scholarly journals Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Chlamydia abortus Infection in Sheep and Goats in Eastern Saudi Arabia

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 489
Author(s):  
Mahmoud Fayez ◽  
Ahmed Elmoslemany ◽  
Mohammed Alorabi ◽  
Mohamed Alkafafy ◽  
Ibrahim Qasim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Eastern Province ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Chlamydia Abortus ◽  
Sheep And Goats ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Factor C

Chlamydia abortus (C. abortus) is intracellular, Gram-negative bacterium that cause enzootic abortion in sheep and goats. Information on C. abortus seroprevalence and flock management risk factors associated with C. abortus seropositivity in sheep and goats in Saudi Arabia are scarce. The objectives of this study were to (i) estimate the animal, flock, and within-flock seroprevalence of C. abortus among Eastern Province sheep and goat flocks and (ii) identify the flock management and animal risk factors associated with C. abortus seropositivity in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study with a two-stage sampling process was carried out in the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia, between 2015 and 2016. A total of 1717 sheep and 1101 goat serum samples were collected from 21 sheep and 14 goat flocks, then were tested for C. abortus antibodies using a commercial ELISA Kit. In addition, vaginal swabs and aborted tissue samples were collected from sheep (n = 48) and goats (n = 15) with recent history of abortion for detection of C. abortuspmp gene using PCR. A questionnaire was constructed to collect information about flock management and animal risk factors possibly associated with C. abortus infection in sheep and goats. The true sheep and goat-level seroprevalences were 11.1% (95% CI: 9.7–12.7) and 10.6% (95% CI: 8.8–12.5), respectively. The true flock-level seroprevalence was 100% for both sheep and goats. However, the average within sheep and goat flocks true seroprevalences were 9.6% (95% CI: 1.8–22.9) and 9.3% (95% CI: 1.8–19.5), respectively. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that introduction of new sheep to the flocks (OR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.5–4.4), type of breeding system (OR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.0–3.4), flocks allowing females in (OR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.1–3.3) or females out (OR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.1–4.3), and sheep age 1.4–2.8 years (OR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.3–2.9) were potential risk factors for C. abortus seropositivity in sheep flocks. However, in goat flocks, the introduction of new goats to the flocks (OR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.2–3.0) was identified as a risk factor, whereas good farm hygiene (OR: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.2–0.7) was identified as a protective factor. C. abortus pmp gene was identified in 45 (93.8%) and 15 (100%) of samples collected from sheep and goats, respectively. These results could be used to implement efficient management measures to prevent and control C. abortus infection in sheep and goats in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia, but also could be used to reduce the risk of C. abortus infection in sheep and goat flocks with similar management practices in other regions.

scholarly journals Risk factors associated with cows' lying time, stall and cows' own cleanliness in smallholder dairy farms in Kenya

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 1085-1092
Author(s):  
E. K. Kathambi ◽  
J. A. VanLeeuwen ◽  
G. K. Gitau ◽  
C. Kamunde
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Farm Level ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Smallholder Dairy

Background and Aim: The welfare of animals kept in livestock production systems has raised concerns around the world. Adult dairy cattle require adequate rest and spend approximately 12 h/day lying down. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the stall factors and management practices affecting cows' lying time, stall cleanliness, and cows' cleanliness (udder and upper leg), in smallholder dairy cows in Meru County of Kenya. Materials and Methods: A total of 106 milking cows from 73 farms were assessed for daily lying time and cleanliness. Data loggers were used to record the lying time of cows for 3 days. Stall, udder, and upper leg cleanliness were assessed using a 5-score system: 1 (very clean) to 5 (very dirty). Management information was acquired using a questionnaire that was administered face-to-face to the farmers in their native Kimeru language. Univariable and multivariable linear and logistic regression models were fit to determine factors associated with cows' lying time and dichotomized stall and cows' own cleanliness, respectively. Results: The mean daily lying time was 10.9±2.2 h, and the mean stall cleanliness score was 2.4±1.0. The mean average cleanliness scores of the udder and upper legs were 1.9±0.7 and 2.5±1.1, respectively. Overall, 35% of the stalls were categorized as dirty (>2.5), whereas 13% and 47% of the cows had udder and leg cleanliness scores >2.5, respectively. From the final multivariable models (p<0.05), daily lying time increased by 1.0 h for cows older than 5.25 years versus younger cows. Conversely, lying time decreased by 1.0 h with stall cleanliness scores >2.5 and by 1.6 h with poorly positioned neck rails. In an interaction term, addition of new bedding at least once a day without removing stall manure at least once a day decreased the daily lying time of the cows by 1.5 h, whereas failure to add new bedding at least once a day but removing stall manure at least once a day decreased the lying time of the cows by 1.2 h. Farm-level risk factors for stall dirtiness (>2.5) included delayed cleaning of the alley (odds ratio [OR]=6.6, p=0.032), lack of bedding (OR=4.9, p=0.008), and standing idle and/or backward in the stall (OR=10.5, p=0.002). Stalls categorized as dirty (OR=2.9, p=0.041) and lack of bedding (OR=2.7, p=0.065) were cow- and farm-level risk factors for dirtiness of the udder (>2.5), respectively, whereas the stall being dirty (OR=2.3, p=0.043) was the only risk factor (cow level) for dirtiness of the upper legs (>2.5). Conclusion: It was recommended that farmers should pay attention to the specific factors identified regarding the stall design (e.g., neck rail position) and bedding/manure management that impact the cleanliness of cows and their lying time.

scholarly journals Diversity and Risk Factors Associated with Multidrug and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococci Isolated from Cats Admitted to a Veterinary Clinic in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 367
Author(s):  
Ahmed Elmoslemany ◽  
Ibrahim Elsohaby ◽  
Mohammed Alorabi ◽  
Mohamed Alkafafy ◽  
Theeb Al-Marri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Meca Gene ◽  
Eastern Province ◽  
Veterinary Clinic ◽  
Methicillin Resistant ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Staphylococcus Capitis ◽  
Stewardship Program ◽  
Staphylococcus Spp

Understanding the distribution, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and risk factors associated with multidrug-resistant (MDR) and methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) isolated from cats admitted to veterinary clinics may decrease the risk of MDR and MRS transmission to humans and other cats. As such, the objectives of this study were to investigate the diversity in Staphylococcus spp. recovered from different anatomical locations in healthy and diseased cats and to determine the occurrence of MDR and MRS spp. as well as possible risk factors associated with colonization in these cats. Five swabs were collected from the anus, skin, ear canal, conjunctival sac, and nares of each cat (209 healthy and 191 diseased) admitted to a veterinary clinic in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia, between January and December 2018. Prior to sample collection, cat owners completed a questionnaire collecting information on cat demographics, health status, management, and antimicrobial usage. In total, 179 Staphylococcus isolates were recovered from healthy (n = 71) and diseased (n = 108) cats, including 94 (52.5%) coagulase-positive staphylococci (CoPS), and 85 (47.5%) coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS). Five Staphylococcus spp. were identified, namely, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Staphylococcus felis, Staphylococcus capitis, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. Staphylococcus isolates were most commonly resistant to penicillin (56.4%) and ciprofloxacin (25.7%); however, no isolate was resistant to clindamycin. Thirty (16.8%) Staphylococcus spp. (24 S. aureus and 6 S. pseudintermedius) isolates were MDR, with resistance to up to six different antibiotic classes. Only 17 (9.5%) Staphylococcus spp. (15 methicillin-resistant S. aureus and 2 methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius) harbored the mecA gene. Risk factor analysis showed that cats with a history of antibiotic therapy, those raised mainly indoors with a child, and those who visit a veterinary clinic for treatment were at higher risk of MDR and MRS colonization. In conclusion, MDR and MRS were common in healthy and diseased cats in Saudi Arabia. Thus, an effective antimicrobial stewardship program and further studies using a One Health approach are required to investigate the role of cats as vectors for AMR transmission to humans.

scholarly journals Characteristics and Factors Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Individuals That Attended Referral Hospitals from Southern Region of Bahia State, Brazil: A Surveillance Network Retrospective Study

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 2462
Author(s):  
Fabrício Barbosa Ferreira ◽  
Galileu Barbosa Costa ◽  
Anaiá da Paixão Sevá ◽  
George Rego Albuquerque ◽  
Ana Paula Melo Mariano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Illness ◽  
Southern Region ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Surveillance Network ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Referral Hospitals

In December 2019, a novel coronavirus was detected in Wuhan, China, and rapidly spread worldwide. In Brazil, to date, there have been more than 20,000,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and more than 550,000 deaths. The purpose of the current study was to determine the clinical and epidemiological profile of the population affected by COVID-19 that have attended referral hospitals in Southern region of Bahia State, to better understand the disease and its risk factors in order to enable more appropriate conduct for patients. An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, exploratory study was conducted using secondary data collected from the Laboratório de Farmacogenômica e Epidemiologia Molecular, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (LAFEM/UESC). Chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests were applied to determine the association between clinical symptoms and laboratory results, and to identify risk factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. A total of 3135 individuals with suspected severe respiratory illness were analyzed and 41.4% of them tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Male individuals and having comorbidities were risk factors significantly associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR = 1.17 and OR = 1.37, respectively). Interestingly, being a healthcare professional was a significantly protective factor (OR = 0.81, p < 0.001). Our findings highlight the importance of routinely testing the population for early identification of infected individuals, and also provide important information to health authorities and police makers to improve control measures, management, and screening protocols.

scholarly journals Factors associated with perceptions of child sexual abuse and lack of parental knowledge: a community-based cross-sectional study from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 391-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aidah Abdul-Aziz AlRammah ◽  
Shaher Mesfer Alqahtani ◽  
Ahmed Gasim Elzubair Babiker ◽  
Suha Saleh Al-Saleh ◽  
Wajid Syed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Child Sexual Abuse ◽  
Parental Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Eastern Province ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated

scholarly journals Seroprevalence and risk factors of Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capricolum among small ruminants in northern Jordan

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-20
Author(s):  
Waleed Al-Momani ◽  
Robin R.A.J. Nicholas ◽  
Mahmoud N. Abo-Shehada
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Sheep And Goats ◽  
Mycoplasma Capricolum ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Northern Jordan

During 2002-2003 the seroprevalence of Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capricolum was studied among 104 small ruminant’s flocks (18 sheep, 27 goat and 59 mixed flocks) in northern Jordan. At least 5 serum samples/flock were tested using iELISA test. The true flock-level seroprevalences of Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capricolum were 56%, 39%, 28% in small ruminant (sheep and goats), sheep and goats respectively. There was no significant difference (X2 = 2, d.f. =1, p = 0.15) between seroprevalences in sheep and goats at the flock level. A total of 29 variables including production and health management practices were tested as risk factors for seropositive flocks and analyzed using logistic regression analysis. The use of communal grazing was found to be a risk factor for Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capricolum seropositivity with odds ratio of 5.2 and drinking the animals with spring water was a protective factor with odds ratio of 0.27. More than half of the examined flocks were seropositive to Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capricolum indicating a role for Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capricolum in contagious agalactiae in small ruminants. The education of farmers regarding the use of communal grazing and housing the newborn in separate barns is expected to help reducing the Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capricolum infections in their flocks.

scholarly journals Exploring Weight Stigma in Saudi Arabia: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (17) ◽  
pp. 9141
Author(s):  
Nora Althumiri ◽  
Mada H. Basyouni ◽  
Norah AlMousa ◽  
Mohammed F. AlJuwaysim ◽  
Adel Alhamdan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Bariatric Surgery ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Weight Stigma ◽  
Waterpipe Smoking ◽  
Nutritional Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated

Background: Weight stigma (WS) in the Middle East, especially in Saudi Arabia, is widely ignored. People with obesity are blamed for their weight, and there is a common perception that weight stigmatization is justifiable and may motivate individuals to adopt healthier behaviors. The authors of this study aimed to explore WS prevalence and factors associated with WS in a large nationwide study of Saudi Arabian adults. Methods: This study was a nationwide cross-sectional survey conducted via phone interviews in June 2020. A proportional quota-sampling technique was adopted to obtain equal distributions of participants by age and sex across the 13 regions of Saudi Arabia. In total, 6239 people were contacted, and 4709 (75.48%) responded and completed the interview. The authors of the study collected data about WS using the Arabic Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ), BMI, smoking, nutritional knowledge, bariatric surgery, risk of depression, and demographic variables. Results: Participants had a mean age of 36.4 ± 13.5 (18–90), and 50.1% were female. The prevalence of higher WS was 46.4%. Among other risk factors, there was a significant association between WS and obesity (odds ratio (OR): 3.93; 95% CI: 2.83–5.44; p < 0.001), waterpipe smoking (OR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.20–2.69; p < 0.001), bariatric surgery (OR: 2.07; 95% CI: 1.53–2.81; p < 0.001), and risk of depression (OR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.36–2.09; p < 0.001). Conclusion: This was the first study to explore WS and its associated factors among adults in a community setting in Saudi Arabia. This study revealed some risk factors associated with WS that may help to identify people at risk of WS and to develop interventions to reduce WS, such as improving nutritional knowledge, correcting the ideas about bariatric surgery and obesity in general, and ceasing waterpipe smoking.

Suicidal Ideation Among Medical Students in Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Crisis ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Mohammed Madadin ◽  
Ritesh G. Menezes ◽  
Maha A. Alassaf ◽  
Abdulaziz M. Almulhim ◽  
Mahdi S. Abumadini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Eastern Province ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Past ◽  
Depression Subscale ◽  
History Of

Abstract. Background: Medical students are at high risk of suicidal ideation. Aim: We aimed to obtain information on suicidal ideation among medical students in Dammam located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the College of Medicine affiliated with Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Suicidal ideation in the past 12 months was assessed based on responses to four questions in the depression subscale of the General Health Questionnaire 28 (GHQ-28). In addition, data were collected to examine the association of suicidal ideation with various factors. Results: We found that 1 in 3 medical students in the study had suicidal ideation in the past 12 months, while around 40% had lifetime suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation was associated with feelings of parental neglect, history of physical abuse, and dissatisfaction with academic performance. Limitations: The cross-sectional nature of this study limits its ability to determine causality regarding suicidal ideation. Conclusion: These rates are considerably high when compared with rates from studies in other countries around the world. This study provides a reference in the field of suicidology for this region of Saudi Arabia.

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