Investigation of West Nile Fever Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors among Horses in Egypt

Abstract Determination of the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with West Nile Fever (WNF) in horses is essential for adoption of effective prevention strategies. Our objective was therefore to determine the seroprevalence and identify the risk factors associated with West Nile virus (WNV) infection in the most densely horse populated provinces in Egypt. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 930 horses distributed over five provinces in the Nile Delta of Egypt in 2018. The randomly selected horses from geographical studied areas were serologically tested for WNF, and the horses’ information was obtained from owners. Four variables (geographic location, breed, gender, and age) were used for risk analysis. A total of 156 (16.8%) serum samples were serologically positive for WNV. The highest prevalence of WNV infection was between mixed breed (21.5%), male (26.4%) horses with age ≥ 15 years (68.1%). Age showed the highest risk for the infection with WNV (OR = 4.3, 95% CI 3.0 to 6.2). Gender and breed also showed important risk factors for WNF infection in horses (OR = 2.4, 95% CI 1.6 to 3.7; OR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.8, respectively). However, geographic location seems to have no impact on the seroprevalence of WNV infection among horses in the Nile Delta of Egypt. Our findings strongly recommend intensive surveillance and implementation of effective control and prevention strategies against WNF especially in male of mixed breed horses with ages ≥ 15 years.

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West Nile virus seroprevalence and associated risk factors among horses in Egypt

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-00449-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Abdelfattah Selim ◽

Ameer Megahed ◽

Sahar Kandeel ◽

Abdulaziz Alouffi ◽

Mashal M. Almutairi

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

West Nile Virus ◽

Geographical Location ◽

Effective Control ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Seroprevalence Rate ◽

Prevention Strategies ◽

West Nile ◽

Effective Prevention ◽

Mixed Breed

AbstractDetermination of the seroprevalence and risk factors that are associated with West Nile virus (WNV) in horses is essential for adoption of effective prevention strategies. Our objective in this study, therefore, was to determine the seroprevalence and to identify the risk factors associated with WNV infection in the most densely horse-populated governorates in Egypt. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 on 930 horses, which were distributed over five governorates in the Nile delta of Egypt. The horses, which were randomly selected, were serologically tested through use of an ID screen West Nile competition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect anti-WNV immunoglobulin G (IgG) and plaque reduction neutralization tests (PRNT; gold standard) to confirm the seropositive status of animals and to avoid cross reaction with other flavi-viruses. Four variables (geographical location, breed, sex and age) were considered in the risk analysis. Univariable and stepwise forward multivariable logistic regression methods were used for risk-factor analysis. The odds ratio (OR) was used as an approximate measure of relative risk. A total of 156 (16.8%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 14.4–19.2; P < 0.001) serum samples were found to be serologically positive for WNV. The highest seroprevalence rate was detected in horses of age ≥ 15 years (68.1%; 95% CI 49.8–72.4), stallions (26.4%; 95% CI 22.7–30.4), and those of mixed breed (21.5%; 95% CI 17.7–27.5). Horses older than 15 years were found to be at increased risk of WNV infection with OR = 4.3 (95% CI 3.0–6.2, P < 0.001) compared with horses aged under 2.5 years. Also, when all the risk factors were considered, stallions were more likely than mares to be WNV seropositive (OR = 2.4, 95% CI 1.6–3.7, P < 0.001), and of the breeds, mixed-breed (OR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.2–2.8, P = 0.005) and Arabian horses (OR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.2–2.8, P = 0.005) were more likely to be seropositive. Geographical location seemed to have no impact on the seroprevalence of exposure to WNV among these horses. Due to these findings, we strongly recommend intensive surveillance and implementation of effective control and prevention strategies against WNV, especially in stallion, mixed-breed horses with ages ≥ 15 years.

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Emergence and Associated Risk Factors of Vector Borne West Nile Virus In¬fection in Ilorin, Nigeria

Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases ◽

10.18502/jad.v12i4.352 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Olatunji Matthew Kolawole ◽

Glory Adelaiye ◽

Jeremiah Ikhevha Ogah

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

West Nile Virus ◽

Organ Transplant ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Diagnostic Tools ◽

West Nile Fever ◽

West Nile ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Viral Pathogen ◽

Factors Associated

Background: West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne viral pathogen that is the causative agent of West Nile fever and encephalitis. Diagnostic tools for WNV infection in Nigeria are not well established hence the current prevalence rate of WNV infection in Nigeria is unknown. We aimed to establish the serological prevalence of WNV infection in febrile patients in Ilorin, Nigeria in 2016, and to assess the risk factors associated with the acquisition of the virus. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving the screening of subjects presenting with febrile illnesses. While specific IgM ELISA was used to determine the seroprevalence, a closed-ended questionnaire was used to ascertain the risk factors associated with this viral infection. Results: Fifteen (7.5%) of the respondents were positive for WNV infection. Subjects living in areas in close proximity to trees and bushes (P= 0.011) and stagnant water (P= 0.001) were at a higher risk of having WNV infection. Other risk factors associated with WNV among the respondents include the none use of insecticide (P= 0.001), sitting out at night (P= 0.044), HIV positivity (P= 0.003) and having an organ transplant (P= 0.002). Conclusion: This study clearly shows a considerable WNV infection in Ilorin, with the presence of factors that can promulgate an outbreak, hence a need for further surveillance in the study area.

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Epizootic situation of feline Bartonella infection in eastern Poland

Journal of Veterinary Research ◽

10.2478/jvetres-2020-0019 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 64 (1) ◽

pp. 79-83

Author(s):

Łukasz Mazurek ◽

Alfonso Carbonero ◽

Maciej Skrzypczak ◽

Stanisław Winiarczyk ◽

Łukasz Adaszek

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

Confidence Level ◽

Whole Blood ◽

Logistic Regression Model ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Tick Control ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Mixed Breed ◽

Geographical Scope

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of the study was to establish the prevalence of Bartonella spp. in cats in eastern Poland, and to determine the factors associated with the infection.Material and MethodsPCRs were performed to detect Bartonella DNA in the whole blood of 672 cats from four regions in eastern Poland (the Lublin, Podlasie, Masovian, and Subcarpathian provinces). The association between the previously selected variables and the dependent variable (presence of Bartonella DNA) was investigated using a logistic regression model.ResultsThe overall prevalence of infection was 40.48%. All PCR positive cats were infected with B. henselae. The living conditions of the animals (free outdoor roaming), mixed breed cats, Subcarpathian region, and absence of tick control were significant risk factors associated with Bartonella infection at a 95% confidence level.ConclusionCats in eastern Poland appear to be at risk of a bartonellosis epizootic. Factors which seem to impact the likelihood of infection in cats and factors which seem not to impact it have been suggested. We advocate additional research into the ways bartonellosis spreads, its geographical scope, and the factors that favour its development.

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Two Sides to Every Fall: Patient and Nurse Perspectives

Critical Care Nurse ◽

10.4037/ccn2020289 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 40 (6) ◽

pp. 33-41

Author(s):

Linda M. Hoke ◽

Rachel T. Zekany

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Content Analysis ◽

Acute Care ◽

Fall Prevention ◽

Analysis Approach ◽

Cardiac Care ◽

Prevention Strategies ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Two Sides ◽

Cardiac Care Unit

Background Despite vast evidence describing risk factors associated with falls and fall prevention strategies, falls continue to present challenges in acute care settings. Objective To describe and categorize patient and nurse perspectives on falls and nurses’ suggestions for preventing falls. Methods To improve transparency about the causes of falls, nurses interviewed patients in a 48-bed progressive cardiac care unit who had experienced a fall. A content analysis approach was used to examine responses to 3 open-ended items: why patients said they fell, why nurses said the patients fell, and nurses’ reflections on how each fall could have been prevented. Results Over a 2-year period, 67 falls occurred. Main themes regarding causes of falls were activity (41 falls, 61%), coordination (16 falls, 24%), and environment (10 falls, 15%). Patients said they fell because they slipped, had a medical issue, were dizzy, or had weak legs. Nurses said patients fell because they had a medical issue or did not call for assistance. Conclusions Nurses and patients agreed on the causes of assisted falls but disagreed on the causes of unassisted falls. Nurses frequently said that the use of a bed alarm could have prevented the fall.

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Prevalence and risk factors associated with cat parasites in Italy: a multicenter study

Parasites & Vectors ◽

10.1186/s13071-021-04981-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Marco Genchi ◽

Alice Vismarra ◽

Stefania Zanet ◽

Simone Morelli ◽

Roberta Galuppi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Geographic Area ◽

Human Infection ◽

Diagnostic Methods ◽

Effective Control ◽

Toxocara Cati ◽

Entire Study ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Private Households ◽

Health Concept

Abstract Background Parasites that infect cats include protozoa, helminths and arthropods, many of which are transmissible to humans. Effective control relies on a good knowledge of parasite distribution and the risk factors for infection. The present study was aimed at evaluating the prevalence of major feline parasites in Italy and the risk factors associated with their occurrence. Methods Over a 12-month study period, feces, hair and ectoparasites from naturally infected cats from feral colonies, shelters and private households were analyzed at 13 study centers across Italy. Samples from these cats (n = 987) were analyzed at all centers using the same diagnostic methods. Prevalence values and risk factors were evaluated statistically for the identification of predictors of risk. Results The overall prevalence of gastro-intestinal and broncho-pulmonary (BP) nematodes was 35.9% (354/987). Toxocara cati was the most prevalent species (253/987; 25.6%), followed by Ancylostomatidae (98/987; 9.9%). Among BP nematodes, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus was the most common (76/987; 7.7%). Approximately 35.7% (352/987) of the study population was infested by ectoparasites, of which the most common were fleas (29.4%, 290/987), followed by ear mites Otodectes cynotis (9.8%, 97/987). Predictors of risk for parasite infection included age, a predominantly or exclusively outdoor lifestyle, geographic area and lack of antiparasitic treatment. Conclusions Both ecto- and endoparasites are still common in cats throughout Italy, many of them being of zoonotic concern and vectors of pathogens to humans. Given the presence of parasites throughout the entire study period, year-round treatment should be considered. Furthermore, data confirm the need to protect the human–animal bond using proper endo- and ectoparasiticides to reduce the risk of human infection, in application of the One-Health concept. Graphical abstract

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Potential Risk Factors Associated with Infection with Bovine Leukaemia Virus in Dairy and Beef Cattle in Taiwan

Pathogens ◽

10.3390/pathogens10121553 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (12) ◽

pp. 1553

Author(s):

Yi-Chen Chen ◽

Wen-Yu Chin ◽

Chao-Chin Chang ◽

Shih-Te Chuang ◽

Wei-Li Hsu

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Beef Cattle ◽

Dairy Cows ◽

Control Program ◽

Effective Control ◽

Infection Status ◽

Bovine Leukaemia Virus ◽

Leukaemia Virus ◽

Factors Associated ◽

High Prevalence

Bovine leukaemia virus (BLV), which is classified as a Deltaretrovirus, is the aetiologic agent of enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL), a chronic lymphoproliferative disorder with a worldwide distribution. EBL is widespread in dairy herds and causes a direct economic impact due to reduced milk production and the early culling of BLV-infected cattle. The BLV infection status in Taiwan remains largely unknown; a high prevalence of BLV in dairy cows was recently revealed. The present study further investigated BLV infections in beef cattle. Surprisingly, the prevalence of BLV proviral DNA was as low as 11.8% (23/195), which is significantly lower than that noted in dairy cows, which was 42.5% (102/240) (p < 0.001). Factors associated with BLV infections were subsequently investigated. Due to the differences in herd management, an analysis of risk factors for a BLV infection was independently conducted in these two sectors. Several factors associated with a BLV infection were identified. Age was significantly associated with BLV infection status in dairy cows (p < 0.001) but not in beef cattle. A high prevalence of BLV was observed in cattle >15.5 months old (57.8%) compared with those ≤15.5 months old (11.4%). Moreover, after stratification analysis, based on the critical age of 15.5 months, as determined by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, a significantly higher BLV prevalence was demonstrated in lactating dairy cows, cattle undergoing bull breeding, heifers at older ages, and those undergoing routine rectal palpation. Due to the high prevalence of BLV in Taiwan, the development of an effective control program, based on the identified risk factors, is important for interrupting the routes of BLV transmission within herds.

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Seroprevalence and risk factors associated to Neospora caninum in dairy cattle herds in the municipality of Pasto, Colombia

Revista Mvz Córdoba ◽

10.21897/rmvz.193 ◽

2013 ◽

pp. 3311-3316 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Darío Cedeño Q ◽

Bibiana Benavides B

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Dairy Cattle ◽

Neospora Caninum ◽

Binary Logistic Regression ◽

Epidemiological Survey ◽

Elisa Test ◽

Effective Control ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Cattle Herds

ABSTRACTObjective. To determine seroprevalence and risk factors associated to Neospora caninum in non-vaccinated dairy cattle against infectious agents of reproductive syndrome in the municipality of Pasto, Colombia. Materials and methods. Farms over 2527 meters over sea level were selected, a total of 238 serum samples of Holstein cows were collected and analyzed using the indirect ELISA test to determine N. caninum seropositivity. An epidemiological survey was realized in each herd which included variables related to health and management measures of cattle. A multivariate analysis of binary logistic regression was used with a confidence interval of 95% (p<0.05) using SPSS19® program. Results. The estimated prevalence of N. caninum was 76.9%. The risk factors associated to neosporosis infection in the analyzed farms are as follows: residues of abortions generally left outdoors and not buried (OR 3.81, 95% CI 1.5 - 9.6); dogs fed with leftovers (OR 15.44 IC 95% 1.94-123.22) and bulls allowed to mate with cows (OR 19.68, 95% CI 2.34 - 165.52). Conclusions. The high prevalence of N. caninum and the low abortion rate in dairy herds of the municipality of Pasto corroborated no existence of the disease in all animals serologically positive, but it did suggest that at some point in their lives they were exposed to N. caninum. From the identified risk factors in this study, recommendations can be provided for an effective control of reproductive diseases like Neosporosis present in this region.

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Environmental risk factors associated with West Nile virus clinical disease in Florida horses

Medical and Veterinary Entomology ◽

10.1111/j.1365-2915.2009.00821.x ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 23 (4) ◽

pp. 357-366 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

L. M. V. RIOS ◽

J.-J. SHEU ◽

J. F. DAY ◽

J. E. MARUNIAK ◽

K. SEINO ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

West Nile Virus ◽

Environmental Risk ◽

Environmental Risk Factors ◽

Clinical Disease ◽

West Nile ◽

Factors Associated

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Assessment of Risk Factors Associated with Malaria Transmission in Tubu Village, Northern Botswana

Malaria Research and Treatment ◽

10.1155/2014/403069 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Elijah Chirebvu ◽

Moses John Chimbari ◽

Barbara Ntombi Ngwenya

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Malaria Transmission ◽

Effective Control ◽

Insecticide Treated Nets ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Close Proximity ◽

Potential Risk Factors ◽

History Of ◽

House Structure ◽

Malaria Episodes

This study investigated potential risk factors associated with malaria transmission in Tubu village, Okavango subdistrict, a malaria endemic area in northern Botswana. Data was derived from a census questionnaire survey, participatory rural appraisal workshop, field observations, and mosquito surveys. History of malaria episodes was associated with several factors: household income (P<0.05), late outdoor activities (OR = 7.016; CI = 1.786–27.559), time spent outdoors (P=0.051), travel outside study area (OR = 2.70; CI = 1.004–7.260), nonpossession of insecticide treated nets (OR = 0.892; CI = 0.797–0.998), hut/house structure (OR = 11.781; CI = 3.868–35.885), and homestead location from water bodies (P<0.05). No associations were established between history of malaria episodes and the following factors: being a farmer (P>0.05) and number of nets possessed (P>0.05). Eave size was not associated with mosquito bites (P>0.05), frequency of mosquito bites (P>0.05), and time of mosquito bites (P>0.05). Possession of nets was very high (94.7%). Close proximity of a health facility and low vegetation cover were added advantages. Some of the identified risk factors are important for developing effective control and elimination strategies involving the community, with limited resources.

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