Monday 16 October 2017

Organizational leadership perspectives in implementation of the One Health approach: A case of the Zoonotic Disease Unit and core One Health implementers in Kenya

Research (Published online: 17-10-2017)
10. Organizational leadership perspectives in implementation of the One Health approach: A case of the Zoonotic Disease Unit and core One Health implementers in Kenya - Thomas Manyibe Nyariki, Mathew Muturi, Athman Mwatondo, Michael Cheruiyot, Harry Oyas, Vincent Obanda, Francis Gakuya, Rees Murithi Mbabu and Mercy Muthoni Mugambi

International Journal of One Health, 3: 57-65


  doi: 10.14202/IJOH.2017.57-65

Abstract

Aim:
This study examined organizational leadership as a cross-sectoral collaboration factor in the implementation of the One Health (OH) approach using Kenya’s Zoonotic Disease Unit and its core OH implementers as an example.

Materials and Method:

The study used a mixed methods research design. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 71 respondents, and key informants were interviewed using an interview guide. All the seven key informants and 53 (74%) of the respondents participated in the study. Data were checked for consistency, coded, entered into the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, and analyzed using descriptive and correlational statistics. Interview data were transcribed and analyzed thematically.


Results:
From the analysis, 41/53 (77.2%) of the respondents were senior personnel, 51/53 (85%) of them had worked for 5 years and above in their organizations, and 38/53 (71.7%) had at least a Master’s degree. The study established that although most leaders in the organizations had embraced the OH approach, they were not actively involved in its implementation due to constraints such as inadequate funding. There were moderate and statistically significant positive correlations between participation in leadership roles in implementing the OH approach and the level of awareness (Rs (51)=0.54, p<0.001) as well as level of sensitization (Rs (51)=0.52, p<0.001). Majority (86%) of respondents acknowledged that top government leaders were not well sensitized about the OH approach.

Conclusion:

Organizational leadership plays an important role in the implementation of the OH approach. However, sensitization of leaders about the OH approach needs to be enhanced and expanded.

Keywords:

cross-sectoral collaboration, One Health approach, organizational leadership, sensitization.

Sunday 15 October 2017

Occurrence of virulent and antibiotic-resistant Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in some food products and human stool in Egypt

Research (Published online: 15-10-2017)
12. Occurrence of virulent and antibiotic-resistant Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in some food products and human stool in Egypt
Osman Mohamed Hamed, Maha Ahmed Sabry, Nawal A. Hassanain, Eman Hamza, Ahmed G. Hegazi and Marwa Badawy Salman
Veterinary World, 10(10): 1233-1240
ABSTRACT
Aim: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) represent a severe public health issue worldwide, causing life-threatening diseases in the human gastrointestinal tract. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of virulent and antibiotic-resistant STEC in retail meat and milk products and human stool samples and to characterize the genes encoding for virulence and antibiotic resistance among the identified STEC isolates.
Materials and Methods: A total of 260 food samples were randomly collected from retail markets in different localities of El Giza Governorate, Egypt. 50 stool specimens were obtained from children that had diarrhea at Embaba Fever Hospital. All collected samples were initially subjected to bacteriological examination and serotyping, and then subsequently, the isolates were exposed to polymerase chain reaction application and sequencing for the identification of the virulence-related genes. Finally, the virulent STEC isolates were tested for antibiotic susceptibility.
Results: Serotyping of the 76 biochemically identified isolates showed that 18 were STEC with a predominance of non- O157 (16) while 2 O157:K-serotype was detected only in one food and one human isolate. Molecular identification of the virulence genes illustrated that the minced meat showed the highest prevalence of STEC (8%) as compared to the other food products. In the humans, the O157 was the only serotype that expresses the Shiga toxin-associated gene (eaeA). Antibiotic susceptibility test displayed that 13 of the 17 food and human isolates (76.47%) were resistant to cephalothin (KF30). 9 of the 13 cephalothin-resistant isolates harbor the β lactamase (blaTEM)-resistant gene. All isolates were sensitive to chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, amikacin, and gentamicin. DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the stx2-positive minced meat isolate revealed a high genetic relatedness with beef minced meat from the USA and Australia.
Conclusion: This study showed the predominance of non-O157 among the identified isolates. Minced meat showed the highest prevalence of STEC as compared to the other food products, and this work illustrates the necessity to consider the food products as a potential source of the non-O157 STEC serotypes. DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed a high genetic relatedness with beef minced meat from the USA and Australia. This highlights the high probability of worldwide spread of such serotypes, signifying the importance of the one world concept.
Keywords: antibiotic resistance bacteria, cheese, DNA sequencing, human stool, meat, polymerase chain reaction, serotyping, shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli.

Saturday 14 October 2017

Clinicopathological alterations in naturally occurring Babesia gibsoni infection in dogs of Middle-South Gujarat, India

Research (Published online: 14-10-2017)
11. Clinicopathological alterations in naturally occurring Babesia gibsoni infection in dogs of Middle-South Gujarat, India
Avinash K. Bilwal, Ghanshyam C. Mandali and Falguni B. Tandel
Veterinary World, 10(10): 1227-1232

ABSTRACT
Aim: The present research work was undertaken to describe various clinical signs and hematobiochemical alterations in dogs affected with Babesia gibsoni.

Materials and Methods: Blood smears from a total of 79 suspected dogs of Anand region as well as Surat region of Gujarat state (India) were screened for detection of intraerythrocytic piroplasm of small form of Babesia. Diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical signs and demonstration of B. gibsoni organism in Giemsa-stained thin blood smears. The clinical signs were recorded at the time of presentation, and blood samples were subjected to estimation of hematobiochemical parameters by auto hematology analyzers at College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anand. Statistical analysis, interpretation, and comparison of hematobiochemical changes with scientific literature were carried out to understand the pathophysiology of the disease.

Results: Out of 79 dogs, 16 were positive for naturally occurring babesiosis based on the presence of intraerythrocytic piroplasm of small form of Babesia in blood smears. The clinical cases were manifested by wide variety of non-specific clinical signs. The hematological evaluation revealed that the mean values of hemoglobin and total erythrocyte counts in dogs with babesiosis decreased significantly (p<0.01) in comparison to healthy dogs. Among differential leukocyte count, mean values of neutrophils and eosinophils increased while lymphocytes decreased (p<0.01) in dogs with babesiosis in comparison to healthy dogs. Serum biochemistry revealed increase (p<0.01) value of alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and globulin as well as decrease in albumin levels (p<0.05) in dogs with babesiosis as compared to healthy dogs.

Conclusion: B. gibsoni is having multisystemic effects with atypical hematobiochemical changes in dog are discussed here, which would aid new insights in diagnosis of disease.

Keywords: babesiosis, clinicopathological changes, dogs, intraerythrocytic piroplasm.

Thursday 12 October 2017

West African donkey's liveweight estimation using body measurements

Research (Published online: 12-10-2017)
10. West African donkey's liveweight estimation using body measurements
Pierre Claver Nininahazwe, Adama Sow, Rakiswende Constant Roamba, Miguiri Kalandi, Hachi Dirir Ahmed, Georges Anicet Ouedraogo and Germain Jerome Sawadogo
Veterinary World, 10(10): 1221-1226
ABSTRACT
Aim: The objective of this study was to determine a formula for estimating the liveweight in West African donkeys.
Materials and Methods: Liveweight and a total of 6 body measurements were carried out on 1352 donkeys from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Senegal. The correlations between liveweight and body measurements were determined, and the most correlated body measurements with liveweight were used to establish regression lines.
Results: The average weight of a West African donkey was 126.0±17.1 kg, with an average height at the withers of 99.5±3.67 cm; its body length was 104.4±6.53 cm, and a heart girth (HG) of 104.4±6.53 cm. After analyzing the various regression lines and correlations, it was found that the HG could better estimate the liveweight of West African donkeys by simple linear regression method. Indeed, the liveweight (LW) showed a better correlation with the HG (R2=0.81). The following formulas (Equations 1 and 2) could be used to estimate the LW of West Africa donkeys. Equation 1: Estimated LW (kg) = 2.55 x HG (cm) - 153.49; Equation 2: Estimated LW (kg) = Heart girth (cm)2.68 / 2312.44.
Conclusion: The above formulas could be used to manufacture weighing tape to be utilized by veterinary clinicians and farmers to estimate donkey's weight in the view of medication and adjustment of load.
Keywords: body measurements, donkey, estimated liveweight, West Africa.

Wednesday 11 October 2017

Protective efficacy of combined trivalent inactivated ISA 71 oil adjuvant vaccine against avian influenza virus subtypes (H9N2 and H5N1) and Newcastle disease virus

Research (Published online: 11-10-2017)
9. Protective efficacy of combined trivalent inactivated ISA 71 oil adjuvant vaccine against avian influenza virus subtypes (H9N2 and H5N1) and Newcastle disease virus
Zeinab Mohamed Ali, Mervat Abd El Monaem Hassan, Hussein Ali Hussein, Basem Mohamed Ahmed and Ahmed Abd El-Ghany El Sanousi
Veterinary World, 10(10): 1212-1220
ABSTRACT
Aim: The objective of the present study was to prepare a trivalent inactivated vaccine of Newcastle disease virus (NDV), H5N1, and H9N2 viruses.
Materials and Methods: Three monovalent and a trivalent vaccines were prepared by emulsifying inactivated NDV (LaSota strain), reassortant H5N1, and H9N2 viruses with Montanide ISA 71 oil adjuvant. Parameters used for evaluation of the efficacy of the prepared vaccines in specific pathogen-free chickens were cellular immunity assays (blastogenesis, interferon gamma, interleukin 1 [IL1], and IL6), humoral immunity by hemagglutination inhibition, protection percentage, and shedding.
Results: A single immunization with trivalent vaccine-enhanced cell-mediated immunity as well as humoral immune response with 90% protection against challenges with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 and low pathogenic (LP) avian influenza H9N2 viruses with 100% protection after challenge with NDV.
Conclusion: Development and evaluation of the trivalent vaccine in the study reported the success in preparation of a potent and efficacious trivalent vaccine which is a promising approach for controlling HPAI H5N1, LP H9N2, and ND viral infections.
Keywords: avian influenza, immunization, Newcastle disease virus, shedding, trivalent vaccine.

Monday 9 October 2017

Polymerase chain reaction detection of genes responsible for multiple antibiotic resistance Staphylococcus aureus isolated from food of animal origin in Egypt

Research (Published online: 09-10-2017)
8. Polymerase chain reaction detection of genes responsible for multiple antibiotic resistance Staphylococcus aureus isolated from food of animal origin in Egypt
Fawzy R. El Seedy, A. A. Samy, Hala S. H. Salam, Eman A. Khairy and Aya A. Koraney
Veterinary World, 10(10): 1205-1211
ABSTRACT
Aim: The aim of our study was polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of the genes responsible for the multiple antibiotic resistance S. aureus isolated from food of animal origin in Egypt.
Materials and Methods: A total of 125 samples were randomly collected from milk, meat, and their products from Giza and Beni-Suef Governorates markets. The S. aureus isolates were subjected to antimicrobial sensitivity tests using four antibacterial disks (Oxoid), and then the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for detection of antibiotic resistance genes.
Results: Out of 125 samples, 19 S. aureus isolates were detected. All detected isolates were multiple drug resistance (MDR). The penicillin-, erythromycin-, kanamycin-, and tetracycline-resistant isolates were examined by PCR for resistance genes blaZ, (msrAermB, and ermC), aac(6')aph (2''), and tetK. The isolates harbored these resistance genes with percentage of 100% (100%, 0%, and 100%), 62.5%, and 100%, respectively.
Conclusion: Contaminated foods of animal origin may represent a source of MDR S. aureus that can be a major threat to public health.
Keywords: food of animal origin, multiple antibiotic resistance, polymerase chain reaction, resistance genes, Staphylococcus aureus.

Sunday 8 October 2017

Public health concerns of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 endemicity in Africa

Review (Published online: 08-10-2017)
7. Public health concerns of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 endemicity in Africa
Olubunmi Gabriel Fasanmi, Ismail Ayoade Odetokun, Fatima Adeola Balogun and Folorunso Oludayo Fasina
Veterinary World, 10(10): 1194-1204
ABSTRACT
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N1 was first officially reported in Africa in 2006; thereafter this virus has spread rapidly from Nigeria to 11 other African countries. This study was aimed at utilizing data from confirmed laboratory reports to carry out a qualitative evaluation of the factors responsible for HPAI H5N1 persistence in Africa and the public health implications; and to suggest appropriate control measures. Relevant publications were sought from data banks and repositories of FAO, OIE, WHO, and Google scholars. Substantiated data on HPAI H5N1 outbreaks in poultry in Africa and in humans across the world were mined. HPAI H5N1 affects poultry and human populations, with Egypt having highest human cases (346) globally. Nigeria had a reinfection from 2014 to 2015, with outbreaks in Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso throughout 2016 unabated. The persistence of this virus in Africa is attributed to the survivability of HPAIV, ability to evolve other subtypes through genetic reassortment, poor biosecurity compliance at the live bird markets and poultry farms, husbandry methods and multispecies livestock farming, poultry vaccinations, and continuous shedding of HPAIV, transboundary transmission of HPAIV through poultry trades; and transcontinental migratory birds. There is, therefore, the need for African nations to realistically reassess their status, through regular surveillance and be transparent with HPAI H5N1 outbreak data. Also, it is important to have an understanding of HPAIV migration dynamics which will be helpful in epidemiological modeling, disease prevention, control and eradication measures.
Keywords: Africa, highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1, public health implications.