Leptospirosis in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in Trinidad.

The seroprevalence of leptospirosis in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) reared for meat in semi-intensive and extensive managed farms in Trinidad was determined. All sera were tested for specific antibodies against 17 internationally recognized serovars of Leptospira using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Animals withtitres greater or equal to 100 were considered as seropositive indicating exposure to Leptospira and those withtitres greater or equal to 800 were interpreted as cases of acute leptospirosis. Of a total of 226 apparently healthy water buffalo from five major farms in Trinidad tested, 33 (14.6 per cent) were seropositive with titres ranging from 100 to 400. Three (60.0 per cent) of 5 farms had seropositive animals with seropositivity rates ranging from 2.0 per cent (1 of 50) on Farm A to 32.7 per cent (16 of 49) on Farm B. The difference was statistically signifi cant (P<0.05; X2). Age and sex of animals had no significant (P>0.05; X2) effect on infection rate. The prevalent antibodies to serovars of Leptospira were farm specific with specific antibodies to serovars Copenhageni and Georgia being predominant on Farm B having been detected in 10 (62.5 per cent) and 9 (56.3 per cent) respectively of 16 seropositive animals. On Farm D however, also with 16 seropositive animals, specifi c antibodies to serovars Patoc and Bratislava were most frequently detected, found in 11 (68.8 per cent) and 5 (31.3 per cent) respectively of seropositive animals. This is the first documentation of leptospirosis in water buffalo in the Caribbean region and the health risk posed to farm workers, abattoir workers and veterinarians cannot be ignored.

Selected bacterial recovery in Trinidadian children with chronic tonsillar disease.

Pharyngotonsillitis in children is widely treated with antibiotics. AIM: To examine tonsil surface and core microflora following elective adenotonsillectomy in children. METHODS: Tonsils of 102 Trinidadian children were prospectively examined for surface and core bacteriological culture and identification between 2005-2006. RESULTS: Tonsils (360) yielded 800 isolates of Streptococcus spp. (51.3 per cent), Staphylococcus spp. (42.3 per cent) and Gram-negative genera (6.4 per cent). Surface and core recovery of staphylococci and streptococci were similar (p>0.05). More (p<0.001) surfaces (82.2 per cent) than cores (63.3 per cent) grew Streptococcus spp.; a-haemolytic Streptococcus prevalence was higher (p<0.001) than B-haemolytic Streptococcus on surfaces (74.4 per cent vs. 18.6 per cent) than cores (58.9 per cent vs. 13.7 per cent). Surfaces and cores were not concordant for streptococci (p<0.0004) and   haemolytic Streptococcus (p<0.007). Surface and core B-haemolytic Streptococcus yield was higher (p<0.05) in 6-16 than 1-5 year olds (31 per cent and 23.8 per cent vs 12.5 per cent and 8 per cent). S. pyogenes surface and core prevalence was (84.6 per cent vs 70 per cent) and (50.0 per cent vs 25.0 per cent) in older and younger children respectively. Klebsiella spp. (6.6 per cent, 2.2 per cent), Proteus (4.4 per cent, 4.4 per cent) and Pseudomonas (4.4 per cent, 1.1 per cent) grew on surfaces and cores respectively.

Achado de bactérias selecionadas em crianças de Trinidad com doença amigdaliana crônica / Selected bacterial recovery in Trinidadian children with chronic tonsillar disease

Faringoamigdalite na população pediátrica é largamente tratada com antibióticos. OBJETIVO: Estudar a microflora presente na superfície e no núcleo de amígdalas após adenoamigdalectomia eletiva em crianças. MÉTODO: Amígdalas de 102 crianças de Trinidad foram prospectivamente estudadas por meio de culturas e identificações bacteriológicas feitas a partir de amostras das superfícies e núcleos de suas amígdalas entre 2005-2006. RESULTADOS: A partir de 360 amígdalas, foram isolados Streptococcus spp. (51,3 por cento), Staphylococcus spp. (42,3 por cento) e Gram-Negativos (6,4 por cento). A identificação de estafilococos e estreptococos tanto na superfície quanto no núcleo foi semelhante (p>0,05). Encontramos mais (p<0,001) Streptococcus spp. nas superfícies (82,2 por cento) do que nos núcleos (63,3 por cento); a prevalência de estreptococos alfa-hemolíticos foi maior (p<0,001) do que aquela de estreptococos beta-hemolíticos nas superfícies (74,4 por cento vs. 18,6 por cento) do que nos núcleos (58,9 por cento vs. 13,7 por cento). Não houve concordância entre superfícies e núcleos com relação a estreptococos (p<0,0004) e estreptococos alfa-hemolíticos (p<0,007). Estreptococos beta-hemolíticos foram mais identificados (p<0,05) em crianças dentre 6-16 anos do que naquelas entre 1-5 anos de idade (31 por cento e 23,8 por cento vs 12,5 por cento e 8 por cento). A prevalência de S. pyogenes na superfície e no núcleo foi de (84,6 por cento vs 70 por cento) e (50,0 por cento vs 25,0 por cento) em crianças de maior faixa etária e crianças mais novas, respectivamente. Klebsiella spp. (6,6 por cento, 2,2 por cento), Proteus (4,4 por cento, 4,4 por cento) e Pseudomonas (4,4 por cento, 1,1 por cento) cresceram nas superfícies e núcleos, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: As superfícies amigdalianas tinham mais estreptococos e estreptococos hemolíticos do que seus núcleos. Crianças mais velhas tiveram mais estreptococos beta-hemolíticos, e são altamente colonizadoras...

Pharyngotonsillitis in children is widely treated with antibiotics. AIM: To examine tonsil surface and core microflora following elective adenotonsillectomy in children. METHODS: Tonsils of 102 Trinidadian children were prospectively examined for surface and core bacteriological culture and identification between 2005-2006. RESULTS: Tonsils (360) yielded 800 isolates of Streptococcus spp. (51.3 percent), Staphylococcus spp. (42.3 percent) and Gram-negative genera (6.4 percent). Surface and core recovery of staphylococci and streptococci were similar (p>0.05). More (p<0.001) surfaces (82.2 percent) than cores (63.3 percent) grew Streptococcus spp.; α-haemolytic Streptococcus prevalence was higher (p<0.001) than ß-haemolytic Streptococcus on surfaces (74.4 percent vs. 18.6 percent) than cores (58.9 percent vs. 13.7 percent). Surfaces and cores were not concordant for streptococci (p<0.0004) and α-haemolytic Streptococcus (p<0.007). Surface and core ß-haemolytic Streptococcus yield was higher (p<0.05) in 6-16 than 1-5 year olds (31 percent and 23.8 percent vs 12.5 percent and 8 percent). S. pyogenes surface and core prevalence was (84.6 percent vs 70 percent) and (50.0 percent vs 25.0 percent) in older and younger children respectively. Klebsiella spp. (6.6 percent, 2.2 percent), Proteus (4.4 percent, 4.4 percent) and Pseudomonas (4.4 percent, 1.1 percent) grew on surfaces and cores respectively. CONCLUSION: Tonsil surfaces yield higher surface than core carriage for streptococci overall and for α haemolytic streptococci. Older children grow more β-haemolytic streptococci and are high colonizers of S. pyogenes. Studies probing the mechanisms of streptococcal adhesions in Trinidadian children are suggested.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women in Trinidad and Tobago.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and the frequency of risk factors for the disease in women attending antenatal clinics in hospitals and local health centers in Trinidad and Tobago. METHODS: From November 2002-September 2003, 232 pregnant women at the antenatal clinics of two large hospitals were sampled during their first trimesters. From October 2003-February 2005, 218 pregnant women at five health care centers were followed through three trimesters, wherever possible, and blood samples collected. Sera were screened for Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM immunoglobulins using an enzyme immunoassay. Data on demographics, as well as practices considered to be risk factors for toxoplasmosis, were obtained. RESULTS: Of the 232 women sampled at the two hospital clinics, 83 (35.8%) and 8 (3.4%) were seropositive for immunoglobulins of T. gondii IgG and IgM, respectively. Of the 218 women at the health centers, 76 (34.9%) had evidence of past infection (IgG), while 26 (11.9%) were seropositive for IgM immunoglobulin, suggesting new infections during pregnancy. Only having "3 or more" children was significantly associated with infection by T. gondii. CONCLUSION: In Trinidad and Tobago, the seroprevalence of past infection by T. gondii in pregnant women is relatively low (39.3%) for patients in both hospital and health center clinics. Consequently, there is an elevated risk of primary infection during pregnancy and the potential for congenital infection.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women in Trinidad and Tobago

OBJECTIVE: To determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and the frequency of risk factors for the disease in women attending antenatal clinics in hospitals and local health centers in Trinidad and Tobago. METHODS: From November 2002 - September 2003, 232 pregnant women at the antenatal clinics of two large hospitals were sampled during their first trimesters. From October 2003 – February 2005, 218 pregnant women at five health care centers were followed through three trimesters, wherever possible, and blood samples collected. Sera were screened for Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM immunoglobulins using an enzyme immunoassay. Data on demographics, as well as practices considered to be risk factors for toxoplasmosis, were obtained. RESULTS: Of the 232 women sampled at the two hospital clinics, 83 (35.8 percent) and 8 (3.4 percent) were seropositive for immunoglobulins of T. gondii IgG and IgM, respectively. Of the 218 women at the health centers, 76 (34.9 percent) had evidence of past infection (IgG), while 26 (11.9 percent) were seropositive for IgM immunoglobulin, suggesting new infections during pregnancy. Only having "3 or more" children was significantly associated with infection by T. gondii. CONCLUSION: In Trinidad and Tobago, the seroprevalence of past infection by T. gondii in pregnant women is relatively low (39.3 percent) for patients in both hospital and health center clinics. Consequently, there is an elevated risk of primary infection during pregnancy and the potential for congenital infection.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women in Trinidad and Tobago

OBJECTIVE: To determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and the frequency of risk factors for the disease in women attending antenatal clinics in hospitals and local health centers in Trinidad and Tobago. METHODS: From November 2002-September 2003, 232 pregnant women at the antenatal clinics of two large hospitals were sampled during their first trimesters. From October 2003-February 2005, 218 pregnant women at five health care centers were followed through three trimesters, wherever possible, and blood samples collected. Sera were screened for Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM immunoglobulins using an enzyme immunoassay. Data on demographics, as well as practices considered to be risk factors for toxoplasmosis, were obtained. RESULTS: Of the 232 women sampled at the two hospital clinics, 83 (35.8 percent) and 8 (3.4 percent) were seropositive for immunoglobulins of T. gondii IgG and IgM, respectively. Of the 218 women at the health centers, 76 (34.9 percent) had evidence of past infection (IgG), while 26 (11.9 percent) were seropositive for IgM immunoglobulin, suggesting new infections during pregnancy. Only having "3 or more" children was significantly associated with infection by T. gondii. CONCLUSION: In Trinidad and Tobago, the seroprevalence of past infection by T. gondii in pregnant women is relatively low (39.3 percent) for patients in both hospital and health center clinics. Consequently, there is an elevated risk of primary infection during pregnancy and the potential for congenital infection.

OBJETIVO: Determinar la seroprevalencia de toxoplasmosis y la frecuencia de los factores de riesgo de la enfermedad en mujeres que asisten a consultas prenatales en hospitales y centros de salud en Trinidad y Tobago. MÉTODOS: Entre noviembre de 2002 y septiembre de 2003 se tomaron muestras de 232 mujeres que asistieron a consultas prenatales en dos grandes hospitales durante su primer trimestre de embarazo. Entre octubre de 2003 y febrero de 2005 se realizó el seguimiento durante tres trimestres, siempre que fue posible, y se tomaron muestras de sangre de 218 embarazadas atendidas en cinco centros de salud. Se analizaron las muestras de suero para detectar anticuerpos de las clases IgG e IgM contra Toxoplasma gondii mediante ensayos inmunoenzimáticos. Se tomó nota de los datos demográficos y las prácticas consideradas factores de riesgo para la toxoplasmosis. RESULTADOS: De las 232 mujeres estudiadas en los dos hospitales, 83 (35,8 por ciento) y 8 (3,4 por ciento) resultaron seropositivas para anticuerpos IgG e IgM contra T. gondii, respectivamente. De las 218 mujeres estudiadas en los centros de salud, 76 (34,9 por ciento) presentaban evidencias de infección pasada (anticuerpos IgG), mientras 26 (11,9 por ciento) eran positivas a anticuerpos IgM, lo que indicaba una infección reciente durante el embarazo. El único factor asociado significativamente con la infección por T. gondii fue tener tres hijos o más. CONCLUSIONES: En Trinidad y Tobago, la seroprevalencia de infección pasada por T. gondii encontrada en mujeres embarazadas que se atendían en los hospitales y los centros de salud fue relativamente baja (39,3 por ciento). Por consiguiente, existe un elevado riesgo de infección primaria durante el embarazo con la posibilidad de infección congénita.

Selected bacterial recovery in Trinidadian children with chronic tonsillar disease.

UNLABELLED: Pharyngotonsillitis in children is widely treated with antibiotics. AIM: To examine tonsil surface and core microflora following elective adenotonsillectomy in children. METHODS: Tonsils of 102 Trinidadian children were prospectively examined for surface and core bacteriological culture and identification between 2005-2006. RESULTS: Tonsils (360) yielded 800 isolates of Streptococcus spp. (51.3%), Staphylococcus spp. (42.3%) and Gram-negative genera (6.4%). Surface and core recovery of staphylococci and streptococci were similar (p>0.05). More (p<0.001) surfaces (82.2%) than cores (63.3%) grew Streptococcus spp.; alpha-haemolytic Streptococcus prevalence was higher (p<0.001) than ss-haemolytic Streptococcus on surfaces (74.4% vs. 18.6%) than cores (58.9% vs. 13.7%). Surfaces and cores were not concordant for streptococci (p<0.0004) and alpha-haemolytic Streptococcus (p<0.007). Surface and core ss-haemolytic Streptococcus yield was higher (p<0.05) in 6-16 than 1-5 year olds (31% and 23.8% vs 12.5% and 8%). S. pyogenes surface and core prevalence was (84.6% vs 70%) and (50.0% vs 25.0%) in older and younger children respectively. Klebsiella spp. (6.6 %, 2.2%), Proteus (4.4%, 4.4%) and Pseudomonas (4.4 %, 1.1%) grew on surfaces and cores respectively. CONCLUSION: Tonsil surfaces yield higher surface than core carriage for streptococci overall and for alpha haemolytic streptococci. Older children grow more beta-haemolytic streptococci and are high colonizers of S. pyogenes. Studies probing the mechanisms of streptococcal adhesions in Trinidadian children are suggested.

Pathogenicity and antibiotic sensitivity of Escherichia coli isolates from non-diarrhoeic dogs.

E. coli isolated from dogs in Trinidad were tested for their susceptibility to antimicrobial agents using the disk diffusion method. Antimicrobial agents and concentrations included cephalothin (KF, 30 ug), ampicillin (AMP, 10ug), kanamycin (K, 30 ìg), neomycin (N, 30 ug), gentamicin (CN, 10 ug), sulphamethoxazole/ trimethoprim (SXT, 23.25 ug/1.75 ug), nalidixic acid (NA, 30 ug) and norfloxacin (NOR, 10 ug). The overall prevalence of resistance to one or more antimicrobial agents for E. coli isolated from dogs was 47.9 per cent. The difference in prevalence across the various sources of the isolates from dogs was statistically significant (P<0.001; x2). Overall, resistance was highest to cephalothin (30.1 per cent). A total of 45 resistance patterns were observed from dogs from all sources and the predominant pattern was KF (25.6 per cent). It was concluded that the relatively high prevalence of resistance to antimicrobial agents amongst E. coli isolates from non-diarrhoeic dogs in Trinidad may pose zoonotic and therapeutic problems.

Investigation for possible source(s) of contamination of ready-to-eat meat products with Listeria spp. and other pathogens in a meat processing plant in Trinidad.

In 2003, there was a recall of three processed (chicken franks, spice ham and turkey ham ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products by a large processing plant in Trinidad as a result of contamination by Listeria monocytogenes. The study was conducted to investigate the possible source(s) of Listeria contamination of recalled RTE meat products and to determine the prevalence of Listeria spp., Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli and Campylobacter spp. in the products and air within the plant. Raw and processed meat products, as well as food contact surfaces were also tested for Salmonella spp., Listeria spp. and Campylobacter spp. initially after thorough clean-up and close-down of the plant. Faecal and effluent samples from the piggery, in close proximity to the plant, were tested for the presence of Salmonella spp., Listeria spp. and Campylobacter spp. Air samples and food contact surfaces were negative for the tested organisms. Ten (58.8%) of the 17 effluent samples and 4 (11.8%) of the 34 faecal samples were positive for Campylobacter coli. Of the 11 raw meat products tested, 10 (90.9%) were positive for E. coli and Listeria spp. either singly or in combination. Of the 32 processed RTE products tested, 11 (34.4%) were positive for E. coli, Salmonella spp., Listeria spp. and Campylobacter spp. in combination or singly. Eleven (61.1%) of 18 processed products contained unacceptable levels of aerobic bacteria using international standards. Four months later, following the implementation of recommended cleaning, sanitizing and hygienic practices at the plant, pre- and post-processed products were sampled and Listeria spp. were identified in 4 (80.0%) of the 5 raw products and in 1 of the 5 (20.0%) finished products. Two (40.0%) of the finished products contained unacceptable microbial levels. It was concluded that the close proximity of the piggery to the processing plant was not the probable source of Listeria contamination of the recalled meat products. The data suggested that improved sanitary practices on food contact surfaces and during handling of products, reduced the risk of Listeria spp. and other pathogens studied. The problem at the plant can therefore, be inferred to be due to lapses in good sanitary practices, inadequate heat treatments or the presence of pathogens particularly Listeria in biofilms on different surfaces continuously or occasionally contaminating finished products.

Prevalence of antimicrobial residues in table eggs in Trinidad.

The prevalence of antimicrobial residues in pooled table eggs from layer farms, shopping malls, and supermarkets in Trinidad was determined. A total of 23 layer farms and 14 shopping malls were sampled twice, 1 month apart, whereas 102 supermarkets were each sampled once. For each farm, 25 eggs were randomly collected and pooled to constitute a composite sample, whereas six eggs from each farm source available at sale outlets were randomly sampled from malls and supermarkets to constitute a composite sample. Questionnaires were administered at the farms to determine the occurrence of risk factors for contamination of antimicrobial residues in eggs and at sale outlets to determine storage conditions. The Charm II test was used to qualitatively detect antimicrobial residues (beta-lactams, macrolides, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines). Of 46 composite eggs tested from farms, 3 (6.5%) were contaminated with residues compared with 5 (16.1%) of 31 and 16 (15.0%) of 107 mall and supermarket eggs, respectively, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The residues detected were as follows: sulfonamides, 12 (6.5%) of 184; macrolides, 7 (3.8%) of 184; tetracycline, 5 (2.7%) of 184; and beta-lactam, 0 (0.0%) of 184. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The use of medicated feeds on farm, claim of adherence to the antimicrobial withdrawal period, and temperature of egg storage did not significantly (P > 0.05) affect the prevalence of residues in eggs. It was concluded that the presence of antimicrobial residues, particularly sulfonamides, in table eggs could be of public health significance to the consumer.

Prevalence of antimicrobial residues in table eggs in Trinidad

The prevalence of antimicrobial residues in pooled table eggs from layer farms, shopping malls, and supermarkets in Trinidad was determined. A total of 23 layer farms and 14 shopping malls were sampled twice, 1 month apart, whereas 102 supermarkets were each sampled once. For each farm, 25 eggs were randomly collected and pooled to constitute a composite sample, whereas six eggs from each farm source available at sale outlets were randomly sampled from malls and supermarkets to constitute a composite sample. Questionnaires were administered at the farms to determine the occurrence of risk factors for contamination of antimicrobial residues in eggs and at sale outlets to determine storage conditions. The Charm II test was used to qualitatively detect antimicrobial residues (-lactams, macrolides, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines). Of 46 composite eggs tested from farms, 3 (6.5%) were contaminated with residues compared with 5 (16.1%) of 31 and 16 (15.0%) of 107 mall and supermarket eggs, respectively, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The residues detected were as follows: sulfonamides, 12 (6.5%) of 184; macrolides, 7 (3.8%) of 184; tetracycline, 5 (2.7%) of 184; and -lactam, 0 (0.0%) of 184. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The use of medicated feeds on farm, claim of adherence to the antimicrobial withdrawal period, and temperature of egg storage did not significantly (P > 0.05) affect the prevalence of residues in eggs. It was concluded that the presence of antimicrobial residues, particularly sulfonamides, in table eggs could be of public health significance to the consumer

Investigation for possible source(s) of contamination of ready-to-eat meat products with Listeria spp. and other pathogens in a meat processing plant in Trinidad

In 2003, there was a recall of three processed (chicken franks, spice ham and turkey ham ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products by a large processing plant in Trinidad as a result of contamination by Listeria monocytogenes. The study was conducted to investigate the possible source(s) of Listeria contamination of recalled RTE meat products and to determine the prevalence of Listeria spp., Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli and Campylobacter spp. in the products and air within the plant. Raw and processed meat products, as well as food contact surfaces were also tested for Salmonella spp., Listeria spp. and Campylobacter spp. initially after thorough clean-up and close-down of the plant. Faecal and effluent samples from the piggery, in close proximity to the plant, were tested for the presence of Salmonella spp., Listeria spp. and Campylobacter spp. Air samples and food contact surfaces were negative for the tested organisms. Ten (58.8 per cent) of the 17 effluent samples and 4 (11.8 per cent) of the 34 faecal samples were positive for Campylobacter coli. Of the 11 raw meat products tested, 10 (90.9 per cent) were positive for E. coli and Listeria spp. either singly or in combination. Of the 32 processed RTE products tested, 11 (34.4 per cent) were positive for E. coli, Salmonella spp., Listeria spp. and Campylobacter spp. in combination or singly. Eleven (61.1 per cent) of 18 processed products contained unacceptable levels of aerobic bacteria using international standards. Four months later, following the implementation of recommended cleaning, sanitizing and hygienic practices at the plant, pre- and post-processed products were sampled and Listeria spp. were identified in 4 (80.0 per cent) of the 5 raw products and in 1 of the 5 (20.0 per cent) finished products. It was concluded that the close proximity of the piggery to the processing plant was not the probable source of Listeria contamination of the recalled meat products.