RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The escalation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in recent years has been of major public health concern globally. Escherichia coli are amongst the bacteria that have been targeted for AMR surveillance due to their ability to cause infection in both animals and humans. Their propensity to produce extended spectrum beta-lactamases further complicates the choices of treatment regimens. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistance in E. coli strains isolated from faecal samples of dogs and cats from selected veterinary surgeries and animal shelters from Harare, Zimbabwe. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out to select animals by a systematic random procedure. Faecal samples were collected for culture and isolation of E. coli. Their susceptibility to antimicrobial drugs was assessed using the disc diffusion method. RESULTS: A total of 95% (133/140) of the samples from cats (n = 40) and dogs (n = 93) yielded E. coli. Resistance was recorded for ampicillin (45.9%), trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (44.4%), nalidixic acid (29.3%), ceftazidime (15.8%) and azithromycin (12.8%), but not for gentamicin and imipenem. A total of 18% of the isolates were multi-drug-resistant where resistance to nalidixic acid, ampicillin and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole predominated. CONCLUSION: We observed relatively high AMR of E. coli strains against ampicillin. The isolation of multi-drug-resistant strains of E. coli may signal the dissemination of resistance genes in the ecosystem of these bacteria which may have a public health impact.
Assuntos
Antibacterianos , Doenças do Gato , Doenças do Cão , Farmacorresistência Bacteriana Múltipla , Escherichia coli , Fezes , Cães , Animais , Gatos , Zimbábue/epidemiologia , Escherichia coli/efeitos dos fármacos , Escherichia coli/isolamento & purificação , Escherichia coli/genética , Fezes/microbiologia , Doenças do Gato/microbiologia , Doenças do Gato/epidemiologia , Doenças do Cão/microbiologia , Doenças do Cão/epidemiologia , Estudos Transversais , Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Infecções por Escherichia coli/veterinária , Infecções por Escherichia coli/microbiologia , Infecções por Escherichia coli/epidemiologia , PrevalênciaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Bovine brucellosis and tuberculosis are important zoonoses affecting both livestock and wildlife. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to investigate seroprevalence of brucellosis and to isolate Brucella spp. and Mycobacterium bovis in cattle from livestock-wildlife interface areas. METHODS: Three sites were selected from high, medium and low interface. The high interface was adjacent to the park and separated by a broken fence, while the medium and low interface were 15-20 and 50 km from the perimeter fence, respectively. Cattle aged ≥2 years were randomly selected and bled for serology. Culture for brucellae and Mycobacterium species was attempted on lymph nodes collected at the slaughter floor. Sera were screened for Brucella antibodies using the Rose Bengal test and confirmed by the Complement fixation test. Data were analysed using a multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS: Overall, seroprevalence was 11.7% (125/1068; 95% CI: 9.8-13.6%). High interface areas recorded significantly higher (p < 0.05) seroprevalence of 20.9% (85/406; 95% CI: 17.0-24.9%), compared to low 8.9% (31/350; 95% CI: 5.9-11.8%) and medium interface 2.9% (9/312; 95% CI: 1.0-4.8%). Brucella seropositivity was approximately three times higher (OR = 3.3, 95% CI: 2.1-5.3) for Malipati compared to Chiredzi. Similarly, the odds were twice (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.2-3.5) in cows with history of abortion compared to those without. Brucella and Mycobacterium species were not isolated from all samples. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlighted the significance of high interface as a nexus for amplification of brucellosis in cattle. Thus, a brucellosis control programme that takes into consideration limiting livestock-wildlife interaction should be considered.
Assuntos
Brucella , Brucelose Bovina , Brucelose , Doenças dos Bovinos , Tuberculose , Gravidez , Feminino , Animais , Bovinos , Animais Selvagens , Gado/microbiologia , Zimbábue/epidemiologia , Estudos Soroepidemiológicos , Brucelose Bovina/epidemiologia , Zoonoses/epidemiologia , Zoonoses/microbiologia , Brucelose/veterinária , Tuberculose/veterinária , Doenças dos Bovinos/microbiologiaRESUMO
A three-year study investigated the epidemiology of epizootic ulcerative syndrome (EUS) in fish from Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) and Great Limpopo (GL) transfrontier conservation areas of Zimbabwe. A total of 38 sites comprising 27 wild fisheries and 11 aquacultures, from Mashonaland West, Matabeleland North and South, and Midlands were selected. Of the 27 wild fisheries, EUS-positive fish were detected from 9 (33.3%) and none from the 11 aquacultures. No positive cases were detected from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) from both aquacultures and wild fisheries. A total of 9.9% (239/2423) fish from the nine positive fisheries had typical EUS lesions, and infection was confirmed in 15 species. Prevalence was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in KAZA (11.5%; 95% CI: 9.6-13.4) compared with GL (8.6%; 95% CI: 7.1-10.1). The most affected were Clarias, followed by Barbus and Oreochromis species. Most cases (>80%) were reported in winter when ambient temperature was low. Further studies are required to determine water parameters associated with EUS outbreaks. These results suggested that the African sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus) could be used potentially as an indicator species for EUS surveillance programmes. Thus, implementation of surveillance and biosecurity programmes that take into consideration the epidemiology of EUS will be beneficial.
Assuntos
Aphanomyces , Peixes-Gato , Ciclídeos , Cyprinidae , Doenças dos Peixes , Animais , Zimbábue , Doenças dos Peixes/epidemiologia , Úlcera , ÁguaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Studies have linked bats to outbreaks of viral diseases in human populations such as SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV and the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. METHODS: We carried out a longitudinal survey from August 2020 to July 2021 at two sites in Zimbabwe with bat-human interactions: Magweto cave and Chirundu farm. A total of 1732 and 1866 individual bat fecal samples were collected, respectively. Coronaviruses and bat species were amplified using PCR systems. RESULTS: Analysis of the coronavirus sequences revealed a high genetic diversity, and we identified different sub-viral groups in the Alphacoronavirus and Betacoronavirus genus. The established sub-viral groups fell within the described Alphacoronavirus sub-genera: Decacovirus, Duvinacovirus, Rhinacovirus, Setracovirus and Minunacovirus and for Betacoronavirus sub-genera: Sarbecoviruses, Merbecovirus and Hibecovirus. Our results showed an overall proportion for CoV positive PCR tests of 23.7% at Chirundu site and 16.5% and 38.9% at Magweto site for insectivorous bats and Macronycteris gigas, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The higher risk of bat coronavirus exposure for humans was found in December to March in relation to higher viral shedding peaks of coronaviruses in the parturition, lactation and weaning months of the bat populations at both sites. We also highlight the need to further document viral infectious risk in human/domestic animal populations surrounding bat habitats in Zimbabwe.
Assuntos
Alphacoronavirus , COVID-19 , Quirópteros , Animais , COVID-19/epidemiologia , Evolução Molecular , Feminino , Genoma Viral , Filogenia , SARS-CoV-2/genética , Zimbábue/epidemiologiaRESUMO
Plant remedies used in avian ethnomedicine are potential candidates for the development of phytogenic feed additives. An ethnoveterinary survey was carried out in 3 districts in Zimbabwe to document plants used in poultry ethnomedicine and identify plants that have the potential to be used for the development of poultry phytogenic feed additives. The survey employed questionnaire-guided oral interviews with 146 smallholder farmers. Key areas of investigation and discussion were poultry production and traditional knowledge in bird health care (ethnotreatments and poultry disease control). The survey documented a total of 36 plant species cited as being useful interventions for the treatment and management of various poultry ailments/health constraints. These medicinal plants belonged to 22 families, with the Fabaceae family the dominant family. The plant species were used to treat 11 disease/health constraint categories, with the highest number of species being used for coccidiosis. Trees (44.44%) were the main reservoir of medicinal plants followed by herbs (36.11%), shrubs (8.33%), climbers (8.33%), and flowers (2.78%). Based on the results of the survey, Bobgunnia madagascariensis, Aloe chabaudii, Adenia gummifera, Erythrina abyssinica, Agave sisalana, Capsicum frutescens, Strychnos cocculoides, Aloe greatheadii, Tridactyle bicaudata, Senna singueana, Sarcostemma viminale, Morus alba, and Moringa oleifera are potential candidates for the development of phytogenic feed additives.
Assuntos
Fitoterapia , Plantas Medicinais , Animais , Aves , Etnobotânica , Humanos , Medicina Tradicional/métodos , Fitoterapia/métodos , ZimbábueRESUMO
There has been burgeoning interest in plant-based feed additives following restrictions placed on the use of antibiotic feed additives in many countries. Phytogenic feed additives are recommended to have a range of useful properties to support the growth and development of poultry to a similar level as that obtained by supplementing feed with antibiotics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial, anti-lipoxygenase and antioxidant activity, and in vitro safety of fractions and isolated compounds from leaves of Senna singueana. Antibacterial activities of the fractions and isolated compounds were determined against a panel of bacteria using a two-fold serial microdilution assay and qualitative bioautography assays. Anti-lipoxygenase activity was evaluated using the ferrous oxidation-xylenol orange (FOX) method. Antioxidant activity was assessed qualitatively and quantitatively using radical scavenging assays. Dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions from solvent-solvent partitioning had the best antibacterial activity with MIC values ranging from 156 to 313 µg/ml. Fractions obtained from column chromatography had significant to weak antibacterial activity with MIC values ranging from 50 to 1,250 µg/ml. Bioautography showed clear bands of bacterial inhibition, indicating the presence of a number of active compounds in several fractions. The ethyl acetate fraction and all the tested column fractions had potent anti-lipoxygenase activity with IC50 values of ≤2.5 µg/ml which were lower than that of quercetin (positive control), indicating anti-inflammatory potential. The ethyl acetate fraction and several column fractions had powerful antioxidant activity with IC50 values of ≤5 µg/ml in the ABTS assay. Cytotoxicity values against Vero kidney cells ranged from LC50 = 40.0-989.3 µg/ml. Bioassay-guided fractionation led to the isolation and identification of a known bioactive compound, luteolin. S. singueana is a promising candidate for the development of poultry phytogenic feed additives.
RESUMO
Numerous unknown factors influence anthrax epidemiology in multi-host systems, especially at wildlife/livestock/human interfaces. Serology tests for anti-anthrax antibodies in carnivores are useful tools in identifying the presence or absence of Bacillus anthracis in a range. These were employed to ascertain whether the disease pattern followed the recognized high- and low-risk anthrax zonation in Zimbabwe and also to establish whether anthrax was absent from Hwange National Park in which there have been no reported outbreaks. African lions (Panthera leo) (n = 114) drawn from free-range protected areas and captive game parks located in recognized high- and low-risk zones across Zimbabwe were tested for antibodies to anthrax PA antigen using the ELISA immunoassay. A random selection of 27 lion sera samples comprising 17 seropositive and 10 seronegative sera was further tested in the species-independent toxin neutralization assay (TNA) in order to validate the former as a surveillance tool for anthrax in African lions. Using the ELISA-PA immunoassay, 21.9% (25/114) of the lions tested positive for antibodies to anthrax. Seropositivity was recorded in all study areas, and there was no significant difference (p = .852) in seropositivity between lions in high- and low-risk anthrax zones. Also, there was no significant difference (McNemar's chi-square test = 0.9, p = .343) in the proportion of lions testing positive to anti-PA anthrax antibodies on ELISA-PA immunoassay compared with the TNA, with fair agreement between the two tests [kappa (K) statistic = 0.30; 0.08 < K<0.613]. Results of this study indicate that anthrax could be more widespread than 42 currently realized in Zimbabwe, and present in recognized high- and low-risk zones, including 43 where it has not been reported in over 20 years such as Hwange National Park. This is also the 44 first report documenting the presence of anthrax lethal toxin-neutralizing antibodies in naturally 45 infected carnivores, further confirming exposure to B. anthracis. The research results point to a 46 need for revisiting the currently recognized anthrax risk zones in Zimbabwe. This should be based 47 on improved surveillance of the disease in both wild and domestic animals for better understanding and control of the disease.
Assuntos
Antraz/veterinária , Anticorpos Antibacterianos/sangue , Bacillus anthracis/isolamento & purificação , Leões , Animais , Animais Selvagens , Animais de Zoológico , Antraz/epidemiologia , Antraz/imunologia , Anticorpos Neutralizantes/sangue , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática/veterinária , Prevalência , Estudos Soroepidemiológicos , Zimbábue/epidemiologiaRESUMO
Anthrax is an important but neglected zoonosis in southern Africa and elsewhere which occurs naturally in herbivorous wildlife and livestock. Fatal outbreaks in animals are spaced by potentially extended periods of non-activity during which the bacterium is maintained in soil. The ecology of the pathogen in the multi-host system and the environment is still not fully understood. This study investigated the patterns of anthrax in Zimbabwe in order to better understand the occurrence of disease in susceptible wildlife and livestock and hence its control. The study used available data in governmental reports between 1995 and 2018 and structured interviewer-administered questionnaires of local communities in three porous wildlife-livestock-human interface sites where livestock/wildlife interactions were documented from previous researches. Two non-interface sites were also included for comparison based on known previous anthrax outbreaks. Respondents from non-interface sites had significantly higher odds (χ2 = 23.2, OR = 3.5, 2.1Assuntos
Animais Selvagens/microbiologia
, Antraz/microbiologia
, Antraz/veterinária
, Adolescente
, Adulto
, Animais
, Antraz/epidemiologia
, Criança
, Pré-Escolar
, Feminino
, Humanos
, Gado/microbiologia
, Masculino
, Pessoa de Meia-Idade
, Adulto Jovem
, Zimbábue/epidemiologia
, Zoonoses/epidemiologia
, Zoonoses/microbiologia
RESUMO
This study was conducted to evaluate the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the Rose Bengal test (RBT), complement fixation test (CFT), the serum lateral flow assay (LFAserum) and the blood lateral flow assay (LFAblood) for the detection of antibodies to Brucella spp. using Bayesian latent class models (BLCMs). Sera and whole blood were collected from naturally infected cattle reared in smallholder, small-scale commercial and large-scale commercial farms in Zimbabwe (n = 1022) and Botswana (n = 770). The BLCMs were fitted under the assumption that conditional dependences existed between the tests. Based on the conditional dependence model, the RBT had the highest Se of 0.897 (95 % Probability Intervals: 0.854; 0.932) compared to 0.827 (0.773; 0.872), 0.812 (0.76; 0.858) and 0.809 (0.785; 0.832) for the LFAserum, LFAblood and CFT, respectively. The CFT recorded a higher Sp of 0.999 (0.995; 1.000) than the LFAserum 0.996 (0.99; 1.000), the LFAblood 0.984 (0.976; 0.991) and the RBT 0.969 (0.959; 0.978). The data indicated that both the Se and Sp of RBT and CFT and the Sp of LFAserum and LFAblood were conditionally independent, while the Se appeared to be conditionally dependent. These results indicated that none of the evaluated tests had perfect Se and Sp and consequently could not be used alone for the diagnosis of brucellosis in cattle from the studied farming sectors. Thus, based on high Se and Sp, respectively, a brucellosis testing regimen using the RBT (screening) and the LFA (confirmatory) may be considered.
Assuntos
Análise Química do Sangue/veterinária , Brucelose Bovina/diagnóstico , Testes de Fixação de Complemento/veterinária , Rosa Bengala/química , Animais , Teorema de Bayes , Botsuana , Bovinos , Análise de Classes Latentes , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , ZimbábueRESUMO
A study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Rift Valley fever (RVF) infection in cattle and some selected wildlife species at selected interface areas at the periphery of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area in Zimbabwe. Three study sites were selected based on the type of livestock-wildlife interface: porous livestock-wildlife interface (unrestricted); non-porous livestock-wildlife interface (restricted by fencing) and livestock-wildlife non-interface (totally absent contact or control). Sera were collected from cattle aged ≥ 2 years representing both female and intact male. Sera were also collected from selected wild ungulates from Mabalauta (porous interface) and Chipinda Pools (non-interface) areas of the Gonarezhou National Park. Sera were tested for antibodies to Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. AX2 test was used to assess differences between categories, and p 0.05 was considered as significant. In cattle, the overall seroprevalence was 1.7% (17/1011) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-2.7). The porous interface recorded a seroprevalence of 2.3% (95% CI: 1.2-4.3), the non-porous interface recorded a prevalence of 1.8% (95% CI: 0.7-4.3) and the non-interface area recorded a seroprevalence of 0.4% (955 CI: 0.02-2.5), but the difference in seroprevalence according to site was not significant (p 0.05). All impala and kudu samples tested negative. The overall seroprevalence in buffaloes was 11.7% (95% CI: 6.6-19.5), and there was no significant (p = 0.38) difference between the sites (Mabalauta, 4.4% [95% CI: 0.2-24] vs. Chipinda, 13.6% [95% CI: 7.6-23]). The overall seroprevalence in buffaloes (11.7%, 13/111) was significantly (p 0.0001) higher than in cattle (1.7%, 17/1011). The results established the presence of RVFV in cattle and selected wildlife and that sylvatic infections may be present in buffalo populations. Further studies are required to investigate if the virus is circulating between cattle and wildlife.
Assuntos
Antílopes , Búfalos , Doenças dos Bovinos/epidemiologia , Febre do Vale de Rift/epidemiologia , Animais , Animais Selvagens , Bovinos , Feminino , Masculino , Prevalência , Fatores de Risco , Estudos Soroepidemiológicos , Zimbábue/epidemiologiaRESUMO
Viruses belonging to the Dicistroviridae family have attracted a great deal of attention from scientists owing to their negative impact on agricultural economics, as well as their recent identification as potential aetiological agents of febrile illness in human patients. On the other hand, some Dicistroviruses are also studied for their potential biopesticide properties. To date, Dicistrovirus characterized in African mainland remain scarce. By using High-Throughput Sequencing technology on insectivorous bat faeces (Hipposideros Caffer) sampled in a cave used by humans to collect bat guano (bat manure) as fertilizer in Zimbabwe, we characterized the full-length sequences of three Dicistrovirus belonging to the Cripavirus and Aparavirus genus: Big Sioux River Virus-Like (BSRV-Like), Acute Bee Paralysis Virus (ABPV), and Aphid Lethal Paralysis Virus (ALPV). Phylogenetic analyses of ORF-1 and ORF-2 genes showed a complex evolutionary history between BSRV and close viruses, as well as for the Aparavirus genus. Herewith, we provide the first evidence of the presence of Dicistrovirus in Zimbabwe and highlight the need to further document the impact of such viruses on crops, as well as in beekeeping activities in Zimbabwe which represent a crucial source of income for Zimbabwean people.
Assuntos
Quirópteros/virologia , Produtos Agrícolas/virologia , Dicistroviridae/genética , Agricultura , Animais , Evolução Biológica , Dicistroviridae/isolamento & purificação , Fezes/virologia , Sequenciamento de Nucleotídeos em Larga Escala , Humanos , Filogenia , Análise de Sequência de RNA , ZimbábueRESUMO
In Zimbabwe, there have been no chlamydiosis and limited brucellosis studies in goats. This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of the two diseases in goats at three different livestock-wildlife interface areas: porous, non-porous and non-interface in the south-eastern lowveld of Zimbabwe. Collected sera (n = 563) were tested for Brucella antibodies using the Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and the complement fixation test (CFT); and for Chlamydia abortus antibodies using the CFT. All tested goats were negative for Brucella antibodies. Overall, chlamydial seroprevalence was 22%. The porous [c2 = 9.6, odds ratio (OR) = 2.6, p = 0.002] and non-porous (c2 = 37.5, OR = 5.8, p < 0.00001) interfaces were approximately three and six times more likely to be chlamydial seropositive than the non-interface area, respectively. Chlamydial seroprevalence was not associated with sex (c2 = 0.5, OR = 1.2, p = 0.5), abortion history in female goats (c2 = 0.7, OR = 1.3, p = 0.4), keeping goats with cattle (c2 = 0.2, OR = 1.5, p = 0.7) or flock size (c2 = 0.03, OR = 1.4, p = 0.9). Our study provides the first serological evidence of chlamydiosis in goats in Zimbabwe and the results suggest that proximity to wildlife is associated with increased chlamydial seropositivity. Further studies are required to determine the role of chlamydial infection on goat reproductive failure and that of wildlife on C. abortus transmission to domestic ruminants.
Assuntos
Brucella/isolamento & purificação , Brucelose/veterinária , Infecções por Chlamydia/veterinária , Chlamydia/isolamento & purificação , Doenças das Cabras/epidemiologia , Animais , Brucelose/epidemiologia , Brucelose/microbiologia , Infecções por Chlamydia/epidemiologia , Infecções por Chlamydia/microbiologia , Meio Ambiente , Feminino , Doenças das Cabras/microbiologia , Cabras , Masculino , Prevalência , Estudos Soroepidemiológicos , Zimbábue/epidemiologiaRESUMO
The first outbreak on the African continent of infection with Aphanomyces invadans (the causative agent of epizootic ulcerative syndrome) in fish was confirmed in the Chobe-Zambezi rivers in 2007. The emergence of massive outbreaks of infection with A. invadans in multiple fish species exposed serious aquatic biosecurity challenges in the Southern African region. This study investigated the incursion of infection with A. invadans in fish from the main aquatic ecosystems of Zimbabwe from 2012 to 2015 using data obtained from the Department of Livestock and Veterinary Services, Zimbabwe. In some outbreaks, fish samples were collected and tested at the University of Zambia, for confirmation by histopathology and species-specific PCR. The infection was first confirmed at Darwendale water impoundment (Mashonaland West Province) in 2012, followed by Matabeleland South Province at Mtshabezi water impoundment and Nkankezi River (both 2013). An apparent southward spread continued in 2014, with virgin outbreaks at Ntalale water impoundment (Matabeleland South Province) and Mwenezi River in Midlands Province. In 2015, inland incursion was confirmed at Dutchman's Pool in Midlands Province and further north-west at the Sanyati River Basin in Lake Kariba (Mashonaland West Province). In all outbreaks, infection with A. invadans was confirmed in seven fish species, namely the African sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell, 1822), blunt-toothed African catfish (Clarias ngamensis Castelnau, 1861), yellow belly bream (Serranochromis robustus Gunther, 1864), straight fin barb (Enteromius paludinosus Peters, 1852), dashtail barb (Enteromius poechii Steindachner, 1911), large-mouth bass (Micropterus salmoides Lac'epe'de, 1802) and the three-spot tilapia (Oreochromis andersonii Castelnau, 1861). Cases were most common in the African sharptooth catfish, with mortalities more pronounced in young fish of all species. The results suggested a gradual emergence of an intractable infection with A. invadans in fish in the main aquatic ecosystems of Zimbabwe, which may have negative impact on biodiversity conservation and aquaculture.
Assuntos
Aphanomyces/isolamento & purificação , Doenças Transmissíveis Emergentes/veterinária , Surtos de Doenças/veterinária , Doenças dos Peixes/epidemiologia , Animais , Doenças Transmissíveis Emergentes/epidemiologia , Doenças Transmissíveis Emergentes/microbiologia , Ecossistema , Doenças dos Peixes/microbiologia , Pesqueiros , Peixes , Hidrobiologia , Rios , Especificidade da Espécie , Zimbábue/epidemiologiaRESUMO
A study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Chlamydia abortus infection in cattle and some selected wildlife species at selected interface areas at the periphery of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area in Zimbabwe. Three study sites were selected based on the type of livestock-wildlife interface, porous livestock-wildlife interface (unrestricted), non-porous livestock-wildlife interface (restricted by fencing), and livestock-wildlife non-interface (totally absent or control). Sera were collected from cattle aged ≥ 2 years representing both female and intact male. Sera were also collected from selected wild ungulates from Mabalauta (porous interface) and Chipinda Pools (non-interface) areas of the Gonarezhou National Park. Sera were tested for antibodies to Chlamydia abortus using a CFT. A X 2 test was used to assess differences between categories and p < 0.05 was considered as significant. In cattle, the overall seroprevalence was 32.7% (327/1011; 95% CI 29.5-35.3). A significantly lower seroprevalence was recorded for the porous interface (24.2%) compared to the non-porous (42.5%) (p < 0.0001) and the non-interface (36.2%) (p = 0.001). Overall, the wet season recorded a significantly (p = 0.015) higher seroprevalence than the dry season. In wildlife, antibodies were detected in buffaloes (47.7%) and impalas (43.8%) but not in kudus. Buffaloes from Chipinda Pools (53.4%) had a significantly (p = 0.036) higher seroprevalence than those from Mabalauta (26.1%). The results established the presence of chlamydiosis in cattle and selected wildlife and that independent infections may be maintained in buffalo populations. Further studies are required to clarify chlamydiae circulating between cattle and wildlife.
Assuntos
Animais Selvagens/microbiologia , Doenças dos Bovinos/epidemiologia , Infecções por Chlamydia/veterinária , Aborto Animal/microbiologia , Animais , Antílopes , Búfalos , Bovinos , Chlamydia/isolamento & purificação , Infecções por Chlamydia/epidemiologia , Feminino , Gado , Masculino , Prevalência , Estudos Soroepidemiológicos , Zimbábue/epidemiologiaRESUMO
Bats carry a great diversity of zoonotic viruses with a high-impact on human health and livestock. Since the emergence of new coronaviruses and paramyxoviruses in humans (e.g. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Nipah virus), numerous studies clearly established that bats can maintain some of these viruses. Improving our understanding on the role of bats in the epidemiology of the pathogens they harbour is necessary to prevent cross-species spill over along the wild/domestic/human gradient. In this study, we screened bat faecal samples for the presence of Coronavirus and Paramyxovirus in two caves frequently visited by local people to collect manure and/or to hunt bats in Zimbabwe. We amplified partial RNA-dependent RNA polymerase genes of Alpha and Betacoronavirus together with the partial polymerase gene of Paramyxovirus. Identified coronaviruses were related to pathogenic human strains and the paramyxovirus belonged to the recently described Jeilongvirus genus. Our results highlighted the importance of monitoring virus circulation in wildlife, especially bats, in the context of intense human-wildlife interfaces in order to strengthen prevention measures among local populations and to implement sentinel surveillance in sites with high zoonotic diseases transmission potential.
Assuntos
Alphacoronavirus/genética , Betacoronavirus/genética , Quirópteros/virologia , Infecções por Coronavirus/veterinária , Infecções por Paramyxoviridae/veterinária , Paramyxoviridae/genética , Alphacoronavirus/classificação , Animais , Betacoronavirus/classificação , Doenças Transmissíveis Emergentes/veterinária , Evolução Molecular , Variação Genética , Genoma Viral , Paramyxoviridae/classificação , Filogenia , ZimbábueRESUMO
A study was conducted to investigate seroprevalence and risk factors for Brucella species infection in cattle and some wildlife species in communities living at the periphery of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area in south eastern Zimbabwe. Three study sites were selected based on the type of livestock-wildlife interface: porous livestock-wildlife interface (unrestricted); non-porous livestock-wildlife interface (restricted by fencing); and livestock-wildlife non-interface (totally absent or control). Sera were collected from cattle aged≥2years representing both female and intact male animals. Sera were also collected from selected wild ungulates from Mabalauta (porous interface) and Chipinda (non-interface) areas of the Gonarezhou National Park. Samples were screened for Brucellaantibodies using the Rose Bengal plate test and confirmed by the complement fixation test. Data were analysed by descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression modelling. In cattle, brucellosis seroprevalence from all areas was 16.7% (169/1011; 95% CI: 14.5-19.2%). The porous interface recorded a significantly (p=0.03) higher seroprevalence (19.5%; 95% CI: 16.1-23.4%) compared to the non-interface area (13.0%; 95% CI: 9.2-19.9%).The odds of Brucellaseropositivity increased progressively with parity of animals and were also three times higher (OR=3.0, 2.0Assuntos
Animais Selvagens/microbiologia
, Brucella/isolamento & purificação
, Brucelose/veterinária
, Doenças dos Bovinos/epidemiologia
, Doenças dos Bovinos/microbiologia
, Animais
, Animais de Zoológico
, Brucelose/sangue
, Brucelose/epidemiologia
, Brucelose/prevenção & controle
, Bovinos
, Doenças dos Bovinos/sangue
, Doenças dos Bovinos/prevenção & controle
, Feminino
, Gado/microbiologia
, Modelos Logísticos
, Estudos Longitudinais
, Masculino
, Paridade
, Prevalência
, Fatores de Risco
, Estudos Soroepidemiológicos
, Zimbábue
, Zoonoses/microbiologia
, Zoonoses/transmissão
RESUMO
Plants have arrays of phytoconstituents that have wide ranging biological effects like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties key in wound management. In vivo wound healing properties of ointments made of crude methanolic extracts (10% extract w/w in white soft paraffin) of three plant species, Cissus quadrangularis L. (whole aerial plant parts), Adenium multiflorum Klotzsch (whole aerial plant parts) and Erythrina abyssinica Lam. Ex DC. (leaves and bark) used in ethnoveterinary medicine were evaluated on BALB/c female mice based on wound area changes, regular observations, healing skin's percentage crude protein content and histological examinations. White soft paraffin and 3% oxytetracycline ointment were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. Wound area changes over a 15 day period for mice treated with C. quadrangularis and A. multiflorum extract ointments were comparable to those of the positive control (oxytetracycline ointment). Wounds managed with the same extract ointments exhibited high crude protein contents, similar to what was observed on animals treated with the positive control. Histological evaluations revealed that C. quadrangularis had superior wound healing properties with the wound area completely returning to normal skin structure by day 15 of the experiment. E. abyssinica leaf and bark extract ointments exhibited lower wound healing properties though the leaf extract exhibited some modest healing properties.
RESUMO
Few studies have explicitly examined the linkages between human health, animal disease control and poverty alleviation. This paper reviews the contribution that veterinary medicine can make to poverty alleviation in sub-Saharan Africa. Our analysis attempts to explore aspects of this contribution under five themes: food production; food safety; impact and control of zoonotic infections; promotion of ecotourism; and environmental protection. While these areas of human activity have, more or less, fallen under the influence of the veterinary profession to varying degrees, we attempt to unify this mandate using a 'One Health' narrative, for the purpose of providing clarity on the linkages between the veterinary and other professions, livestock production and poverty alleviation. Future opportunities for improving health and reducing poverty in the context of developing African countries are also discussed. We conclude that veterinary science is uniquely positioned to play a key role in both poverty reduction and the promotion of health, a role that can be enhanced through the reorientation of the profession's goals and the creation of synergies with allied and related professions.
Assuntos
Países em Desenvolvimento , Pobreza/prevenção & controle , Saúde Pública , Medicina Veterinária , África Subsaariana , Animais , Conservação dos Recursos Naturais , Inocuidade dos Alimentos , Humanos , Viagem , Zoonoses/prevenção & controleRESUMO
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.
Assuntos
Brucella canis/isolamento & purificação , Brucelose/veterinária , Doenças do Cão/microbiologia , Animais , Brucelose/epidemiologia , Doenças do Cão/epidemiologia , Cães , Feminino , Masculino , Estudos Soroepidemiológicos , Zimbábue/epidemiologiaRESUMO
Microbial quality of frozen Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) meat from three farms in Zimbabwe was assessed based on 2051 samples collected for pre-export testing during 2006 to 2011. Data were perused by season and year in terms of aerobic plate (APC), coliform (CC), Escherichia coli (ECC) and Listeria monocytogenes (LMC) counts and the presence of Salmonella spp. The log10-transformed data were compared among the farms and seasons using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Microbial quality of the samples was graded based on the EC No. 2073.2005 criteria for beef. The mean APC and CC for the crocodile meat differed significantly (P=0.000) among the farms with the highest APC (3.2±0.05 log10 cfu/g) and the lowest (2.7±0.05 log10 cfu/g) recorded from farms A and C, respectively. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in ECC and LMC among the farms, while Salmonella spp. were only isolated from one farm. Although the microbial quality of frozen crocodile meat from these farms was generally within acceptable limits, the isolation of E. coli and Salmonella spp. is of public health concern. Thus, implementing of measures to control the pasteurizing process and to minimize bacterial contamination of crocodile meat after pasteurization need to be carefully considered.