1
|
Onyiche TE, MacLeod ET. Hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) and tick-borne diseases of sheep and goats in Africa: A review. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102232. [PMID: 37531888 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are leading vectors of economically important pathogens that affect small ruminants due to favourable climatic conditions across different regions of the African continent. They are responsible for both direct and indirect economic losses in the livestock industry. This review focuses on the species diversity of hard ticks, their biology, tick-borne diseases of sheep and goats including non-infectious disease, and risk factors to tick infestation in Africa. Furthermore, our review provides recent updates on distribution of ticks and tick-borne pathogens of small ruminants in Africa. It was observed that several species and subspecies of hard ticks belonging to the genera Hyalomma (Hy), Rhipicephalus (Rh), Ixodes (I) and Amblyomma (Am) were found infesting small ruminants across the different regions of the continent. Of these genera, Rhipicephalus ticks accounts for the majority of the registered species, with exactly 27 different species infesting small ruminant stocks comprising of different developmental instars and adults of the tick. Rhipicephalus decolaratus, Rh. e. evertsi and Rh. appendiculatus were the three most common Rhipicephalus species reported. Both protozoal (Babesia and Theileria) and bacterial (Anaplasma, Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, Coxiella and Mycoplasma) pathogens have being reported to be amplified in several hard tick species and/or small ruminant hosts. Furthermore, tick paralysis and lameness were non-infectious conditions attributed to tick infestations. Amblyomma hebraeum and Rh. glabroscutatum may cause lameness in goats, while Hy. rufipes is responsible for the same condition in Merino sheep. Host paralysis due to a neurotoxin released by female Rh. e. evertsi and I. rubicundus has been documented within the continent. We therefore advocate for the need of integrated control measures against tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) including their arthropod vectors, to be performed simultaneously to ease the burden of vector-borne diseases in small ruminant production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- ThankGod E Onyiche
- Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK; Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, University of Maiduguri, P. M. B. 1069, Maiduguri, Nigeria; Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa.
| | - Ewan Thomas MacLeod
- Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Maggi G, Tessadori M, Marenzoni ML, Porciello F, Caivano D, Marchesi MC. Endoscopic Retrieval of Esophageal and Gastric Foreign Bodies in Cats and Dogs: A Retrospective Study of 92 Cases. Vet Sci 2023; 10:560. [PMID: 37756082 PMCID: PMC10538072 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10090560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal and gastric foreign bodies (FBs) commonly occur in small animal practices, and their endoscopic removal has been previously reported. However, few studies reported the endoscopic instruments used for the retrieval attempt and the time spent for endoscopic removal. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the factors that can influence the success rate and timing of the endoscopic retrieval of FBs. The medical records of 92 animals undergoing endoscopic removal of esophageal (n = 12) and gastric (n = 84) FBs have been reviewed. Two dogs had FBs in both the esophagus and stomach. From medical records and video recordings, there were extrapolated data on signalment, clinical signs, endoscopic devices used, success of retrieval, and duration of endoscopy. Endoscopic removal of FBs was successful in 88% cases, and the mean time spent for the extraction was 59.74 min (range, 10-120 min). The success rate and timing for the removal of endoscopic foreign bodies (EFBs) are influenced by several factors in our population: medium-breed dogs, adult animals, and localization of FBs in the body of the stomach increased the probability of failure during the endoscopic retrieval attempt. Conversely, the success and timing of the retrieval of EFBs were higher in puppies and with increasing operator's experience. Moreover, the use of combination devices such as polypectomy snare and grasping forceps negatively influenced the success of extraction of FBs. Further prospective and comparative studies in a large and multicentric population of patients can be useful to create interventional endoscopic guidelines, as in human medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Maggi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (G.M.); (M.L.M.); (F.P.)
| | - Mattia Tessadori
- “Ponte Felcino” Veterinary Clinic, Via della Ghisa 3, 06134 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Maria Luisa Marenzoni
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (G.M.); (M.L.M.); (F.P.)
| | - Francesco Porciello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (G.M.); (M.L.M.); (F.P.)
| | - Domenico Caivano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (G.M.); (M.L.M.); (F.P.)
| | - Maria Chiara Marchesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (G.M.); (M.L.M.); (F.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Djangwani J, Ooko Abong’ G, Gicuku Njue L, Kaindi DWM. Brucellosis: Prevalence with reference to East African community countries - A rapid review. Vet Med Sci 2021; 7:851-867. [PMID: 33421354 PMCID: PMC8136958 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease which is endemic to certain regions of the world including Sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this article is to provide a recent and rapid review on brucellosis prevalence in East African Community (EAC) countries. Literature was obtained using Google Scholar search engine and screened for relevancy and fulfilment of criteria to 1, 17, 4, 4, 30 and 29 articles retained for brucellosis prevalence in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. Recent literature (published in the last decade 2010 to 2019) was considered for prevalence results in this review. In EAC, livestock had an animal-level prevalence of 0.2% to 43.8%, 0.0% to 20.0% and 0.0% to 13.8% for cattle, goats and sheep respectively. In humans, the prevalence varied mostly between 0.0% and 35.8%. In conclusion, brucellosis is quite prevalent in the region. The reported prevalence calls for plans or more efforts from individual member countries and from EAC, as a region, to control brucellosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juvenal Djangwani
- College of Agriculture and Veterinary SciencesDepartment of Food Science, Nutrition and TechnologyUniversity of NairobiKangemiKenya
- College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary MedicineSchool of Agriculture and Food SciencesUniversity of RwandaMusanzeRwanda
| | - George Ooko Abong’
- College of Agriculture and Veterinary SciencesDepartment of Food Science, Nutrition and TechnologyUniversity of NairobiKangemiKenya
| | - Lucy Gicuku Njue
- College of Agriculture and Veterinary SciencesDepartment of Food Science, Nutrition and TechnologyUniversity of NairobiKangemiKenya
| | - Dasel W. M. Kaindi
- College of Agriculture and Veterinary SciencesDepartment of Food Science, Nutrition and TechnologyUniversity of NairobiKangemiKenya
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Aruho R, MacLeod ET, Manirakiza L, Rwego IB. A serological survey of brucellosis in wildlife in four major National Parks of Uganda. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:95. [PMID: 33648507 PMCID: PMC7923651 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-02782-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Brucellosis is a contagious zoonotic disease of great public health and economic significance especially in developing countries. The disease affects humans and several species of livestock and wildlife. Studies on Brucellosis in wildlife in Uganda have been limited to single populations particularly in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This study aimed at estimating the percentage of positive samples of Brucella spp. in wildlife in four major national parks of Uganda. This was a retrospective survey which utilized archived samples collected from wildlife during the annual disease surveillance activities between 2013 and 2017. Results A total of 241 samples from seven species namely African buffalo (Syncerus caffer, n = 109), African elephant (Loxodonta africana, n = 22), giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi, n = 41), Uganda kob (Kobus kob thomasi, n = 36), lion (Panthera leo, n = 6), plain zebra (Equus quagga, n = 25), and bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus, n = 2), were tested for antibodies using the Rose Bengal Plate Test. The overall percentage of positive samples in the four national parks was 31.1% (75/241; 95% CI: 25.6–37.2). Kidepo Valley National Park had a significantly higher percentage of positive samples of 55.9% (19/34; 95% CI: 39.5–71.1) compared to other sampled national parks (p < 0.05). Lions had significantly higher percentage of positive samples at 66.7% (4/6) than African buffalo at 48.6% (53/109, p < 0.0001). There were no antibodies for Brucella spp. detected in African elephant and bushbuck. Conclusion This study shows variations in percentage of positive samples with Brucella spp. between species and across national parks and notably a high percentage with Brucella spp. in wildlife in Uganda than that recorded elsewhere in sub-Saharan region of Africa. Potential for transmission to other wildlife and spill over to livestock is high especially in national parks with high livestock-wildlife interaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Aruho
- Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Headquarters, Plot 7, Kira Road, Kamwokya, P. O Box 3530, Kampala, Uganda. .,Division of Infection and Pathway Medicine, 1 George Square, Biomedical Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK.
| | - Ewan T MacLeod
- Division of Infection and Pathway Medicine, 1 George Square, Biomedical Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, UK
| | - Leonard Manirakiza
- National Pharmacovigilance Centre, Uganda National Drug Authority, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Innocent B Rwego
- Department of Biosecurity Ecosystem and Veterinary Public Health, Africa One Health University Network (AFROHUN), College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda. .,Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, One Health Division, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kasozi KI, Welburn SC, Batiha GES, Marraiki N, Nalumenya DP, Namayanja M, Matama K, Zalwango KK, Matovu W, Zirintunda G, Ekou J, Kembabazi S, Mugasa CM, Kitibwa A, Tayebwa DS, Musinguzi SP, Mahero M, Ssengendo I, Nanteza A, Matovu E, MacLeod ET. Molecular epidemiology of anaplasmosis in small ruminants along a human-livestock-wildlife interface in Uganda. Heliyon 2020; 7:e05688. [PMID: 33437885 PMCID: PMC7788096 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Information as regards the epidemiology of the Anaplasmataceae in small ruminants in several low- and middle-income countries is scarce. Methods In this study a total of 712 DNA samples collected from small ruminants were analyzed for Anaplasmataceae and Anaplasma ovis using the 16S rRNA and MSP4 genes respectively. Infection risk was assessed by location, sex and age of the animals and qGIS® was used to construct spatial maps. Results The prevalence of Anaplasmataceae spp was 89.1% (95% CI: 77.5–95.9) and 79.1% (95% CI: 75.9–82.1) in ovines and caprines respectively (RR = 1.1, 95% CI: 1.0–1.3); higher than those previously reported in other eastern African countries. The prevalence of A. ovis was 26.1% and 25.4% for both ovines and caprines respectively with ovines showing significantly higher levels of infection than caprines (P < 0.05). The risk of Anaplasma ovis infections was not affected by age (OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 0.9–1.7) or sex (OR = 1.1, 95% CI: 0.6–2.0). Small ruminants located at the forest edge (<0.3 km) showed higher A. ovis prevalence than those found inland with infections present in the midland regions associated with increased agricultural activity. Conclusion Anaplasma ovis remains a major challenge for small ruminant husbandry in Uganda and infections are under-reported. Policy efforts to prioritize management of Anaplasmataceae for small ruminant health would promote livestock productivity in vulnerable communities, improving livelihoods and ecosystem health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keneth Iceland Kasozi
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, United Kingdom
- Department of Animal Production and Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences, Busitema University Arapai Campus, Box 203 Soroti, Uganda
- School of Medicine, Kabale University, Box 317 Kabale, Uganda
- Corresponding author.
| | - Susan Christina Welburn
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, United Kingdom
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, International Campus, 718 East Haizhou Road, Haining 314400, China
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, AlBeheira, Egypt
| | - Najat Marraiki
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - David Paul Nalumenya
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Monica Namayanja
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kevin Matama
- Kampala International University Western Campus, Box 71 Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Kelly Katenta Zalwango
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Wycliff Matovu
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Gerald Zirintunda
- Department of Animal Production and Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences, Busitema University Arapai Campus, Box 203 Soroti, Uganda
| | - Justine Ekou
- Department of Animal Production and Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences, Busitema University Arapai Campus, Box 203 Soroti, Uganda
| | | | - Claire Mack Mugasa
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Annah Kitibwa
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Dickson Stuart Tayebwa
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Simon Peter Musinguzi
- Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Kabale University, Box 315 Kabale, Uganda
| | - Michael Mahero
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, USA
| | - Ibrahim Ssengendo
- Kampala International University Western Campus, Box 71 Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Anne Nanteza
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Enock Matovu
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ewan Thomas MacLeod
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang X, Sun X, Sun Y, Chen K, Zhang K, Xu W, Fan K, Lin W, Chen T, Lin X, Lin K, Chiu HC, Huang C. Identification and molecular analysis of Ixodid ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) infesting wild boars (Sus scrofa) and tick-borne pathogens at the Meihua mountain of southwestern Fujian, China. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2020; 22:100492. [PMID: 33308736 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Wildlife is essential to the biodiversity of the Meihua mountain, southwestern Fujian province, China. However, there have been few surveys of the distribution of ixodid ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) and tick-borne pathogens affecting wild animals at these locations. In this study, 1197 adult ixodid ticks infesting wild boars were collected from 10 sampling sites during 2019. Ticks were identified to species based on morphology, and the identification was confirmed based on mitochondrial 16S, ITS1 and ITS2 rRNA sequences. Eight tick species belonging to 2 genera were identified, including H. longicornis (n = 373, 31.1%), H. flava (n = 265, 22.1%), D. auratus (n = 153, 12.8%), H. hystricis (n = 119, 9.9%), D. silvarum (n = 116, 9.7%), H. bispinosa (n = 114, 9.5%), D. atrosignatus (n = 33, 2.8%), and D. taiwanensis (n = 24, 2.0%). DNA sequences of Rickettsia spp. (spotted fever group) and Babesia spp. were detected in these ticks. Phylogenetic analyses revealed the possible existence of Candidatus Rickettsia laoensis and Rickettsia raoultii. This study illustrates the potential threat to wild animals and humans from tick-borne pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention & Control of Animal Infectious Diseases & Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoshuang Sun
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention & Control of Animal Infectious Diseases & Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yankuo Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Kexin Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention & Control of Animal Infectious Diseases & Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaiyao Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention & Control of Animal Infectious Diseases & Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Weihua Xu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention & Control of Animal Infectious Diseases & Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Kewei Fan
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention & Control of Animal Infectious Diseases & Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiming Lin
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention & Control of Animal Infectious Diseases & Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Tengteng Chen
- Fujian Meihuashan Institute of South China Tigers Breeding, Shanghang County, 364201, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xipan Lin
- Fujian Meihuashan Institute of South China Tigers Breeding, Shanghang County, 364201, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaixiong Lin
- Fujian Meihuashan Institute of South China Tigers Breeding, Shanghang County, 364201, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hung-Chuan Chiu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention & Control of Animal Infectious Diseases & Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Cuiqin Huang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention & Control of Animal Infectious Diseases & Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
The Babesia observational antibody (BAOBAB) study: A cross-sectional evaluation of Babesia in two communities in Kilosa district, Tanzania. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007632. [PMID: 31412024 PMCID: PMC6693791 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Babesia, a tick-borne genus of intraerythrocytic parasites, is understudied in humans outside of established high-endemic areas. There is a paucity of data on Babesia in Africa, despite evidence that it is regionally present. A pilot study suggested that Babesia was present in a rural district of Tanzania. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A cross-sectional study was conducted July-August 2017: residents in a case hamlet that had clustering of subjects with high signal-to-cut off (S/CO) ratios for antibodies against B. microti in the pilot study, and a control hamlet that had lacked significant signal, were evaluated for B. microti. Subjects aged ≥15yrs (n = 299) underwent clinical evaluation and household inspections; 10ml whole blood was drawn for Babesia transcription mediated amplification (TMA), B. microti indirect fluorescent antibody testing (IFA) and rapid diagnostic testing (RDT) for Plasmodium spp. Subjects aged <15yrs (n = 266) underwent a RDT for Plasmodium and assessment by ELISA for B. microti antibodies. A total of 570 subjects participated (mean age 22 [<1 to 90yrs]) of whom 50.7% were female and 145 (25.5%) subjects were Plasmodium RDT positive (+). In those <15yrs, the median ELISA S/CO was 1.11 (IQR 0.80-1.48); the median S/CO in the case (n = 120) and control (n = 146) hamlets was 1.19 (IQR 0.81-1.48) and 1.06 (IQR 0.80-1.50) respectively (p = 0.4). Children ≥5yrs old were more likely to have a higher S/CO ratio than those <5yrs old (p<0.001). One hundred (38%) subjects <15yrs were Plasmodium RDT+. The median S/CO ratio (children <15yrs) did not differ by RDT status (p = 0.15). In subjects ≥15yrs, no molecular test was positive for Babesia, but four subjects (1.4%) were IFA reactive (two each at titers of 128 and 256). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The findings offer further support for Babesia in rural Tanzania. However, low prevalence of seroreactivity questions its clinical significance.
Collapse
|
8
|
Kasozi KI, Namayanja M, Gaithuma AK, Mahero M, Matovu E, Yamagishi J, Sugimoto C, MacLeod E. Prevalence of hemoprotozoan parasites in small ruminants along a human-livestock-wildlife interface in western Uganda. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2019; 17:100309. [PMID: 31303220 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2018] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Small ruminants are important to community livelihood in developing countries; however information on the role of hemoprotozoan parasites is scanty. The objective of the study was to determine hemoprotozoan parasitic prevalence in western Uganda and identify major areas associated with these infections. This was a cross sectional study conducted at the edge of Budongo Conservation Forest in Masindi district of western Uganda in which 712 small ruminants were sampled. Blood from the jugular vein was collected from caprines and ovines and placed in an EDTA tube, and transported to the laboratory for examination. Thin and thick smears were prepared and examined by microscopy for hemoprotozoan parasites, and DNA was extracted and examined by PCR for Trypanosoma spp. A total of 13 villages in Budongo sub-county were surveyed and the study showed that caprines were the major small ruminants of importance to the community. Prevalence of hemoprotozoan parasites was as follows; anaplasmosis (3.65%) > theileriosis (0.45%) > trypanosomiasis (0.15%) and babesiosis (0%) by microscopy. Infections were found in the young with the exception of Anaplasma spp. while coinfections of anaplasmosis and theileriosis were high. Molecular analysis showed an overall trypanosome prevalence of 9.27% (PCR), mainly due to Trypanosoma brucei and T. congolense forest. Villages with trypanosomiasis were found in lowlands and swamps. The current trypanosomiasis prevalence in small ruminants of Uganda was 10 times greater than that previously reported showing that the disease burden has increased overtime within Uganda. A prevalence of 0.14% (95% CI: 0.00, 0.78) for the SRA gene showed that small ruminants would be important reservoirs of infection to humans. Hemoprotozoan parasites are a threat to community livelihood in developing countries and the role of molecular diagnostic techniques in disease monitoring was re-emphasized by this study. Information on primary hosts involved in the propagation of hemoprotozoan parasites in Uganda would help streamline prospective disease surveillance and control efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keneth Iceland Kasozi
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda; College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Monica Namayanja
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda; College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alex Kiarie Gaithuma
- Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido prefecture, Japan
| | - Michael Mahero
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, USA
| | - Enock Matovu
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University Kampala, Uganda
| | - Junya Yamagishi
- Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido prefecture, Japan
| | - Chihiro Sugimoto
- Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido prefecture, Japan
| | - Ewan MacLeod
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bloch EM, Kasubi M, Levin A, Mrango Z, Weaver J, Munoz B, West SK. Babesia microti and Malaria Infection in Africa: A Pilot Serosurvey in Kilosa District, Tanzania. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018; 99:51-56. [PMID: 29637884 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Babesia is a tick-borne intraerythrocytic parasite that is clinically and diagnostically similar to malaria parasite, conferring risk of misdiagnosis in areas where both parasites are endemic. Data on Babesia in humans in Africa are lacking, despite evidence that it is present in regional animal populations. Samples that were collected in November 2014 to July 2015 in Kilosa district, Tanzania, were evaluated for evidence of malaria and Babesia infection. Clinical data and laboratory samples (i.e., hemoglobin, rapid diagnostic testing [RDT] for malaria, peripheral blood smear, and dried blood spots) from a routine survey were available for analysis. Dried blood spots were tested using an investigational enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) against Babesia microti. A total of 1,030 children aged 1 month to < 5 years were evaluated; 186 (18.1%) were malaria RDT positive, 180 (96.8%) of whom had peripheral smears reviewed; 70/180 (38.9%) were smear positive for parasites. The median (inter quartile range) and range of B. microti ELISA signal to cutoff (S/C) ratio was 0.10 (0.06-0.15) and 0.01-1.65, respectively; the S/C ratios were significantly higher in subjects ≥ 1 year as compared with those < 1 year old (P < 0.001). There was also a statistically significant association between a positive RDT for malaria and the Babesia S/C (median 0.09 versus 0.13 in RDT negative versus RDT positive, respectively; P < 0.001). The highest S/C ratios were disproportionately clustered in a few hamlets. The findings suggest that Babesia may be present in Kilosa district, Tanzania. However, serological cross-reactivity and false positivity, notably between Babesia and Plasmodium spp., cannot be definitively excluded and have implications for testing in other settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evan M Bloch
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mabula Kasubi
- Department of Microbiology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Zakayo Mrango
- National Institute for Medical Research, Kilosa, Tanzania
| | - Jerusha Weaver
- Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Beatriz Munoz
- Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sheila K West
- Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
A mixed methods study of ruminant brucellosis in central-eastern Tunisia. Trop Anim Health Prod 2016; 49:39-45. [DOI: 10.1007/s11250-016-1155-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|