELISA Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay LMICs Low-and Middle-Income Countries ID Innovative Diagnostics NPV Negative Predictive Value PCR Polymerase Chain Reaction MINEPIA The Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries MISANTE Ministry of Public Health Declarations Ethical considerations and consent to participate The Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE) Institutional Animal Ethics Committee issued ethical clearance with reference number 001/RIAEC/2025 to carry out this study on dogs. Interacting with dog owners falls under a human participatory aspect of the research, and the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki was observed. In addition, an informed verbal consent was sought from individual dog owners before data collection. Respondents’ confidentiality was also maintained by coding the collected data. Consent for publication N/A Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing of interest. Funding This work received no external funding. Author Contribution Tamdjo Moyopo Sharon Siegfried, Tanue Elvis Asangbeng , Anyizi Nkemnyi Bertha, Manchang Tanyi Kingsley, Lucy Mande Ndip, Benjamin Obukowho Emikpe : conceptualization or design of the work, methodology, data collection, and data analysis, writing – original draft. Abdul Rahman Yakubu, Prince Nana Takyi, Sampson Yeboah, Amemor Esther : methodology, investigation, manuscript writing, review, and editing. Benjamin Obukowho Emikpe : manuscript writing, review and editing, supervision Acknowledgement The authors would like to acknowledge Innovative Diagnostics (ID) Vet, Grabels, France, for their support with reagents, and the Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Buea, Cameroon, for the facilities put at their disposal for the realization of this research project. Data Availability All data generated or analyzed during this study are available on a reasonable request from the corresponding author. References Franc KA, Krecek RC, Häsler BN, Arenas-Gamboa AM. Brucellosis remains a neglected disease in the developing world: a call for interdisciplinary action. BMC Public Health. 2018;18(1):125. 10.1186/s12889-017-5016-y . https://link.springer.com/article/ . Samadi A, Amiri M, Hailat N. The reasons behind long-term endemicity of brucellosis in low and middle-income countries: challenges and future perspectives. 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Int J Hypertens. 2022;2022(1):3062526. 10.1155/2022/3062526 . https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/ . Charan J, Biswas T. How to calculate sample size for different study designs in medical research? Indian J Psychol Med. 2013;35(2):121–6. 10.4103/0253-7176.116232 . https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/ . Kamga RM, Silatsa BA, Farikou O, Kuiate JR, Simo G. Detection of Brucella antibodies in domestic animals of southern Cameroon: Implications for the control of brucellosis. Veterinary Med Sci. 2020;6(3):410–20. 10.1002/vms3.264 . https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/ . Alton GG, Jones LM, Angus RD, Verger JM. Techniques for the brucellosis laboratory. 1988. https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/full/10.5555/19892297928 Saegerman C, De Waele L, Gilson D, Godfroid J, Thiange P, Michel P, Limbourg B, Vo TO, Limet J, Letesson JJ, Berkvens D. Evaluation of three serum i-ELISAs using monoclonal antibodies and protein G as peroxidase conjugate for the diagnosis of bovine brucellosis. 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Bayesian estimation of the true prevalence, sensitivity and specificity of the Rose Bengal and indirect ELISA tests in the diagnosis of bovine brucellosis. Vet J. 2013;195(1):114–20. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1090023312002390 . Njeru J, Wareth G, Melzer F, Henning K, Pletz MW, Heller R, Neubauer H. Systematic review of brucellosis in Kenya: disease frequency in humans and animals and risk factors for human infection. BMC Public Health. 2016;16(1):853. 10.1186/s12889-016-3532-9 . https://link.springer.com/article/ . Adetunji SA, Ramirez G, Foster MJ, Arenas-Gamboa AM. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of osteoarticular brucellosis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2019;13(1):e0007112. https://journals.plos.org/plosntds/article?id=10.1371/journal.pntd.0007112 . Wareth G, Melzer F, El-Diasty M, Schmoock G, Elbauomy E, Abdel‐Hamid N, Sayour A, Neubauer H. Isolation of Brucella abortus from a dog and a cat confirms their biological role in re‐emergence and dissemination of bovine brucellosis on dairy farms. Transbound Emerg Dis. 2017;64(5):e27–30. 10.1111/tbed.12535?casa_token=hKmz4ecZMi4AAAAA:nxfV_3AVyQiimOSmuu2xRB5XzpDazS_RYG_l9aYrETOsIalDaF39B9AtqS42gfFDWQbGkjfpAyjvLFU . https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/ . de Oliveira AL, de Macedo GC, Rosinha GM, Melgarejo JL, Alves AG, Barreto WT, Santos FM, Campos JB, Herrera HM, de Oliveira CE. Detection of Brucella spp. in dogs at Pantanal wetlands. Brazilian J Microbiol. 2019;50(1):307–12. 10.1007/s42770-018-0006-5 . https://link.springer.com/article/ . Anyaoha CO, Majesty-Alukagberie LO, Ugochukwu IC, Nwanta JA, Anene BM, Oboegbulam SI. Seroprevalence and risk factors of brucellosis in dogs in Enugu and Anambra states, Nigeria. Revista de Medicina Veterinaria. 2020 Jun(40):45–59. http://www.scielo.org.co/scielo.php?pid=S0122-93542020000100045&script=sci_arttext Wilson-Aggarwal JK, Ozella L, Tizzoni M, Cattuto C, Swan GJ, Moundai T, Silk MJ, Zingeser JA, McDonald RA. High-resolution contact networks of free-ranging domestic dogs Canis familiaris and implications for transmission of infection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2019;13(7):e0007565. https://journals.plos.org/plosntds/article?id=10.1371/journal.pntd.0007565 . Eko SM, Esemu SN, Njouendou AJ, Kfusi AJ, Anong ND, Ndip LM. Identification and Prevalence of Brucella Species Circulating among Cattle Slaughtered in the Douala and Buea Municipalities of Cameroon. Veterinary Med Int. 2023;2023(1):2068948. 10.1155/2023/2068948 . https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/ . Ahmed MM, Okesanya OJ, Othman ZK, Ibrahim AM, Adigun OA, Ukoaka BM, Abdi MI, Lucero-Prisno DE III. Holistic Approaches to Zoonoses: Integrating Public Health, Policy, and One Health in a Dynamic Global Context. Zoonotic Dis. 2025;5(1):5. https://www.mdpi.com/2813-0227/5/1/5 . Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Supplementary Files SeroprevalenceQuestionnaireDogowners.pdf Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-8811209","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":596865918,"identity":"f5240919-721b-4867-b881-f8f185e1cfd0","order_by":0,"name":"Tamdjo Moyopo Sharon Siegfried","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Buea","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Tamdjo","middleName":"Moyopo Sharon","lastName":"Siegfried","suffix":""},{"id":596865919,"identity":"e8bdcc5d-d476-415a-9e23-74328e107353","order_by":1,"name":"Elvis 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23:23:50","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8811209/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8811209/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":103727463,"identity":"fc4af6fb-5d5c-4f10-b9c8-7af71b102f7e","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-03-02 08:36:32","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":92225,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eMap of the study area showing Buea Municipality, Southwest Region of Cameroon, and the six sampling communities included in the study\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8811209/v1/5fed39949bbfe9dfe57c372c.png"},{"id":103727464,"identity":"cf7cb5dc-387b-4a45-af4c-2e8870133bc8","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-03-02 08:36:32","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":373795,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eVisual representation of agglutination seen with RBPT\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8811209/v1/697f7bce42f763d58151f735.png"},{"id":106770196,"identity":"2dca5226-bf93-46b4-89d9-c1e7ee271e67","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-04-13 09:59:39","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1663062,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8811209/v1/cfe04885-dc9d-4b1e-a0f1-05f7840d4c6a.pdf"},{"id":103727462,"identity":"2666c21a-2de8-4682-8f2b-cdff63c3c23d","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-03-02 08:36:32","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"supplement","size":141888,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"SeroprevalenceQuestionnaireDogowners.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8811209/v1/6a15568b7b6b39d1a589d718.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Brucellosis in Dogs in Buea Municipality, Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eBrucellosis is a widely spread zoonotic disease throughout the world, involving animals and humans, and is associated with substantial socioeconomic and public health impacts, especially in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e][\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e]. The etiological agent is bacteria belonging to the genus \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e; they are spread by direct interaction with diseased animals or by consuming animal products tainted with the pathogen [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e]. Although historically, the epidemiology of brucellosis has been studied in livestock such as goats, cattle, and sheep, evidence is growing that dogs also have an important epidemiological role as spillover hosts and reservoirs, especially in settings with high levels of human-animal contact [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e][\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e][\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e]. Poorly developed surveillance systems, low public awareness, and a lack of veterinary facilities are factors contributing to brucellosis being a neglected zoonotic disease in West Africa that often remains undiagnosed [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e][\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn West African countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone, the seroprevalence rate of brucellosis in livestock and humans has been found to be variable across these areas [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e][\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e][\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e][\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e]. These studies identified risk factors that include consuming raw animal products, which facilitate the spread of \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e species [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e]. However, despite these findings, research efforts in much of Central Africa, including Cameroon, have largely concentrated on brucellosis in small ruminants and bovines, with comparatively little attention given to brucellosis in dogs [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e][\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e][\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBrucellosis in dogs in Africa remains particularly poorly characterized, largely due to the limited availability of diagnostic tools specifically designed to detect \u003cem\u003eBrucella canis\u003c/em\u003e [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e]. As a result, many studies rely on general serological assays originally developed for \u003cem\u003eBrucella abortus\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eBrucella melitensis\u003c/em\u003e. These limitations have contributed to the underrecognition of dog infections and an incomplete understanding of the role dogs may play in the epidemiology of brucellosis [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e][\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhile consumption of dog meat, uncontrolled breeding practices, and the presence of free-roaming dogs are factors of an ecological and cultural nature that increase the risk of zoonotic transmission in Cameroon, especially in the Southwest Region [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e][\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e], their potential role in maintaining brucellosis transmission cycles has been less discussed. \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e seropositivity in cattle and abattoir workers was, however, confirmed in previous studies done in other regions of the country [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e], but there is very limited information on the risk factors and seroprevalence of brucellosis in dogs in Cameroon.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe present study, therefore, assesses estimated sample seroprevalence and associated risk factors of brucellosis in dogs in Buea Municipality, an area experiencing rapid urbanisation with rising dog ownership and close human-animal interactions due to dog meat consumption. The findings aim to contribute preliminary evidence on dog exposure to \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e spp. and to inform future species-specific studies, surveillance strategies, and One Health interventions in Buea municipality. In this study, commercially available serological kits and Rose Bengal reagents targeting \u003cem\u003eB. abortus\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eB. melitensis\u003c/em\u003e were therefore used to assess exposure to \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e spp. among dogs in Buea Municipality, providing preliminary evidence of dog involvement in brucellosis transmission cycles.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Materials and Methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eStudy area\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis research investigated dogs in Buea municipality, the Southwest region of Cameroon (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). With an estimated 200,000 residents, Buea is a semi-urban area with a high concentration of domestic dogs [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e]. Dogs are usually kept in the municipality\u0026rsquo;s rural and peri-urban neighbourhoods for hunting, security, and companionship. The dog population consists of local, mixed, and increasingly imported dog breeds. Dog ownership practices vary according to socioeconomic status and access to veterinary services. This area also has an informal dog meat market, with limited public awareness regarding zoonotic diseases such as brucellosis.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStudy Design and Sampling\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2025 in Buea Municipality, Cameroon, combining the serological screening of dogs to estimate exposure to \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e spp. with the assessment of risk factors associated with dog owners.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eData on dog ownership practices were collected to identify behaviors and management conditions that may increase the likelihood of \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e exposure among dogs, and to highlight potential zoonotic transmission pathways to humans. However, the study did not assess human infection directly; therefore, risk factors were evaluated only in relation to seropositivity in dogs.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBuea Municipality was used because there is no evidence of brucellosis in dogs in this region. Sampling was from dogs of both sexes aged 3 months and above. A total of 134 dogs were sampled, stratified by age, breed, housing status, site, and sex.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSince this was a cross-sectional descriptive study, the minimum sample size was calculated using the formula provided by [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e], assuming a population size that is unlimited.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSample size (n) = \u003cspan class=\"InlineEquation\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"mathinline\"\u003e\\(\\:\\frac{{z}^{2}x\\:p\\left(1-p\\right)}{{d}^{2}}\\)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e \u0026asymp; 88 dogs\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn this context, \u003cem\u003ed\u003c/em\u003e represents the absolute error or precision, estimated at 5%. The variable \u003cem\u003ez\u003c/em\u003e denotes the z-score of 1.96, corresponding to a 95% confidence interval. Finally, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e signifies the anticipated proportion within the population, as derived from past studies (6.06%) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e]. The minimum required sample size was estimated at approximately 88 dogs; however, 134 dogs were ultimately sampled to improve the precision and robustness of the prevalence estimates.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuestionnaire Survey\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study adopted the questionnaire from a published article by [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e]. The questionnaire was then modified to take into account the specifics of our study in Buea, Cameroon.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe structured questionnaire included a specific section designed to capture information on dog-meat consumption and associated practices among dog owners. Respondents were asked whether they consumed dog meat, the frequency of consumption, and the primary reasons for consumption. Additional questions assessed involvement in the sale of dogs or dog meat, the perceived economic importance of this activity, and slaughtering practices, including the location and hygiene conditions under which dogs were slaughtered. Participants were also asked whether dog-meat consumption was linked to cultural beliefs or driven by other motivations. These variables were included to identify behaviors that may increase the risk of exposure to \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e spp. and to explore potential zoonotic transmission pathways.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSerum Sample Collection\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFive millilitres (5ml) of blood was drawn from the cephalic vein of each dog into a dry tube that was allowed to clot. Each was clearly marked and packed carefully in avoidance of any sort of contamination. Before being transferred to the laboratory, the blood sample was held at 4\u0026deg;C in a field thermo-cooler. To separate the serum from the blood cells, each clotted sample was centrifuged for 10 minutes at 3500 rpm. About 2ml of serum was pipetted and transferred into sterile, labelled cryotubes. The sera were stored at -20\u0026deg;C until they were analysed.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSerological Sample Analysis\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eThe Rose Bengal Plate Test\u003c/b\u003e \u003cb\u003e(\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eRBPT)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) was carried out in accordance with [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e]. Before being used, the serum and antigen were at room temperature. Equal volumes (30 \u0026micro;l) of the standardised \u003cem\u003eB. abortus\u003c/em\u003e antigen Weybridge strain 99 and test serum were dispensed onto a clean glass plate and gently mixed using a disposable applicator stick. Thereafter, the mixture was spread, and rocked the plate for four minutes. The presence of agglutination, noted as positive, and the lack of agglutination within four minutes were considered negative.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eIndirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay\u003c/b\u003e \u003cb\u003e(\u003c/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eiELISA)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay was carried out using the ID Vet kit (Innovative Diagnostics, Grabels, France) following the manufacturer\u0026rsquo;s protocol without any alterations. This assay was done on a 96-well polystyrene plate precoated with purified \u003cem\u003eBrucella abortus\u003c/em\u003e LPS antigen. According to [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e], in this reaction, the multi-species HRP conjugate was used. After the removal of the unbound conjugate by washing, the substrate solution was added (TMB\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;DMSO\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;H2O2). The intensity of colour developed for the antigen-antibody conjugate-peroxidase complex depended on the of anti-\u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e antibodies level in the specimen being tested. Thus, presence of antibodies showed a blue solution, and it became yellow after the addition of the Stop Solution, and no colouration appeared when no antibodies were present. Measuring the optical density of each well was performed with an automated ELISA reader at a wavelength of 450 nm.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e\u0026#119878;/\u0026#119875;% = \u003cspan class=\"InlineEquation\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"mathinline\"\u003e\\(\\:\\frac{(\\text{O}\\text{D}\\text{s}\\text{a}\\text{m}\\text{p}\\text{l}\\text{e}\\:-\\:\\text{O}\\text{D}\\text{n}\\text{c}\\:)\\:\\:\\:}{\\:\\:\\:(\\text{O}\\text{D}\\text{p}\\text{c}\\:-\\:\\text{O}\\text{D}\\text{n}\\text{c})\\:}\\)\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u0026times; 100, (1)\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe optical density of the sample is represented by ODsample, ODnc denotes the negative control measurement, and ODpc signifies the positive control reading. If the \u003cem\u003e\u0026#119878;/P%\u003c/em\u003e was equal to or greater than 120%, the samples were considered positive. If it was equal to or less than 110%, the samples were considered negative. If it was between 110% and 120%, the samples were considered doubtful. The test was also working correctly because ODpc was greater than 0.350 and OD pc/ODnc was greater than 3.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eData analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe data collected was analysed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS statistical software (Version 25). To determine the degree of correlation between gender, age range, breed, and sampling site, the chi-square test was employed. A value of p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05 was considered statistically significant.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe detection of antibodies using both iELISA and RBPT confirms that dogs in the study area have been exposed to \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e antigens, suggesting the presence of brucellosis in the dog population.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhile these findings do not allow for species-specific identification, they demonstrate that dogs can harbor \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e infections potentially attributable to \u003cem\u003eB. abortus\u003c/em\u003e or \u003cem\u003eB. melitensis\u003c/em\u003e. This supports the notion that dogs may play an underappreciated role in the epidemiology of brucellosis caused by these species, particularly in settings where dogs have close contact with livestock, humans, and contaminated animal products. Importantly, the detection of \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e antibodies in dogs highlights the potential zoonotic risk to humans, especially in communities where dog meat is consumed or where dogs are handled without appropriate protective measures.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003ePrevalence of\u003c/b\u003e \u003cb\u003eBrucella\u003c/b\u003e \u003cb\u003eantibodies in dogs\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e134 dogs were tested for \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e antibodies using RBPT and iELISA. Based on the iELISA, which served as the confirmatory test, the overall estimated sample seroprevalence of brucellosis in dogs in Buea Municipality was 11.9% (16/134). The RBPT detected a higher seropositivity of 17.9% (24/134) (Tables\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e and \u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e) (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRBPT Prevalence\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"6\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRBPT Results\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrequency\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePercent\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eValid Percent\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCumulative Percent\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eValid\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNegative\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e110\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e82.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e82.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e82.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePositive\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e134\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eiELISA Confirmatory Test\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"6\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eiELISA Results\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrequency\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePercent\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eValid Percent\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCumulative Percent\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eValid\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNegative\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e118\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e88.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e88.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e88.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePositive\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e134\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eDiagnostic Performance of RBPT Compared with iELISA\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe performance of RBPT was evaluated using iELISA as the reference standard. 10 true positives and 104 true negatives, with 14 false positives and 6 false negatives, RBT were identified. From the results, the sensitivity was 62.5%, and the specificity was 88.1%. The positive predictive value (PPV) was 41.7%, and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 94.5%. The overall diagnostic accuracy of RBPT relative to iELISA was 85.1% (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eContingency table comparing RBPT and iELISA results\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRBPT result\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eiELISA Positive\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eiELISA Negative\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePositive\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10 (True positive)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14 (False positive)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNegative\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6 (False negative)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e104 (True negative)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e110\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e16\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e118\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e134\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eAssociation Between Dog Demographics and\u003c/b\u003e \u003cb\u003eBrucella\u003c/b\u003e \u003cb\u003eSeropositivity\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnalysis of demographic characteristics revealed no statistically significant associations between \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e antibody prevalence and the dogs\u0026rsquo; sex (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.7823), age group (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.2137), breed (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.9705), or sampling location (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.1130). Although not significant, some descriptive patterns were noted. Dogs aged 37\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;months had the highest seroprevalence (16.7%), while female dogs showed slightly higher positivity rates (12.5%) compared to other groups (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e \u003cb\u003eand\u003c/b\u003e Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeroprevalence of canine brucellosis in Buea communities based on RBPT and iELISA results layered by dog demographics\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"9\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRBPT\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eiELISA\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDog Characteristics\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNegative (%)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePositive (%)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eN\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eΧ\u003c/b\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e2\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cb\u003e-test\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNegative (%)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePositive (%)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eN\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eΧ\u003c/b\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e2\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cb\u003e-test\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSex\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFemale (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;88)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e84.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eΧ\u003c/em\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cem\u003e2\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e \u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.6984\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003edf\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.4033\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e87.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eΧ\u003c/em\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cem\u003e2\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e \u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.07637\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003edf\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.7823\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMale (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;46)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e78.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e89.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrand Total\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e110\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e134\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e118\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e134\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAge group (months)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u0026ndash;12 (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;70)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e85.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eΧ\u003c/em\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cem\u003e2\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e \u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.408\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003edf\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eP\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.4946\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e84.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eΧ\u003c/em\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cem\u003e2\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e \u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;3.087\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003edf\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;2\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.2137\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13\u0026ndash;36 (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;52)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e78.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e94.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e37+ (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;12)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e75.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25.0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e83.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrand Total\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e110\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e134\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e118\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e134\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"9\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBreed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCane Corso\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e80\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"6\" rowspan=\"7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eΧ\u003c/em\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cem\u003e2\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e \u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;31.49\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003edf\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;5\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.0001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e80\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\" morerows=\"6\" rowspan=\"7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eΧ\u003c/em\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cem\u003e2\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e \u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.8958\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003edf\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;5\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.9705\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCross (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;22)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e86.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e90.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGerman Sheperd\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;11)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e54.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e45.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e90.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaltese\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMongrel\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;94)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e84\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e87.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRottweiler\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrand Total\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e110\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e134\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e118\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e134\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab5\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 5\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeroprevalence of canine brucellosis in Buea communities based on RBPT and iELISA results, based on sampling site\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"14\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c11\" colnum=\"11\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c12\" colnum=\"12\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c13\" colnum=\"13\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c14\" colnum=\"14\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"6\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRBPT\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"7\" nameend=\"c14\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eiELISA\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSampling sites\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNegative (%)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePositive (%)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eN\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eΧ\u003c/b\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e2\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cb\u003e-test\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNegative (%)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c11\" namest=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePositive (%)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c13\" namest=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eN\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eΧ\u003c/b\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e2\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cb\u003e-test\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBomaka\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;20)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e85\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" morerows=\"6\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c7\" rowspan=\"7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eΧ\u003c/em\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cem\u003e2\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e \u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;1.248\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003edf\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;5\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.9402\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c10\" namest=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e75\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\" morerows=\"6\" rowspan=\"7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eΧ\u003c/em\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cem\u003e2\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e \u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;8.903\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003edf\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;5\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eP\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.1130\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBosta Junction\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e75\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c10\" namest=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGreat Soppo\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;12)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e91.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c10\" namest=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMile 15/16\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;58)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e81\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c10\" namest=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e84.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMolyko\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;16)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e81.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c10\" namest=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTole\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;20)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e80\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c10\" namest=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e90\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrand Total\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e110\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e134\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c10\" namest=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e118\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e134\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eSeroprevalence of\u003c/b\u003e \u003cb\u003eBrucella\u003c/b\u003e \u003cb\u003eantibodies according to sampling sites\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeroprevalence varied across the six sampled communities, though the findings revealed no statistically significant (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.1130) differences in \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e antibody prevalence across the six sampling sites. However, dogs sampled from Bomaka had the highest seropositivity (25%), followed by Mile 15/16 (15.5%) and Tole (10%), while no positive cases were detected in Bosta Junction, Great Soppo, and Molyko. Despite these observed variations, they did not reach statistical significance (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eFindings from questionnaires: Assessing dog meat consumption\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eOnly 99 dog owners were included because the questionnaire component targeted owners of the sampled dogs who were available and consented to participate. Among the 99 dog owners surveyed, only a small number 32 (32.3%) of participants consumed dog meat. Among those who consumed dog meat, most participants consumed it a few times in a month, 17 (53.1%). The primary reason for dog consumption was that it was tasty and enjoyable, 28 (87.5%). Most participants out of the 99 dog owners, 67 (67.7%), sold dog meat or dogs alive, and over half of the 32 dog owners, 17 (51.12%) reported that the income derived was very significant. Slaughtering practices were largely informal, with 87.5% of dog-meat consumers indicating that dogs were slaughtered at non-designated locations. Furthermore, half of the respondents 16 (50%) disagreed that dog-meat consumption is rooted in cultural traditions, suggesting that the practice is driven mainly by economic benefits and personal preference rather than by cultural beliefs. (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab6\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 6\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAssessing dog meat consumption among dog owners in Buea municipality\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCategory\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrequency\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePercentage (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDog meat consumption\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e67\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e67.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e99\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e100\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrequency of consumption\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeveral times a week\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eA few times a month\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e53.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRarely\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e32\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e100\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eReason for dog consumption\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTasty and enjoyable\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e87.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eExpress a sense of belonging\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eComparatively affordable protein source\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e32\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e100\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSell a dog alive or dog meat\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e67\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e67.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e99\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e100\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSignificance of income\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVery significant\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e51.125\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSomewhat significant\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43.75\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot very significant\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.125\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e32\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e100\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"4\" rowspan=\"5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDog slaughter point\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAt home\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-applicable\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.125\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the bush\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.125\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnywhere possible\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e87.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e32\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e100\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"5\" rowspan=\"6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDog meat and cultural belief\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eStrongly Disagree\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDisagree\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNeutral\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAgree\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eStrongly agree\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e32\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e100\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study evaluated the seroprevalence and potential associated risk factors of brucellosis in dogs by detecting the presence of \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e antibodies in dogs. The RBPT, a screening technique, and iELISA were employed in this study as they are standard serological assays commonly suggested for epidemiological investigations of brucellosis Leuenberger \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccording to iELISA testing and RBPT results, the current study found that the estimated sample seroprevalence of brucellosis in dogs in Buea Municipality, Cameroon, was 11.9% and 17.9%, respectively, suggesting ongoing transmission within the dog population. Workers reported that this prevalence shows that \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e is endemic in the region and may go unnoticed, causing a zoonotic risk to people. This also depicts the active circulation of \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e antibodies among dogs Darbaz \u003cem\u003eet al.\u003c/em\u003e [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e]. This agrees with the only earlier study that detected \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e antibodies in dogs in southern Cameroon, Kamga \u003cem\u003eet al.\u003c/em\u003e [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e], who found a prevalence of 6.06% in domestic dogs in Nadougare using the iELISA test. The higher seroprevalence observed in Buea may be explained by management and behavioral factors that increase dogs\u0026rsquo; exposure to \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e organisms Oosthuizen \u003cem\u003eet al.\u003c/em\u003e [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e]. Free movement of dogs allows frequent contact with contaminated environments, aborted animal materials, and livestock waste, all of which can harbor \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e spp [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e][\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e]. In addition, dog-meat consumption practices often involve informal slaughter and handling of animals without veterinary inspection, creating opportunities for dogs to ingest infected tissues or come into contact with contaminated blood and reproductive fluids. Close human\u0026ndash;dog interactions further facilitate indirect exposure through shared environments and poor hygiene practices. Similar transmission pathways have been described in settings with unregulated dog movement and animal product handling [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e][\u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e], supporting the likelihood that these behaviors contribute to increased seroprevalence in dogs.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCompared to iELISA, RBPT proved to have a moderate sensitivity of 62.5% and a high specificity of 88.1%, hence being more reliable for ruling out the infection rather than definitely identifying all the infected animals. These results agree with a previous study by Sanogo \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e], which reported an RBPT sensitivity of 54.9% and a high specificity of 97.7% in the Ivory Coast's bovine brucellosis. The observed lower sensitivity in the current study may be attributed to variations in antibody titres at the early stages of the infection, antigen quality, and test conditions. Comparing the estimated seroprevalence in this study to other prevalence studies in livestock, this 11.9% is significantly higher than the 3.1% and 5.5% reported in cattle from Buea and Douala, Cameroon, respectively, using ELISA and PCR assays. The lower values in livestock, as compared to those from unofficial dog meat markets we found in our study, could be a result of regular veterinary inspections. Variations in geographical areas of study, sample sizes, diagnostic techniques, and sensitivity of the technique or dog management practices may reflect the differences [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e][\u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e]. The abundant free-roaming dogs, unregulated breeding, and limited veterinary care in Buea probably expose dogs to the infection.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThese findings of the study corroborate observations by Hensel \u003cem\u003eet al.\u003c/em\u003e [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e] and Wareth \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e] that dogs could be exposed to \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e spp. and act as reservoirs of infection cited in the statements of de Oliveira \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn this study, several dog-related characteristics, including sex, local breeds, and free-roaming behavior, were explored for their potential association with \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e seropositivity. However, the findings from the analysis showed that none of these variables were significantly associated with \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e antibody detection by either RBPT or iELISA in the study area. Although higher seropositivity was observed descriptively among male dogs, older age groups, local breed, and free-roaming dogs. These findings are opposite to the report on seroprevalence and risk factors of brucellosis in dogs in Nigeria by Anyaoha \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e], where there was a significant association (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05) between the presence of \u003cem\u003eBrucella canis\u003c/em\u003e antibodies and free-roaming dogs. Infection related to free-roaming dogs depicts a pattern similar to that observed in pastoral livestock, where animal movement and intermixing enhance transmission [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e][\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e], and other factors such as scavenging, wildlife contact, and uncontrolled mating by Wilson-Aggarwal \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e39\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe association of dog-meat consumption and infection risk constitutes an example of cultural and economic drivers of zoonotic transmission in Cameroon. Similarly, Barbosa \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e] described the same practices, citing poverty and cultural habits as driving factors for dog ownership and meat consumption. A total of 32.3% of all respondents acknowledged the consumption of dog meat, which normally occurs under unsanitary and unregulated conditions. This attitude may increase the risk of \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e spillover to humans. Similar public health concerns have been raised in earlier studies stating the zoonotic threat of unregulated animal product consumption in Cameroon (Barbosa \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e] and Nigeria (Adesokan \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e]).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the current study, iELISA demonstrated a sufficient level of sensitivity in the detection of \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e antibodies. According to Kamga \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e], there was a high concordance between RBPT and iELISA for cattle. However, unlike the livestock-focused studies that find B. abortus as the dominant species (Eko \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR40\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e40\u003c/span\u003e]), this study did not find evidence of the infecting species, which calls for molecular characterization in canine populations. The inability of the study to provide species identification is a limitation that the study shares with previous serological surveys conducted in Cameroon (Kamga \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e], which observed that confirmation using PCR-based methods is important to clarify the diversity and movement of \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e strains in Cameroon.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe detection of \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e antibodies from urban dogs, as identified in Buea, signifies that brucellosis in dogs is a public health concern. The close contact between dogs and humans, especially at home, at slaughter slabs, or at unofficial dog-meat markets, poses a great risk for the zoonotic transmission of this infection. Thus, the results support the calls by Kamga \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e] and Ahmed \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR41\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e41\u003c/span\u003e] for targeted control programs that consider multi-host species and local cultural practices. Regulating animal trade, ensuring slaughter hygiene, and incorporating veterinary services with public health education would go a long way in reducing transmission risks.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eConclusion and Recommendations\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor the first time, the study reports the serological confirmation of \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e infection in dogs within Buea Municipality. Estimated sample seroprevalences of 17.9% and 11.9% emphasize a neglected zoonotic reservoir that needs attention. In the cultural context of dog-meat consumption, unregulated animal movement, and low public knowledge, brucellosis in dogs is a health menace toward which One Health interventions and intersectoral monitoring are called for in order to protect human and animal health. The detection of antibodies against \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e among free-roaming and mongrel dogs indicates that poor management of dogs, inadequate veterinary control, and unregulated activities in dog meat contribute to the perpetuation of the transmission.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThese findings have far-reaching implications for animal health. Dog brucellosis is of concern to public health, with urgent attention needed in an urban and peri-urban setting where human-canine interaction is high. This would be of critical importance in mitigating this risk, with a unified One Health approach that incorporates veterinary medicine, human health screening, and community education. Indeed, the most basic ways of preventing such a disease are routine serological checking of dogs, controlling dog meat slaughter and trade, and targeted public awareness about zoonotic transmission.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn addressing these issues, the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries (MINEPIA) should encourage regular serological testing among dogs, especially around high-risk settings like dog-meat markets and slaughterhouses, to help in the early detection and monitoring of \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e infections. It is thus important that the Ministry of Public Health, MISANTE, undertakes community-based sensitization campaigns to make people aware of brucellosis, its zoonotic status, and prevention measures through good hygiene at the abattoir level, wearing protective clothes, and avoiding meat that is raw or undercooked.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSlaughtering, processing, and sales for consumption at the retail level of dog meat must fall under national policies or municipal policies designed and implemented by the Ministry of Public Health-MISANTE. Establish inspection criteria, as with livestock, to maintain the cleanliness of the practices that minimize public exposure. Encourage interagency coordination of veterinary, medical, and environmental health officers in establishing a uniform plan of action related to the surveillance, reporting, and management of zoonotic diseases. Future studies should prioritize the use of \u003cem\u003eB. canis\u003c/em\u003e-specific serological and molecular diagnostics to determine the true burden of canine brucellosis and to clarify the role of \u003cem\u003eB. canis\u003c/em\u003e in zoonotic transmission. Additionally, further investigation is required to assess the risk of human infection associated with dog handling and dog-meat consumption, thereby strengthening understanding of the public health implications of canine brucellosis within a One Health framework.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eLimitations\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe serological assays used in this study were general \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e tests designed primarily to detect antibodies against \u003cem\u003eBrucella abortus\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eBrucella melitensis\u003c/em\u003e and were not specific for \u003cem\u003eBrucella canis\u003c/em\u003e. Consequently, the study could not determine the exact \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e species responsible for seropositivity in dogs.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe sample size might not represent the large population of free-roaming dogs in Buea, and selection bias may apply.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eQuestionnaire responses were self-reported by dog owners and may perhaps be prone to recall bias or social desirability bias, particularly in relation to sensitive activities such as the killing and consumption of dog meat.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Abbreviations","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionList\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eRBPT\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRose Bengal Plate Test\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eiELISA\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eLMICs\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow-and Middle-Income Countries\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eID\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eInnovative Diagnostics\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eNPV\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNegative Predictive Value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003ePCR\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePolymerase Chain Reaction\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eMINEPIA\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eMISANTE\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMinistry of Public Health\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e \u003ch2\u003eEthical considerations and consent to participate\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e The Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE) Institutional Animal Ethics Committee issued ethical clearance with reference number 001/RIAEC/2025 to carry out this study on dogs. Interacting with dog owners falls under a human participatory aspect of the research, and the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki was observed. In addition, an informed verbal consent was sought from individual dog owners before data collection. Respondents\u0026rsquo; confidentiality was also maintained by coding the collected data.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003ch2\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eN/A\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003ch2\u003eCompeting interests\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe authors declare that they have no competing of interest.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFunding\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis work received no external funding.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTamdjo Moyopo Sharon Siegfried, Tanue Elvis Asangbeng , Anyizi Nkemnyi Bertha, Manchang Tanyi Kingsley, Lucy Mande Ndip, Benjamin Obukowho Emikpe : conceptualization or design of the work, methodology, data collection, and data analysis, writing \u0026ndash; original draft. Abdul Rahman Yakubu, Prince Nana Takyi, Sampson Yeboah, Amemor Esther : methodology, investigation, manuscript writing, review, and editing. Benjamin Obukowho Emikpe : manuscript writing, review and editing, supervision\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAcknowledgement\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe authors would like to acknowledge Innovative Diagnostics (ID) Vet, Grabels, France, for their support with reagents, and the Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Buea, Cameroon, for the facilities put at their disposal for the realization of this research project.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eData Availability\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAll data generated or analyzed during this study are available on a reasonable request from the corresponding author.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFranc KA, Krecek RC, H\u0026auml;sler BN, Arenas-Gamboa AM. Brucellosis remains a neglected disease in the developing world: a call for interdisciplinary action. 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Zoonotic Dis. 2025;5(1):5. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://www.mdpi.com/2813-0227/5/1/5\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"https://www.mdpi.com/2813-0227/5/1/5\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Brucellosis, Dog, Seroprevalence, Cameroon, One Health","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8811209/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8811209/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003ch2\u003eBackground\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eBrucellosis remains a serious public health concern in Cameroon because of intimate human-dog interactions, unrestricted consumption of dog meat, and an overall weak veterinary infrastructure. Because the size of the dog population in Buea Municipality is unknown, the study was designed to estimate the sample seroprevalence of brucellosis in dogs and assess the various associated risk factors for the disease.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMethods\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis research used a cross-sectional study design in which a total of 134 dogs were sampled from six communities, with 99 dog owners being interviewed to assess potential risk factors. Blood was collected from the animals and initially screened for \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e antibodies using RBPT. Later testing was done with iELISA. For data analysis, SPSS version 25 was used and chi-square at a 95% confidence level was employed.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eResults\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe estimated sample seroprevalence of brucellosis in dogs by RBPT was 17.9% (24/134), while by iELISA it was 11.9% (16/134), thus indicating exposure to \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e transmission amongst the dog population in the study area. Dogs owned by people who consume dog meat had higher rates of seropositivity, indicating exposure risks associated with behaviour and culture.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConclusion\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe present study documents the first evidence of \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e antibody exposure and provides an estimated sample seroprevalence of brucellosis in dogs from Buea Municipality. Dog-related characteristics, including sex, local breeds, and free-roaming behavior, were explored for their potential risk association with \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e seropositivity, but they were not significantly associated with \u003cem\u003eBrucella\u003c/em\u003e antibody detection by either RBPT or iELISA in the study area. Enhanced veterinary surveillance, public health education, regulating dog-meat practices, and molecular identification of circulating strains are important for effective One Health control of brucellosis in Cameroon.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Brucellosis in Dogs in Buea Municipality, Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2026-03-02 08:36:26","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8811209/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"b6cd4072-7ea4-4f33-95c4-62647d9961e0","owner":[],"postedDate":"March 2nd, 2026","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-04-13T09:58:26+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2026-03-02 08:36:26","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-8811209","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-8811209","identity":"rs-8811209","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}