Foot-and-mouth disease virus dynamics in border areas of Pakistan with Afghanistan

BACKGROUND

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious disease that impacts cloven-hoofed animals globally. The illegal trade of livestock between the border regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan can contribute to the spread of this disease. This study focuses on investigating the outbreaks of FMD that occurred in this area from June 2020 to May 2021.

METHODS

RESULTS: A total of 233 epithelial tissue samples were collected, and 77% were found positive for FMDV through an antigen-detection by ELISA and molecular conformation through RT-PCR. The study found three serotypes of FMDV dominating in the border area of Pakistan with Afghanistan: O, A, and Asia-1. The outbreak activity was peaked between August/September followed by July/October 2020. Phylogenetic analysis conducted using the VP1 region sequence showed that serotype O isolates belonged to the Middle East-South Asia (ME-SA) topotype, PanAsia-2 lineage, and ANT-10 sub-lineage, while serotype Asia-1 isolates belonged to a novel lineage BD-18.The highest prevalence of serotype O of FMDV was found in cattle and buffalo of 1-2 year age group, while the highest outbreak ratio of serotype O was recorded in goats of 0-1 year age group and sheep of > 2 year age group. The serotype O was more prevalent in male than female sheep. The type A was more prevalent in females of sheep and goats than their corresponding males. The serotype Asia-1 was more prevalent in females of cattle and sheep than their corresponding males. The outbreak epidemiology of FMD varied significantly between various regions, months of study, animal species, age groups, and gender.

CONCLUSIONS

The study found that FMD outbreaks in the border area of Pakistan and Afghanistan were diverse and complicated, and that different types of FMDV were circulating. The study recommended effective actions to stop FMD transmission in this area.

Prescribing practices of consultants at Karachi, Pakistan

OBJECTIVE

To audit the prescribing practices of consultants.

DESIGN

A randomized sample survey of 354 consultants prescription for analysis of some basic parameters as recommended by World Health Organization (WHO).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

To provide feedback to the prescribers for promoting rational drug therapy.

RESULTS

The average number of drugs for prescription were found to be 4.51 and the average daily cost of prescribed drugs was Rs: 133.41. The antimicrobials, vitamins/minerals and injections were over-prescribed. About half of the prescribed drugs were from the National Essential Drugs List of Pakistan (NEDLP) and only a little over 12% were prescribed by their generic names.

CONCLUSIONS

The prescribing practices of the consultants in Karachi are rather liberal and not rational. Overuse of antimicrobials and injections have been observed and there is general tendency of indulging in polypharmacy requiring continued medical education.