RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to explore the seroprevalence of some bacterial (Brucella spp., Chlamydia abortus) and viral [Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV)] zoonoses in domestic ruminants in Medina. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1,000 blood samples from 665 sheep, 228 goats, and 107 camels were collected from the central slaughterhouse, private farms, and veterinary clinics affiliated to the Ministry of Agriculture. The samples were screened using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The results were statistically analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20. RESULTS: Brucella was found in 7.7%, 8.8%, and 6.5% of sheep, goats, and camel's sera, respectively. In humans, Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis had higher frequencies in males (61.3%, 59.8%) than in females (38.7%, 40.2%). Chlamydia abortus was reported only in sheep at a rate of 0.75%. RVFV was prevalent in sheep (10.7%) and goats (17.9%). FMDV was reported in 27.8% of sheep and 7.9% of goats. There was a highly statistical significance between Brucella, RVFV, and FMDV seropositivity and locally bred animals (p < 0.01). Multiple seropositivities have been reported among sheep and goats. Brucella was commonly observed in mixed infection with other bacterial and viral agents under study. CONCLUSION: The surveyed viral and bacterial agents were prevalent in ruminants in the Medina region. Since Medina is an important destination for pilgrims from all over the world, therefore, an integrated approach involving strict control measures and routine vaccination programs should be adopted to reduce the possibility of global epidemics.
RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to assess for the first time, in Medina, the prevalence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in ruminants due to its potential zoonotic importance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 823 sera samples and 364 milk samples were used to determine the incidence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. Paratuberculosis (MAP) using the indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. RESULTS: The seroprevalence of MAP was 11.1% in sheep and 13.8% in goats, while no infection was recorded among camels. MAP infection was not influenced by the animal's gender, but it was influenced by its locality since the infection rate in local animals was higher than that in imported ones with a significant correlation (p < 0.05). MAP infection had a significant correlation (p < 0.05) with 2 years aged animals. On the other hand, the detection of MAP in milk revealed that 17 (13.8%) goats and 12 (4.9%) sheep were infected. The prevalence of MAP in milk samples was not influenced by either the animal's age or locality. CONCLUSION: Sheep and goats may act as a reservoir for MAP to the Medina community. Since Medina is an active area of mass gatherings as a destination for pilgrims throughout the year, therefore, necessary control measures should be implemented to lower the economic losses, zoonotic infections, and the possibility of a global epidemic.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: A substantial increase in oseltamivir-resistant A(H1N1) influenza viruses was reported in Europe in late 2007. OBJECTIVES: To monitor the antiviral susceptibility profile of human A(H1N1) influenza viruses in Japan during the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 seasons. STUDY DESIGN: Viruses were obtained from respiratory samples of patients with influenza collected in Japan between December 2007 and April 2008 (n=1046) and between December 2008 and April 2009 (n=1789). Oseltamivir resistance was determined by an H274Y-specific real-time PCR cycling probe assay and a neuraminidase inhibition assay. Amantadine resistance was assessed by sequencing the M2 gene. Sequencing of the hemagglutinin and NA genes was performed to infer phylogenetic relationships between different strains. RESULTS: Three of 687 (0.4%) A(H1N1) viruses from the 2007-2008 season and 745 of 745 (100%) viruses from the 2008-2009 season carried the NA-H274Y substitution and demonstrated a >300-fold reduction in oseltamivir susceptibility. All oseltamivir-resistant viruses from the 2008-2009 season possessed an A193T substitution in the receptor-binding domain of the hemagglutinin. Amantadine resistance was detected in 431 of 687 (62.7%) and 0 of 745 (0.0%) of the A(H1N1) viruses from the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 seasons, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A dramatic surge in oseltamivir-resistant A(H1N1) viruses possessing the NA-H274Y substitution was detected in Japan during the 2008-2009 season. The emergence of oseltamivir-resistant viruses was facilitated by mutations in the viral genome. Intensified surveillance, including phenotypic assays and sequencing of the hemagglutinin, neuraminidase, and M2 gene would allow monitoring of the spread and evolution of drug-resistant influenza virus variants.