29 research outputs found
Sanitary practices and occurrence of zoonotic conditions in cattle at slaughter in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania: implications for public health
As meat consumption is increasing worldwide to cover for protein demands, also raise concerns and challenges regarding meat hygiene and safety. The current one year follow up study aimed at investigating on sanitary practices and occurrence of zoonotic conditions, during post-mortem examination, in cattle at slaughter in Morogoro Municipality abattoir. Sanitary practices were assessed through direct observation where as routine post-mortem inspection procedures were employed to detect zoonotic conditions in cattle at slaughter. During the study period a total of 30,713 cattle were slaughtered and inspected at the abattoir. Results revealed poor hygienic practices at the level of abattoir surrounding, the slaughter operation area, personnel as well as meat vans. Whole carcasses, lungs, livers, hearts and heads were condemned due to zoonotic conditions at rates of 0.026%, 1.96%, 1.61%, 0.02% and 0.21% respectively. Bovine tuberculosis, Cysticercus bovis cysts, fasciolosis and hydatidosis were the responsible zoonotic conditions for the condemnations. Bovine tuberculosis was a leading zoonotic cause of condemnations accounting for 95.7% of lungs and 100% of all head and carcass condemnations. Cysticercus bovis cysts were ranking the second in serving as causes of condemnations closely followed by fasciolosis and lastly hydatidosis. Occurrence of disease conditions with zoonotic implication in cattle at slaughter, meant for human consumption, may pose significant economic and public health risks to especially disaster-prone marginalized communities. Thus, there is a need to introduce appropriate control measures of livestock diseases to minimize the rate of infection; and eventually reduce economic losses and safeguard public health
Evidence of Carriage of Antimicrobial Resistant Salmonella species of Public Health and Veterinary Significance in the Intestines of House Crows \ud (Corvus splendens) in Tanzania
The Indian house crow, Corvus splendens (Vieillot) was introduced in Zanzibar, Tanzania by the British and immigrants from India in 1897 to help clean the town. The crow is responsible for polluting the environment, water sources and human surroundings by their droppings and the rubbish they carry. This behavior has led to concern that, the crows may be responsible for the spread of certain pathogens including Salmonella and their persistence in the environment.Given the zoonotic potential of Salmonella, the main aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of antimicrobial resistant Salmonella infections in Indian house crows and to determine if the isolates were similar to those associated with disease in livestock or humans. Methods: Indian house crows were lured with meat and blood baits to land into the crow live-trap set at the Mabibo compound of the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) in Dar es Salaam city in Tanzania. A total of 100 house crows were captured, humanely sacrificed, and their small and large intestines were obtained by using aseptic techniques for microbiological investigations. Culture technique was employed to detect the presence of Salmonella in intestinal contents; and preliminary identification of the isolates was based on colonial characteristics on selective media and microscopic examination of smears following Gram staining. Confirmation of Salmonella species was done by biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by using the disc diffusion method on Mueller Hinton agar. Eight isolates were identified by standard microbiological techniques as Salmonella spp. (6 suggestive of Salmonella gallinarum and 2 suggestive of S. Typhi). All isolates were found to be susceptible to ciprofloxacin but resistant to amoxicillin. Lower levels of susceptibility were noted for chloramphenicol and ceftriaxone. Our results demonstrate the presence of antimicrobial resistant Salmonella spp. in the Indian house crows’ population and provide an indication of potential public and poultry health risks associated with these birds in the coastal area. The occurrence of antibiotic resistant S. Typhi and S. gallinarum among Indian house crows has both veterinary and public health consequences as they may be transmitted to poultry and humans. This therefore provides further rationale for the public action on eradicating the house crows
Ecological and epidemiological findings associated with zoonotic rabies outbreaks and control in Moshi, Tanzania, 2017–2018
Approximately 1500 people die annually due to rabies in the United Republic of Tanzania.
Moshi, in the Kilimanjaro Region, reported sporadic cases of human rabies between 2017 and 2018.
In response and following a One Health approach, we implemented surveillance, monitoring, as well
as a mass vaccinations of domestic pets concurrently in >150 villages, achieving a 74.5% vaccination
coverage (n = 29, 885 dogs and cats) by September 2018. As of April 2019, no single human or animal
case has been recorded. We have observed a disparity between awareness and knowledge levels
of community members on rabies epidemiology. Self-adherence to protective rabies vaccination in
animals was poor due to the challenges of costs and distances to vaccination centers, among others.
Incidence of dog bites was high and only a fraction (65%) of dog bite victims (humans) received
post-exposure prophylaxis. A high proportion of unvaccinated dogs and cats and the relative intense
interactions with wild dog species at interfaces were the risk factors for seropositivity to rabies virus
infection in dogs. A percentage of the previously vaccinated dogs remained unimmunized and some
unvaccinated dogs were seropositive. Evidence of community engagement and multi-coordinated
implementation of One Health in Moshi serves as an example of best practice in tackling zoonotic
diseases using multi-level government e orts. The district-level establishment of the One Health rapid
response team (OHRRT), implementation of a carefully structured routine vaccination campaign,
improved health education, and the implementation of barriers between domestic animals and
wildlife at the interfaces are necessary to reduce the burden of rabies in Moshi and communities with
similar profiles.The USAID funded project—OSRO/GLO/507/USA on Global Health Security Agenda for the control of zoonosis in Africa.http://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerpham2020Veterinary Tropical Disease
Prevalence of porcine cysticercosis in Mbozi and Mbeya rural districts, Mbeya Tanzania
An epidemiological survey was conducted between November and December 2007 in
30 randomly selected villages and four slaughterslabs in Mbozi and Mbeya Rural
districts, southern Tanzania, to determine the prevalence of porcine cysticercosis.
Fifteen villages and three slaughterslabs were from Mbozi and fifteen villages and one
slaughterslab were from Mbeya Rural. A total of 600 live pigs (300 in each district) of
different sex and age categories were randomly selected from smallholder pig-keeping
households and subjected to lingual examination and Antigen-ELISA tests. Postmortem
examination was performed in pigs slaughtered in official slaughterslabs and local brew
clubs. Questionnaire survey and direct observations were used to investigate potential
factors related to transmission of T. solium. The overall prevalence of porcine
cysticercosis in Mbozi district was 11.7% (95% CI = 8.5-15.8%) and 32% (95% CI: 27-
37.5%) based on lingual examination and Antigen-ELISA, respectively. In Mbeya
Rural district, the prevalences were 6% (95% CI: 3.8-9.3%) and 30.7% (95% CI: 25.8-
36.1%), by lingual examination and Antigen-ELISA tests, respectively. The agreement
between the two tests was poor (Îş < 40%). There were no significant differences in the
prevalence of porcine cysticercosis in different age and sex categories of pigs. None of
the 805 pigs slaughtered at official slaughterslabs was infected with cysticercosis based
on post-mortem inspection. However, of those slaughtered at local brew clubs, 8.2%
(n=437) in Mbozi district and 10.8% (n=74) in Mbeya Rural were positive for
cysticercosis. Potential risk factors for porcine cysticercosis in the districts included
poor pig management, poor sanitary practices, lack of knowledge on the transmission
of T. solium, and lack of meat inspection services. This study recommends educational
campaigns in the study communities on the epidemiology of the disease, and
subsequent revision of the current regulatory framework for pig trade and pork
inspection to safeguard public health and improve livelihoods
Molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of thermophilic campylobacter infections in humans and animals in Tanzania
PhD ThesisMembers of the genus Campylobacter are known to cause more cases of human
gastrointestinal illness than any other bacterium worldwide. The organisms exist as normal
flora in the intestinal tracts of domestic and wild animals, more so in avian species.
Humans acquire Campylobacter infections from contaminated animal products,
particularly poultry meat, either directly or through cross-contamination of other food
products. Human infections are mostly attributed to Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli, the
former causing a larger proportion (85-90%) of all cases reported. In addition to
infections, campylobacteriosis is also associated with the emerging threat of antimicrobial
resistance as evidenced in isolates derived from different sources. An accurate picture of
the epidemiology of infections caused by Campylobacter and other aetiological agents is
lacking in developing countries due to the absence of regular surveillance programmes.
Consequently the present study was conducted in Morogoro Municipality, Eastern
Tanzania, to determine the molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of
thermophilic Campylobacter isolates from humans and animals. Specific objectives were;
1) To establish the prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter infections in humans and
animals, 2) To determine the genetic relatedness of chicken and human derived
thermophilic Campylobacter isolates using DNA-based typing methods, 3) To evaluate the
antimicrobial resistance patterns in thermophilic Campylobacter isolates derived from
humans and animals; and 4) To identify risk factors for thermophilic Campylobacter
infections in humans. Stool samples were collected from 1195 human subjects; and fecal
samples from 1511 farm animals, 466 laboratory animals and 112 wild birds (Indian house
crows). Farm animals constituted chickens (n=1267), cattle (n=98), goats (n=81), sheep
(n=57), horses (n=5) and camels (n=3); whereas laboratory animals were composed of
guinea pigs (Cavia porcelllus, n= 30), mice (Mus musculus, n=160), rabbits (Oryctulagusiii
cuniculus, n=34) and rats (Rattus rattus, n=242). The Cape Town protocol was used for
isolation of thermophilic Campylobacter from stool and fecal samples. Campylobacter
isolates were identified by phenotypic and molecular techniques. The isolates were tested
for resistance against several antimicrobial agents using the disc diffusion method. Risk
factors for human infections with thermophilic Campylobacter were determined in an
unmatched case control study. Selected human and chicken derived Campylobacter jejuni
isolates were genotyped using flagellin A gene sequencing. In humans the prevalence of
thermophilic Campylobacter was 11.4% (n=1195). Symptomatic (12.9%) and young
individuals (16.7%) were more infected than asymptomatic (6.7%) and adults (10%),
respectively. Most (84.6%) of the isolates were C. jejuni and the remaining were C. coli;
and the difference was statistically significant at p≤0.05. Isolates had highest resistance
(95.6%) for colistin sulphate and lowest for ciprofloxacin (22.1%). Proportions of resistant
isolates for other antibiotics (azithromycin, erythromycin, tetracycline, cephalethin,
gentamycin, nalidixic acid, ampicillin, amoxycillin, norfloxacin and chloramphenicol)
ranged from 44.1% to 89%. Human infections with thermophilic Campylobacter were
associated with young age; and consumption of chicken meat, barbecue and pre-prepared
salad. In avians, thermophilic Campylobacter spp. were isolated from 44.0% and 20.5% of
the sampled chickens and crows respectively. The majority of isolates from both chickens
(87.6%) and crows (56.5%) were C. jejuni and the remaining were C. coli. The observed
difference in proportions of C. jejuni and C. coli isolates was statistically significant
(p≤0.05) in chickens but not in house crows. Chicken isolates had highest resistance to
Colistin sulphate whereas crow isolates showed highest resistance to azithromycin and
erythromycin. Lowest resistance was observed for gentamycin and ciprofloxacin for crow
and chicken isolates respectively. Among chicken isolates significantly high proportions
of C. coli were resistant to gentamycin, cephalothin, tetracycline, colistin sulphate and
chloramphenical. On the other hand a high proportion C. jejuni isolates were resistant toiv
nalidixic acid. Crow derived C. jejuni had significantly higher resistance to nalidixic acid,
cephalothin and ciprofloxacin than C. coli isolates from the same hosts. Among farm
animals thermophilic Campylobacter were detected from 18 (31.6%) sheep and 3/5 (60%)
of horses. Of the isolates 12 (57%) were C. jejuni; the remaining (43%) were C. coli. Of
the laboratory animals 8 (26.7%) guinea pigs and 3 (1.2%) rats were colonized with
Campylobacter. Four isolates from the guinea pigs were C. jejuni and the other 4 were C.
coli. From the rats two isolates were C. jejuni and one was C. coli. The isolates showed
high levels of antimicrobial resistance to erythromycin, norfloxacin colistin sulphate and
nalidixic acid in ascending order; whereas low levels of resistance were observed for
ciprofloxacin and gentamycin. Out of 55 sequenced isolates obtained from sporadic cases
of human illness and different categories of chickens, nine different flaA types (7, 36, 41,
51, 61, 62, 64, 105 and 111) were detected. Both C. jejuni isolates from humans and
chickens displayed a high degree of genetic diversity thereby suggesting weak clonality
among the tested isolates. Genetic relatedness of some isolates from human and avian
sources was however evident as on phylogenetic analysis some clusters contained both
human and chicken C. jejuni isolates. The work contained in this thesis contributes
significantly to the limited, available information on epidemiology and antimicrobial
resistance of human and animal Campylobacter infections in Tanzania. For the first time
the occurrence of Campylobacter infections in laboratory animals, antimicrobial resistance
of human derived Campylobacter isolates, risk factors for human Campylobacter
infections; and the population structure and relatedness of Campylobacter jejuni isolates
from humans and chickens in the country are provided. The observed clusters containing
isolates from human and avian sources confirm interspecies transmission of this zoonotic
pathogen. Information on antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter isolates derived from
avian species in the country is also complemented. Control measures for colonization of
animals and occurrence of infections in humans with this particular bacterium species arev
warranted. Similarly strategies to stem emergency and spread of antimicrobial resistant
Campylobacter strains should be put in place.Danish International Development Fun
Molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of thermophilic campylobacter infections in humans and animals in Tanzania
PhD ThesisMembers of the genus Campylobacter are known to cause more cases of human
gastrointestinal illness than any other bacterium worldwide. The organisms exist as normal
flora in the intestinal tracts of domestic and wild animals, more so in avian species.
Humans acquire Campylobacter infections from contaminated animal products,
particularly poultry meat, either directly or through cross-contamination of other food
products. Human infections are mostly attributed to Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli, the
former causing a larger proportion (85-90%) of all cases reported. In addition to
infections, campylobacteriosis is also associated with the emerging threat of antimicrobial
resistance as evidenced in isolates derived from different sources. An accurate picture of
the epidemiology of infections caused by Campylobacter and other aetiological agents is
lacking in developing countries due to the absence of regular surveillance programmes.
Consequently the present study was conducted in Morogoro Municipality, Eastern
Tanzania, to determine the molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of
thermophilic Campylobacter isolates from humans and animals. Specific objectives were;
1) To establish the prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter infections in humans and
animals, 2) To determine the genetic relatedness of chicken and human derived
thermophilic Campylobacter isolates using DNA-based typing methods, 3) To evaluate the
antimicrobial resistance patterns in thermophilic Campylobacter isolates derived from
humans and animals; and 4) To identify risk factors for thermophilic Campylobacter
infections in humans. Stool samples were collected from 1195 human subjects; and fecal
samples from 1511 farm animals, 466 laboratory animals and 112 wild birds (Indian house
crows). Farm animals constituted chickens (n=1267), cattle (n=98), goats (n=81), sheep
(n=57), horses (n=5) and camels (n=3); whereas laboratory animals were composed of
guinea pigs (Cavia porcelllus, n= 30), mice (Mus musculus, n=160), rabbits (Oryctulagusiii
cuniculus, n=34) and rats (Rattus rattus, n=242). The Cape Town protocol was used for
isolation of thermophilic Campylobacter from stool and fecal samples. Campylobacter
isolates were identified by phenotypic and molecular techniques. The isolates were tested
for resistance against several antimicrobial agents using the disc diffusion method. Risk
factors for human infections with thermophilic Campylobacter were determined in an
unmatched case control study. Selected human and chicken derived Campylobacter jejuni
isolates were genotyped using flagellin A gene sequencing. In humans the prevalence of
thermophilic Campylobacter was 11.4% (n=1195). Symptomatic (12.9%) and young
individuals (16.7%) were more infected than asymptomatic (6.7%) and adults (10%),
respectively. Most (84.6%) of the isolates were C. jejuni and the remaining were C. coli;
and the difference was statistically significant at p≤0.05. Isolates had highest resistance
(95.6%) for colistin sulphate and lowest for ciprofloxacin (22.1%). Proportions of resistant
isolates for other antibiotics (azithromycin, erythromycin, tetracycline, cephalethin,
gentamycin, nalidixic acid, ampicillin, amoxycillin, norfloxacin and chloramphenicol)
ranged from 44.1% to 89%. Human infections with thermophilic Campylobacter were
associated with young age; and consumption of chicken meat, barbecue and pre-prepared
salad. In avians, thermophilic Campylobacter spp. were isolated from 44.0% and 20.5% of
the sampled chickens and crows respectively. The majority of isolates from both chickens
(87.6%) and crows (56.5%) were C. jejuni and the remaining were C. coli. The observed
difference in proportions of C. jejuni and C. coli isolates was statistically significant
(p≤0.05) in chickens but not in house crows. Chicken isolates had highest resistance to
Colistin sulphate whereas crow isolates showed highest resistance to azithromycin and
erythromycin. Lowest resistance was observed for gentamycin and ciprofloxacin for crow
and chicken isolates respectively. Among chicken isolates significantly high proportions
of C. coli were resistant to gentamycin, cephalothin, tetracycline, colistin sulphate and
chloramphenical. On the other hand a high proportion C. jejuni isolates were resistant toiv
nalidixic acid. Crow derived C. jejuni had significantly higher resistance to nalidixic acid,
cephalothin and ciprofloxacin than C. coli isolates from the same hosts. Among farm
animals thermophilic Campylobacter were detected from 18 (31.6%) sheep and 3/5 (60%)
of horses. Of the isolates 12 (57%) were C. jejuni; the remaining (43%) were C. coli. Of
the laboratory animals 8 (26.7%) guinea pigs and 3 (1.2%) rats were colonized with
Campylobacter. Four isolates from the guinea pigs were C. jejuni and the other 4 were C.
coli. From the rats two isolates were C. jejuni and one was C. coli. The isolates showed
high levels of antimicrobial resistance to erythromycin, norfloxacin colistin sulphate and
nalidixic acid in ascending order; whereas low levels of resistance were observed for
ciprofloxacin and gentamycin. Out of 55 sequenced isolates obtained from sporadic cases
of human illness and different categories of chickens, nine different flaA types (7, 36, 41,
51, 61, 62, 64, 105 and 111) were detected. Both C. jejuni isolates from humans and
chickens displayed a high degree of genetic diversity thereby suggesting weak clonality
among the tested isolates. Genetic relatedness of some isolates from human and avian
sources was however evident as on phylogenetic analysis some clusters contained both
human and chicken C. jejuni isolates. The work contained in this thesis contributes
significantly to the limited, available information on epidemiology and antimicrobial
resistance of human and animal Campylobacter infections in Tanzania. For the first time
the occurrence of Campylobacter infections in laboratory animals, antimicrobial resistance
of human derived Campylobacter isolates, risk factors for human Campylobacter
infections; and the population structure and relatedness of Campylobacter jejuni isolates
from humans and chickens in the country are provided. The observed clusters containing
isolates from human and avian sources confirm interspecies transmission of this zoonotic
pathogen. Information on antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter isolates derived from
avian species in the country is also complemented. Control measures for colonization of
animals and occurrence of infections in humans with this particular bacterium species arev
warranted. Similarly strategies to stem emergency and spread of antimicrobial resistant
Campylobacter strains should be put in place.Danish International Development Fun
Prevalence of porcine cysticercosis in Mbozi and Mbeya rural districts, Mbeya Tanzania
An epidemiological survey was conducted between November and December 2007 in
30 randomly selected villages and four slaughterslabs in Mbozi and Mbeya Rural
districts, southern Tanzania, to determine the prevalence of porcine cysticercosis.
Fifteen villages and three slaughterslabs were from Mbozi and fifteen villages and one
slaughterslab were from Mbeya Rural. A total of 600 live pigs (300 in each district) of
different sex and age categories were randomly selected from smallholder pig-keeping
households and subjected to lingual examination and Antigen-ELISA tests. Postmortem
examination was performed in pigs slaughtered in official slaughterslabs and local brew
clubs. Questionnaire survey and direct observations were used to investigate potential
factors related to transmission of T. solium. The overall prevalence of porcine
cysticercosis in Mbozi district was 11.7% (95% CI = 8.5-15.8%) and 32% (95% CI: 27-
37.5%) based on lingual examination and Antigen-ELISA, respectively. In Mbeya
Rural district, the prevalences were 6% (95% CI: 3.8-9.3%) and 30.7% (95% CI: 25.8-
36.1%), by lingual examination and Antigen-ELISA tests, respectively. The agreement
between the two tests was poor (Îş < 40%). There were no significant differences in the
prevalence of porcine cysticercosis in different age and sex categories of pigs. None of
the 805 pigs slaughtered at official slaughterslabs was infected with cysticercosis based
on post-mortem inspection. However, of those slaughtered at local brew clubs, 8.2%
(n=437) in Mbozi district and 10.8% (n=74) in Mbeya Rural were positive for
cysticercosis. Potential risk factors for porcine cysticercosis in the districts included
poor pig management, poor sanitary practices, lack of knowledge on the transmission
of T. solium, and lack of meat inspection services. This study recommends educational
campaigns in the study communities on the epidemiology of the disease, and
subsequent revision of the current regulatory framework for pig trade and pork
inspection to safeguard public health and improve livelihoods
Occurrence and Determination of Antimicrobial Resistant Escherichia coli Isolates in Fish and Vegetables as Indicator Organism of Faecal Contamination in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Escherichia coli such as E. coli O157:H7, a non-sorbitol-fermenting (NSF) E. coli, is an essential human pathogen among other common zoonotic pathogens carried by animals especially cattle. They are discharged through cattle faeces into the environment. With the increasing practice of urban farming, livestock manure is used as organic fertiliser in either fish ponds or vegetable gardens. This practice increases the risk of transmission of such pathogens to humans. This study aimed at determining the occurrence, antimicrobial resistance profiles, and genetic relatedness of E. coli isolates from manure, vegetables, and fish. Microbiological standard methods were used to isolate and identify E. coli isolates from manure, vegetable, and fish samples. Confirmed isolates on biochemical tests were tested for resistance against six antibiotics using the disc diffusion method. Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR) typing method was used to generate fingerprints and determine the genetic relatedness of the E. coli isolates. Of 156 samples including 89 manure, 53 vegetables, and 16 fish, 36 (23.1%) samples were positive for E. coli from where a total of 48 E. coli different isolates were recovered that were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing and genetic relatedness. Of these isolates, 25 (52.1%) were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent and 12 (48.0%) showed multidrug resistance. ERIC-PCR profiles of E. coli isolates from manure, vegetables, and fish showed genetic diversity with genetic relatedness ranging from 74.5% to 100%. Nine phylogenetic clusters (I–IX) determined at 90% threshold level of genetic relatedness were identified among the isolates. This study determined the occurrence, antimicrobial resistant patterns, and genetic diversity of antimicrobial-resistant E. coli isolates from different sources. This study showed the potential of microbial health risk to humans through contamination, and hence, it is necessary to monitor and improve husbandry practices in urban farming
Human and animal campylobacteriosis in Tanzania: a review
12pThe thermotolerant species of Campylobacter have become very important in public health, particularly as agents of infectious diarrhoea in human beings. Though the mechanism by which they cause disease is yet to be fully explained, they have been recognized as the leading cause of bacterial enteritis in both developed and developing countries. The organisms colonize different animal species without causing any symptoms of disease; and humans acquire infections through contact with or consumption of contaminated meat especially raw/undercooked poultry meat. The growing trend of antibiotic resistant Campylobacter isolates continues to pose significant public health challenges. In this review we present the available information generated in Tanzania about Campylobacter infections in humans and animals. We conducted a structured literature search of PUBMED and ScienceDirect electronic databases and identified 15 articles. Studies on humans reported Campylobacter infections in both symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects; with higher prevalence in children under the age of five years. Studies on animals found colonization of both domestic and wild species. Among isolates, some demonstrated antimicrobial resistance. The available information for both human and animal Campylobacteriosis in the country is sparse. It however provides an insight of the bacteriological and epidemiological aspects of Campylobacter infections in the country and eventually creates more awareness on the need to develop control strategies. Since the organism is zoonotic its control strategies should adopt the “One Health” approach involving collaborative efforts from veterinary and human medicine