Sero-epidemiological study on Dengue fever virus in humans and camels at Upper Egypt

Research (Published online: 10-12-2020)

6. Sero-epidemiological study on Dengue fever virus in humans and camels at Upper Egypt

Mostafa Osman Hussen, Amal S. M. Sayed and Mostafa F. N. Abushahba

Veterinary World, 13(12): 2618-2624

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Dengue fever (DF) is an important mosquito-borne viral zoonosis affecting over 100 countries worldwide and putting about 3.9 billion people at risk of infection. The disease has re-emerged in Egypt since 2011; however, there is a paucity of recent epidemiological data available. Therefore, in this study, we employed a cross-sectional study to determine DF prevalence in humans and camels in Asyut and Sohag Governorates, Egypt, during 2019.

Materials and Methods: A total of 91 humans and a similar number of dromedary camels were utilized in this study. Sera were obtained and analyzed for the presence of specific antibodies against DF virus using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Related epidemiological data affecting the disease spread in humans and camels were recorded and statistically analyzed.

Results: The seroprevalence of DF in humans and camels was 12.09% and 3.3%, respectively. The disease varied significantly by the species examined as humans were found to be at a higher risk of acquiring the infection compared to camels. Nearly equal odds of exposure (odds ratio [OR]) were seen in the individuals with close contact with camels compared to those without; however, individuals exposed to mosquitoes were at approximately 3 times higher risk of infection (OR=2.95 [95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73-11.93]) compared to individuals who were not exposed to mosquitoes (OR=0.033 [95% CI, 0.084-1.37]). Interestingly, DF seropositivity in camels was significantly related to the presence or absence of symptoms within 2 weeks before sampling (p=0.02) where symptomatic animals had higher odds of exposure (OR=19.51 [95%, 0.97- 392.3]) compared to asymptomatic ones (OR=0.05 [95%, 0.002-1.03]).

Conclusion: The current study reports the presence of specific antibodies against dengue virus (DENV) in humans residing within Asyut and Sohag Governorates, Egypt. Furthermore, it provides the first serological evidence of DENV circulation in camels which is alarming. A more comprehensive study is needed; however, this baseline investigation underscores the urgent need for increasing awareness among people residing in the area as well as application of the appropriate mosquito control measures to avoid further spread of the disease.

Keywords: camel, dengue virus, Egypt, prevalence, zoonosis.

Prevalence of foot disorders in lactating Jersey cows raised in semi-confinement

Research (Published online: 09-12-2020)

5. Prevalence of foot disorders in lactating Jersey cows raised in semi-confinement

B. F. Matias, L. F. C. Cunha Filho, F. C. A. Rego, J. V. P. Barreto, L. S. L. S. Reis, A. T. Z. Queiroz and G. R. Queiroz

Veterinary World, 13(12): 2612-2617

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: To establish prevention strategies, recording the prevalence of foot injuries within a herd should be the starting point in determining the risk factors involved in digital diseases. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of claw disorders in lactating Jersey cows raised in a semi-confinement system.

Materials and Methods: Five hundred and eighty-four digits were examined from 73 lactating Jersey cows. The lameness score system was used to assess each cow while walking and on standing position, and digital lesions were evaluated with the cows restrained in a hydraulic cattle chute.

Results: The prevalence of digital lesions was 93.1%. Among the 68 affected cows, only 21 were lame. Of the 584 digits examined, 970 lesions were recorded, corresponding to 13.3% lesions per cow and 1.66% injuries per digit. Forty-eight cows (65.7%) had lesions in all digits, and 92.8% of digits had at least one lesion. Lesions in digits of fore limbs were more common (55.3%) (p<0.0001) than those of hind limbs (44.7%). Foot injuries in medial digits of the fore limbs were more prevalent (56.8%) (p<0.001) than in the lateral digits (43.2%). The lesions' occurrence was similar in both medial and lateral digits of the hind limbs (p=0.8347). The primary diseases observed were heel horn erosion (53.8%), white line disease (19.3%), and double sole (12.4%), which together accounted for 92.4% and 84.9% of foot disorders diagnosed in the fore and hind limbs, respectively. Other digital diseases occurred less frequently.

Conclusion: The prevalence of foot disorders in lactating Jersey cows raised in semi-confinement systems was high. This could be due to the lack of preventive trimming, infectious diseases, and nutritional problems.

Keywords: dairy cow, digital disease, lameness.

Factors affecting conception rate after the first artificial insemination in a private dairy cattle farm in North Algeria

Research (Published online: 09-12-2020)

4. Factors affecting conception rate after the first artificial insemination in a private dairy cattle farm in North Algeria

Samir Souames and Zahra Berrama

Veterinary World, 13(12): 2608-2611

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study analyzed risk factors influencing the conception rate at the first artificial insemination (CR1) in dairy cows reared in the plain of Mitidja, which is considered a major dairy region in North Algeria.

Materials and Methods: A total of 1054 lactations were used in the relational study of fertility conducted using the multivariable logistic regression model using the odds ratio (OR).

Results: The breeding season had a specific effect on fertility; the first service was often followed by pregnancy when performed during autumn (AUT) (OR=1.67, p<0.05) and spring (SPR) (OR=1.65, p<0.05). The chances of obtaining conception during the first service increased significantly for a waiting period (WP) (interval between calving and time to first service) of 50-100 days postpartum (DPP) (OR=1.67, p<0.05).

Conclusion: From this study, it can be concluded that no specific effect was observed relative to the breed and parity. Furthermore, CR1 significantly increased after summer calving when the first services were performed during SPR and AUT and a WP after 50 DPP.

Keywords: artificial insemination, calving to conception interval, conception rate, dairy cow, season, waiting period.

Epidemiology and antibiogram of common mastitis-causing bacteria in Beetal goats

Research (Published online: 08-12-2020)

3. Epidemiology and antibiogram of common mastitis-causing bacteria in Beetal goats

Abdul Jabbar, Muhammad Hassan Saleem, Muhammad Zahid Iqbal, Muhammad Qasim, Muhammad Ashraf, Mahmoud M. Tolba, Hebatallah Ahmed Nasser, Hira Sajjad, Ayesha Hassan, Muhammad Imran and Imtiaz Ahmad

Veterinary World, 13(12): 2596-2607

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Mastitis has been identified as the most prevalent and economically imperative disease among dairy animals. Thus, understanding its common bacterial pathogens and risk factors is necessary to improve udder health at herd, region, or country level. However, scientific research on caprine mastitis, especially on Beetal breed, has remained to be insufficient in Pakistan. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology and antibiogram assay of common mastitis-causing bacterial agents, that is, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Escherichia coli, in dairy goats.

Materials and Methods: In total, 500 Beetal goats, irrespective of age and those that were not treated with any kind of antimicrobial agents during the past 120 h, were screened using California Mastitis Test in Pattoki, Kasur District, whereas epidemiological factors were recorded. The milk samples of mastitic goats were then collected and processed using standard methods. Each sample was primarily cultured on nutrient agar. Using a specific medium, each bacterial colony was separated using several streak methods. Six antibiotic disks belonging to different antibiotic groups were used for antibiogram profiling of bacterial isolates. Chi-square test was used to assess the association of baseline characteristics and mastitis occurrence. Meanwhile, multivariable logistic regression (p<0.001) was utilized to determine the risk factors associated with positive and negative dichotomous outcome of mastitis.

Results: The results revealed that the overall prevalence of goat mastitis was 309 (61.8%), in which 260 (52%) and 49 (9.8%) cases were positive for subclinical mastitis (SCM) and clinical mastitis (CM), respectively. Streptococcus and E. coli were found to be the predominant isolates causing SCM and CM, respectively (p<0.001). It was observed that amoxicillin+clavulanic acid was highly sensitive to isolates of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus and ceftiofur sodium to isolates of Streptococcus and E. coli, while enrofloxacin was found to be sensitive to isolates of Streptococcus and E. coli. Risk factors such as herd structure, deworming, vaccination, presence of ticks, use of teat dip and mineral supplements, feeding type, age, parity, housing, blood in the milk, milk leakage, milk taste, and milk yield were found to have the strongest association with mastitis occurrence, while ease of milking has moderate association.

Conclusion: In the area examined, cases of SCM were found to be higher compared with that of CM, and ceftiofur sodium has been identified as the preferred treatment in both clinical and subclinical forms of caprine mastitis in Beetal goats. Risk factors for mastitis that was identified in this study can form the basis for the creation of an udder health control program specific for dairy goats. We hope our findings could raise awareness of the risk factors and treatment approaches for common mastitis-causing bacterial agents.

Keywords: antibiotic disks, Beetal goats, common bacteria, epidemiology, isolates, mastitis, Pattoki.

Development of recombinant nucleocapsid protein-based indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for sero-survey of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome

Research (Published online: 05-12-2020)

2. Development of recombinant nucleocapsid protein-based indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for sero-survey of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome

S. Phani Kashyap, Jagadish Hiremath, S. Vinutha, Sharanagouda S. Patil, Kuralayanapalya P. Suresh, Parimal Roy and Divakar Hemadri

Veterinary World, 13(12): 2587-2595

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a disease endemic in many countries and is of economic importance. India was free from PRRS until the first outbreak was reported from a North-East Indian state in 2013. Since then, disease outbreaks have been reported from North-East India and the pilot study conducted earlier showed that it is gradually spreading to the rest of India. Considering there are no locally developed population screening tests available for PRRS and imported diagnostic/screening tests are expensive, the present study was aimed at developing recombinant nucleocapsid (rN) protein-based indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA).

Materials and Methods: The rN protein of PRRS virus (PRRSV) was produced following standard cloning, expression, and purification procedures. Using this antigen, iELISA was optimized for the detection of serum antibodies to PRRSV. The sensitivity and specificity of the test were assessed by comparing it with a commercial PRRSV antibody detection kit.

Results: A total of 745 serum samples from ten different states of India were screened using the developed iELISA. The iELISA had a relative specificity of 76.18% and sensitivity of 82.61% compared to the commercial ELISA (Priocheck PRRSV ELISA kit, Thermo Fisher Scientific, USA).

Conclusion: The iELISA, which deployed rN protein from Indian PRRSV, was found to be suitable in the serological survey and may be a useful tool in future disease surveillance programs.

Keywords: indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, nucleocapsid protein, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, sensitivity, specificity.

High prevalence of Coxiella burnetii infection in humans and livestock in Assiut, Egypt: A serological and molecular survey

Research (Published online: 05-12-2020)

1. High prevalence of Coxiella burnetii infection in humans and livestock in Assiut, Egypt: A serological and molecular survey

Hypy Abbass, Salah Abdel Kareem Selim, Mona M. Sobhy, Mohamed A. El-Mokhtar, Mahmoud Elhariri and Hanan H. Abd-Elhafeez

Veterinary World, 13(12): 2578-2586

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Q fever is considered a neglected zoonotic disease and is caused by Coxiella burnetii. Very little information is available on C. burnetii infections in cattle, sheep, and goat populations in Egypt. The aim of this study was to identify the seroprevalence of C. burnetii in humans and livestock and to test for the presence of C. burnetii DNA in sera from seropositive animals and humans.

Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 160 apparently healthy farm animals and 120 patients from three hospitals of the Assiut Governorate throughout 2017/2018. These populations were tested for antibodies against C. burnetii phase II antigen by immunofluorescence assay [IFA]) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Seropositive samples were subjected to real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).

Results: The results of the IFA revealed C. burnetii seroprevalence rates of 45.3%, 56.0%, 45.7%, and 53.3% in cattle, sheep, goats, and humans, respectively. In humans, the seroprevalence rates were 52.1%, 30.4%, 37.5%, 74.1%, and 62.5% in patients with fever of unknown origin, influenza, kidney dialysis, hepatitis C virus, and hepatitis B virus, respectively. Likewise, by ELISA, the seroprevalence in bovine was 50.7%; sheep, 60.0%; goats, 51.4%; and humans, 55.0% (54.3%, 30.4%, 37.5%, 77.8%, and 62.5% in patients with fever of unknown origin, influenza, kidney dialysis, hepatitis C virus, and hepatitis B virus, respectively). RT-qPCR targeting the repetitive element IS1111 confirmed the presence of C. burnetii DNA.

Conclusion: These results proved that apparently healthy cattle, sheep, and goats may be very important reservoirs of C. burnetii infection. In light of these data, the effect of Q fever on the replication of hepatitis virus remains unclear. Although hepatitis is one of the main aspects of acute Q fever, the influence of hepatitis on Q fever remains to be investigated. Q fever is not a reportable disease in Egypt, and clinical cases may rarely be recognized by the health-care system. Additional information on the epidemiology of C. burnetii in Egypt is warranted, including other associated problems such as the distribution of infections, pathologic hallmarks, and molecular typing.

Keywords: apparently healthy farm animals and humans, Coxiella burnetii, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, hepatitis C and B, immunofluorescence assay, Q fever, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

India to envision One Health movement for confronting emerging health threats: From concept to approach toward institutionalization

Review (Published online: 02-12-2020)

12. India to envision One Health movement for confronting emerging health threats: From concept to approach toward institutionalization

Prejit Nambiar

International Journal of One Health, 6(2): 165-176

ABSTRACT

The author's key role in advocating and leading One Health (OH) initiatives in India (especially in Kerala), review the need for and progress of OH from concept to approach and proposes its institutionalization as the way forward. India is currently facing many health threats such as antimicrobial resistance, environmental health hazards, and food safety risks and most importantly, zoonotic diseases such as Nipah, Avian Influenza, Scrub typhus, Congo fever, Kyasanur forest disease, COVID-19, and leptospirosis that grossly impact country's economy. The recent pandemics had exposed the gaps in public health policy and government is prepared to commit on the OH approach and to invest more on public health infrastructure. Further, as challenges have increased in recent years, OH approach was clearly advocated by the experts not only to cope up the pandemic but also to manage the infodemic by promoting the timely dissemination of accurate information. Right from the endorsement of OH in 2007 by India's Prime minister to the present fight against COVID-19 pandemic, the actions to control and manage the disease was ideally oriented toward a collaborative approach. Last year (2019), the representatives from relevant ministries and department had a ground-breaking dialog to develop charter and constitute a National policy on OH. Recently, Health Ministers of the Member States of the World Health Organization South-East Asia signed "Delhi declaration" where the key essence was to implement intersectoral coordination mechanisms following the "OH" approach. India's future policy intervention will emphasize on strengthening of integrated public health labs and contributing to building a national institutional platform for OH to boost research initiatives. Taking stock of OH happenings, resources, challenges, and priorities, the implementation strategy has been proposed across human, animal and environmental health. The article further highlights the key areas that need OH intervention in India, the country's progress in OH and the success stories of OH for a sustainable action to confront emerging health threats.

Keywords: collaboration, emerging zoonoses, health threats, India, One Health (OH) – Approach, OH-Concept, OH- Initiative, OH- Institutionalization.