Molecular epidemiology of Brucella species in mixed livestock-human ecosystems in Kenya

AbstractBrucellosis, caused by several species of the genus Brucella, is a zoonotic disease that affects humans and animal species worldwide. Information on the Brucella species circulating in different hosts in Kenya is largely unknown, thus limiting the adoption of targeted control strategies. This study was conducted in multi-host livestock populations in Kenya to detect the circulating Brucella species and assess evidence of host–pathogen associations. Serum samples were collected from 228 cattle, 162 goats, 158 sheep, 49 camels, and 257 humans from Narok and Marsabit counties in Kenya. Information on age, location and history of abortion or retained placenta were obtained for sampled livestock. Data on age, gender and location of residence were also collected for human participants. All samples were tested using genus level real-time PCR assays with primers specific for IS711 and bcsp31 targets for the detection of Brucella. All genus positive samples (positive for both targets) were further tested with a speciation assay for AlkB and BMEI1162 targets, specific for B. abortus and B. melitensis, respectively. Samples with adequate quantities aggregating to 577 were also tested with the Rose Bengal Test (RBT). A total of 199 (33.3%) livestock and 99 (38.5%) human samples tested positive for genus Brucella. Animal Brucella PCR positive status was positively predicted by RBT positive results (OR = 8.3, 95% CI 4.0–17.1). Humans aged 21–40 years had higher odds (OR = 2.8, 95% CI 1.2–6.6) of being Brucella PCR positive compared to the other age categories. The data on detection of different Brucella species indicates that B. abortus was detected more often in cattle (OR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.1–4.6) and camels (OR = 2.9, 95% CI 1.3–6.3), while B. melitensis was detected more in sheep (OR = 3.6, 95% CI 2.0–6.7) and goats (OR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.0–3.1). Both B. abortus and B. melitensis DNA were detected in humans and in multiple livestock host species, suggesting cross-transmission of these species among the different hosts. The detection of these two zoonotic Brucella species in humans further underpins the importance of One Health prevention strategies that target multiple host species, especially in the multi-host livestock populations.

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Epidemiological situation of bovine brucellosis in the State of Paraiba, Brazil

Semina Ciências Agrárias ◽

10.5433/1679-0359.2016v37n5supl2p3403 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 37 (5Supl2) ◽

pp. 3403 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Inácio José Clementino ◽

Ricardo Augusto Dias ◽

Marcos Amaku ◽

Fernando Ferreira ◽

Evelise Oliveira Telles ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factor ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

The State ◽

Prevalence Rates ◽

Risk Of Infection ◽

Bovine Brucellosis ◽

Serum Samples ◽

The Rose ◽

Positive Results ◽

Epidemiological Situation

This study was performed to characterize the epidemiological status of brucellosis in the State of Paraíba, Brazil. The State was divided into three regions. Herds were randomly sampled in each region and a pre-established number of animals were sampled in each of these herds. A total of 3,489 serum samples from 674 herds were collected. In each herd, an epidemiological questionnaire was conducted. This questionnaire focused on herd traits, as well as husbandry and sanitary practices that could be associated with the risk of infection. The serum samples were screened for antibodies against Brucella spp. by the Rose-Bengal Test (RBT), and all positive sera were confirmed by the 2-mercaptoethanol test (2-ME). The herd was considered positive if at least one animal had positive results for both the RBT and the 2-ME test. The prevalence rates of infected herds and animals in the State were 4.6% [3.2-6.5%] and 2.5% [1.1-3.9%], respectively. The prevalence rates of infected herds and animals in the regions were, respectively: region 1, 3.2% [1.5-6.6%] and 1.7% [0.5-5.7%]; region 2, 2.2% [0.9-5.2%] and 0.7% [0.3-1.7%]; and region 3, 7.9% [5.0-12.2%] and 3.2% [1.6-6.3%]. The risk factor (odds ratio, OR) associated with the presence of the infection was Zebuine as the predominant breed (OR=12.30 [1.32-114.64]).

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Risk factors related to seropositivity for Leptospira spp. in horses in the Serra Catarinense region

Ciência Rural ◽

10.1590/0103-8478cr20190483 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 50 (7) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Deise Keli Farias ◽

Gabriela Dick ◽

Silvério Bunn ◽

André Thaler Neto ◽

Carolina Rech ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Infectious Disease ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Animal Species ◽

Clinical History ◽

Control Measures ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Leptospira Spp ◽

History Of ◽

And Control

ABSTRACT: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Leptospira spp. The consequences of infection in horses are unclear, and the serogroups involved vary depending on the region. This study aimed to evaluate the seropositivity of unvaccinated horses in the Serra Catarinense region and the possible risk factors associated with the infection. We used 207 horses from 26 properties, with no clinical history of infection and unvaccinated for leptospirosis. We submitted serum samples to the microscopic agglutination serum (SAM) to obtain the main reference serogroups. We considered animals with titre ≥100 as infected. The results of the serology revealed seropositivity in 45.4% (94/207) of the animals studied. The most frequent antibodies reportedwere those against the serogroups Australis 16.9% (35/207), Ichterhaemorrhagiae 14.4% (30/207), and Grippotyphosa 5.31% (11/207). Among the primary risk factors associated with the infection we reported extensive rearing system (OR = 1.27; P<0.05) and the presence of other animal species such as cattle (OR = 3.85; P<0.01) and capybaras (OR = 2.07; P=0.06). The findings presented in this study showed that leptospirosis is endemic in horses in the Serra Catarinense region, and revealed the need for emergency surveillance and control measures specific to this important zoonosis.

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Seroprevalence and Molecular Identification of Brucella spp. in Camels in Egypt

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms8071035 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (7) ◽

pp. 1035 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Aman Ullah Khan ◽

Ashraf E. Sayour ◽

Falk Melzer ◽

Sherif Abdel Ghafar Elsayed El-Soally ◽

Mandy C. Elschner ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Complement Fixation Test ◽

Indirect Elisa ◽

Complement Fixation ◽

Brucella Melitensis ◽

Control Strategies ◽

Effective Control ◽

Brucella Species ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Brucella Suis ◽

The Rose

Brucellosis is one of the most important worldwide zoonoses of many countries including Egypt. Camel brucellosis has not gained much attention in Egypt yet. This study is focused on the three governorates with the highest camel populations and the largest camel markets in the country to determine the disease seroprevalence and identify the Brucella species in local camel holdings. In total, 381 serum samples were collected from male and female camels from Giza, Aswan, and Al-Bahr Al-Ahmar (the Red Sea) governorates. Samples were serologically examined using the Rose–Bengal plate test (RBPT), indirect ELISA (i-ELISA), competitive ELISA (c-ELISA) and complement fixation test (CFT). Brucella antibodies were detected in 59 (15.5%), 87 (22.8%), 77 (20.2%) and 118 (31.0%) of sera by RBPT, i-ELISA, c-ELISA and CFT, respectively. Using real-time PCR, Brucella DNA was amplified in 32 (8.4%) seropositive samples including Brucella abortus (25/32), Brucella suis (5/32) and Brucella melitensis (2/32), defining a complex epidemiological status. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting Brucella suis DNA in camel serum. The risk-associated factors including age, sex, breed and geographical distribution were statistically analyzed, showing non-significant association with seroprevalence. The results of this study will raise awareness for camel brucellosis and help develop effective control strategies.

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Evaluation of an indirect fluorescence immunoassay for the detection of serum antibodies againstBabesia divergensin humans

Parasitology ◽

10.1017/s0031182006001387 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 134 (2) ◽

pp. 179-185 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

D. DUH ◽

M. JELOVšEK ◽

T. AVšIČ-ŽUPANC

Keyword(s):

False Negative ◽

Cross Reactivity ◽

Molecular Techniques ◽

Fluorescence Immunoassay ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Babesia Divergens ◽

Serological Studies ◽

Human Sera ◽

History Of ◽

Positive Results

Since an indirect fluorescence immunoassay (IFA) for the detection of specific antibodies againstBabesia divergensin human sera is not commercially available, an in-house preparedB. divergensIFA for the examination of bovine sera was established for serological studies in humans. To determine whether the described IFA is appropriate for such studies, 2B. divergensantigens (of human or bovine origin) were tested using serum samples obtained from febrile human patients with a history of ‘tick bite’. Sera from other species of animals infected withB. divergens,BabesiaEU1,B. microtiorB. caniswere also included for comparative purposes. All serum samples were also tested using a commercially available IFA for the detection of antibodies againstB. microti, and the results compared with those obtained using blood smear and molecular techniques. This study showed that the evaluation and standardization of aB. divergensIFA for testing human sera is critical and that differentB. divergensantigens provide different end-point titres of antibodies, leading to false negative or positive results. Serological cross-reactivity betweenB. divergensandBabesiaEU1 needs to be taken into account when interpreting IFA results.

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Seroprevalence of Human, Sheep and Goat brucellosis in Raparin District

Journal of Raparin University ◽

10.26750/vol(7).no(1).paper6 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 58-79

Author(s):

Rzgar Qadir Pirot ◽

Adel Kamal Khdir

Keyword(s):

Animal Species ◽

Bacterial Disease ◽

Age Group ◽

Serological Tests ◽

Middle East Countries ◽

Total Prevalence ◽

Gender And Age ◽

Human Sera ◽

The Rose ◽

Positive Results

Brucellosis is a worldwide disease caused by an infectious bacterial disease called Brucella, it has some species in genera. Prevalence of the brucellosis in many area of the world particularly in some Mediterranean and Middle East countries. A total 494 sera samples were collected from 36 herds in Raparin district including 113 human sera (herder), 199 sheep and 182 goat sera sample.Using three serological such as Rosbengal test (RBT), 2-Mercaptoethanol test (2ME) and Enzyme linked immune sorbent Assay (ELISA) detect the prevalence of brucellosis in the district according to animal species, gender, vet office area and age group with a comparison between serological tests which was used in this study during august 2017 till jun 2018 . All samples collected from adults of both sexes from different seven geographical areas in Raparin district. The total prevalence of brucellosis was 26.3% this value varied according to ifferent areas. The highest in Sangasar and Bngrd was 37.3%, and 35.3% while the lowest in Rnia and Zharawa was 13.2%, and 16.9% respectively, using the Rose-bengal test as a screening test to identify the prevalence of the disease. The total prevalence was varied according to the animal species, gender and age group. The study revealed that the prevalence of the disease varied according to the used type of the serological tests. RBT recorded the highest 26.3% then the 2-Mercapto-ethanol test recorded (14.4%) and ELISA recorded (12.4%), When comparing the positive results of ELISA and other serological tests the results reveals significant (P<0.05) difference between ELISA and other serological tests.

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Seroprevalence of Aspergillus fumigatus antibodies in bovine herds with a history of reproductive disorders

Veterinární Medicína ◽

10.17221/1939-vetmed ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 53 (No. 3) ◽

pp. 117-123 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

M.E. Garcia ◽

J. Caballero ◽

S. Alvarez-Perez ◽

J.L. Blanco

Keyword(s):

Animal Species ◽

Indirect Elisa ◽

Reproductive Disorders ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Important Study ◽

History Of ◽

Elisa Technique ◽

Antibody Levels ◽

Preventive Methods ◽

Positive Results

Bovine reproductive disorders are of growing interest from both economic and health standpoints. The role that fungi play in these processes is becoming increasingly important. Study of the seroprevalence of anti-Aspergillus antibodies in cow sera taken from herds with previous reproductive disorders is therefore of great interest. We used an indirect ELISA technique, that had shown suitable results in previous studies in other animal species. Thirteen percent of the 387 animals tested in the current study were positive, accounting for 41% of herds. When this technique was applied to the sera of two fetuses, that were aborted due to aspergillosis, a significant difference in anti-Aspergillus antibody levels was found compared with those in control sera. The ELISA technique was compared with PLATELIA and PCR for 24 ELISA-positive cattle sera; these assays resulted in only one and three positive results, respectively. In conclusion, the ELISA analysis showed a significant seroprevalence of Aspergillus antibodies in herds with previous reproductive disorders. There is therefore a need for more attention to be paid to Aspergillus in the differential diagnoses of these conditions and to improve preventive methods to effectively control this organism.

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The diagnosis of early pneumoconiosis in dust-exposed workers: comparison of chest radiography and computed tomography

Acta Radiologica ◽

10.1177/02841851211022501 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 028418512110225

Author(s):

Hideyuki Hayashi ◽

Kazuto Ashizawa ◽

Masashi Takahashi ◽

Katsuya Kato ◽

Hiroaki Arakawa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Chest Radiography ◽

Pulmonary Emphysema ◽

Early Stage ◽

Pathological Changes ◽

Occupational History ◽

Exposed Workers ◽

History Of ◽

Ct Data ◽

Positive Results

Background Chest radiography (CR) is employed as the evaluation of pneumoconiosis; however, we sometimes encounter cases in which computed tomography (CT) is more effective in detecting subtle pathological changes or cases in which CR yields false-positive results. Purpose To compare CR to CT in the diagnosis of early-stage pneumoconiosis. Material and Methods CR and CT were performed for 132 workers with an occupational history of mining. We excluded 23 cases of arc-welder’s lung. Five readers who were experienced chest radiologists or pulmonologists independently graded the pulmonary small opacities on CR of the remaining 109 cases. We then excluded 37 cases in which the CT data were not sufficient for grading. CT images of the remaining 72 cases were graded by the five readers. We also assessed the degree of pulmonary emphysema in those cases. Results The grade of profusion on CR (CR score) of all five readers was identical in only 5 of 109 cases (4.6%). The CR score coincided with that on CT in 40 of 72 cases (56%). The CT score was higher than that on CR in 13 cases (18%). On the other hand, the CT score was lower than that on CR in 19 cases (26%). The incidence of pulmonary emphysema was significantly higher in patients whose CR score was higher than their CT score. Conclusion CT is more sensitive than CR in the evaluation of early-stage pneumoconiosis. In cases with emphysema, the CR score tends to be higher in comparison to that on CT.

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Vaccination strategy and anti - SARS-CoV-2 S titers in healthcare workers of the INT – IRCCS “Fondazione Pascale” Cancer Center (Naples, Italy)

Infectious Agents and Cancer ◽

10.1186/s13027-021-00375-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ernesta Cavalcanti ◽

Maria Antonietta Isgrò ◽

Domenica Rea ◽

Lucia Di Capua ◽

Giusy Trillò ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immune Response ◽

Immune Responses ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Geometric Mean ◽

Vaccination Strategy ◽

Antibody Responses ◽

Cancer Center ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Humoral Immune ◽

History Of

Abstract Background Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the resulting disease, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), have spread to millions of people globally, requiring the development of billions of different vaccine doses. The SARS-CoV-2 spike mRNA vaccine (named BNT162b2/Pfizer), authorized by the FDA, has shown high efficacy in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection after administration of two doses in individuals 16 years of age and older. In the present study, we retrospectively evaluated the differences in the SARS-CoV-2 humoral immune response after vaccine administration in the two different cohorts of workers at the INT - IRCCS “Fondazione Pascale” Cancer Center (Naples, Italy): previously infected to SARS-CoV-2 subjects and not infected to SARS-CoV-2 subjects. Methods We determined specific anti-RBD (receptor-binding domain) titers against trimeric spike glycoprotein (S) of SARS-CoV-2 by Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S immunoassay in serum samples of 35 healthcare workers with a previous documented history of SARS-CoV-2 infection and 158 healthcare workers without, after 1 and 2 doses of vaccine, respectively. Moreover, geometric mean titers and relative fold changes (FC) were calculated. Results Both previously infected and not infected to SARS-CoV-2 subjects developed significant immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 after the administration of 1 and 2 doses of vaccine, respectively. Anti-S antibody responses to the first dose of vaccine were significantly higher in previously SARS-CoV-2-infected subjects in comparison to titers of not infected subjects after the first as well as the second dose of vaccine. Fold changes for subjects previously infected to SARS-CoV-2 was very modest, given the high basal antibody titer, as well as the upper limit of 2500.0 BAU/mL imposed by the Roche methods. Conversely, for naïve subjects, mean fold change following the first dose was low ($$ \overline{x} $$ x ¯ =1.6), reaching 3.8 FC in 72 subjects (45.6%) following the second dose. Conclusions The results showed that, as early as the first dose, SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals developed a remarkable and statistically significant immune response in comparison to those who did not contract the virus previously, suggesting the possibility of administering only one dose in previously SARS-CoV-2-infected subjects. FC for previously infected subjects should not be taken into account for the generally high pre-vaccination values. Conversely, FC for not infected subjects, after the second dose, were = 3.8 in > 45.0% of vaccinees, and ≤ 3.1 in 19.0%, the latter showing a potential susceptibility to further SARS-CoV-2 infection.

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Seroprevalence of Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis a Case-Control Study

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10081771 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (8) ◽

pp. 1771

Author(s):

Violetta Opoka-Winiarska ◽

Ewelina Grywalska ◽

Izabela Korona-Glowniak ◽

Katarzyna Matuska ◽

Anna Malm ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis ◽

Disease Activity ◽

Disease Activity Score ◽

Juvenile Arthritis ◽

Activity Score ◽

Control Group ◽

Healthy Children ◽

Serum Samples ◽

History Of ◽

Novel Coronavirus

There is limited data on the effect of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) on pediatric rheumatology. We examined the prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and a negative history of COVID-19 and the correlation of the presence of these antibodies with disease activity measured by juvenile arthritis disease activity score (JADAS). In total, 62 patients diagnosed with JIA, under treatment with various antirheumatic drugs, and 32 healthy children (control group) were included. Serum samples were analyzed for inflammatory markers and antibodies and their state evaluated with the juvenile arthritis disease activity score (JADAS). JIA patients do not have a higher seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies than healthy subjects. We found anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in JIA patients who did not have a history of COVID-19. The study showed no unequivocal correlation between the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and JIA activity; therefore, this relationship requires further observation. We also identified a possible link between patients’ humoral immune response and disease-modifying antirheumatic treatment, which will be confirmed in follow-up studies.

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Seropositivity to canine tick-borne pathogens in a population of sick dogs in Italy

Parasites & Vectors ◽

10.1186/s13071-021-04772-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jairo Alfonso Mendoza-Roldan ◽

Giovanni Benelli ◽

Marcos Antonio Bezerra-Santos ◽

Viet-Linh Nguyen ◽

Giuseppe Conte ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽

Serological Test ◽

Control Strategies ◽

Central Italy ◽

Rickettsia Conorii ◽

High Seroprevalence ◽

The South ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Serological Tests ◽

Distribution Maps

Abstract Background Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) associated to ticks are among the most important health issues affecting dogs. In Italy, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma spp., Rickettsia conorii and Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.) have been studied in both healthy canine populations and those clinically ill with suspected CVBDs. However, little information is currently available on the overall prevalence and distribution of these pathogens in the country. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and distribution of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in clinically suspect dogs from three Italian macro areas during a 15-year period (2006–2020). Methods A large dataset (n = 21,992) of serological test results for selected TBPs in three macro areas in Italy was analysed using a Chi-square test to evaluate the associations between the categorical factors (i.e. macro area, region, year, sex and age) and a standard logistic regression model (significance set at P = 0.05). Serological data were presented as annual and cumulative prevalence, and distribution maps of cumulative positive cases for TBPs were generated. Results Of the tested serum samples, 86.9% originated from northern (43.9%) and central (43%) Italy. The majority of the tests was requested for the diagnosis of E. canis (47%; n = 10,334), followed by Rickettsia spp. (35.1%; n = 7725), B. burgdorferi (s.l.) (11.6%; n = 2560) and Anaplasma spp. (6.2%; n = 1373). The highest serological exposure was recorded for B. burgdorferi (s.l.) (83.5%), followed by Rickettsia spp. (64.9%), Anaplasma spp. (39.8%) and E. canis (28.7%). The highest number of cumulative cases of Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.) was recorded in samples from Tuscany, central Italy. Rickettsia spp. was more prevalent in the south and on the islands, particularly in dogs on Sicily older than 6 years, whereas Anaplasma spp. was more prevalent in the north and E. canis more prevalent in the south and on the islands. Conclusions The results of this study highlight the high seroprevalence and wide distribution of the four TBPs in dogs with clinically suspected CVBDs from the studied regions of Italy. The very high seroprevalence of B. burgdorferi (s.l.) exemplifies a limitation of this study, given the use of clinically suspect dogs and the possibility of cross-reactions when using serological tests. The present research provides updated and illustrative information on the seroprevalence and distribution of four key TBPs, and advocates for integrative control strategies for their prevention. Grapic abstract

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