Reservoirs of pathogenic Leptospira species in Uganda

Introduction Leptospira are spirochete bacteria, including pathogenic species that cause leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease endemic in the tropics. In Uganda, Leptospira seroprevalence has been reported among outpatients at three hospitals, with human-animal interaction implicated as source of human Leptospira exposures. However, corresponding animal Leptospira infection has only been demonstrated in cattle, leaving the status in several potential reservoirs like other livestock species and environmental sources unknown. The current study aims at determining the occurrence, and risk factors for Leptospira infection among livestock species and environmental sources in Uganda. Method From a nationwide cross-sectional survey in major livestock slaughter facilities, we performed a real-time PCR test on 2,063 livestock kidney samples from 844 cattle, 761 pigs, 341 goats,117 sheep; and on 93 small mammals. Small mammals (rodents and shrews) were trapped at slaughter facilities and communities within a 500metre radius from slaughter facilities. Age, sex, breed and origin of each sampled animal were noted. Leptospira prevalence was estimated and risk factors for infection among livestock species determined using univariate logistic regression model. Results Leptospira infection was detected in 43 of 2,063 livestock samples tested (2.08%, 95% C.I = 1.52-2.80). Infection was highest in sheep (5.13% C.I = 2.25-10.80), 3.32% (95% C.I = 2.26-4.75) in cattle, 1.76% (95% C. I=0.77-3.70) in goats, and 0.39 (95% C.I = 0.10-1.13) in pigs. Pigs were significantly less infected compared to all other species (p‐value= 0.0008). Indigenous livestock breeds were more infected (p‐value =0.005) compared to their exotic and crossed counterpart. Additionally, older livestock species were significantly infected than the younger ones (p‐value = 0.052). None of the small mammals tested positive. Conclusion Livestock in Uganda reserve pathogenic Leptospira species, with sheep and cattle especially of indigenous breed being more significant reservoirs. Small mammals may play a limited role in Leptospira maintenance and transmission in Uganda

Prevalence of tuberculous lesion in cattle slaughtered in Mubende district, Uganda

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of gross pathology suggestive of bovine tuberculosis (TB-like lesions) and evaluate animal’s characteristics associated with the risk of having bovine TB-like lesions among cattle slaughtered in Mubende district in the Uganda cattle corridor. METHOD: We conducted a cross sectional study in which 1,576 slaughtered cattle in Mubende district municipal abattoir underwent post-mortem inspection between August 2013 and January 2014. The presence of bovine TB-like lesions in addition to the animal’s sex, age, breed, and sub-county of origin prior to slaughter were recorded. Associations between the presence of bovine TB-like lesions and animal’s age, sex, breed, and sub-county of origin prior to slaughter were initially analysed using a univariable approach with the chi-square test, and subsequently with a multivariable logistic regression model to assess the combined impact of these animal characteristics with the risk of having a bovine TB-like lesion. Additionally, and as a secondary objective, tissue samples were collected from all carcases that had a bovine TB-like lesion and were processed using standard Mycobacterium culture and identification methods. The culture and acid fast positive samples were tested using Capilia TB-neo® assay to identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC). RESULTS: Of 1,576 carcasses inspected, 9.7% (153/1,576) had bovine TB-like lesions from which Mycobacterium spp and Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Complex (MTC) were isolated in 13 (8.4%) and 12 (7.8%) respectively. Bovine TB-like lesions were more likely to be found in females (OR = 1.49, OR 95% CI: 1.06–2.13) and in older cattle (OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.64–3.7). When compared to Ankole cattle, Cross breed (OR = 6.5, OR 95% CI: 3.37–12.7) and Zebu cattle (OR = 2.57, 95% CI: 1.78–3.72) had higher odds of having bovine TB-like lesions. Animals from Kasanda (OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.52–4.17) were more likely to have bovine TB-like lesions than cattle from Kasambya. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of study reveals that approximately one in ten slaughtered cattle presents with gross pathology suggestive of bovine TB in Mubende district in the Uganda cattle corridor district, however, we isolated MTC in only 8.4% of these bovine TB-like lesions. Therefore, there is a need to understand the cause of all the other bovine TB-like lesions in order to safe guard diagnostic integrity of meat inspection in Uganda

Antimicrobial resistance among farming communities in Wakiso District, Central Uganda: A knowledge, awareness and practice study

Background Antibiotics are increasingly becoming ineffective as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to develop and spread globally—leading to more difficult to treat infections. Countries such as Uganda are still challenged with implementation of AMR related strategies due to data paucity. This includes a lack of data on the prevailing knowledge and awareness of antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic use among farming communities, both commercial and subsistence, which are instrumental in the implementation of targeted interventions. The aim of our study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices on AMR among subsistence and commercial farmers in Wakiso district, central Uganda. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire in Wakiso district, Central Uganda in between June and September 2021. Polytomous latent class analyses were performed to group participants based on their responses. Multivariable regression and conditional inference trees were used to determine the association between demographic factors and knowledge on antibiotics and AMR. Results A total of 652 respondents participated in the study among whom 84% were able to correctly describe what antibiotics are. Subsistence farmers (OR = 6.89, 95% CI [3.20; 14.83]), and to a lesser extent, farming community members which obtained their main income by another business (OR = 2.25, 95% CI [1.345; 3.75]) were more likely to be able to describe antibiotics correctly than individuals involved in commercial farming. Based on the latent class analysis, three latent classes indicating different levels of knowledge on AMR, were found. Subsistence farming, higher educational level and younger age were found to be associated with belonging to a class of better knowledge. Conclusion The majority of participants were able to correctly describe antibiotics and aware of AMR, however there was some degree of misunderstanding of several AMR concepts. Targeted AMR interventions should improve awareness and also ensure that not only subsistence farmers, but commercial farmers, are included