Abstract

Human brucellosis commonly occurs through contact with infected animals, from working with livestock or consumption of unpasteurized dairy products. Although rare, human-to-human and possible sexual transmission of Brucella has been reported. In this report, we describe a case of a couple with likely contact and sexual transmissions of Brucella in Jos and Kafanchan, Nigeria. In February 2024, a couple (29-year-old female and a 35-year-old male) sought medical attention at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), where they complained of recurrent abortions, all of which happened during the third trimester of pregnancy. The hospital then referred them to the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Nigeria, to be screened for leptospirosis and brucellosis. The Rose-Bengal plate test (RBPT) revealed the presence of high levels of antibody, and the lateral flow assay test, performed as a second serology test to support the diagnosis, also revealed clear positive bands. PCR test revealed an amplified 78bp amplicon belonging to the genus Brucella. The result from the serological analysis, based on history, suggests a high probability of transmission via ingestion and subsequently transmission via sexual means from husband to wife. Although these events are rare, this report highlights the importance of improving clinical awareness. Animal products should be properly processed before consumption and livestock owners should take special precautions when handling animals or their abortive materials which include: proper gloving of hands and wearing of nose mask and thoroughly washing and disinfecting hands after handling. Further studies on brucellosis with semen/ vaginal swab cultures may help in assessing the true potential of sexual transmission in future cases.

Key words: Clinical awareness, Human brucellosis, Recurrent abortions, Serology, Sexual transmission