A meta-analysis of the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in animals and humans in Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonosis. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence and assess the potential risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infections in animals and humans in Ethiopia by using meta-analytical methods. METHODS: Published studies on T. gondii in animals and humans in Ethiopia were searched in Medline, Google Scholar and the lists of references of articles. Eligible studies were selected by using inclusion and exclusion criteria. The risks of within and across study biases, and the variations in prevalence estimates attributable to heterogeneities were assessed. Pooled prevalence was estimated by the DerSimonian and Laird random effects model. RESULTS: Thirty two studies were eligible and data from 5689 animals and 5718 humans were used for quantitative syntheses. The pooled IgG seroprevalence in cats, small ruminants and humans were estimated at 87.72 % (95 % CI = 78.63, 93.28), 34.59 % (95 % CI = 21.08, 51.12) and 74.73 % (95 % CI = 61.85, 84.36), respectively. The odds of infections were higher in pregnant than in non pregnant women (OR = 3.96), in individuals that had contact with cats than those with no contact (OR = 2.53), and in urban than in rural inhabitants (OR = 2.06). CONCLUSIONS: Toxoplasmosis is highly prevalent and could be a cause of considerable reproductive wastage in small ruminants and multiple diseases in humans in Ethiopia. Public education on preventive measures could help reduce the transmission of the parasite to humans. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-015-0901-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

Carriage and antimicrobial resistance of non-typhoidal Salmonella in cattle slaughtered in Ambo municipality abattoir, West Shewa zone, Oromia, Ethiopia - a point prevalence survey

Cattle are reservoir for non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) serovars which are important foodborne zoonosis worldwide. A cross-sectional study was undertaken from October, 2015 to May, 2016 to estimate the prevalence and assess antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of NTS isolated from slaughtered cattle following standard microbiological technique. A total of 300 samples (150 mesenteric lymph nodes and 150 feces) from 150 cattle slaughtered at Ambo municipality abattoir were investigated. Standard disc-diffusion method was usedfor antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the isolates. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to assess association between NTS prevalence and potential risk factors. An overall NTS prevalence of 8% (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 4.2-13.6%) was found at animal level. At sample level, NTS prevalence of 5.6% (17/300) (95% CI: 3.3-8.9%) was found. Prevalence of NTS in mesenteric lymph nodes and fecal samples was 6.6% and 4.6%, respectively. There was no significant difference in prevalence of NTS with respect to sex, age groups and body condition (p> 0.05). However, significantly higher prevalence was seen in animals from Guder market (12.5%) than Ambo market (1.6%) (p< 0.05). The highest level of antimicrobial resistance was observed for amoxicillin clavulanic acid (100%) and ampicillin (100%) followed by streptomycin (41.1%). Six of the 17 NTS isolates (35.3%) showed multi-drug resistance (MDR) to three or more antimicrobial classes. In conclusion, high percentage of NTS isolates were MDR posing public health threat to consumers. Improved hygiene, education, prudent use of antimicrobials and further large scale epidemiological studies are suggested.Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance; Cattle; Ethiopia; Non-typhoidal Salmonella;Prevalenc

Prevalence, risk factors and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Salmonella isolated from dogs of Ambo, Bako and Gojo towns of West Shoa, Ethiopia

Salmonella is the most known zoonotic bacterial agent, which produces salmonellosis in animals as wells as in humans. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence, to determine antimicrobial susceptibility and to assess risk factors associated with Salmonella shedding in dogs in selected towns of West Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. Using a cross-sectional design, a total of 438 rectal swab samples were collected from randomly selected dogs for isolation and identification of Salmonella using standard procedures. A questionnaire survey was also administered. The results showed that 48 (11.0%, 95%, [CI]: 8.2% - 14.3 %) dogs were positive for Salmonella. The occurrenceof Salmonella was 10.9% (26/238), 11.6% (15/129) and 9.9% (7/71) in Ambo, Bako and Gojo towns respectively. Salmonella shedding was significantly higher in older dogs (15.0%) than younger ones (6.1 %) (P<0.05). The occurrence of Salmonella was not significantly associated with study towns, sex, breed of dogs,educational level of owners, presence of other domestic animals and housing system (P>0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the odds of isolation of Salmonella was significantly higher in old than young dogs (OR): 2.6, 95% CI: 1.3-5.6, P=0.007) and in dogs eating mixed type of feeds (raw animal products, household leftover) than cooked feed (OR = 9.0, 95% CI: 1.2 – 68.1, P=0.033). There was also a significant difference between kebeles of the study areas in that Salmonella isolation was nearly nine times higher in Bako Kebele 02 (P=0.005) as compared to Ambo kebele 03. Salmonella isolates have developed the highest level of resistance for ampicillin (100%), tetracycline  (93.3%) and streptomycin (80.0 %), however, all isolates were susceptible to Norfloxacin. The occurrence of Salmonella, most of which resistant to commonly used antimicrobials, in rectal swab samples show the potential threat dogs may pose to public health in the study area.Keywords: Antimicrobial Resistance; Dog; Ethiopia; Prevalence; Risk factor; Salmonell

Majority of T. gondii seropositive chickens (Gallus domesticus) in Central Ethiopia carries the infective parasite

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in free range chickens is a good indicator of the prevalence of T. gondii oocysts in the environment. The aim of this study was to isolate T. gondii parasites from heart and brain of seropositive free range (FR) chickens. FINDINGS: Isolation of T. gondii from pooled heart and brain of 41 direct agglutination test (DAT) positive (≥1:40) free range chickens (Gallus domesticus) was carried out by bioassay in mice. T. gondii specific antibodies in mice were assayed by DAT and microscopy was employed for detection and enumeration of brain tissue cysts. Overall, bioassay was positive in 29 (70.7%) chicken samples. T. gondii tissue cysts were isolated from 59% (24/41) of bioassayed chickens: from 2 of 7 chickens with a titer of 1: ≤ 60, 2 of 5 with titer 1: 180, 6 of 8 with titer 1: 540, 10 of 15 with titer 1: 1620, 1 of 2 with titer 1: 6000, 2 of 3 with titer 1:18000, 1 of 1 with titer 1:54000. None of the isolates was pathogenic for mice. Tissue cysts were detected from 61% of seropositive mice (DAT ≥ 1:40). Generally, tissue cyst counts per brain of mouse were low (mean: 132.7 ± 84.4; range: 47–352). CONCLUSIONS: Majority of T. gondii seropositive chickens (Gallus domesticus) in Central. Ethiopia carries the infective parasite. Tissues from the free range chicken might be a source infection for animals and humans

Calves gastrointestinal nematodes and Eimeria prevalence and associated risk factors in dairy farms, southern Ethiopia

Erratum to: Calves gastrointestinal nematodes and Eimeria prevalence and associated risk factors in dairy farms, southern EthiopiaMaireg Hailu1, Kassahun Asmare2, Endrias Zewdu Gebremedhin3, Vincenzo Di Marco Lo Presti4, Maria Vitale4, Desie Sheferaw2On page 6 of the original publication, a short paragraph and a table (the second Table 4) were wrongly included from other article during layout preparation. Therefore, this wrong information has nothing to do with the topic and is deleted from the original publication Abstract:  Dairy production is an important component of livestock farming in Ethiopia. Nevertheless, the productivity of the sector has been impacted negatively by the morbidity and mortality of replacement animals. A Cross-sectional study was, therefore, aimed at estimating the prevalence of Nematode and Eimeria infection in calves in Hawassa, Shashemene and Arsi Negelle, southern Ethiopia. To this end, a flotation technique was used to recover Nematode egg and Eimeria oocyst from rectally collected faeces. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infection, Nematode and Eimeria species collectively, was 43.9% (95% CI=38.6-49.4). The estimated proportion of Nematode, Eimeria and mixed infection was 35.8%, 21.5% and 13.3%, respectively. Among the potential factors considered faecal consistency, age and study area were found to increase recovery of Nematode egg and Eimeria oocyst in faeces (p< 0.05). Area wise, the prevalence has been noted to be higher at Arsi Negelle followed by Hawassa and Shashemene (p< 0.05). Besides, younger and diarrheic calves were found more infected by Nematode and Eimeria species than their adult and non-diarrheic counterpart. Based on their morphological appearance, Strongyle type (20.3%), Trichuris (4.2%) and Ascaris (16.3%) eggs, Eimeria oocysts (21.5%) were observed. In the light of this finding, the authors would like to advise the need for strategic intervention

Prevalence, risk factors and antibiogram of Escherichia coli isolated from dogs in Ambo, Gojo and Bako towns of Oromia region, Ethiopia

Dogs are a potential reservoir for Escherichia coli and other zoonotic bacterial pathogens posing the risk of infection to humans and other animals. A crosssectional study was used to collect 438 rectal swab samples from apparently healthy dogs of Ambo, Gojo, and Bako towns of West Shewa Zone with the objectives of investigating the prevalence, risk factors and antibiogram of E. coli. A questionnaire survey was administered at the household level to collect data on potential risk factors to acquire E. coli infection. Prevalence was determined by using standard bacteriological culture techniques. Further  confirmation and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of E. coli using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method were  conducted using Automated Phoenix Machine. The overall prevalence of E. coli was found to be 24.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]:20.26-28.49%). The isolation rate of E. coli was the highest in Bako 31.01%, followed by Gojo 30.99% and Ambo 18.49% towns.  Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that there was a significant association between E. coli prevalence and towns and Kebeles (P<0.05). However, age, sex, the presence of other domestic animals in the household, types of the housing system, educational level of the dogs’ owners, and type of feed provided to the dogs did not significantly correlate with the isolation of E. coli (P > 0.05). E. coli isolates were pan-susceptible to amikacin, ertapenem, imipenem, piperacillin-tazobactam, netilmicin, ampicillin, piperacillin, cefoxitin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and meropenem. A low level of resistance was found to aztreonam, ceftriaxone, (each 13.95%), cefazolin (22.73%), gentamicin (11.90%), and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (6.97%). E. coli isolates showed multidrug resistance to aztreonam, cefazolin, ceftriaxone, gentamicin, and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (14.0%). This demonstrated E. coli prevalence and moderately low antimicrobial resistance  suggests the possible risk of infection of humans. Therefore, raising public awareness about zoonotic canine disease prevention measures and good hygienic practices are essential.. Keywords: Antibiogram, Dog, Escherichia coli, Ethiopia, Prevalence, Risk facto

Функціональні зв'язки між ефектами води Нафтуся на канальцеву секреторно-транспортну та імунну системи щурів. Повідомлення 2: Канальцева секреція і параметри спленоцитограми та гемолімфоаденоцитограми

В рамках концепции об общности механизмов функционирования канальцевой секреторно-транспортной и фагоцитарно-лимфоидной систем выявлены существенные связи между скоростью почечной канальцевой секреции и параметрами фагоцитоза, лейкоцитограммы крови, стеноцитогаммы и гемолимфоаденоцитограммы крыс в условиях курсового напаивания их водой Нафтуся per se и в сочетании с цитостатиком или анаболиком.It is shown that increase of canalicular secretion in rats becaused by drinking of water Naftussya accompanied increase massa of haemolymphatic node and contents in its of endothelio-, reticulo-, lymphocytes, eosinophyles and macrophages, blood level lymphocytes, monocytes and segmental nucleare neutrophyles but decrease activity and completion of phagocytose of neutrophyles and level of lymphoblastes in splenocytogramme. The using of cytostatic drug abolishes but anabolic drug potentiates both activating and inhibiting influence of water Naftussya

Geographic distribution of MERS coronavirus among dromedary camels, Africa

We found serologic evidence for the circulation of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus among dromedary camels in Nigeria, Tunisia, and Ethiopia. Circulation of the virus among dromedaries across broad areas of Africa may indicate that this disease is currently underdiagnosed in humans outside the Arabian Peninsula

A cross-sectional study of enteric fever among febrile patients at Ambo hospital: prevalence, risk factors, comparison of Widal test and stool culture and antimicrobials susceptibility pattern of isolates

Abstract Background Enteric fever is one of the common infectious diseases of humans. The objectives of this study were to:1) estimate the prevalence of enteric fever among febrile patients visiting Ambo hospital; 2) comparison of Widal test and stool culture;3) evaluation of the antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates; and 4) assess potential risk factors to acquire enteric fever infection. Methods Blood and stool samples were collected from 372 febrile patients with symptoms clinically similar to enteric fever. Widal test was used for testing sera while stool culturing and bacterial identification was done using WHO standard methods. Susceptibility testing was done using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Chi-Square test and Logistic Regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Results The apparent and true prevalence of enteric fever were 56.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 50.97–61.29%) and 57.52% (95% CI: 52.3–62.6%) respectively, while, the culture prevalence was 2.7% (95% CI: 1.30–4.89%). Isolation rates of S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi were 0.8% (95% CI: 0.17–2.34%) and 1.9% (95% CI: 0.76–3.84%) respectively. The isolates showed 100% resistance to amoxicillin, bacitracin, erythromycin, 80%resistance to cefotaxime and streptomycin and 20% for chloramphenicol. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of Widal test was 80.0, 44.5, 3.8 and 98.8% respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.45; 95% CI: 1.38–4.37; P = 0.002), religion (aOR = 15.57, 95% CI: 3.01–80.64; P = 0.001), level of education (aOR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.27–5.28; P = 0.009), source of water (aOR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.21–3.98; P = 0.009), raw milk (aOR =2.19, 95% CI:1.16–4.16; P = 0.016) and raw meat consumption (aOR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.07–3.01; P = 0.026) are the predictors of enteric fever seropositivity. Conclusions Patients were wrongly diagnosed and treated for enteric fever by Widal test. Therefore, rapid tests with better sensitivity and specificity are needed for the diagnosis of enteric fever. Provision of safe water and health education are vital to bring behavioral change towards raw food consumption