Serological survey of <i>Brucella canis</i> in dogs in urban Harare and selected rural communities in Zimbabwe

A cross-sectional study was conducted in order to detect antibodies for Brucella canis (B. canis) in dogs from urban Harare and five selected rural communities in Zimbabwe. Sera from randomly selected dogs were tested for antibodies to B. canis using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Overall, 17.6% of sera samples tested (57/324, 95% CI: 13.5–21.7) were positive for B. canis antibodies. For rural dogs, seroprevalence varied from 11.7% – 37.9%. Rural dogs recorded a higher seroprevalence (20.7%, 95% CI: 15.0–26.4) compared with Harare urban dogs (12.7%, 95% CI: 6.9–18.5) but the difference was not significant (p = 0.07). Female dogs from both sectors had a higher seroprevalence compared with males, but the differences were not significant (p > 0.05). Five and two of the positive rural dogs had titres of 1:800 and 1:1600, respectively, whilst none of the positive urban dogs had a titre above 1:400. This study showed that brucellosis was present and could be considered a risk to dogs from the studied areas. Further studies are recommended in order to give insight into the epidemiology of brucellosis in dogs and its possible zoonotic consequences in Zimbabwe. Screening for other Brucella spp. (Brucella abortus, Brucella melitensis and Brucella suis) other than B. canis is also recommended

Independent and combined effects of improved water, sanitation, and hygiene, and improved complementary feeding, on child stunting and anaemia in rural Zimbabwe: a cluster-randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Child stunting reduces survival and impairs neurodevelopment. We tested the independent and combined effects of improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and improved infant and young child feeding (IYCF) on stunting and anaemia in in Zimbabwe. METHODS: We did a cluster-randomised, community-based, 2 × 2 factorial trial in two rural districts in Zimbabwe. Clusters were defined as the catchment area of between one and four village health workers employed by the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care. Women were eligible for inclusion if they permanently lived in clusters and were confirmed pregnant. Clusters were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1) to standard of care (52 clusters), IYCF (20 g of a small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplement per day from age 6 to 18 months plus complementary feeding counselling; 53 clusters), WASH (construction of a ventilated improved pit latrine, provision of two handwashing stations, liquid soap, chlorine, and play space plus hygiene counselling; 53 clusters), or IYCF plus WASH (53 clusters). A constrained randomisation technique was used to achieve balance across the groups for 14 variables related to geography, demography, water access, and community-level sanitation coverage. Masking of participants and fieldworkers was not possible. The primary outcomes were infant length-for-age Z score and haemoglobin concentrations at 18 months of age among children born to mothers who were HIV negative during pregnancy. These outcomes were analysed in the intention-to-treat population. We estimated the effects of the interventions by comparing the two IYCF groups with the two non-IYCF groups and the two WASH groups with the two non-WASH groups, except for outcomes that had an important statistical interaction between the interventions. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01824940. FINDINGS: Between Nov 22, 2012, and March 27, 2015, 5280 pregnant women were enrolled from 211 clusters. 3686 children born to HIV-negative mothers were assessed at age 18 months (884 in the standard of care group from 52 clusters, 893 in the IYCF group from 53 clusters, 918 in the WASH group from 53 clusters, and 991 in the IYCF plus WASH group from 51 clusters). In the IYCF intervention groups, the mean length-for-age Z score was 0·16 (95% CI 0·08-0·23) higher and the mean haemoglobin concentration was 2·03 g/L (1·28-2·79) higher than those in the non-IYCF intervention groups. The IYCF intervention reduced the number of stunted children from 620 (35%) of 1792 to 514 (27%) of 1879, and the number of children with anaemia from 245 (13·9%) of 1759 to 193 (10·5%) of 1845. The WASH intervention had no effect on either primary outcome. Neither intervention reduced the prevalence of diarrhoea at 12 or 18 months. No trial-related serious adverse events, and only three trial-related adverse events, were reported. INTERPRETATION: Household-level elementary WASH interventions implemented in rural areas in low-income countries are unlikely to reduce stunting or anaemia and might not reduce diarrhoea. Implementation of these WASH interventions in combination with IYCF interventions is unlikely to reduce stunting or anaemia more than implementation of IYCF alone. FUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UK Department for International Development, Wellcome Trust, Swiss Development Cooperation, UNICEF, and US National Institutes of Health.The SHINE trial is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (OPP1021542 and OPP113707); UK Department for International Development; Wellcome Trust, UK (093768/Z/10/Z, 108065/Z/15/Z and 203905/Z/16/Z); Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation; US National Institutes of Health (2R01HD060338-06); and UNICEF (PCA-2017-0002)

Seroprevalence of leptospirosis in dogs in urban Harare and selected rural communities in Zimbabwe

A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate seroprevalence of canine leptospirosis in urban Harare and five selected rural communities in Zimbabwe and to assess public awareness of the disease. Sera from randomly selected dogs were tested for antibodies to the serovars Canicola, Grippotyphosa, Icterohaemorrhagiae and Pomona of Leptospira interrogans using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Clinical chemistry was performed on all seropositive and selected seronegative sera to screen for hepatic and renal insufficiency. A questionnairebased survey was conducted in Harare to assess dog owners’ awareness of leptospirosis and other zoonoses. Overall, 15.6% of sera samples tested (39 out of 250; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 11.0% – 20.2%) were positive for leptospiral antibodies. A significantly higher (p < 0.05) seroprevalence was recorded in urban dogs than in rural dogs (25% vs. 11.2%). No significant difference in seroprevalence was observed amongst dogs from different rural communities or between sexes of dogs. There was a significant association between seropositivity and hepatic and/or renal insufficiency (p < 0.01), with dogs having hepatic and/or renal insufficiency being approximately twice as likely to be seropositive (relative risk = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.3–3.0). Of the dog owners, 78.8% (119/151) were aware of zoonoses. Except for rabies (92.4%), awareness of leptospirosis (5.0%) and other zoonoses amongst these owners was low. This study showed that leptospirosis was present and represented a risk to dogs from urban Harare and the selected rural communities in Zimbabwe. Availing training programmes for dog owners would be beneficial in improving disease control and reducing the public health risk of pet zoonoses.,Council for Assisting Refugee Academics (CARA), the AWARE Trust of Zimbabwe and the University of Zimbabwe Research Board Grant no. RB/103/1

The seroprevalence of antibodies to Leptospira species in dogs presented to Harare veterinary clinics and selected rural communities in Zimbabwe

A cross sectional study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence of leptospirosis, and the association between seropositivity and hepatic damage and/or renal insufficiency in dogs from Harare urban and five selected rural areas (Kariba, Machuchuta, Malipati, Marumani and Ndhlovu) in Zimbabwe. The awareness of dog owners on zoonotic importance of canine leptospirosis was also studied using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Sera collected from a randomly selected dogs (both stray and communally- owned) were tested for leptospiral antibodies using an ImmunoComb ELISA kit which detects IgG antibodies to four pooled serovars; L. Canicola, L. Grippotyphosa, L. Icterohaemorrhagiae and L. Pomona. Data was analyzed by calculating proportions positive and assessment of associations using a Chisquared test. Of the 250 samples tested (116 males and 134 females), 39 (15.6%) tested positive for leptospiral IgG antibodies. Overall, urban dogs recorded a significantly (P < 0.05) higher seroprevalence (25%) compared to dogs from rural areas (11.2%). Urban female dogs (P < 0.05) recorded a significantly higher seroprevalence compared to rural female dogs but there was no significant difference between urban male (P > 0.05) and rural male dogs. No significant sex differences were observed in seroprevalence. There was a significant association (P < 0.01) between seropositivity and hepatic damage and/or renal insufficiency with dogs having hepatic damage and/or renal insufficiency being approximately 2 times (RR = 1.96; 1.3 < RR< 3.0) more likely to be seropositive. When asked on their awareness of dog zoonoses, 78.8% (119/151) of dog owners were aware. Of the 78.8% who were aware of zoonoses in dogs, a higher proportion (92.4%) knew rabies as a zoonotic disease in dogs compared to other named zoonoses. Other cited zoonoses were worms (6.7%), leptospirosis (5%), brucellosis (1.7%), ringworm (0.8%) and toxoplasmosis (0.8%). Those who named leptospirosis as a zoonotic disease in dogs were all from the veterinary profession. The results of this study indicated that leptospirosis was present in dogs from the selected areas in Zimbabwe, with a higher seroprevalence in Harare urban areas. Further studies are required to determine the serovars prevalent in these and other areas in the country. Teaching and training programmes for pet owners would improve awareness to leptospirosis and reduce the public health risk of pet zoonoses.,University of Zimbabwe Research Board and Council for Assisting Refugee Academics (CARA

Prevalence of intestinal helminth parasites in stray dogs in urban Harare and selected rural areas in Zimbabwe

A total of 246 faecal samples were collected between October 2015 to February 2016, 154 from stray dogs in Harare and 92 from rural dogs in Arcturas, Goromonzi and Christon Bank. The samples were examined by flotation and sedimentation methods and helminth eggs identified and EPG counted. Of the 246 samples, 157 (63.8%) were positive for helminths. Urban stray dogs (58.4%) had a significantly (p = 0.03) lower prevalence compared to rural dogs (72.8%). Nine species were identified and Ancylostoma species (55.7%), Dipylidium caninum (15.0%) and Toxocara canis (8.1%) had the highest prevalences. The other species were Toxascaris leonina (1.6%), Alaria species (1.6%), Spirocerca lupi (0.8%), Trichuris vulpis (0.8%), Capillaria species (0.4%) and Ascaris suum (0.4%) and were all found only from rural dogs. This is the first report documenting presence of Alaria species in Zimbabwe. Public education on control of zoonotic canine helminthosis is recommended.Keywords: Intestinal helminths, urban stray dogs, rural dogs, Harar

Seroprevalence of leptospirosis in dogs in urban Harare and selected rural communities in Zimbabwe

A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate seroprevalence of canine leptospirosis in urban Harare and five selected rural communities in Zimbabwe and to assess public awareness of the disease. Sera from randomly selected dogs were tested for antibodies to the serovars Canicola, Grippotyphosa, Icterohaemorrhagiae and Pomona of Leptospira interrogans using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Clinical chemistry was performed on all seropositive and selected seronegative sera to screen for hepatic and renal insufficiency. A questionnaire- based survey was conducted in Harare to assess dog owners’ awareness of leptospirosis and other zoonoses. Overall, 15.6% of sera samples tested (39 out of 250; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 11.0% – 20.2%) were positive for leptospiral antibodies. A significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) seroprevalence was recorded in urban dogs than in rural dogs (25% vs. 11.2%). No significant difference in seroprevalence was observed amongst dogs from different rural communities or between sexes of dogs. There was a significant association between seropositivity and hepatic and/or renal insufficiency (p &lt; 0.01), with dogs having hepatic and/or renal insufficiency being approximately twice as likely to be seropositive (relative risk = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.3–3.0). Of the dog owners, 78.8% (119/151) were aware of zoonoses. Except for rabies (92.4%), awareness of leptospirosis (5.0%) and other zoonoses amongst these owners was low. This study showed that leptospirosis was present and represented a risk to dogs from urban Harare and the selected rural communities in Zimbabwe. Availing training programmes for dog owners would be beneficial in improving disease control and reducing the public health risk of pet zoonoses

A survey of feline leukaemia virus infection of domestic cats from selected areas in Harare, Zimbabwe

A cross-sectional study was conducted to detect the feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) p27 antigen and to determine risk factors and the haematological changes associated with infection in domestic cats in Zimbabwe. Sera were collected for detection of the p27 antigen, urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels, whilst whole blood was collected for haematology. FeLV p27 antigen was detected using a rapid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test kit. Data on risk factors were analysed using a logistic regression model. Of the 100 cats tested, 41% (95% CI: 31.19% – 50.81%) (41/100) were positive for the FeLV p27 antigen. Sex and health status of cats were not significantly (p > 0.05) associated with infection. Intact cats (OR = 9.73), those living in multicat housing (OR = 5.23) and cats that had access to outdoor life (OR = 35.5) were found to have higher odds of infection compared with neutered cats, those living in single-cat housing, and without access to outdoor life, respectively. Biochemistry and haematology revealed no specific changes. The results showed that FeLV infection was high in sampled cats, providing evidence of active infection. Thus, it would be prudent to introduce specific control measures for FeLV infection in Zimbabwe

Clinical assessment of wounds and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of aerobic bacterial isolates in dogs at two surgeries in Harare

A study was conducted at two veterinary surgeries to investigate the common aerobic bacteria associated with dog bite wounds in dogs, and to determine their antimicrobial susceptibilities. From each wound, two swabs were collected for bacterial culture and cytology. A total of 50 wounds from 50 dogs were examined, with 78% (39/50) lacerations classified as; contaminated (52%) and infected (26%) while 22% (11/50) were puncture wounds classified as; contaminated (18%) and infected (4%). All the wounds yielded 91 different isolates with 61.5% and 38.5% Gram-positive and Gram negative bacteria, respectively. Staphylococcus aureus (22.0%), Staphylococcus pseuintermedius (17.6%), Streptococcus spp. (12.1%) and Klebsiella spp. 9.9% were predominant. None of the isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin, with low resistance to gentamicin, kanamycin and amikacin. For S. aureus and S. pseudintermedius, multiple drug resistance to ampicillin/cloxacillin and cotrimoxazole was dominant. Thus, it is prudent to carry out antimicrobial susceptibility testing prior to antimicrobial treatment.Keywords: Dog bite wounds, aerobic bacteria, antimicrobial susceptibility, multi-drug resistanc

A study on the prevalence of dog erythrocyte antigen 1.1 and detection of canine Babesia by polymerase chain reaction from apparently healthy dogs in a selected rural community in Zimbabwe

A study was carried out to determine the prevalence of blood group antigen dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 1.1 in mixed breed dogs in rural Chinamhora, Zimbabwe. DEA 1.1 is clinically the most important canine blood group as it is the most antigenic blood type; hence, DEA 1.1 antibodies are capable of causing acute haemolytic, potentially life-threatening transfusion reactions. In this study, blood samples were collected from 100 dogs in Chinamhora, and blood typing was carried out using standardised DEA 1.1 typing strips with monoclonal anti–DEA 1.1 antibodies (Alvedia® LAB DEA 1.1 test kits). Polymerase chain reaction for detecting Babesia spp. antigen was carried out on 58 of the samples. Of the 100 dogs, 78% were DEA 1.1 positive and 22% were DEA 1.1 negative. A significantly (p = 0.02) higher proportion of females (90.5%) were DEA 1.1 positive than males (69.0%). The probability of sensitisation of recipient dogs following first-time transfusion of untyped or unmatched blood was 17.2%, and an approximately 3% (2.95%) probability of an acute haemolytic reaction following a second incompatible transfusion was found. Babesia spp. antigen was found in 6.9% of the samples. No significant relationship (χ2 = 0.56, p = 0.45) was found between DEA 1.1 positivity and Babesia spp. antigen presence. Despite a low probability of haemolysis after a second incompatibility transfusion, the risk remains present and should not be ignored. Hence, where possible, blood typing for DEA 1.1 is recommended. A survey of DEA 3, 4, 5 and 7 in various breeds is also recommended