Brucellosis Milk Survey Data from Cameroon

A 2026 study collected 1,140 cow milk samples and merchant surveys from three regions of Cameroon to investigate Brucella contamination. The dataset includes results from iELISA, culture, PCR, and NGS tests, along with merchant knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) assessments. It reveals a 1.3% culture positivity rate and significant regional variations in antibody presence.

Use Cases

• Analyze regional variations in iELISA results (e.g., 38.4% Far North vs. 8.9% West) to map contamination hotspots.
• Correlate merchant KAP survey responses with culture-positive milk samples to identify high-risk behaviors.
• Use PCR and NGS results to trace bacterial isolates and study epidemiological links to animal sources.
• Model the public health risk by estimating weekly consumer exposure from merchants selling contaminated milk.

Strengths

• Includes 1,140 milk samples and corresponding merchant surveys, providing paired biological and behavioral data.
• Data is validated by four laboratory methods: iELISA, culture, real-time PCR, and next-generation sequencing.
• Covers three distinct regions (Far North, North, West) of Cameroon, allowing for geographic analysis.

Limitations

• The dataset is small in file size (135.5 KB), indicating limited scope and potentially aggregated summary data rather than raw observations.
• Sample size of 1,140, while substantial, may not be representative of all milk markets in Cameroon or sub-Saharan Africa.
• Data is from a single point-in-time study, limiting analysis of trends or seasonal variations in contamination.

Provenance

Source

Pierre Gontao via figshare.

Collection Method

Milk samples and surveys collected from 380 merchants in each of three Cameroonian regions, with samples tested via iELISA, culture, PCR, and NGS.

Time Range

Study published in 2026; specific collection period not stated.

Freshness

Last updated in March 2026, indicating recent data collection and analysis.

Geography

Three regions of Cameroon: Far North, North, and West.