Using a One Health Case-Based Investigation for Improved Control of Brucellosis in Isiolo, Kenya

Brucella is a highly pathogenic bacteria endemic in Kenya, and in spite of its severity in humans, the highly inadequate Febrile Antigen Brucella Agglutination Test (FBAT) remains a primary tool for its diagnosis. Blood samples were collected from febrile patients in Kinna health center and screened by the local routine. Milk samples were purchased from local milk hawkers and analyzed for Brucella antibodies using the milk ring test (MRT). The MRT-positive milk was traced to farms, and lactating cattle were sampled for milk and blood. Milk was MRT-tested and the serum was analyzed using the Rose Bengal test (RBT) and iELISA. Available patient and farm samples were stored on FTA cards for qPCR analyses. Despite a limited sample size, our study, in line with previous reports, shows a low diagnostic sensitivity (67%) and specificity (40%) of FBAT when compared to qPCR. As many as 48% of the raw bulk cattle milk samples were MRT-positive for Brucella antibodies and 60% of cattle on three visited farms were IS711 qPCR-positive. This case-based One Health investigation confirms the suspected Brucella presence, suggesting a targeted vaccination at high-prevalence farms, urgent interventions on milk safety, and a re-evaluation of the diagnostic and treatment regimen.

A Novel Evidence of Immunological and Molecular Detection of Brucella Species in Camels

Objectives: Brucellosis is a zoonosis with severe complications for both humans and animals. In this work, we intended to examine the Brucella infection in dromedary camels in Qatar by using different analysis. Materials and Methods: A total of 203 samples of dromedary camels were randomly collected from the nearby farms in Qatar. Real-time PCR for the genus specific Brucella cell surface salt extractable bcsp31 kDa protein gene were performed on DNA extracted from camel samples. Rose Bengal and rivenol tests were performed to detect the Brucella species. The milk samples were collected from the camels and utilized for the milk ring test. Results: The outcomes of RT-PCR analysis illustrate the presence of Brucella spp. in 170 samples (83.74%) out of 203 samples. The findings of immunological assays also proved the presence of Brucella spp. such as Rose Bengal (67.14%), ELISA (71.42%), and precipitation assay (65.71) in both serum and blood samples of the dromedary camels, which were collected from the Qatar. Conclusions: In conclusion, it was clear that the incidence of the brucellosis in camels is significantly rising in Qatar region and there is a need to control the spread of the disease from camels to camels as well as from camels to humans.

Bacteriological investigation of sheep and goats milk for brucellosis in government farms in Northern Nigeria

Bacteriological investigations of sheep and goats brucellosis were carried out in Northern Nigeria. Seven government or quasi-government farms were investigated. A total of 418 sheep and goats milk samples were examined culturally. Investigation revealed a 34.75 percent and 15.88 percent rate of infection in goats and sheep by milk ring test. Of 277 sheep and 141 goats milk samples examined culturally brucellae were isolated from four sheep and six goats giving a total of ten isolates. Biochemical and serological studies of the isolates revealed that they were Br. melitensis indicating Br. melitensis as probably the common cause of brucellosis in sleep and goals in the areas surveyed. The results show that there was greater chance of isolating Brucella from milk which were strongly positive than from those which were weakly positive. The economic importance and public health significance of brucellosis in sheep and goats are discussed.

Seroprevalence and molecular diagnosis of sheep brucellosis in Dakahlia governorate, Egypt

Brucellosis is an endemic disease among livestock and humans in Egypt. Sheep are the most common type of livestock ruminant in Egypt and considered the fundamental etiology for spreading and maintaining B. melitensis either in human being or animal populations. In the current study, we investigated the seroprevalence of brucellosis in sheep herds reared in Bilqase, one of the biggest cities at Dakahlia governorate in Egypt's Delta region. In total, 610 sheep from seven herds were investigated. Anti-Brucella antibodies were detected in 48 (7.8%) samples tested by Buffered Acidified Plate Antigen Test (BAPAT), in 44 (7.2%) samples tested by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and in 41 (6.7%) samples tested by Milk Ring Test (MRT). The isolation rate was 29.6% (16 out of 54 examined samples). Brucella organism was isolated from three aborted fetuses, one tissue sample of slaughtered serologically positive ewe and 12 milk samples. The Abortus Melitensis Ovis Suis-PCR (AMOS-PCR) confirmed all Brucella strains as B. melitensis. More than three successive negative serological tests are required to declare that the infected herd is free from brucellosis. In conclusion, no single serological test could conclusively diagnose brucellosis in endemic areas. Confirmation of results with molecular diagnosis or culture is indispensable in diagnosis. B. melitensis was the prevalent serotype among sheep in Dakahlia governorate

Seroprevalence of Brucella infection in small ruminants from two institutional farms and a slaughter slab in Zaria, Nigeria

Brucellosis has continued to become a disease of major economic concern in developing countries. In a study to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, 1036 samples comprising 768 goats from institutional farms (n=384) and a slaughter slab (n=384), and 268 sheep all from institutional farms were used. The sera samples obtained from the animals were subjected to the Modified Rose Bengal Plate Test (m-RBPT) followed by Serum Agglutination Test with ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (SAT-EDTA) for Brucella antibodies detection. Milk samples were collected from lactating sheep and goats and subjected to the Milk Ring Test (MRT) for detection of Brucella antibodies. Results of the study revealed an overall seroprevalence rate of 6.37%, 8.90% and 12.96% for m-RBPT, SAT-EDTA and MRT, respectively. The seroprevalence in sheep and goats showed significant species difference (P < 0.05) for m-RBPT (10.05% vs 5.08%), but insignificant (P > 0.05) species difference for SAT-EDTA (9.33% vs 8.72%) and MRT (15.00% vs 11.76%) respectively. The seroprevalence in males and females showed insignificant sex difference (P > 0.05) for m-RBPT (6.59% vs 6.21%) and SAT-EDTA (7.76% vs 9.66%). On the other hand, the seroprevalence was higher in young (< 1 year old) than adult (> 1 year old) animals for SAT-EDTA (15.32% vs 8.11%). The seroprevalence in Red Sokoto, Sahel and West African Dwarf goats showed significant breed difference (P < 0.05) for m-RBPT (4.59% vs 5.55% vs 8.33%) and SAT-EDTA (6.80% vs 16.67% vs 12.50%). It was concluded that the seroprevalence of brucellosis was higher in sheep, Sahel goats and younger animals. To understand the pattern and dynamics of transmission of brucellosis in different groups of animals, there is the need for further studies to identify the Brucella species circulating in small ruminants. Keywords: Antibodies, Brucellosis, m-RBPT, SAT-EDTA, Small ruminants

INVESTIGATION OF BRUCELLA TYPE BACTERIA IN MILK FROM TOKAT PROVINCE VILLAGES

Brucellosis is one of the most common zoonotic diseases caused by Brucella. The disease is located genital organs in the females of mammals such as cattle, sheep, goats, dogs and pigs and cause to infertility, mastitis, preterm birth, placenta retention and metritis; in men it causes orchitis (gonorrhea inflammation). The bacteria can also spread from animals to humans and cause disease in humans. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Brucellosis in milk collected from villages of Tokat province and districts. For this purpose, 161 cows, 58 sheep and 33 goat milk samples were investigated by Brucellosis agent with Milk Ring Test (MRT) and direct sowing method. At the end of the study, 24 of 161 cow's milk, 20 of 58 sheep's milk and 5 of 33 goat's milk were found to be positive by MRT. Of the 252 raw milk samples, 49 (n = 19.41%) were positive for MRT. Brucella melitensis biotype 3 were isolated from the 2 milk samples after the culturing from 49 samples with positive MRT. It was determined that 2 milk samples isolated from Brucea belong to 2 different sheep from the same herd. Thus, Brucella was isolated in 0.79% of all studied samples, 4.08% of MRT positive samples and 3.45% of sheep milk samples. As a result of our first study with milk collected from the villages and towns of Tokat province and districts, 19.41% of the samples were positive for MRT and 0.79% of the samples were isolated by direct planting method. Thus, in this study, it was determined that there is a certain amount of Bruceila agent in Tokat province and its districts and it shows that dairy products may pose a risk for Brucellosis.

Prevalence of Caprine brucellosis in Anhui province, China

Background and Aim: Brucellosis is one of the most widespread zoonotic diseases globally. Studies indicated the existence of Brucella infection in goats in some province of China. Thus this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of brucellosis in goats of Anhui Province, China. Materials and Methods: Serum and milk samples obtained from goats in different regions of Anhui province were studied through rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), serum agglutination test (SAT), milk ring test (MRT), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: The investigation frequency of brucellosis using RBPT, SAT, MRT, and PCR methods was 3.9% (n=7), 4.45% (n=8), 11.67% (n=7), and 86.67% (n=156), respectively. The prevalence recorded for brucellosis in sex-wise animals as in females 5.55%, 6.67%, 11.67%, and 78.8% through above methods, while in males, it was 2.23% and 2.23% by RBPT and SAT. However, in age-wise animals, the results 6.36%, 7.27%, 11.67%, and 74.5% were perceived positive by RBPT, SAT, MRT, and PCR in adult females, respectively, but young males and females (up to 9 months) were considered free from brucellosis. Conclusion: These results show that prevalence of brucellosis was relatively higher in females than male's goats and SAT was relatively specific and accurate as compared to RBPT and MRT, but for diagnosis of brucellosis, molecular method (PCR) is recommended.

Seroprevalence and Molecular Epidemiosurveillance of Brucellosis in Pakistan

ObjectiveTo detect the presence of brucella in serum samples of occupationally exposed human and animals by conventional screening methods.To perform epidemiosurvelliance of brucella molecular based tests including genus and species specific PCR.To check the brucella prevalence in occupationally exposed human.IntroductionLivestock sector contributes more than 58% to agriculture-based economy of Pakistan. Diseases of socio-economic importance are posing an enormous pressure to the growth of this sector. Zoonotic diseases are generally neglected in wake of epizootics having epidemic potential. One Health is a multi-sectoral approach to control zoonotic diseases at animal level to mitigate risk of transfer to the humans and environment. Despite various control programs, zoonosis is known to cause public health emergencies at various regional and national levels. OIE declared brucellosis as a model bacterial disease to control zoonosis in developing countries. Genus Brucella is expanding with its discovery in various amphibian species and marine mammals and demands control efforts at various levels. Reporting of zoonosis is less than actual prevalence in third world countries like Pakistan where disease is considered endemic but no official data is available. In this study, brucellosis was used as a model disease to emphasize the significance of One Health.MethodsIn total, 183 occupationally exposed human and 324 animal blood samples were collected from five different geographical areas of Punjab and one region from KP. For detection of brucells, rose bangal plate test (RBPT) and cELISA were carried out on serum samples. For molecular epidemiosurveillance genus specific PCR BCSP31 and specie specific PCR IS711 were conducted. Fifty-seven milk samples as environmental samples were aslo collected. For the testing of milk for the detection of brucella, Milk Ring Test (MRT) was applied.ResultsSerologically in animals 26(8%) samples were found positive by RBPT & 31(9%) by cELISA. Disease was detected in 42(13%) & 59(18%) samples by applying molecular methods using genus specific PCR BCSP31 & specie specific PCR IS711. Disease was recorded in humans as 16(8%), 24(13%), 33(18%), 56(30%) by RBPT, cELISA, PCR BCSP31 & PCR IS711, respectively. Out of 57 milk samples collected from different areas were tested by Milk Ring Test (MRT) & 12(21%) samples were found positive.ConclusionsIt is a significant finding that raw milk is a constant source of disease exposure to farmers, milking men and general users. Disease prevalence was more in people associated with milking activities possibly due to use of raw milk. This study validate the prevalence of brucellosis in Pakistan with significant presence of disease in occupationally exposed individuals emphasizing the close collaboration between veterinary and human health sectors. This study will broaden our knowledge of disease prevalence and epidemiology in Pakistan. The data produced from this study will help in future control and eradication of this important zoonosis using one health approach.