The unexpected discovery of Brucella abortus Buck 19 vaccine in goats from Ecuador underlines the importance of biosecurity measures.

Very few, mostly old, and only preliminary serological studies of brucellosis in goats exist in Ecuador. In order to assess the current epidemiological situation, we performed a cross-sectional serological study in the goat populations of Carchi (n = 160 animals), Pichincha (n = 224 animals), and Loja provinces (n = 2024 animals). Only two positive serological results (RB negative and SAT-EDTA ≥400 IU/ml) were obtained in lactating goats from the same farm in Quito (Pichincha province). Additionally, milk was sampled from 220 animals in Pichincha province. The present study indicates a low apparent prevalence in Pichincha province and absence in Carchi and Loja provinces. A total of 25 positive milk ring tests (MRT) were obtained in Pichincha province yielding a prevalence of MRT of 11.16%. Subsequent culture was performed on the positive MRT samples. All results were negative, apart from a single sample, obtained from a serologically positive goat in Quito, that was positive for Brucella abortus strain 19 (B19). Several hypotheses are forwarded concerning this unexpected result. The most likely hypothesis is the possible accidental use of a needle, previously used for vaccination of cattle with the said vaccine, for the administration of drug treatment to the goat. This hypothesis underlines the necessity of biosecurity measures to prevent this type of accidents.

Prevalence of Fasciola hepatica infection in Galba cousini and Galba schirazensis from an Andean region of Ecuador.

Some Lymnaeid snails are intermediate hosts of the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica, the causal agent of fasciolosis, a zoonotic parasitic disease. Human and livestock fasciolosis has been reported in a highland community located in the Chimborazo Province of the Ecuadorian Andes. However, no previous study has been carried out to identify which snail species act as intermediate host/s of F. hepatica. This study first aimed to identify the intermediate snail species and secondly to determine the prevalence of natural infection with F. hepatica in 230 lymnaeid snails sampled from irrigation and drainage canals in this area. The first objective entailed observations of shell morphology and internal organs as well as sequencing of the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene. For the second objective, we used classic parasitological methods (observation of rediae and cercarial emission) and PCR amplification specie-specific to F. hepatica. COI haplotype networks were built to elucidate phylogeographic relationships between the snail populations from this highland community with other American and worldwide populations. We identified two lymnaeid Galba cousini and Galba schirazensis and found high infection rates of F. hepatica in G. cousini, but these differed according to the method used, with PCR showing a higher rate (61 ± 20%) compared to rediae observation (29 ± 17%). F. hepatica in G. schirazensis was identified only by DNA amplification. G. cousini populations were genetically structured by geographic distance whereas G. schirazensis populations showed very low genetic diversity. The higher abundance and infection rate of G. cousini compared to G. schirazensis suggests that the former is likely the specie responsible for F. hepatica transmission in this region.

Serological evidence of Coxiella burnetii infection in cattle and farm workers: is Q fever an underreported zoonotic disease in Ecuador?

Background: Q fever is an underreported zoonotic disease of cattle and men in most countries of the world. Very little information about the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii infection in animals and humans comes from South and Central America and systematic studies are lacking. Methods: A seroprevalence survey for Q fever amongst cattle, farm workers and students was conducted in Ecuador using a commercial ELISA kit. Results: Survey results showed an unexpectedly high prevalence of Coxiella burnetii antibodies in dairy cattle (43%) and in farm workers (34%). In addition, a clinical case in a human of acute Q fever in the convalescent stage was detected. Conclusion: We conclude that the disease is endemic in Ecuador but is overlooked by medical and laboratory personnel. Q fever should be considered a public health issue in Ecuador and further research into the clinical relevance of this infection is recommended.

First report of orchitis in man caused by Brucella abortus biovar 1 in Ecuador.

We present a 44-year-old man from a rural community in northern Ecuador who worked on a cattle farm where he was involved with primary veterinary care, including assistance during births (or calving) and placenta retention and artificial insemination, with minimal precautions. In September of 2009, quite abruptly, he developed asthenia and hypersomnia without any apparent cause or symptoms like fever, chills, or night sweats. On November 14, 2009, he suffered from pain and edema in the right testicle that coincided with pain in the abdomen. Clinical, serological, and bacteriological investigations confirmed the first case of unilateral orchitis in man in Ecuador caused by Brucella abortus biovar 1. Because brucellosis is a neglected disease, special attention should be given to it in the training of medical and veterinary students.