Theileria lestoquardi in Sudan is highly diverse and genetically distinct from that in Oman

Malignant ovine theileriosis is a severe tick-borne protozoan disease of sheep and other small ruminants which is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. The disease is of considerable economic importance in Sudan as the export of livestock provides a major contribution to the gross domestic product of this country. Molecular surveys have demonstrated a high prevalence of sub-clinical infections of Theileria lestoquardi, the causative agent, among small ruminants. No information is currently available on the extent of genetic diversity and genetic exchange among parasites in different areas of the country. The present study used a panel of T. lestoquardi specific micro- and mini-satellite genetic markers to assess diversity of parasites in Sudan (Africa) and compared it to that of the parasite population in Oman (Asia). A moderate level of genetic diversity was observed among parasites in Sudan, similar to that previously documented among parasites in Oman. However, a higher level of mixed-genotype infection was identified in Sudanese animals compared to Omani animals, consistent with a higher rate of tick transmission. In addition, the T. lestoquardi genotypes detected in these two countries form genetically distinct groups. The results of this work highlight the need for analysis of T. lestoquardi populations in other endemic areas in the region to inform on novel approaches for controlling malignant theileriosis

Dynamics and within-host interaction of Theileria lestoquardi and T. ovis among naive sheep in Oman

Mixed species infections of Theileria spp. are common in nature. Experimental and epidemiological data suggest that mixed species infections elicit cross-immunity that can modulate pathogenicity and disease burden at the population level. The present study examined within-host interactions, over a period of 13 months during natural infections with two Theileria spp., pathogenic (T. lestoquardi) and non-pathogenic (T. ovis), amongst a cohort of naive sheep in Oman. In the first two months after exposure to infection, a high rate of mortality was seen among sheep infected with T. lestoquardi alone. However, subsequently mixed-infections of T. lestoquardi and T. ovis prevailed, and no further death occurred. The overall densities of both parasite species were significantly higher as single infection vs mixed infection and the higher relative density of pathogenic T. lestoquardi indicated a competitive advantage over T. ovis in mixed infection. The density of both species fluctuated significantly over time, with no difference in density between the very hot (May to August) and warm season (September to April). A high degree of genotype multiplicity was seen among T. lestoquardi infections, which increased with rising parasite density. Our results illustrate a potential competitive interaction between the two ovine Theileria spp., and a substantial reduction in the risk of mortality in mixed parasite infections, indicating that T. ovis confers heterologous protection against lethal T. lestoquardi infection

Association of respiratory symptoms and lung function with occupation in the multinational Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has been associated with exposures in the workplace. We aimed to assess the association of respiratory symptoms and lung function with occupation in the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease study. Methods We analysed cross-sectional data from 28 823 adults (≥40 years) in 34 countries. We considered 11 occupations and grouped them by likelihood of exposure to organic dusts, inorganic dusts and fumes. The association of chronic cough, chronic phlegm, wheeze, dyspnoea, forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/FVC with occupation was assessed, per study site, using multivariable regression. These estimates were then meta-analysed. Sensitivity analyses explored differences between sexes and gross national income. Results Overall, working in settings with potentially high exposure to dusts or fumes was associated with respiratory symptoms but not lung function differences. The most common occupation was farming. Compared to people not working in any of the 11 considered occupations, those who were farmers for ≥20 years were more likely to have chronic cough (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.19–1.94), wheeze (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.16–1.63) and dyspnoea (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.53–2.20), but not lower FVC (β=0.02 L, 95% CI −0.02–0.06 L) or lower FEV1/FVC (β=0.04%, 95% CI −0.49–0.58%). Some findings differed by sex and gross national income. Conclusion At a population level, the occupational exposures considered in this study do not appear to be major determinants of differences in lung function, although they are associated with more respiratory symptoms. Because not all work settings were included in this study, respiratory surveillance should still be encouraged among high-risk dusty and fume job workers, especially in low- and middle-income countries.publishedVersio

Prevalence and genetic diversity of Babesia and Anaplasma species in cattle in Sudan

Disease prevalence studies are one of the most valuable tools to demonstrate the risk or impact of certain infections in local and global economies. The data obtained in these studies contribute to develop strategies for disease control. The present study aims to provide information about the prevalence of babesiosis and anaplasmosis in the northern regions of Sudan. Blood samples from four different states of Sudan were collected from apparently healthy cattle (n=692), DNA was extracted and the prevalence of Babesia and Anaplasma species was analyzed by PCR. The results confirmed the presence of Babesia bigemina, Babesia bovis and Anaplasma marginale in cattle in northern Sudan with overall prevalence rates of 4.0%, 1.9% and 6.1%, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that the prevalence of B. bigemina, B. bovis and A. marginale varies significantly between Sudanese states as well as in different age groups, while gender seems not to have a significant effect on the prevalence of these pathogens among Sudanese cattle. The highest prevalence for B. bigemina was found in the Aljazirah State while the highest number of A. marginale positive samples was reported in River Nile.This research was facilitated by ICTTD-3, financed by the International Cooperation Program of the European Union, coordination action project No. 510561. R.C. Galindo was funded by Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia, Spain.Peer Reviewe

Oxytetracycline residues in Sheep meat in Khartoum State, Sudan ARTICLE HISTORY

A B S T R A C T In the last two decades, the chemical and biological contaminants in livestock and livestock products worldwide have been considered as one of the causes that threatens life of both man and animals. In Sudan very little work has been done in this field. This study was carried out to detect Oxytetracycline (OTC) residues in sheep liver and muscle samples in Khartoum State, Sudan. A total of 150 samples comprising of liver (n=75) and muscle (n=75) of sheep were collected from three different localities in Khartoum State during the period from March to September 2013. The OTC residues were detected using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and one plate test (OPT). The results of HPLC showed that the level of OTC residues in liver samples above maximum residue limit (MRL) was 4% (n=3/75) and under MRL was 96%. Regard to muscle samples, the level of OTC residues above MRL was 60.3% (n=35/58), whereas, under MRL was 39.7%. Using OPT, 14.7% (n=11/75) and 6.7% (n=5/75) of liver and muscle samples showed inhibition zone, respectively. It is concluded that OTC residues are detected in sheep liver and muscle sample with different levels in Khartoum state. Further investigation on level of OTC residues in other farm animals and other organs throughout the country is recommended

Oxytetracycline residues in Sheep meat in Khartoum State, Sudan

In the last two decades, the chemical and biological contaminants in livestock and livestock products worldwide have been considered as one of the causes that threatens life of both man and animals. In Sudan very little work has been done in this field. This study was carried out to detect Oxytetracycline (OTC) residues in sheep liver and muscle samples in Khartoum State, Sudan. A total of 150 samples comprising of liver (n=75) and muscle (n=75) of sheep were collected from three different localities in Khartoum State during the period from March to September 2013. The OTC residues were detected using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and one plate test (OPT). The results of HPLC showed that the level of OTC residues in liver samples above maximum residue limit (MRL) was 4% (n=3/75) and under MRL was 96%. Regard to muscle samples, the level of OTC residues above MRL was 60.3% (n=35/58), whereas, under MRL was 39.7%. Using OPT, 14.7% (n=11/75) and 6.7% (n=5/75) of liver and muscle samples showed inhibition zone, respectively. It is concluded that OTC residues are detected in sheep liver and muscle sample with different levels in Khartoum state. Further investigation on level of OTC residues in other farm animals and other organs throughout the country is recommended. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2015; 2(3.000): 321-325