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Onafruo D, Klein J, Erume J, Kankya C, Jubara A, Kokas I, Odoch T, Munyeme M, Alinaitwe L, Kitale E, Marin P, Sabbath E, Dreyfus A. Molecular and serological prevalence of Leptospira spp. among slaughtered cattle and associated risk factors in the Bahr El Ghazal region of South Sudan. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:296. [PMID: 38971746 PMCID: PMC11227130 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04154-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Leptospirosis is a neglected emerging and zoonotic disease reported worldwide. This study sought to determine the molecular and serological prevalence of Leptospira spp. and the associated risk factors in slaughtered cattle from the Bahr El Ghazal region of South Sudan. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between January 16th and February 25th, 2023, blood and urine samples were collected from 402 cattle at the Lokoloko Municipal Slaughterhouse in Western Bahr El-Ghazal State. Serum samples were tested using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), with a panel of 12 serovars (sv) from 12 serogroups (sg) and 4 species (spp) of Leptospira spp. These serovars had been previously identified in Sudan and the East African region. Simultaneously, 400 corresponding urine samples were screened using qualitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the shedding of Leptospira spp. in urine. To identify the associated risk factors, the age, sex, breed and body condition score of each sampled cattle was noted at the time of sampling and subsequently analysed using logistic regression models. RESULTS Among the 402 serum samples screened, a substantial 81.8% (329/402, 95% CI 77.9-85.3) displayed seropositivity for Leptospira spp. with a MAT titre ≥ 100. The prevalence of urine shedding determined by PCR was 6% (23/400, 95% CI 3.8-8.4), while probable recent leptospirosis with a MAT ≥ 1:800 was observed in 33.1% (133/402, 95% CI 28.6-37.8) of the cattle. Multiple reactions were detected in 34.8% (140/402, 95% CI 30.6-39.5) serum samples. The seropositivity was against L. borgpetersenii sg. Tarassovi (78.6%; 316/402, 95% CI 74.4-82.3), followed by L. borgpetersenii sg. Ballum at 20.4% (82/402, 95% CI, 16.7-24.4%), L. kirschneri sg. Autumnalis At 8.7% (35/402, 95% CI 5.7-11.7), L. interrogans sg. of Pomona at 7.0% (28/402, 95% CI 4.5-9.5), and L. interrogans sg. Hebdomadis was 5.0% (20/402, 95% CI 2.8-7.2). Several risk factors are associated with seropositivity. Older animals (≥ 2 years) had 2.0 times greater odds (95% CI 1.14-3.5) of being seropositive than younger animals (< 2 years), P-value = 0.016. Female animals demonstrated 2.1 times greater odds (95% CI 1.2-3.6) of seropositivity than males did (P-value = 0.008). Additionally, Felata/Mbororo cattle exhibited 2.4 times greater odds (95% CI 1.3-4.5) of being seropositive than did local Nilotic cattle (P-value = 0.005). The agreement between the MAT and PCR results was poor, as indicated by a kappa statistic value of 0.001 and a P-value of 0.913. But there was a moderate agreement between MAT high titres ≥ 800 and PCR positivity with a kappa statistic value = 0.501 and a P-value < 0.001. CONCLUSION In addition to the high seroprevalence, Leptospira spp. were found in the urine of slaughtered cattle, suggesting that leptospirosis is endemic to the study area. This finding underscores the significance of cattle as potential sources of infection for slaughterhouse workers, the general public, and other animal species. To address this issue effectively in the Bahr El Ghazal Region and South Sudan, a comprehensive strategy involving a multidisciplinary approach is essential to minimize disease among animals, hence reducing potential zoonotic risks to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Onafruo
- Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystem and Veterinary Public Health (BEP), College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Bahr El Ghazal (UBG), P.O Box 30, Wau, South Sudan.
| | - Jörn Klein
- Department of Nursing and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South -Eastern (USN), and Department of Microsystems, Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences, University of South-Eastern (USN), PO BOX 235, Porsgrunn, Norway
| | - Joseph Erume
- Department of Biotechnical and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Clovice Kankya
- Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystem and Veterinary Public Health (BEP), College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ambrose Jubara
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Bahr El Ghazal (UBG), P.O Box 30, Wau, South Sudan
| | - Ikwap Kokas
- Department of Biomolecular Resources and Biolab Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Terence Odoch
- Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystem and Veterinary Public Health (BEP), College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Musso Munyeme
- Africa Centre of Excellent for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
- Central Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lordrick Alinaitwe
- Central Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Estella Kitale
- Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystem and Veterinary Public Health (BEP), College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Bahr El Ghazal (UBG), P.O Box 30, Wau, South Sudan
| | - Peter Marin
- Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystem and Veterinary Public Health (BEP), College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Public Health, College of Public and Environmental Health, University of Bahr El Ghazal (UBG), P.O Box 30, Wau, South, Sudan
| | - Esther Sabbath
- Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystem and Veterinary Public Health (BEP), College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Bahr El Ghazal (UBG), P.O Box 30, Wau, South Sudan
| | - Anou Dreyfus
- Section of Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, P.O Box 1931, Zurich, Switzerland
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Philip N, Ahmed K. Leptospirosis in Malaysia: current status, insights, and future prospects. J Physiol Anthropol 2023; 42:30. [PMID: 38087323 PMCID: PMC10714552 DOI: 10.1186/s40101-023-00347-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Among zoonotic infections, leptospirosis has a worldwide distribution and high prevalence in tropical regions. It has a broad clinical presentation from mild to severe, life-threatening infection. Leptospires, the etiological agent of leptospirosis, are found in varied ecological niches and animal species, providing a significant source of human infection. This review aims to provide the current status of leptospirosis in Malaysia and the direction for future studies. The literature search for this review was performed using PubMed, Web of Sciences, and Google Scholar databases. The incidence of leptospirosis in Malaysia from 2004 to 2020 varied; however, a large number of cases occurred during floods. Leptospira has been isolated from wild and domestic animals as well as from the environment; among them, several novel species have been identified. In Malaysia, leptospirosis infection and death were mostly associated with recreational and non-recreational water activities. Despite the endemicity of leptospirosis, the public's knowledge, attitude, and practice level are relatively low in this country. More studies are needed in Malaysia to explore the extent of leptospirosis in different settings and locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noraini Philip
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Kamruddin Ahmed
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
- Borneo Medical and Health Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
- Research Center for Global and Local Infectious Diseases, Oita University, Oita, Japan.
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Sohm C, Steiner J, Jöbstl J, Wittek T, Firth C, Steinparzer R, Desvars-Larrive A. A systematic review on leptospirosis in cattle: A European perspective. One Health 2023; 17:100608. [PMID: 37577054 PMCID: PMC10416059 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease which is globally distributed and represents a classic One Health issue that demands a comprehensive understanding of the hosts, transmission paths, and risk factors of transmission. Bovine leptospirosis often results in economic losses through its severe impact on reproduction performance while it threatens human health at human-cattle-environment interfaces. However, a clear analysis of the disease characteristics in European cattle is currently lacking. The objective of this review was to summarise the current knowledge on the epidemiology of bovine leptospirosis in Europe. We conducted a systematic literature review, screening four electronic databases, and filtered articles published between 2001 and 2021, in English, German, and French. Sixty-two articles were ultimately included in the review. The seroprevalence of leptospirosis in cattle was remarkably variable among studies, probably reflecting local variations but also heterogeneity in the study designs, laboratory methods, and sample sizes. Risk factors positively associated with the disease were diverse, related to local, environmental, and climatic parameters as well as farming practices. The most reported circulating Leptospira serogroups in European cattle were Sejroe (58.5%), Australis (41.5%), Grippotyphosa (41.5%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (37.7%), and Pomona (26.4%), which have also been associated with human infections worldwide. Abortion (58.6%) and fertility disorders (24.1%) were the most frequently reported signs of leptospirosis in European cattle and were generally associated with chronic infections. This work highlights several research gaps, including a lack of harmonisation in diagnostic methods, a lack of large-scale studies, and a lack of molecular investigations. Given that predictions regarding the climatic suitability for leptospirosis in Europe suggest an increase of leptospirosis risk it is important to raise awareness among stakeholders and motivate an integrated One Health approach to the prevention and control of this zoonotic disease in cattle and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Sohm
- VetFarm, Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Kremesberg 13, 2563 Pottenstein, Austria
- Unit of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
- University Clinic for Ruminants, Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Janina Steiner
- Unit of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Jöbstl
- Unit of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Wittek
- University Clinic for Ruminants, Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Clair Firth
- Unit of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Romana Steinparzer
- Institute for Veterinary Disease Control, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Robert Koch-Gasse 17, 2340 Mödling, Austria
| | - Amélie Desvars-Larrive
- VetFarm, Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Kremesberg 13, 2563 Pottenstein, Austria
- Unit of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
- Complexity Science Hub Vienna, Josefstädter Straße 39, 1080 Vienna, Austria
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Molecular and Serological Identification of Pathogenic Leptospira in Local and Imported Cattle from Lebanon. Transbound Emerg Dis 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/3784416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a worldwide bacterial zoonosis for which the risk increases in warm and wet climates. Despite the suitability of the local climate for the bacteria’s persistence, Lebanon lacks a formal system of prophylaxis for the prevention of Leptospira infection in both humans and animals, and the disease’s epidemiology is unknown so far. As a preliminary step, we focused on Leptospira infection in cattle, which is of public health and economic concern. We conducted a descriptive study in cattle from the governorate of Mount Lebanon (ML) and in imported cattle. A total of 187 blood and 135 serum samples were provided. Among the 187 blood samples, 135 were from randomly selected animals from 14 herds, while the remaining 52 were from imported livestock. Serum specimens (n = 135) were obtained exclusively from cattle in the ML governorate. DNA was extracted from all blood samples and subjected to real-time PCR targeting 16S rRNA. All Leptospira-positive DNA samples were then amplified using conventional PCR (cPCR), and Leptospira species were identified via Sanger sequencing. A microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was performed on the 135 serum samples from local cattle. The real-time PCR revealed Leptospira infection in 7 of 135 local animals and 1 of 52 imported animals. DNA from six of the seven local animals and the one imported animal were amplified by cPCR and successfully sequenced, identifying the pathogen as the species L. kirschneri. Seven animals located in five out of the 14 tested herds had MAT titers ≥1 : 100. Serogroup Grippotyphosa was predominant. This is the first study to provide epidemiological data on bovine Leptospira infection in Lebanon. Pathogenic Leptospira species and serogroups were identified in both local and imported cattle. These findings highlight the cattle associated risk of Leptospira infection in Lebanon, in the contexts of farming and trade. Summary. Leptospirosis is a severe zoonotic disease that can have critical consequences for people and animals. Within the country of Lebanon, this disease has been reported, but its epidemiology is unknown so far. The present study thus provides the first description of the existence of Leptospira in cattle in Lebanon (local and imported). It also highlights the existence of different pathogenic serogroups of Leptospira in local cattle. Our results should raise public health awareness of the threat posed by this underdiagnosed disease and serve as a starting point for control efforts in Lebanon.
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de Oliveira MD, da Costa Barnabé NN, Soares RR, Azevedo SS, de Limeira CH, Alves CJ. Efficacy of leptospirosis vaccination in small ruminants: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Small Rumin Res 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2023.106931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
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Sunaryo S, Priyanto D. Leptospirosis in rats and livestock in Bantul and Gunungkidul district, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Vet World 2022; 15:1449-1455. [PMID: 35993080 PMCID: PMC9375216 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.1449-1455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: The animal reservoir of leptospirosis is comprised of both domestic and wild mammals, with rats known as the most important in the spread of the disease. The occurrence of this reservoir in residential areas increases the potential for leptospirosis transmission. This study aimed to investigate the type of reservoirs and estimate the prevalence of leptospirosis in rats and livestock animals in Bantul and Gunungkidul districts, Special Region of Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia. Materials and Methods: This research utilized a cross-sectional study design. Rat trapping and livestock (cattle, goat, and sheep) blood surveys were conducted at four locations in each district. Samples of rat renal and livestock blood serum were examined using the polymerase chain reaction technique to determine the presence of Leptospira bacteria. The data were analyzed descriptively by describing the species of rats trapped, the types of cattle, and the prevalence of Leptospira in the sample. Results: The rat species infected with Leptospira in Bantul district consisted of Rattus tanezumi 4.8% (3/63); Rattus norvegicus 12.5% (2/16); Bandicota indica 28.6% (2/7); and Bandicota bengalensis 50.0% (1/2). No rats were found to be positive for Leptospira in Gunungkidul district. The prevalence of Leptospira in cattle was 63.64% (7/11) in Bantul district and 50.00% (8/16) in Gunungkidul district. In goats and sheep, the prevalence of Leptospira was 22.22% (2/9) in Bantul district and 45.16% (14/31) in Gunungkidul district. Conclusion: The potential exists for transmission of leptospirosis from rats and cattle in Bantul and Gunungkidul Districts. It is necessary to increase leptospirosis awareness. Community education, especially for livestock farmers, needs to be improved to prevent the transmission of leptospirosis from livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunaryo Sunaryo
- National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Dwi Priyanto
- Banjarnegara Health Research and Development Unit, National Institute of Health Research and Development, Indonesian Ministry of Health, Jakarta, Indonesia
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Gaviglio A, Corradini A, Marescotti ME, Demartini E, Filippini R. A Theoretical Framework to Assess the Impact of Flooding on Dairy Cattle Farms: Identification of Direct Damage from an Animal Welfare Perspective. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:1586. [PMID: 34071330 PMCID: PMC8229036 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
For the economic sectors, the need to address the challenges posed by natural disasters due to climate change is an outstanding issue. To date, according to the European Commission (2019), there is still a gap in the estimation of the costs of flood in all European countries and the direct impact that these floods have on agricultural activities. More specifically, the damage to livestock has been minimally studied. The aim of this study is is therefore to identify the flood damage that affects dairy cattle farms, focusing on the damage to herds caused by a flood event; in fact, poor welfare conditions of dairy cattle directly affect production and thus farm revenue. To accomplish the aim of this study, a framework was first developed to identify possible damage types. Then, scientific literature focusing on the identification of flood damage to dairy herds was reviewed, and to quantify this damage to herds, literature sources providing information on the magnitude of variation in the identified damage types were used. Thus, our results provide relevant information on the variables that should be taken into account when assessing of the direct damage affecting the overall welfare of a dairy herd after a flood event. This evidence could then contribute to the development of tools aimed at assessing damage to dairy cattle on flood-affected farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gaviglio
- Animal Science and Food Safety (VESPA), Department of Health, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Annafrancesca Corradini
- Animal Science and Food Safety (VESPA), Department of Health, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Marescotti
- Animal Science and Food Safety (VESPA), Department of Health, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Eugenio Demartini
- Animal Science and Food Safety (VESPA), Department of Health, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Rosalia Filippini
- Animal Science and Food Safety (VESPA), Department of Health, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy
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