Human brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic problem worldwide with a high degree of morbidity in humans and is mostly overlooked due to other febrile conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sero-prevalence and risk factors of human brucellosis among subjects living in Punjab, Pakistan. In this cross-sectional study, human blood samples were collected from seven districts of Punjab, Pakistan. Information regarding personal data, demographic data and potential risk factors was collected through a structured questionnaire. Detection of anti-Brucella antibodies was done through Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Descriptive analysis, Chi square test and Odds ratio was applied using STATA software version 12. The sero-prevalence of human brucellosis was 13.13% with significantly higher percentage in males 17.23% and age group 25-40 years 16.50% (P=< 0.001). The demographic factors positively associated with human brucellosis were lack of education (P = 0.003; OR = 1.85) and farming as an occupation (P =<0.001; OR = 2.50) Similarly, among the risk factors studied, keeping animals at home (P =<0.001; OR = 2.03), slaughtering of animals (P =<0.001; OR = 15.87) and consuming raw milk (P =<0.001; OR = 5.42) were the factors strongly connected with human brucellosis. A massive awareness should be given to livestock farmers and individuals directly linked to animals regarding risk factors and transmission of brucellosis. Consumption of unpasteurized milk and its products should be condemned to curtail this neglected disease.

The study aimed to compare and correlate serum levels of IL-6, 10, and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol in individuals with asthma with and without post-COVID condition (PCC). The study was designed to investigate the inflammatory response and serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol status in asthmatics with and without PCC. A cross-sectional study of 252 subjects (128 asthmatics and 124 non-asthmatic subjects) was carried out. Interleukins and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol levels were estimated on ELISA. The principle findings were that IL-6 and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol levels were significantly increased (p<0.001), while IL-10 levels were non-significant in asthmatics with PCC compared to those without PCC. However, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol levels were significantly increased, but no significant change was observed in IL-6, and IL-10 levels in non-asthmatics with and without chronic PCC. A significant positive correlation (r = 0.258) was found between 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and IL-6 but a significant negative correlation (r = -0.227) with IL-10 in asthmatics with PCC. Similarly, a significant negative correlation (r = -0.285) was found between 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and IL-10 but was non-significant with IL-6 in asthmatics without PCC. The correlation of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol with IL-10 was significant (0.683), but IL-6 was non-significant in non-asthmatics with PCC. Multiple regression analysis showed that age, IL-6, gender, and PCC were significantly related in adjusted values to 25-hydroxycholecalciferol. This study sheds light on the complex liaison between 25-hydroxycholecalciferol levels and inflammatory responses in asthmatics, especially those with PCC. The findings suggest that although asthmatics with PCC maintain sufficient levels of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, they show a substantial increase in the proinflammatory response. This suggests that PCC exacerbates the pro-inflammatory response in asthma. Moreover, the study reveals that asthmatics, whether with or without PCC, display a negative correlation between 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and the anti-inflammatory response. This emphasizes the main influence of asthma on the overall inflammatory response. These findings reveal a complex interplay between vitamin D levels and inflammatory mediators in asthmatic individuals with and without PCC.