scholarly journals Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Equine Glanders in Selected Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK)

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (04) ◽  
pp. 504-508
Author(s):  
Awais-Ur-Rehman Sial

Glanders is highly contagious and zoonotic bacterial disease of equines caused by Burkholderia mallei. Since many decades, glanders is endemic in eastern parts (Punjab) of Pakistan and has no information of disease in the north-western region (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – KPK). Therefore, present study was aimed to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors in two draft equine populated districts (Charsada and Peshawar) of KPK. A total of 393 equine samples originating from different localities of study area were investigated for anti-B. mallei antibodies (glanders) using indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ID Vet, Grabels France). The overall seroprevalence was found to be 3.1% (95% CI: 1.6-5.3) which remained insignificantly (χ2 0.421, P=0.516) between the two districts. In Charsada, prevalence estimates varied significantly (χ2 11.986, P=0.017) among 5 localities and found insignificant (χ2 1.287, P=0.732) in different sampling areas of Peshawar district. Donkeys were more seropositive (4.1%; 4/195) than horses (2.1%; 8/194) which did not differ statistically (χ2 1.397, P=0.237) and all mules were tested negative. Prevalence slight increased with age of animals (>10 years) and with poor body conditions. Donkeys were more test positive (OR: 2.05, 95% CI: 0.61-6.94) than horses and similarly animals managed on communal feeding (OR: 1.84, 95% CI: 0.23-14.5) and water troughs (OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 0.21-13.04) had more chances of contracting glanders. Multivariable model indicated donkeys (OR: 4.58, 95% CI: 1.0, 20.9) and equines above 10 years of age (OR: 3.10, 95% CI: 0.7-13.3) were more likely to test positive for glanders. In conclusion, present study provides prevalence estimates of equine glanders in KPK regions, which appears to be an area of endemicity. Future large-scale investigations are seriously warranted in other equine populated districts before implementing an effective control plan for glanders

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 236
Author(s):  
Abdelfattah Selim ◽  
Salma Shoulah ◽  
Abdelhamed Abdelhady ◽  
Abdulaziz Alouffi ◽  
Yasser Alraey ◽  
...  

Background: Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is caused by Leishmania infantum (L. infantum) that is transmitted by sand fly vectors with dogs acting as the main reservoir. Methods: The present study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of CanL in dogs from Egypt and assessed the associated risk factors. The study was conducted from 2019 to 2020 in five governorates situated in Northern Egypt. Serum samples from 450 asymptomatic dogs were serologically examined by use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Overall, the seroprevalence rate of CanL was 21.3% and the highest rates were observed in Cairo and Giza governorates. The univariable analysis revealed that the seropositivity of CanL was strongly related to the dogs′ ages, length of hair, absence of veterinary care or application of insecticides, and the type of floor of their shelters. The risk factors that were found to be associated with CanL in exposed dogs were: age group 2–4 years old (OR = 12, 95% CI: 1.6–92.3); short hair (OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.2–3.6); absence of veterinary care (OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.3–5.8); no application of insecticides (OR = 3.09, 95% CI: 1.5–6.5) and their residence in a shelter with an earthen floor (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 0.7–2.9). Conclusions: Based on the present results, CanL is present in Egyptian dogs and this increases the possibility of transmission by sand fly to humans with whom they have contact. Consequently, an efficient monitoring programme and effective control measures are important to reduce the risk of infection.


Author(s):  
Julio César Castillo-Cuenca ◽  
Álvaro Martínez-Moreno ◽  
José Manuel Diaz-Cao ◽  
Angel Entrena-García ◽  
Jorge Fraga ◽  
...  

AbstractA cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated risk factors in pigs in the largest pork-producing region in Cuba. Serum samples from 420 pigs, including 210 sows and 210 post-weaning pigs, were tested for antibodies against T. gondii using a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected in 56 animals (13.3%, 95% CI: 10.1–16.6). A generalized estimating equations model revealed that the risk factors associated with higher seropositivity in pigs were altitude (higher in farm’s location < 250 m above sea level (masl) versus ≥ 250 masl) and age (higher in sows compared to post-weaning pigs). The results indicated that this protozoan parasite is widely distributed on pig farms in the study area, which is a public health concern since the consumption of raw or undercooked pork meat products containing tissue cysts is considered one of the main routes of T. gondii transmission worldwide. Control measures should be implemented to reduce the risk of exposure to T. gondii in pigs in Cuba.


2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alba J. Kihn-Alarcón ◽  
María F. Toledo-Ponce ◽  
Angel Velarde ◽  
Ximing Xu

PURPOSE Guatemala has the highest mortality and incidence of liver cancer in Central and South America. The aim of this study is to describe the extent of liver cancer in the country from 2012 to 2016 and the associated risk factors. METHODS A secondary analysis was performed using liver cancer mortality and morbidity data and data on risk factors, such as hepatitis B virus infection, cirrhosis, and alcoholism. RESULTS Analysis revealed that liver cancer causes approximately 20% of cancer deaths in the country, is more frequent in the population older than age 65 years old, and is increasing in those age 30 to 44 years. More than 25% of deaths occurred in the North and West regions. The incidence of major risk factors for development of liver cancer has decreased. CONCLUSION The high mortality of liver cancer compared with its incidence indicates that most patients are diagnosed at late stages. To reduce the burden of liver cancer, creation of strategies for earlier detection is needed.


Author(s):  
Ahsan Anjum ◽  
Asim Aslam ◽  
Raheela Akhtar ◽  
Tahir Yaqub ◽  
Junaid Naseer ◽  
...  

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is an important infectious disease of respiratory system of cattle, caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides. A cross sectional study was conducted in Lahore, Kasur and Jhang districts of Punjab to determine the prevalence of CBPP. A total of 560 serum samples were examined for the specific antibodies against M. mycoides subspecies mycoides, using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Associated risk factors that were evaluated include age, gender and breed. In this study, the overall seroprevalence was 8.75%. The seroprevalence of CBPP in Lahore, Kasur and Jhang were 8.26, 8.20 and 10.06%, respectively, but no significance difference (P less than 0.05) was observed. Among the assessed potential predisposing factors, gender and breed were not significantly associated with the serological status of the animal (P greater than 0.05), in which the age affected significantly the positivity to CBPP (P less than 0.05). The highest seropositivity was observed in animals of more than 7 years of age (32.08%) followed by in 4-7 years of age (8.16%) and lowest in animals of less than 4 years old (0.79%). This study confirms the presence of CBPP in the state which could be a threat to livestock export market and warrants the implementation of control measures to mitigate the economic losses associated with the disease. 


Author(s):  
Kristel K. Leung ◽  
Maya Deeb ◽  
Sandra E. Fischer ◽  
Aliya Gulamhusein

AbstractPatients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) constitute 5 to 15% of patients listed for liver transplantation worldwide. Although post-transplant outcomes are favorable, recurrent PSC (rPSC) occurs in an important subset of patients, with higher prevalence rates reported with increasing time from transplant. Given its association with poor graft outcomes and risk of retransplant, effort has been made to understand rPSC, its pathophysiology, and risk factors. This review covers these facets of rPSC and focuses on implicated risk factors including pretransplant recipient characteristics, inflammatory bowel-disease-related factors, and donor-specific and transplant-specific factors. Confirming a diagnosis of rPSC requires thoughtful consideration of alternative etiologies so as to ensure confidence in diagnosis, management, subsequent risk assessment, and counseling for patients. Unfortunately, no cure exists for rPSC; however, future large-scale efforts are underway to better characterize the natural history of rPSC and its associated risk factors with hopes of identifying potential key targets for novel therapies.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ftsum Assefa Tokon ◽  
Benti Deresa Gelalcha ◽  
Teferi Benti Moti ◽  
Redeat Belaneh Alemu ◽  
Hailu Degefu Awash

Abstract Background: Brucellosis is contagious bacterial disease of major socio-economic and public health importance globally and it is also one of the priority zoonotic diseases in Ethiopia. Across-sectional epidemiological study was carried out from April 2017 to April 2018 to estimate the sero prevalence of bovine and human brucellosis and to assess the associated risk factors of brucellosis in Seka Chokorsa and Shebe Sonbo districts of Jimma zone. Results: The overall prevalence of cattle brucella infection at individual and herd level were 5.9% (95%CI: 4.1%-8.1%) and 26.6 (95%CI: 19.1%-35.3%) based on diagnosis using commercial kits of the competitive enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay (CELISA) from Brucella abortus antibodies. Univariate logistic regression analysis at individual animal level showed that animals from large herd size and households which had a practice of introduction of new animals in their herds were 3.7 and 2.3 times more likely to be seropositive, respectively. The same scenario has been observed at herd level. Molecularly, five Brucella abortus was identified as the species affecting cattle in the study areas. From the total human serum samples tested only one serum was found to be positive for CFT and thus the prevalence is 0.42 %,( 95%CI: 0.01%-2.38%). From 238 respondents, 90% of them drink raw milk and milk products, and 70% of them also eat raw meat. Furthermore, slaughtering, assisting during delivery and poor management of aborted material is a common practice that favor transmission of the pathogen in the area. Conclusions: In conclusion, the results of this study showed that brucellosis is an important and widely distributed disease in cattle in the study areas. The finding of the infection in human indicates the public health importance of brucellosis in the area. The risk behaviors and practices observed suggests the need to design all-inclusive health programmes, such one-health approach aimed at controlling brucellosis spread in the study area.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederick D. Sagamiko ◽  
Ruth L. Mfune ◽  
Bernard M. Hang’ombe ◽  
Esron D. Karimuribo ◽  
Alfred M. Mwanza ◽  
...  

Background: Brucellosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease of public health and economic importance. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Mbeya region between November 2015 and January 2016 to investigate the seroprevalence of human brucellosis and identify associated risk factors among individuals in risky occupations. Methods: A total of 425 humans from six occupational categories were serially tested for Brucella antibodies using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and competitive Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (c-ELISA), for screening and confirmation, respectively. A questionnaire survey was also administered to participants to collect epidemiological data. Results: The overall seroprevalence among the occupationally exposed individuals was 1.41% (95% CI: 00.64-3.12). Seroprevalence was higher among butcher men 5.6% (95% CI: 1.68-5.26), herds men 1.35% (95% CI: 0.18-9.02); and abattoir workers 1.1% (95% CI: 0.26-4.22) although there was no statistical significance. (P value = .18). Seroprevalence was also higher among men (1.8%) compared to females (0%) (P value = .19). and also, among those aged < 11 years (2.5%). Individuals who consumed raw milk had a higher seroprevalence (1.56%) compared to those who drunk boiled milk while seropositivity was 0.88% among those who assisted animals during parturition (P value = .49). Butcher men were at higher risk of exposure compared to other occupational categories. Our findings show the presence of brucellosis in occupationally exposed individuals in Mbeya region.Conclusion: There is need to sensitize the concerned professions in order to reduce the risk of acquiring Brucella infections from animals and animal products This also calls for public health awareness about the disease, and implementation of measures to prevent further spread of brucellosis within and outside the study area.


Parasite ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuai Wang ◽  
Haoran Li ◽  
Zhijun Yao ◽  
Pengju Li ◽  
Dong Wang ◽  
...  

Toxocariasis is a zoonotic disease that poses a threat to public health worldwide. In the present study, we investigated the seroprevalence of Toxocara infection among primary school children in Henan province, central China, which was previously unknown. Sera from 2451 primary school children were collected from September 2015 to October 2018, and evaluated for anti-Toxocara antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The overall seroprevalence of Toxocara infection was 5.14% (126/2451). The main risk factors related to Toxocara infection identified in this study were the age of children, residence area of children, contact with cats or dogs, and exposure to soil. Hand washing before eating was considered to be a protective factor. These findings demonstrate that Toxocara infection is relatively common among primary school children in Henan province.


2017 ◽  
Vol 05 (01) ◽  
pp. 028-036 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saddaf Akhtar ◽  
Preeti Dhillon

Abstract Context: India has observed the most devastating increases in the burden of diabetes in the contemporary era. However, so far, the comparable prevalence of diabetes is only available for limited geography. Aims: The present paper provides comparable estimates of diabetes prevalence in states and districts of India and examines the associated risk factors with newly diagnosed and self-reported diabetes. Setting and Design: The study uses clinical, anthropometric, and biochemical data from District Level Household and Facility Survey (2012–2013) and Annual Health Survey (2014). Subjects and Methods: The paper analyses the information on glucose level of the blood sample and defines diabetes as per the World Health Organization (1999) criteria. It applies multinomial logistic regression to identify the risk factors of diabetes. Results: The study estimates 7% adults with diabetes in India, with a higher level in urban (9.8%) than in the rural area (5.7%), a higher proportion of males (7.1%) than females (6.8%). Widowed, older persons, and persons with high blood pressure have very high risk of both diagnosed and self-reported diabetes. Comparing to Hindus, Muslims and Christians have higher, and Sikhs have less risk of diabetes. Further, corresponding to general caste, scheduled castes, and other backward classes have a high risk of newly diagnosed but the lower risk of self-reported diabetes. Conclusions: The list of districts and states with alarming diabetes prevalence is the valuable information for further programs and research. A significant population with undiagnosed diabetes reflects an urgent need to strengthen the diagnostics at the local level and for those who need them most.


Author(s):  
Mohamed E Ahmed ◽  
Sara Siddig Abdalla ◽  
Ibrahim A Adam ◽  
Martin P Grobusch ◽  
Imadeldin E Aradaib

Abstract Background Hydatid disease or cystic echinococcosis (CE) is caused by the larval stages of the cestode parasite Echinococcus granulosus. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of seropositivity and to identify the risk factors associated with the disease among humans in Khartoum State, Central Sudan. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2017 and April 2018. A total of 305 randomly selected consenting participants from three localities were included in the current investigation using a multistage probability sampling method. An in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect immunoglobulin G antibodies to E. granulosus. The χ2 test and logistic regression analysis were used to determine the risk factors associated with CE seropositivity. Results A seroprevalence of 6.5% (20/305) was recorded among humans in Khartoum State, Central Sudan. Age (odds ratio [OR] 16.61 [confidence interval {CI} 2.21 to 117.92], p=0.006), locality (OR 3.08 [CI 1.42 to 22.54], p=0.011) and contact with dogs (OR 2.34 [CI 0.026 to 0.646], p=0.013) were recorded as potential risk factors for seropositivity to CE in the study area. Conclusions The seroprevalence of CE (6.5%) is high among humans in Khartoum State, Central Sudan. Improved surveillance is necessary to optimize control and prevention strategies for CE as an important neglected zoonotic disease among the human population in the study area of Central Sudan.


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