Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practices towards canine visceral leishmaniasis based on the one health concept in Weliso and Ejaji Towns, Oromia, Ethiopia.

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is a significant vector-borne Meta zoonotic disease caused by agents of the L. donovani complex. The disease is transmitted by the bite of phlebotomine female sandflies of the genera Phlebotomus and Lutzomyia in the old and new worlds, respectively. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of the residents about CVL based on the One Health concept in two towns of the Oromia Region, Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2019 and September 2020, using an interview questionnaire as the study instrument. The study participants were selected through a simple random sampling method. Pearson's Chi-square and logistic regression tests were used to evaluate the association between the study participants' knowledge, attitude, and practices toward CVL and possible risk factors. The study included a total of 400 participants, and the results indicated that 77.25% had good knowledge, 60.5% had a favorable attitude, and 59.25% had good practices toward CVL. The town of Ejaji and dog ownership were significantly associated with good knowledge (p = 0.001), and attitude (p = 0.001) towards CVL, while having a dog (p = 0.001), having a diploma (p = 0.019) or degree and above (0.018), being divorced or widowed (0.012), and being Oromo (p = 0.013) were all significantly associated with good CVL practice. Most participants in both study areas had good knowledge but moderate attitudes and practices toward CVL. Therefore, it is crucial to undertake comprehensive community health education and awareness programs of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis and its vectors based on the One Health concept through various means.

Occurrence and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Escherichia coli and Escherichia coli O157 isolated from cow milk and milk products, Ethiopia.

Escherichia coli is a major foodborne pathogen worldwide. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility of E. coli and E. coli O157 in milk and milk products and hygienic practices in West Shoa, Oromia, Ethiopia. Five hundred fifty-six milk samples comprising 421 udder milk, 57 bulk tank milk, and 78 milk products were investigated. Moreover, a questionnaire was administered to 145 participants to assess hygienic practices. A standard microbiological procedure was used to detect E. coli and E. coli O157. The Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method was used to test the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates. Petri film plates were used to enumerate the coliform in raw bulk tank milk. Farm and animal-level E coli prevalence were estimated and association with risk factors was assessed. Escherichia coli was detected in 33.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 29.9-37.9%) of the samples, of which only one isolate (0.2%) was E. coli O157. Escherichia coli contamination was higher in bulk tank samples (47.4%; 95% CI 34.0-61.0%) than in udder milk (34.7%; CI 30.1-39.4%), cottage cheese (27.0%; 95% CI 14.6-43.9%), and yoghurt 10.5% (95% CI 2.9-24.8%). For the animal-level E. coli contamination, only the study area was identified as a risk factor. Risk factors such as types of milk containers, udder washing practices, hygiene, and management systems were associated with both farm-level and milk products E. coli contamination. Most (59.0%) of the farmers practice udder washing only before milking and the remaining did not practice udder washing at all. The mean coliform count in raw bulk tank milk was higher than the international standard (4.09 log10 CFU/ml). All the 42 E. coli isolates tested were multidrug resistant. The occurrence of E. coli is high, while that of E. coli O157 is too low. The milk-handling practices are poor in the study areas. The high prevalence of E. coli, as well as the high coliform count and higher multi-drug resistance may pose risk to public health and food safety. Therefore, proper hygienic practices throughout the milk chain as well as rational drug use are advised.

Staphylococcus aureus in cow milk and milk products in Ambo and Bako towns, Oromia, Ethiopia: prevalence, associated risk factors, hygienic quality, and antibiogram / Staphylococcus aureus en leche de vaca y productos lácteos en las ciudades de Ambo y Bako, Oromia, Etiopía: prevalencia, factores de riesgo asociados, calidad higiénica y antibiograma

Background: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a foodborne bacterial pathogens that can cause staphylococcal food poisoning and contaminate food of animal origin worldwide. The current study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and assess risk factors, hygienic quality, and antibiogram of S. aureus in raw milk and milk products of cows in Ambo and Bako towns, Ethiopia. Results: The overall prevalence of S. aureus in milk and milk products was 15.6% (94/601) with the highest prevalence in bulk tank raw milk (17.50%) and the lowest in “Ergo” (13.11%). High S. aureus contamination at farm level were associated with poor farm hygiene, extensive management system, medium farm size, loose housing, and less frequent removal of bedding. At the cow level, a high S. aureus isolation rate was observed in crossbred cows; cows with age equal to or greater than 5 years old, tick infestation, history of mastitis treatment, and udder washing were not practiced before milking. On the other hand, the type of container, hygiene of milk handler, and container were the major risk factors for bulk tank milk contamination with S. aureus. S. aureus counts ranging from 1.25 × 104 to 1.92 × 104 CFU/mL were detected in 28.33% of the bulk tank milk samples.. Antimicrobial susceptibility test showed higher resistance of S. aureus to amoxicillin (98.48%), oxacillin (98.48%), ampicillin (98.48%), cefoxitin (92.42%), and tetracycline (83.33%), with 43.94% of isolates showing multidrug resistance (MDR). The high prevalence of oxacillin and cefoxitin-resistant isolates, which is a possible indicator of the existence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), was also noted in the current study...(AU)

Staphylococcus aureus in cow milk and milk products in Ambo and Bako towns, Oromia, Ethiopia: prevalence, associated risk factors, hygienic quality, and antibiogram.

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a foodborne bacterial pathogens that can cause staphylococcal food poisoning and contaminate food of animal origin worldwide. The current study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and assess risk factors, hygienic quality, and antibiogram of S. aureus in raw milk and milk products of cows in Ambo and Bako towns, Ethiopia. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of S. aureus in milk and milk products was 15.6% (94/601) with the highest prevalence in bulk tank raw milk (17.50%) and the lowest in "Ergo" (13.11%). High S. aureus contamination at farm level were associated with poor farm hygiene, extensive management system, medium farm size, loose housing, and less frequent removal of bedding. At the cow level, a high S. aureus isolation rate was observed in crossbred cows; cows with age equal to or greater than 5 years old, tick infestation, history of mastitis treatment, and udder washing were not practiced before milking. On the other hand, the type of container, hygiene of milk handler, and container were the major risk factors for bulk tank milk contamination with S. aureus. S. aureus counts ranging from 1.25 × 104 to 1.92 × 104 CFU/mL were detected in 28.33% of the bulk tank milk samples.. Antimicrobial susceptibility test showed higher resistance of S. aureus to amoxicillin (98.48%), oxacillin (98.48%), ampicillin (98.48%), cefoxitin (92.42%), and tetracycline (83.33%), with 43.94% of isolates showing multidrug resistance (MDR). The high prevalence of oxacillin and cefoxitin-resistant isolates, which is a possible indicator of the existence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), was also noted in the current study. CONCLUSION: Higher prevalence of S. aureus and MDR isolates in milk and milk products was detected in study areas. Therefore, to make milk and milk products safe for human consumption, hygienic handling of milk and milk products, regular surveillance of antimicrobial resistance, and prudent use of drugs are recommended.

High seroprevalence of Leishmania infantum infection in dogs and its associated risk factors in selected towns of Southwest and West Shewa zones of Oromia, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Leishmania infantum infection can result in serious vector-borne zoonotic disease such as visceral leishmaniasis. The objectives of the study were to estimate the seroprevalence and associated risk factors in Weliso, Ambo, and Ejaji towns in the Southwest and West Shewa zones, Oromia, Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2019 to September 2020. A total of 368 canines were sampled for the study using a basic random sampling procedure. An Indirect ELISA kit was used to test the presence of rK39 antigen eliciting specific antibodies in a serum sample. The association between L. infantum seropositivity and possible risk factors was assessed using Pearson's Chi-square and logistic regression tests. RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence of L. infantum in dogs was found to be 84.24% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 80%-88%) with seroprevalences ranging from 76.11% (95% CI: 67%-84%) in Ambo to 79.82% (95% CI: 71%-87%) in Weliso, and higher seroprevalence, in Ejaji 93.84% (95% CI: 89%-97%). In a univariable logistic regression analysis, town (p = 0.001), season (p = 0.001), mixed living (indoor/outdoor) environment (p = 0.003), and kebele (p ≤ 0.05) were all found to be significantly linked with L. infantum seropositivity. In the multivariable analysis, wet season (p = 0.001) and mixed living environments (p = 0.025) were found to be independent predictors of L. infantum seropositivity. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first comprehensive report of L. infantum infection in Ethiopian dogs. The very high seroprevalence suggests that dogs may play an important role in maintaining and spreading the infection to humans. Improvement of the living environment and health care facilities for dogs and humans as well health education for people awareness is suggested.

Isolation and Identification of Staphylococcus aureus from Milk and Milk Products, Associated Factors for Contamination, and Their Antibiogram in Holeta, Central Ethiopia.

Staphylococcus aureus is a pathogenic bacterium-contaminating milk and milk products causing food poisoning primarily due to its enterotoxins. The study aimed at estimating the prevalence of S. aureus in milk and milk products, assessing potential risk factors for contamination, and determining the load and the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the isolates. A cross-sectional study design was employed to collect a total of 486 samples, comprising 383 raw milk, 47 bulk tank milk, 29 curd milk (Ergo), and 28 Ethiopian cottage cheese (Ayib) samples. Enumeration, isolation, and identification of S. aureus were carried out following standard microbiological techniques. Antibiogram was performed using 12 antimicrobials following the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between the occurrence of S. aureus in milk and milk products and potential risk factors. The overall prevalence of S. aureus was 10.69% (52/486) [95% confidence interval (CI):8.09-13.79%]. The prevalence of S. aureus in raw milk, curd milk, bulk tanks at the farm, bulk tanks at milk collection facilities, and cottage cheese was 8.64%, 24.14%, 14.73%, 23.08%, and 14.29%, respectively. The rate of isolation of S. aureus was significantly high in curd milk than in other types of samples (P = 0.010). The study revealed that teat washing (OR: 4.93, 95% CI: 2.06-11.81), use of towel (OR: 12.13, 95% CI: 3.74-39.29), and tick infestations (OR: 4.31, 95% CI: 1.28-14.44) were risk factors associated with the occurrence of S. aureus in milk. About 48.39% of the milk samples assessed had the S. aureus count higher than 105 CFU/ml. The highest rate of resistance was observed to ampicillin (95%), amoxicillin (95%), oxacillin (87.5%), and cefotaxime (80%). All isolates are resistant to at least two classes of antimicrobial drugs, while 65.0% of the isolates were found to be multidrug-resistant. The moderate prevalence, high load, and antimicrobial resistance of S. aureus indicate the higher public health risk due to the widespread consumption of raw milk in the area. Good hygienic practices, regular surveillance of antimicrobial resistance, and prudent use of drugs are suggested.

Listeria Species Occurrence and Associated Risk Factors and Antibiogram of Listeria Monocytogenes in Milk and Milk Products in Ambo, Holeta, and Bako Towns, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and associated risk factors of Listeria species and assess the antibiogram of Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) isolated from milk and milk products from Holeta, Ambo, and Bako towns, Ethiopia. A total of 482 samples (384 milk, 35 cottage cheeses, 30 bulk tank milk, and 33 curdle milk) were collected using a systematic random sampling method and isolation and identification of Listeria species were done using standard microbiological techniques. An antimicrobial susceptibility test for L. monocytogenes was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the prevalence of Listeria, while the Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to determine the association between the prevalence of Listeria and the risk factors and the magnitude of association, respectively. The overall isolation rate of Listeria species from milk and milk products was 7.67% (37/482; 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.46, 10.42). The highest prevalence of Listeria species (15.15%; 95% CI: 5.11-31.90) was detected in bulk tank milk and the lowest prevalence of Listeria species (6.67%; 95% CI: 0.82-22.07) and L. monocytogenes (0.00; 95% CI: 0.00-1.15) was found in curdled milk. The other species isolated were Listeria welshimeri 0.62% (3/482; 95% CI: 0.13-1.81), Listeria seeligeri 1.04% (5/482; 95% CI: 0.33-2.40), Listeria ivanovi 1.24%, (6/482; 95% CI: 0.45-2.68), and Listeria grayi 2.49% (12/482; 95% CI: 5.46-10.42). Univariable logistic regression showed that study town, herd size, farm size, number of lactating cows, and management system were the factors significantly associated with the isolation of Listeria species at farm level, while the intensive management system was the independent predictor at cow level in the multivariable model (adjusted odds ratio = 3.38, P=0.046). L. monocytogenes isolates showed the highest resistance against oxacillin (100%), amoxicillin (90.91%), and vancomycine (81.82%). L. monocytogenes showed a very high multidrug resistance (MDR) [81.82%]. In conclusion, the current study showed the widespread type of Listeria species MDR L. monocytogenes isolates in cow raw milk and milk products from Ambo, Holeta, and Bako towns, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.

Prevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania spp. infections in apparently healthy dogs in west Shewa zone, Oromia, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: In urban settings, the presence of a high density of the human population and contact with domestic and/or stray animals such as dogs and cats can be risk factors for the transmission of zoonotic protozoa parasites. Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and Leishmania spp. are zoonotic protozoon parasites with significant health burdens worldwide. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was used to investigate the antibody prevalence and risk factors of T. gondii and Leishmania spp. infections in 385 randomly selected dogs of Ambo, Bako, and Gojo towns of West Shewa Zone, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. A questionnaire survey was administered to households to collect data on potential risk factors. Dog sera samples were assayed for T. gondii IgG antibodies using the direct agglutination test while Leishmania spp. specific antibodies tested using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Logistic regression was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Overall, T. gondii and Leishmania spp. infection seroprevalence was found to be 82.86% (95% confidence interval (CI): 78.71-86.49%) and 92.47% (95% CI: 89.36-94.90%), respectively. Seropositivity for both T. gondii and Leishmania spp. was found in 82.58% of the dogs. None of the investigated factors were associated with Leishmania spp. seropositivity (p > 0.05). The seroprevalence of T. gondii was significantly different among the study towns (p = 0.003). The risk of T. gondii infection was 2.71 times higher in adult dogs than juvenile dogs (p = 0.043). Dogs kept simultaneously with other domestic animals had increased odds of T. gondii seropositivity compared to those with no other domestic animals (Adjusted Odds ratio: 1.96, p = 0.021). However, altitude, sex, breed, housing, feeding, educational level of head of the household, and dog's living area were not significantly associated with T. gondii seropositivity (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The high seropositivity and the simultaneous presence of antibodies of T. gondii and Leishmania spp. in dogs suggest the widespread nature of these parasites in the environment and the high potential of transmission to other animals and humans. Further epidemiological studies, isolation and molecular characterization of the parasites, and educational campaigns are suggested.

Listeria Species Occurrence and Associated Factors and Antibiogram of Listeria monocytogenes in Beef at Abattoirs, Butchers, and Restaurants in Ambo and Holeta in Ethiopia.

PURPOSE: Listeriosis is one of the globally distributed foodborne diseases with the highest fatality rate. The objectives of this study were to isolate and identify Listeria species, assess factors for contamination of beef, and antibiogram of Listeria monocytogenes in Ambo and Holeta towns, Central Ethiopia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 450 meat samples were collected from abattoirs (n=150), butchers (n=150), and restaurants (n=150) for isolation and identification of Listeria species. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between the occurrence of Listeria species in meat and potential risk factors. The antimicrobial susceptibility test was done using the Kirby Bauer test. RESULTS: The overall occurrence of Listeria species in Ambo and Holeta towns was 28.4% (128/450; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 24.3-32.9%). The isolation rate of Listeria monocytogenes was 4.4%, Listeria ivanovii 2.2%, Listeria seeligeri 1.8%, Listeria welshimeri 3.8%, Listeria innocua 6.2%, and Listeria grayi 10.2%. The probability of contamination of meat in butchers and restaurants was higher in Holeta than Ambo [OR=3.4; 95%; p=0.001], in dry than wet season [OR=5.2; p=0.009], and where the hygiene of cutting boards was poor (OR=7.7; p=0.008). Of the 20 Listeria monocytogenes isolates, 80%, 70%, 60%, and 55% were resistant to oxacillin, amikacin, and nalidixic acid, chloramphenicol, and tetracycline, respectively. The Listeria monocytogenes isolates were 95%, 90%, and 85% susceptible to amoxicillin, vancomycin, and clindamycin, respectively. About 95% of Listeria monocytogenes isolates were multidrug-resistant. One isolate (5%) had developed resistance to 10 classes of antimicrobial drugs. CONCLUSION: Listeria species are widespread and study towns, season, and hygiene of cutting boards are independent predictors of isolation of Listeria species. Multidrug resistance among Listeria monocytogenes was very high. Therefore, adequate cooking of meat, regular training of beef handlers, prudent use of drugs, and further molecular studies on Listeria species are important.

Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Antibiogram of Nontyphoidal Salmonella from Beef in Ambo and Holeta Towns, Oromia Region, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Salmonella has been recognized as a major cause of food-borne illness associated with the consumption of food of animal origin. The present cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2017 to May 2018 in Ambo and Holeta towns to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of nontyphoidal Salmonella isolates from raw beef samples from abattoirs, butchers, and restaurants in Ambo and Holeta towns, Oromia region, Ethiopia. METHODS: A total of 354 beef samples were collected from abattoirs, butchers, and restaurants. Salmonella isolation and identification were carried out using standard bacteriological methods recommended by the International Organization for Standardization. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method. Besides, a structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data and potential risk factors for contamination of meat. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used for data analyses. RESULTS: Of the total 354 meat samples examined, 20 (5.7%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.5-8.6) were positive for Salmonella. Two serotypes belonging to S. typhimurium (11 isolates) and I:4,5,12: i:- (9 isolates) were identified. The Salmonella detection rate in abattoirs, butchers, and restaurants was 4.2% (5/118), 8.5% (10/118), and 4.2% (5/118), respectively. The antimicrobial susceptibility test showed that 40%, 30%, and 20% of the Salmonella isolates were resistant to azithromycin, amoxicillin, and ceftriaxone, respectively. The odds of Salmonella isolation when meat handlers are illiterate were 7.8 times higher than those when they are educated to the level of secondary and above (P=0.032). Similarly, the likelihood of Salmonella isolation was 6.3 and 7.6 times higher among workers of butcher and restaurants, respectively, who had no training (P=0.003) and no knowledge (P=0.010) on food safety and hygiene. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed widespread multidrug-resistant Salmonella isolates in the study areas. Therefore, raw meat consumption and indiscriminate use of antimicrobial drugs should be discouraged. Provision of food safety education for meat handlers and further surveillance of antimicrobial-resistant isolates are suggested.

Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Canine Leptospira and Brucella Species Infection in West Shewa Zone, Central Ethiopia.

PURPOSE: Canine leptospirosis and brucellosis are significant zoonotic gram-negative bacterial diseases that affect humans and animal species. This study was aimed to estimate the seroprevalence and assess associated risk factors of canine Leptospira and Brucella species infections in Ambo, Bako, and Gojo Towns, West Shewa Zone, Ethiopia. METHODS: A total of 385 serum samples were collected from randomly selected dogs. Antibodies against Brucella and Leptospira species infection were tested using the Enzyme-Linked immunosorbent Assay technique (ELISA). A structured questionnaire survey was administered to each dog-owning household to gather information on potential risk factors. The association between independent and outcome variables was analyzed using the Chi-square test followed by univariable, and multivariable logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence of Brucella and Leptospira species infections were found to be 15.06% (95% confidence interval (ci): 11.64-19.04%) and 4.16% (95% ci: 2.39-6.67%), respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the town was the significant risk factor of Brucella species infection seropositivity. Accordingly, dogs found in Gojo ((odds ratio (OR)): 17.72 CI: 1.17-117.54, p=0.036) and Bako (OR: 7.99, 95% CI: 0.96-66.37), p=0.054 towns were more at risk to be infected with Brucella species than dogs living in Ambo. CONCLUSION: The seroprevalence of Leptospira and Brucella species infections in dogs of the West Shewa Zone was high and moderate, respectively, suggesting the possible transmission of the disease between dogs and other animals. These infections might be an under-recognized threat to public health and animal welfare. Further research on the identification of the serovars of Leptospira and biotypes of Brucella circulating in dogs is encouraged. Finally, knowledge of the comprehensive epidemiology of these diseases is an invaluable input for veterinarians, healthcare professionals, and policy-makers to avoid or manage canine leptospirosis and brucellosis.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Mastitis and Isolation, Identification and Antibiogram of Staphylococcus Species from Mastitis Positive Zebu Cows in Toke Kutaye, Cheliya, and Dendi Districts, West Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia.

PURPOSE: Mastitis is one of the major global problems severely affecting the dairy sector. Staphylococcus species are the primary bacteria consistently identified from mastitic milk. This study was aimed to estimate the prevalence of mastitis, isolate Staphylococcus species, determine risk factors, and the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Staphylococcus species from mastitic Zebu cows in West Shewa Zone, Ethiopia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 404 lactating Zebu cows were tested for mastitis. Isolation and identification of Staphylococcus from mastitis positive samples were done by bacteriological culture and biochemical tests. Further identification of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CNS) species and antimicrobial susceptibility test of the Staphylococcus aureus and the CNS was done by the Phoenix machine. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the prevalence of mastitis while the Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to determine the association between the prevalence of mastitis and the risk factors and the magnitude of association, respectively. RESULTS: The present study showed an overall cow and quarter level mastitis prevalence of 30.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]:26.0-35.2) and 8.3% (95% CI 7.0-9.8), respectively. The quarter level isolation rate of Staphylococcus species was 38.6% (95% CI: 30.1-47.6). Five Staphylococcus species namely S. intermedius, S. hyicus, S. aureus, S. lentus, and S. sciuri were identified. The latter two are CNS and were identified for the first time in Ethiopia. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed none of the isolates of S. aureus, 100% of S. sciuri, and 87.5% of S. lentus species were multidrug-resistant. The independent predictors of mastitis (p<0.05) were the age of the cows, stage of lactation, type of housing, the interval of bedding cleaning, and previous history of mastitis. CONCLUSION: The study showed a high prevalence of mastitis, Staphylococcus species, and multidrug resistant S. lentus, and S. sciuri in Zebu cows.

Demography and determinants of dog and cat ownership in three towns of West Shoa zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: The dog and cat population data is generally scarce in developing countries due to absence of surveys. The demography of owned dogs and cats, and the associated ownership characteristics, are essential for the control of pet population and zoonosis. This study was conducted in three towns of West Shoa Zone of Ethiopia with the objectives of assessing demographic characteristics of owned dogs and cats and determinants of ownership. RESULTS: About 65.1% (95% CI: 62.1-69.8%) of the householders own dogs, 39.2% (95% CI: 35.8-43.8%) own cats, and 30.6% (95% CI: 27.4-35.0%) own both. The majority of the dog-owning households own a single dog (74.8%) and cat (74.9%). There were significantly higher proportion of dog and cat-owning households in Bako than Ambo and Gojo towns. The human to owned-dog ratio was 6:1, and that of cat ratio was 10:1. There were more male dogs (72.1%) and more female cats (59.7%). The male to female sex ratio was estimated at 3:1 for the dog while nearly 1:1 for cats. About 37.5% of the owned dogs were indoor, and 62.5% have free access to outside. Dogs and cats were acquired as a gift from families, neighbors, and friends. The identified reason for not owning dogs/cats were fear of zoonosis, dislike, no time to devote, benefit not realized, and shortage of finance. Logistic regression analysis identified study town, community type, gender of head of household, ownership of other animals as determinants for dog/cat ownership. Besides, possessing dogs was significantly associated with cat ownership. CONCLUSION: The current study provide insights into the determinants of dogs/cats ownership and their demographic characteristics in Ethiopia. Dogs are more commonly owned, but the household determinants for dog and cat ownership were comparable. Means of obtaining and reason of owning or abandoning dogs/cats is partly different from those reported in the developed countries. The results of this study could be used for the provision of veterinary services, quantifying health risks and benefits associated with dog/cat ownership, and control of pet population and related zoonosis.

Prevalence and risk factors of helminths' infection of dogs in three towns of west Shoa zone, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia.

Dogs are the most common companion animals worldwide. They are among the main reservoirs, carriers, and transmitters of many infectious and parasitic diseases. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Ambo, Bako and Gojo towns of West Shoa Zone, from January 2015 to June 2017 with the objectives of estimating the prevalence and associated risk factors of gastrointestinal helminths of dogs. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were used for data analysis. P-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Out of 310 dogs sampled and subjected to faecal examination using flotation and sedimentation methods, 158 (50.97%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 45.26-56.66%) of the dogs were positive for helminths infection. The study identified Ancylostoma caninum (36.8%), Toxocara canis (9.7%), Uncinaria spp. (4.5%), Physaloptera canis (4.5%), Salminicola canis (3.22%), Oncicola canis (1.9%), Spirocerca lupi (0.3%), T. leonina (1.0%), Trichuris vulpis (0.97%), Diphyllobothrium (1.29%), Taenid spp. (0.3%), and Mesocestoides spp. (0.3%). Out of the 243 male and 67 female dogs examined, 123 males (50.6%) and 35 females (52.2%) were positive for one or more gastrointestinal helminths. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the overall prevalence of helminth infections between sexes, age, breed, district and management of dogs. From the total positive dogs, 123 (39.7%) had a single infection while 36 (11.6%) of dogs had mixed infection. The odds of acquiring T. canis was 4.88 times higher in dogs of Gojo (p = 0.004) as compared to Bako town. The probability of acquiring T. canis infection was 4.49 times higher in juvenile dogs (p = 0.012) as compared to adult dogs. The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths of dogs in Ambo, Bako, and Gojo towns was high. The diversity of the helminth parasites detected together with their zoonotic importance calls for the need of regular deworming and training of dog owners to create awareness about transmission, clinical signs, prevention, and control of helminth parasites.

Seroepidemiology of Peste des Petits ruminants in sheep and goats in the selected district of Horu Guduru Zone, Western Ethiopia.

Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is an acute, highly contagious, economically important transboundary viral disease of small ruminants. The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to estimate the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of PPR in small ruminants in selected districts of Horo Guduru Zone, Western Ethiopia. A total of 806 blood samples, corresponding to 124 flocks comprised of 387 sheep and 419 goats, were collected using multi-stage sampling. The sera were tested using competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (c-ELISA). A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data on potential risk factors for PPRV infection. Pearson's Chi-Square and logistic regression analyses were used to see the association of the seroprevalence with potential risk factors. The flock-level overall seroprevalence of PPR was 27.42% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 19.79-36.15%). An overall animal level seroprevalence of 5.71% (95% CI: 4.21-7.54%) was recorded with 6.98% (95% CI: 4.65-10.00%) seroprevalence in sheep and 4.53% (95% CI: 2.75-6.99%) in goats. There was a significant association between the seroprevalence and risk factors that were sharing common grazing land (P = 0.032), the introduction of newly purchased animals into the flock (P = 0.011), and uncontrolled animal movements in goats (P = 0.018). Sharing common grazing land with other flocks in goats (P = 0.026) and midland altitude in sheep (P = 0.029) were the other predictors of PPR. The seropositivity in unvaccinated small ruminants suggests the circulation of the virus. Therefore, awareness creation, vaccination, strengthening the disease surveillance system and large-scale epidemiological and molecular studies are suggested.

Cryptosporidium and Giardia infections in dairy calves in southern Ethiopia.

Giardia and Cryptosporidium are the most common enteric protozoan parasites causing diarrhea in humans and animals worldwide. This study was conducted with the objectives of estimating prevalence and identifying risk factors for Cryptosporidium and Giardia infections in dairy calves in selected districts of southern Ethiopia. Fecal samples (n = 330) were collected from calves in 92 farms. The monoclonal antibody-based commercial direct immunofluorescent kit was used to test the samples for Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts. A questionnaire survey was also administered to collect data on potential risk factors of infections. The results showed a farm-level prevalence of 69.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 59.1-78.7%) for Cryptosporidium and 38.04% (95% CI: 28.1-48.8%) for Giardia. Likewise, an overall animal level prevalence of 13.0% (95% CI: 9.6-17.2%) for Cryptosporidium and 9.7% (95% CI: 6.7-13.4%) for Giardia was found. At the farm level, multivariate logistic regression model showed that calves in smallholder farms were 5.3 times more likely to shed Cryptosporidium oocysts than calves in commercial farms (p=0.019). However, in case of Giardia, calves in commercial farms were 5.5 times more likely to shed cysts than calves in smallholder farms (p=0.037). Calves with diarrhea were nearly three times more likely to be positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts than those with normal feces (p=0.027). At the animal level, larger farms and younger calves were associated with Giardia cysts shedding, while larger herd size and lose fecal consistency were associated with Cryptosporidium oocysts shedding. Giardia and Cryptosporidium infection are endemic in the studied dairy farms. Therefore, detailed molecular epidemiological studies are essential to identify the role of domestic animals in the transmission of infections to humans and vice versa, and to determine the best options for prevention and control of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis.

Two novel amino acid substitutions in highly conserved regions of prion protein (PrP) and a high frequency of a scrapie protective variant in native Ethiopian goats.

BACKGROUND: Polymorphisms of the prion protein gene may influence scrapie susceptibility in small ruminants through modified protein conformation. At least 47 amino acid substitutions and 19 silent polymorphisms have been described in goat PRNP reported from several countries. The objective of this study was to investigate PRNP polymorphisms of native Ethiopian goat breeds and compare the results with other goat breeds. RESULTS: The analysis of the prion protein gene PRNP in 229 goats belonging to three of the main Ethiopian native goat breeds showed a remarkably high frequency (> 34.6%) of p.(Asn146Ser) in these breeds, a variant involved in scrapie resistance in Cyprus. In addition, two novel amino-acid substitutions p.(Gly127Ala) and p.(Thr193Ile), with frequencies ranging from 1.5 to 7.3% were detected. Both amino acids are well conserved in prion proteins (PrP) of most species and these changes have never been reported before in goats worldwide. Residue 127 is within the N-terminal domain of PrP and is probably involved in the recruitment of neural cell adhesion molecules (NCAM). Residue 193 is within the highly conserved string of 4 threonines that plays a role in determining the efficiency of prion protein conversion towards its pathological form. CONCLUSION: Two novel coding polymorphisms and a high frequency of a scrapie protective variant indicate a high level of genetic diversity in PRNP of Ethiopian goats. This finding increases the interest in exploring PRNP polymorphisms of native goat breeds in areas where cross breeding with foreign goats has rarely occurred.

Gastrointestinal helminths of backyard chickens in selected areas of West Shoa Zone Central, Ethiopia.

Gastrointestinal parasites of chickens are prevalent in many parts of the world including Ethiopia. This study was conducted with backyard chickens in Ambo, Holeta and, Dire Inchini in the West Shoa zone with the objectives of estimating the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections, identifying the species present and determining associated risk factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted using 252 chickens purchased from local markets. Chickens were killed humanely and gastrointestinal tracts were examined for adult helminths. Identification of the helminths was performed using morphology and microscopy. The overall prevalence of helminth parasites in chickens was 92.1% (232/252) [95% confidence interval (CI): 88.0% - 95.1%]. 80.2% (204/252) [95% CI: 75.3% - 86.9%] and 77.8% (196/252) [95% CI: 72.1% - 82.8%] of chickens were infected with diverse nematode and cestode species, respectively. Parasitological examination revealed the presence of three nematode and five cestode species. Ascaridia galli (69.8%) and Heterakis gallinarum (13.5%) were the dominant nematode species and Railletina tetragona (54.0%) and Railletina echinobothrida (46.8%) were the most prevalent species of cestodes identified. A significant difference (p < .05) was observed between the prevalence of nematode parasites and sex, age, and origin of the chicken. Similarly, sex and origin of the chickens were significantly different with the prevalence of cestode infections. Higher prevalence was observed in male versus female chickens, in young versus adult chickens and in chickens from Holeta and Direinchin compared to Ambo. In contrast, weight, health status, diarrhea status, and age (for cestodes) were not significantly associated with nematode and cestode infection. In conclusion, the present study detected a high prevalence of diverse types of gastrointestinal helminths in backyard chickens, which could result in poor health and reduce productivity. Therefore, the present study strongly suggests appropriate and strategic control of helminthiasis to improve the health and output of backyard chickens in the study areas.

A cross-sectional study of enteric fever among febrile patients at Ambo hospital: prevalence, risk factors, comparison of Widal test and stool culture and antimicrobials susceptibility pattern of isolates.

BACKGROUND: Enteric fever is one of the common infectious diseases of humans. The objectives of this study were to:1) estimate the prevalence of enteric fever among febrile patients visiting Ambo hospital; 2) comparison of Widal test and stool culture;3) evaluation of the antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates; and 4) assess potential risk factors to acquire enteric fever infection. METHODS: Blood and stool samples were collected from 372 febrile patients with symptoms clinically similar to enteric fever. Widal test was used for testing sera while stool culturing and bacterial identification was done using WHO standard methods. Susceptibility testing was done using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Chi-Square test and Logistic Regression analysis were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The apparent and true prevalence of enteric fever were 56.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 50.97-61.29%) and 57.52% (95% CI: 52.3-62.6%) respectively, while, the culture prevalence was 2.7% (95% CI: 1.30-4.89%). Isolation rates of S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi were 0.8% (95% CI: 0.17-2.34%) and 1.9% (95% CI: 0.76-3.84%) respectively. The isolates showed 100% resistance to amoxicillin, bacitracin, erythromycin, 80%resistance to cefotaxime and streptomycin and 20% for chloramphenicol. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of Widal test was 80.0, 44.5, 3.8 and 98.8% respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.45; 95% CI: 1.38-4.37; P = 0.002), religion (aOR = 15.57, 95% CI: 3.01-80.64; P = 0.001), level of education (aOR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.27-5.28; P = 0.009), source of water (aOR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.21-3.98; P = 0.009), raw milk (aOR =2.19, 95% CI:1.16-4.16; P = 0.016) and raw meat consumption (aOR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.07-3.01; P = 0.026) are the predictors of enteric fever seropositivity. CONCLUSIONS: Patients were wrongly diagnosed and treated for enteric fever by Widal test. Therefore, rapid tests with better sensitivity and specificity are needed for the diagnosis of enteric fever. Provision of safe water and health education are vital to bring behavioral change towards raw food consumption.

Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Escherichia coli isolated from backyard chicken in and around ambo, Central Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Escherichia coli is bacteria that exist as commensal in the intestine of animals and humans, but pathogenic strains cause disease in chickens. The development of antimicrobial resistance in E. coli is one of major concern worldwide. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November, 2015 to April, 2016 in and around Ambo town on backyard chicken with the objectives of isolating E. coli from selected visceral organs, assessment of potential risk factor and determination of antimicrobial resistance pattern of the isolates. RESULTS: The overall isolation rate of E. coli was 11.5% (80/694) [95% CI: 9.64-14.61] and 32.5% (62/191) [95% CI: 25.39-39.09] at organ and chicken level, respectively. E. coli isolation rate was 15.2% (29/191), 13.6% (27/191), 6.3% (12/191) and 10.7% (13/121) from spleen, liver, kidney and ovary samples, respectively. The multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed higher probability of E. coli isolation from adult (adjusted Odds ratio [aOR] =2.5, P = 0.013) than younger chickens, from clinically sick chickens (aOR = 3.0, P = 0.003) than apparently healthy. E. coli isolates were 100% susceptible to ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim followed by 89-63.4% susceptibility to gentamicin, streptomycin, ceftazidime, nalidxic acid, nitrofurantoin, kanamycin, amikacin and chloramphenicol. Whereas, 100% resistance was observed against cloxacilin, cefotaxime and amoxicillin, whereas 92.7 and 46.3% were resistant to cefuroxime, and tetracycline, respectively. Multidrug resistant (MDR) was observed in 78.1% (64/82) of the isolates which exhibited 5 different MDR patterns to 7 antimicrobial classes. CONCLUSIONS: Higher isolation rate of E. coli was observed from visceral organs of chickens. Age and health status were predictors of E. coli isolation. Remarkable numbers of the isolates are resistant to different antimicrobials and multidrug resistant E coli isolates are widespread in the area.