Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Risk Perception of Antimicrobial Use and Antimicrobial Resistance Among Dairy Farm Owners/Workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most significant global health threats to the public, animals, and the ecosystem. Inappropriate use of antibiotics in food animals is considered a major driver of AMR in humans. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude, practices, and risk perception (KAPP) of dairy farm owners/workers in Addis Ababa about antibiotic use and resistance. Methods: A face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire was conducted with 281 respondents in four selected subcities of Addis Ababa. The responses provided by each participant were recoded into a binary scale based on the mean score of each domain. Pearson chi-square was used to check the association between the KAPP and sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents and logistic regression analysis was done to explore the factors associated with KAPP. Results: Overall, more than half of the surveyed dairy farm owners/workers had good knowledge (57.7%) and appropriate practice (53.0%), while less than half of the respondents showed desirable attitudes (47.7%) and positive risk perceptions (42.7%). The findings revealed a strong association between the respondents' KAPP and education and between knowledge and risk perception and farming experience. Conclusion: This study found that continuous education of dairy farm owners/workers regarding antimicrobial usage and antimicrobial resistance in dairy farms will increase their awareness and perception of risk as well as motivate them to adopt desirable attitudes and appropriate practices, and consequently limit inappropriate use of antimicrobials leading to mitigating emergence of AMR.

Epidemiological study on bovine cystic echinococcosis: Abattoir survey, cyst characterization and its economic impact at Mekaneyesuse municipality abattoir, Northwest Ethiopia.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a major medical and veterinary concern in the world. It is one of the significant diseases in livestock farming communities managed under extensive grazing system like Ethiopia. Domestic intermediate hosts are an important reservoir for the disease spread. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the occurrence and economic losses associated with CE in cattle slaughtered at Mekaneyesuse Municipality abattoir, South Gondor zone of Amhara Region, North West Ethiopia. Ante-mortem inspection, postmortem examinations of organs, hydatid cyst characterization and financial loss estimations were conducted. The study was conducted on 384 cattle. The involvement of different organs was as follows: lungs (46.09%), liver (45.22%), heart (6.09%), and kidneys (2.6%). Out of the total of 115 cysts observed, small cysts constituted 57.39%, medium-sized were 34.78%, and large cysts accounted for 7.83%. Of these 115 cysts, 53.9% were fertile which included both viable (29%) and non-viable (71%) cysts. Furthermore, 46.1% cysts were non fertile, 62.3% were sterile and 37.7% were calcified. Based on the origin of animal, the prevalence of hydatid cysts was recorded to be 31.25%, 24%, 22.05% and 14.25% in Tachgayent, Semada, Andabet and Estie district, respectively. Higher cyst occurrence was observed in animals with poor body condition (51.56%) followed by medium (13.7%) and good body condition scores (8.25%). The total annual economic loss due to the direct condemnation of organs and indirect losses were estimated to be 851,252.68 ETB ($16,061.06). This study revealed that CE is economically important disease at Mekaneyesuse, South Gondar Zone, Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia. A more comprehensive investigation is required on prevalence and genotyping of Echinococcus granulosus s.l. cysts is important also to identify and estimate the relative contribution of each species or genotype to the disease in this area. Moreover, efforts to enhance public awareness in the area should also be pursued.

Seroprevalence and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women at Debre Markos Referral Hospital, northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: To assess the seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women at the Debre Markos Referral Hospital, northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A facility-based cross-sectional study was undertaken among pregnant women from March 2020 to May 2021. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected from randomly selected participants. Five millilitres of blood was collected and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit was used to test for T. gondii immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. A logistic regression model was computed to identify the risk factors. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) was estimated along with the 95% confidence interval (CI). A statistically significant association was defined as p<0.05. RESULTS: T. gondii IgG antibody positivity was found in 38.8% (n=132) of 340 pregnant women. Contact with cats (AOR 2.5 [95% CI 1.5 to 4.2]), eating raw/undercooked meat (AOR 5.7 [95% CI 3.2 to 10.3]), consuming unwashed vegetables (AOR 4.1 [95% CI 2.1 to 8.0]), a history of abortion (AOR 1.9 [95% CI 1.1 to 3.3]) and drinking water sources (AOR 2.5 [95% CI 1.2 to 5.2]) demonstrated a statistically significant association with T. gondii infection. CONCLUSIONS: Toxoplasmosis was found to be fairly common in pregnant mothers. Proper cat excreta disposal, not eating raw/undercooked meat, maintaining hand cleanliness and following environmental sanitation protocols could be important to decrease T. gondii infection.

Epidemiology, biology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of dengue virus infection, and its trend in Ethiopia: a comprehensive literature review.

Dengue fever is a dengue virus infection, emerging rapidly and posing public health threat worldwide, primarily in tropical and subtropical countries. Nearly half of the world's population is now at risk of contracting the dengue virus, including new countries with no previous history-like Ethiopia. However, little is known about the epidemiology and impact of the disease in different countries. This is especially true in countries, where cases have recently begun to be reported. This review aims to summarize epidemiology, biology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of dengue virus infection and its trend in Ethiopia. It may help countries, where dengue fever is not yet on the public health list-like Ethiopia to alert healthcare workers to consider the disease for diagnosis and treatment. The review retrieved and incorporated 139 published and organizational reports showing approximately 390 million new infections. About 100 million of these infections develop the clinical features of dengue, and thousands of people die annually from severe dengue fever in 129 countries. It is caused by being bitten by a dengue virus-infected female mosquito, primarily Aedes aegypti and, lesser, Ae. albopictus. Dengue virus is a member of the Flavivirus genus of the Flaviviridae family and has four independent but antigen-related single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus serotypes. The infection is usually asymptomatic but causes illnesses ranging from mild febrile illness to fatal dengue hemorrhagic fever or shock syndrome. Diagnosis can be by detecting the virus genome using nucleic acids amplification tests or testing NS1 antigen and/or anti-dengue antibodies from serum, plasma, circulating blood cells, or other tissues. Dengue cases and outbreaks have increased in recent decades, with a significant public health impact. Ethiopia has had nearly annual outbreaks since 2013, devastating an already fragmented health system and economy. Standardization of medication, population-level screening for early diagnosis and prompt treatment, and minimization of mosquito bites reduce overall infection and mortality rates.

Seasonal prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis and trypanosome species distribution in Jimma Horo district, Oromia regional state, Western Ethiopia.

A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis in rainy (June 2019) and dry (February 2020) seasons in Jimma Horoo district, Kellem Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. A total of 720 blood samples were examined using buffy coat and thin blood smear techniques. The packed cell volume (PCV) of each animal was determined. The overall bovine trypanosomosis prevalence was 4.3% (χ2 = 1.25, P = 0.26). The prevalence was 5% (95% CI = 4.1-8.3) and 3.3% (95% CI = 2.7-6.3) in the dry and rainy reasons, respectively (P > 0.05). Trypanosoma congolense, T. vivax and T. b. brucei were detected in (60%), (33.3%) and (6.7%) of infected cattle, respectively. The highest trypanosome prevalence was observed in Burka Gudina (7.6%), and the lowest in Melka Nega village (2.1%). There were significant variations between trypanosome prevalence in relation to body condition scores (χ2 = 23.16; P = 0.0.00) of examined cattle. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed between seasons, age, and sex categories of cattle. The PCV values of trypanosome infected (22.94%) was significantly lower than non-infected cattle (26.47%) (χ2 = 19.60; (P < 0.05). The prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis in Jimma Horo district was low and it can be controlled by treatment of infected cattle using sanative pairs of trypanocidal drugs with additional application of deltamethrin pour-on in the dry season. Further, in view of poor sensitivity of buffy coat technique used the use of molecular techniques should be encouraged.

Intestinal helminthiasis survey with emphasis on schistosomiasis in Koga irrigation scheme environs, northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Distribution of schistosomiasis is more focal due to spatial heterogeneities in intermediate host snail dynamics and water contact behavior of humans. This makes the search for new transmission foci of schistosomiasis and its connection with malacologically receptive water bodies essential for effective control of its transmission. This study was intended to assess the prevalence of intestinal helminth infections among schoolchildren and Schistosoma mansoni transmission in Koga irrigation scheme surroundings, northwest Ethiopia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional parasitological and malacological surveys were conducted in three schools and nearby water bodies, respectively around Koga irrigation scheme. Stool specimens were collected from 421 randomly selected schoolchildren and microscopically examined using Kato-Katz and formol-ether concentration methods. Malacological surveys were carried out and the identified Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails were screened for schistosome infection. Swiss albino mice were exposed to schistosome cercariae shed by Biomphalaria pfeifferi for definite identification of Schistosoma species. RESULTS: Among the examined schoolchildren, 22.6% (95% CI: 18.7%-26.9%) were positive for at least one intestinal helminths species. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most frequent intestinal helminth detected among forty (9.5%) children. Schistosoma mansoni was detected among 4.8% (95% CI: 2.9%-7.2%) of children and its prevalence was significantly higher among male children (p = 0.038) and those attending in Mengesha Jemberie Primary School (p = 0.044). Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails were identified in water bodies in close proximity to Mengesha Jemberie and Wotete Abay Primay schools. Schistosoma mansoni adult worms were harvested after exposure of mice to cercariae shed from Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails collected from water bodies nearby Mengesha Jemberie Primary School. CONCLUSIONS: Schistosoma mansoni infection of schoolchildren, findings of schistosome infected snails and establishment of mice infection confirm that transmission is taking place in the study areas. Hence, snail control and other measures such as provision of sanitary facilities and health education are recommended.

Epidemiology of soil-transmitted helminthiasis and associated malnutrition among under-fives in conflict affected areas in southern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Globally, there were about 50.8 million internally displaced people in 2020, of whom 42% were in sub-Saharan Africa. In areas where there are conflicts, the humanitarian emergency makes infectious disease management extremely complex. Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are among the most common infections globally including in Ethiopia that thrives during complex emergencies. However, with regards to STHs, studies in the context of conflict areas have not been documented in Ethiopia. METHODS: In southern Ethiopia, a community-based cross-sectional study design was employed. Simple random sampling method was used to enroll a total of 405 under-fives. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Kato-Katz technique was used to examine stool specimens for Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm spp. The Z-score for stunting, wasting and underweight were computed using the World Health Organization anthroprocedures. RESULTS: The respective prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths infection and malnutrition was 67.4% (273) and 54.2% (219). Ascaris lumbricoides was the predominant helminth parasite with a prevalence of 90%, followed by T. trichiura (12%) and hookworm spp. (5%). STHs infection was significantly associated with under-nutrition (AOR: 1.88, CI 1.22-2.90) and internal displacement (AOR: 3.08, CI 1.17-8.09). Infection with A. lumbricoides was associated with both stunting and wasting (AOR: 3.04, CI 1.48-6.26) and (AOR: 3.51, CI 1.79-6.91), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Both soil-transmitted helminths and malnutrition were important public health problems among under-fives in the present conflict affected areas. Internal displacement, unimproved water, absence of latrine and sanitary services were among significant determinants for STH infections.

Coronavirus and Paramyxovirus Shedding by Bats in a Cave and Buildings in Ethiopia.

Bats are important hosts of zoonotic viruses with pandemic potential, including filoviruses, MERS-Coronavirus (CoV), SARS-CoV -1, and likely SARS-CoV-2. Viral infection and transmission among wildlife are dependent on a combination of factors that include host ecology and immunology, life history traits, roosting habitats, biogeography, and external stressors. Between 2016 and 2018, four species of insectivorous bats from a readily accessed roadside cave and buildings in Ethiopia were sampled and tested for viruses using consensus PCR assays for five viral families/genera. Previously identified and novel coronaviruses and paramyxoviruses were identified in 99 of the 589 sampled bats. Bats sampled from the cave site were more likely to test positive for a CoV than bats sampled from buildings; viral shedding was more common in the wet season; and rectal swabs were the most common sample type to test positive. A previously undescribed alphacoronavirus was detected in two bat species from different taxonomic families, sampling interfaces, geographic locations, and years. These findings expand knowledge of the range and diversity of coronaviruses and paramyxoviruses in insectivorous bats in Ethiopia and reinforce that an improved understanding of viral diversity and species-specific shedding dynamics is important for designing informed zoonotic disease surveillance and spillover risk reduction efforts.

Epidemiological investigation of bovine trypanosomosis in Bedele district, Buno Bedele zone, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in December 2018 in four purposively selected villages of Bedele district, Oromia Regional State, Southwest Ethiopia. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis and associated risk factors of trypanosome infections in cattle. A total of 384 blood samples were collected from systematically selected cattle and examined using buffy coat and thin blood smear examination methods. The overall prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis was 8.3%. Trypanosoma congolense (68.8%) and T. vivax (31.2%) were the prevailing trypanosome species identified in the area. A statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed in the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis between body condition scores of cattle. The prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis was slightly higher in female (9%) as opposed to male (7.3%) cattle, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Similarly, no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed between age categories of cattle. The mean PCV value of trypanosome infected cattle (21.4 ± 3.6) was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that of non-infected (25.6 ± 4.6). The current study indicated that, despite vector control measures implemented for several years, bovine trypanosomosis persists and continues to be a core problem to cattle health and production in the Bedele district. Therefore, more attention should be given to control the disease and its vectors based on temporal and spatial distribution. Also, the use of molecular techniques should be encouraged in view of their greater sensitivity when compared to the buffy coat method.

Bovine trypanosomosis: Prevalence and vector distribution in Sadi Chanka district, Kellem Wollega zone, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia.

Bovine trypanosomosis remains an important livestock disease constraint, which is threatening livestock health and production, despite ongoing tsetse and trypanosomosis control efforts in Sadi Chanka district, Kellem Wollega zone, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2018, to determine the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis and distribution of the vectors of disease in Sadi Chanka district, Western Ethiopia. A total of 370 blood samples were collected from randomly selected local Horro and Abigar cattle breeds covering five villages of the district. The collected samples were examined using buffy coat microscopy and Giemsa-stained thin blood smear techniques. In this study, 12.4% (95% CI: 12.3-12.4) of the animals were found to be infected with trypanosomes. The study showed that 69.6% of trypanosome infections were caused by T. congolense followed by 26.1% T. vivax and 4.3% mixed T. congolense and T. vivax. In the present study, the association of bovine trypanosomosis was assessed in releation to body condition scores, sex, and age of cattle, and a significant association (P < 0.05) was observed between body condition scores. However, significant differences were not observed between sex and age categories (P > 0.05). The Mean Packed Cell Volume (PCV) of infected (21.6%) and non-infected (24.5%) groups of cattle had significant variation (P < 0.05). In an entomological survey, a total of 616 flies were trapped, of which 280 (45.5%) were Glossina and the remaining 336 (54.5%) were Stomoxys, Tabanus, and Haematopota. The apparent density of Glossina, Stomoxys, Tabanus, and Haematopota was 3.5, 3.1, 0.7 and 0.4 fly per trap per day, respectively. This study generated basic scientific data on the epidemiology of bovine trypanosomosis and its vectors in Sadi Chanka district, which can be used in planning the control of bovine trypanosomosis in the area.

Bovine trypanosomosis in upstream and downstream of Ghibe-III hydroelectric dam: parasitological and entomological study, southern Ethiopia.

Two-point cross-sectional study design in dry and rainy seasons was employed near Ghibe-III Dam from December 2018 to July 2019. Trypanosomosis prevalence comparison between downstream (Kindodidaye) and upstream (Loma districts), associated risk factors, vector dispersion, identification and vector infection rate considered. Blood sample collected from 1280 cattle from two districts during dry and rainy seasons; the assumed risk factors recorded. Samples were examined using heamatological and parasitological techniques. In this study 9.1% (116/1280) trypanosomosis prevalence recorded. Prevalence was significantly (p < 0.05) different between Kindodidaye (11.7%) and Loma (6.4%). Most of the infections were due to T. congolense (79.3%) followed by T. vivax (17.2%) and T. brucei (2.6%) and one mixed infection recorded. Significant (p < 0.05) difference observed in season, within district and between districts. Among the assumed risk factors: district, season, Kebele and body condition score showed significant (p < 0.05) difference; whereas sex, age, color weren't significantly (p > 0.05) different. Significantly (p < 0.05) low mean PCV observed in infected group, dry season and Kindodidaye district. Entomological survey revealed 1030 tsetse spp. (G. pallidipes and G. fuscipes) and 2045 biting flies mainly Stomoxysis and Tabanus, and other unidentified spp. recorded. Tsetse apparent density were significantly (p < 0.05) high in Kindodidaye and rainy season with value of 5.3 and 7.1 F/T/D, respectively. Out of 182 tsetse fly dissected twenty seven (14.6%) of them were infected. A proportion of 23.0%, 30.8% and 46.2% infection rate recorded in proboscis, salivary gland and mid gut, respectively. The study shows Kindodidaye and rainy season had high trypanosomosis and tsetse apparent density than Loma. The difference might be associated with water reserve created due to Ghibe III hydroelectric dam and this could be a golden opportunity in the area to contribute tsetse control program. Stakeholders' need to aware to use this opportunity before tsetse adapts itself into new environment or niche for their survival.

The role of live chicken markets as a source of replication and dissemination of Newcastle disease virus in chickens, northwest Ethiopia.

Newcastle disease (ND) is perceived to be the major constraint in village chickens of Ethiopia causing huge economic loss. Village chickens are mobile and pass through markets, and live chicken markets are a highly productive source of ND virus replication, maintenance, and spread. However, in northwest of Ethiopia, there is a dearth of information on the role of live chicken markets in the maintenance and spread of ND in the village chickens. Therefore, a total of 480 apparently healthy chickens in the 4 live chicken markets were sampled with the aim to detect and estimate ND virus infection. Tracheal and cloacal swabs were collected from each bird and processed for virus isolation in 9- to 11-day-old embryonated chicken eggs, and hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay was performed on all sera samples. The overall infection rate of ND virus was reported to be 39.2% (95% CI: 34.8-43.5). Of all chickens, 34.6% (95% CI: 30.3-38.9) had mean HI titer ≥4 log2, which was considered as protective. The mean hemagglutination titer for the ND virus was reported to be 6.0 log2, and mean antibody titer was reported to be 6.2 log2, with no statistically significant variation among the markets (P > 0.05). Newcastle disease occurrence was detected in all seasons of the year in the live bird markets, with the highest prevalence (55.8%) during the prerainy dry season (April and May), showing evidence for climatic and socioeconomic aspects as a risk factor in the occurrence of ND in indigenous chicken. In vivo virulence tests, mean death time of the embryo, and the intracerebral pathogenicity index revealed the presence of all pathotypes of ND virus strains: velogenic, mesogenic, and lentogenic. Apparently, healthy appearing birds were reported to be reservoirs of velogenic ND virus strains that could initiate endemicity of ND cycles in the village setting. Hence, it is strongly recommended to implement appropriate prevention and control measures to mitigate the economic loss caused by the disease.

Trypanocidal drug resistance: A threat to animal health and production in Gidami district of Kellem Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State, Western Ethiopia.

This study was conducted from May 08 to June 08, 2017 in Gidami District, Kellem Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. The objective of the study was to assess the occurrence of trypanocidal drug resistance in naturally infected cattle in identified hot spots villages of Gidami district. An initial cross-sectional prevalence study was conducted in seven villages from November 2015 to June 2016. Based on the outcome of the cross-sectional study, Kellem and Gry Sonka villages with highest trypanosome prevalence (28% and 30.85%) respectively were selected. An abbreviated 28-day field prototocol study was used to estimate resistance to 1 mg/kg bw isometamidium chloride (ISM) and 7.0 mg/kg bw diminanzene aceturate (DA). In this study, 100 purposively selected trypanosome positive cattle were ear-tagged and allocated into two treatment groups: a group I were treated with 2% solution of 1 mg/kg bw ISM and a group II were treated with 7% solution of 7 mg/kg bw DA. The treatment day was considered as day 0 and the treated cattle were monitored for trypanosomes and packed cell volume (PCV) levels on days 14 (for DA and ISM) and 28 (for ISM) post treatment. A treatment failure rate of 25% of the cattle in the ISM treated group on days 14 and 28 were indicative of resistance, whereas in the DA treated group the response was assessed only on day 14 post-treatment. The results of the study confirmed the presence of drug resistance to the maximum recommended doses of ISM and DA in Giray Sonka and Kellem villages of Gidami district. Out of 50 trypanosome positive cattle treated with ISM, 68% had persistent infections on day 28 post-treatment. Similarly, of the 50 trypanosome positive cattle treated with 7 mg/kg bw DA, 36% had persistent trypanosomes on day 14 post treatment. Of all ISM and DA treatment failures T. congolense accounted for (70.59%; 66.67%), T. vivax (23.53%; 27.78%) and T. brucei (5.88%; 5.55%) respectively. Drug resistance has indeed been a considerable threat in all villages of Gidami district, but the situation is magnified in Giray Sonka and Kellem villages. Thus, an integrated control approach of trypanosomosis should be conducted to ensure sustainable animal health and production in the area. In addition beside tsetse control, rational use of trypanocidal drugs and control of co-infections to exploit self-cure against resistant trypanosome populations are recommended. Furthermore, extensive data on trypanocidal drug sensitivity tests using advanced molecular techniques considered as elucidative.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of brucellosis in abattoir workers at Debre Zeit and Modjo export abattoir, Central Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Brucellosis is one of the major zoonoses globally with great veterinary and public health importance, particularly in developing countries where people are having frequent contact with livestock and animal products. This cross sectional study was carried out from November 2013 to May 2014 to determine the seroprevalence and assess the potential risk factors of brucellosis in abattoir workers of five export abattoirs at Debre Ziet and Modjo, Central Ethiopia. METHODS: Serology and structured questionnaire were the methods used. In this study, 156 abattoir workers participated in the questionnaire survey and among them, 149 agreed for blood sample collection. Rose Bengal Plate Test and Complement Fixation Test were conducted using sera samples at serology laboratory of the National Animal Health Diagnostic and Investigation Center. Data collection sheets were used to gather information on possible risk factors believed to influence the spread of Brucella infection in abattoir workers such as sex, age, marital status, duration on job, types of work, educational level, etc. and further information obtained include knowledge of brucellosis and other zoonotic diseases infection, symptoms of the disease, milk and meat consumption habits and work related risk factors. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence of brucellosis in abattoir workers was found to be 4.7 and 1.3% using Rose Bengal plate test and Compliment fixation test, respectively. Based on the questionnaire survey, 66 (44.2%) and 85 (53.21%) of abattoir workers were aware of brucellosis and other zoonotic diseases, and 29 (18.6%) and 21 (13.5%) were using gloves and cover their mouth while slaughtering, respectively. CONCLUSION: Brucellosis in abattoir workers could be prevented by using protective closing and measures. Concerned body should educate occupationally exposed groups and the general public regarding e prevention and control of brucellosis and other zoonotic diseases.

Testicular cytological profiles of apparently healthy male dromedary camels during rutting and non-rutting periods.

The aim of this study was to evaluate testicular cytological profiles of apparently healthy dromedary bulls during rutting and non-rutting periods. Pairs of testes from 26 (18 non-rutting and 8 rutting seasons) dromedary bulls 6-12 years old that were slaughtered at Akaki, Addis Ababa abattoir were sampled. A 21 gauge needle attached to 20mL syringe was used to collect Testicular Fine Needle Aspiration (TFNA) samples and five aspiration smears were prepared from each testis. A total of 312 slides (260 Testicular fine Needle Aspiration and 52 imprints) were examined. The mod ified May-Grunwald Giemsa (mMGG) technique and a light microscope were used to assess cellularity, morphology and quantification of the testicular. Sertoli and spermatogenic cells were identified and counted. The spermatic index (SI), Sertoli cell index (SEI) and the relationship between SI and SEI indexes (SSEI) were used to assess the ratio between mature spermatozoa and nursing cells. There were differences (P<0.05) between the rutting and non-rutting seasons among the spermatogenic and Sertoli cells. There were no differences between groups for primary spermatocyte numbers, early spermatid numbers and SSEI. There was no differences (P>0.05) between TFNA and imprint smear slides of the testicular cells except for Sertoli cell count and SEI. Filarial worm larvae were present on the TFNA smear slides of four animals. Imprint and TFNA smear slides had comparable cytological profiles in dromedary bulls and significant differences were observed between rutting and non-rutting periods.

Characterization of mycobacterium isolates from pulmomary tuberculosis suspected cases visiting Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory at Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, Addis Ababa Ethiopia: a cross sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize mycobacterium isolates from pulmomary tuberculosis suspected cases visiting National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory at Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis from January 4 to February 22, 2010 with total samples of 263. METHODS: Sputum specimens were collected and processed; the deposits were cultured. For culturing Lowenstein Jensen medium (LJ) and Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube (BACTEC MGIT 960) were used. Capilia Neo was used for detecting NTM isolates from isolates of BACTEC MGIT 960. In Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa Ethiopia, Deletion typing PCR method for species identification (from confirmed Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) isolates by Capilia Neo) was done. RESULTS: Out of 263 enrolled in the study, 124 and 117 of them were positive for mycobacterium growth by BACTEC MGIT 960 and LJ culture method, respectively. From BACTEC MGIT 960 positive media of 124 isolates, 117 were randomly taken to perform Capilia TB Neo test. From these 7 (6%) of them were found to be NTM and 110 (94%) were MTBC. From these 110 MTBC isolates, 81 of them were randomly taken and run by the deletion typing RD9 PCR method of molecular technique. Out of these 78 (96.3%) were found to be species of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and 3 (3.7%) were found to be not in the MTBC. Regarding the types of methods of culture media, Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube (BACTEC MGIT 960) method was found to have excellent agreement (with kappa value of 0.78) with the routine method of LJ. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary tuberculosis suspected cases visiting the National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory at EHNRI that were confirmed to be pulmonary tuberculosis are caused by the species of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, hence treatment regimen including pyrazinamide can be applied to the patients as the first choice in the study area in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. There is indication of the presence of NTM in patients visiting the tuberculosis reference laboratory and this is important because NTM is known to cause pulmonary disease similar with sign and symptom of pulmonary tuberculosis but different in treatment. BACTEC MGIT 960 has excellent agreement with LJ media but it has high tendency of having high contamination rate unless a better decontamination method is designed.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Brucellosis in small ruminants slaughtered at Debre Ziet and Modjo export abattoirs, Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION: Brucellosis is a global zoonotic disease and major public and animal health problem in many parts of the world, particularly in places where livestock is a major source of food and income. This cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2012 and May 2013 to determine the seroprevalence and assess potential risk factors of brucellosis in small ruminants in five export abattoirs at Debre Ziet and Modjo, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. METHODOLOGY: Serology and questionnaire were the methods used. In this investigation, 853 sera samples of 485 caprines and 368 ovines brought for slaughter were selected randomly. The Rose Bengal plate test and complement fixation test were conducted using sera samples at National Animal Health Diagnostic and Investigation Center (NAHDIC) serology laboratory. Data collection sheets were used to gather information on possible risk factors believed to influence the occurrence of Brucella infection in small ruminants such as age, species, breed, body condition score, and origin of small ruminants. RESULTS: Brucellosis was found in 17 (1.99%) and 15 (1.76%) small ruminants using the Rose Bengal plate test and complement fixation test, respectively. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age and body condition score of the animals were risk factors to Brucella infection (p = 0.008 and p = 0.001, respectively) in small ruminants. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this survey, brucellosis is a potential problem in small ruminants in Ethiopia that should be further explored.

Effect of vaccination on transmission characteristics of highly virulent Newcastle disease virus in experimentally infected chickens.

An experimental study was conducted to evaluate the effect of vaccines produced in Ethiopia from vaccine strains used worldwide on the transmission characteristics of velogenic Newcastle disease virus field strain after different vaccination schemes. Chickens were vaccinated with Hitchner B1, La Sota or I-2 via the intraocular and intranasal routes. Vaccine and challenge viruses induced high antibody levels, both in inoculated and contact birds. Prime-boost vaccination protected birds against morbidity and mortality and significantly reduced the incidence of viral shedding from chickens compared with single vaccinated and unvaccinated birds. Protection from disease and mortality was correlated with the presence of positive antibody titres (>4 log2) at day of challenge. Most of the unvaccinated and in-contact birds excreted the virus and showed a high level of antibody titres, indicating the high infectivity of the challenge virus. The detection of the challenge virus in most of vaccinated birds demonstrated that the tested vaccination protocols cannot fully protect birds from viral infection, replication and shedding, and vaccinated-infected birds can act as a source of infection for susceptible flocks. The high mortality observed in unvaccinated birds and their contacts confirmed the virulence of the challenge virus and indicated that this field virus strain can easily spread in an unvaccinated poultry population and cause major outbreaks. Progressive vaccinations supported by biosecurity measures should therefore be implemented to control the disease and introduction of the virus to the poultry farms.

Molecular characterization of Newcastle disease viruses isolated from rural chicken in northwest Ethiopia reveals the circulation of three distinct genotypes in the country.

Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly contagious disease that affects many species of birds and causes significant economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide. Fifteen Newcastle disease virus (NDV) isolates obtained from rural chickens in northwest Ethiopia in 2011 and 2012 were characterized genotypically. The main functional region of the F gene was amplified and sequenced (260 nucleotides). Among the Ethiopian NDV isolates, 2 isolates had the virulent motif (112)R-R-Q-K-R-F(117) at the cleavage site of the fusion protein while 13 isolates contained the lentogenic motif (112)G-G/R-Q-G-R-L(117). Phylogenetic analysis based on the variable region of the F gene indicated that the two isolates exhibiting the virulent motif belonged to lineage 5 (genotype VII) subgenotype d and the remaining 13 isolates were grouped into lineage 2 (genotype II). The nucleotide sequences of lineage 5 isolates were genetically related to the Sudanese NDV isolates, suggesting potential epidemiological link of ND outbreaks between neighbouring countries. The lentogenic strains shared similarities with La Sota vaccine strain and probably originated from the vaccine strain either through direct exposure of birds to the live vaccine or to infectious La Sota-like strains circulating in rural poultry. This study provides genetic evidence on the existence of different NDV genotypes circulating in the rural poultry in Ethiopia. The virulent NDV continues to be a problem in poultry sector in Ethiopia, and their continuous circulation in rural and commercial poultry calls for improved surveillance and intensified vaccination and other control measures.