Seroprevalence of infectious bursal disease and its associated risk factors in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The poultry population is an integral part of Ethiopia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) but, due to various infectious diseases such as infectious bursal disease (IBD), the expected economic impact in the country remains limited. The status of the disease in Ethiopia is obscured; thus, a systematic review and meta-analysis were employed to estimate the overall pooled prevalence of IBD in Ethiopia. Meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effects of each identified risk factor, while meta-regression and sub-group analysis were employed to assess the relationship between study-level covariates and effect size. The pooled prevalence of IBD in Ethiopia was 69.4% (95% CI 30.7-96.2), while the pooled logit prevalence was 0.94 (95% CI: 0.68-1.20) with significant inter-study variance (Q test = 948.28, df = 43, P < 0.001; τ2 = 0.71, I2 = 95.47%). A small-study effect was detected in the regression-based Egger test (Prob > |z| < 0.0001). Significant variation was observed among different groups such as sex, age, breed, and type of farm of the chickens. The effect size for the study period from 2018 to 2021 was significantly lower by -0.204 compared to the study period from 2009 to 2015 (P < 0.0001. In conclusion, the IBD pooled prevalence estimate is high, even though the number of studies in the country is insufficient. The high prevalence of the disease requires prompt attention from all stakeholders in the sector to bring it under control through comprehensive disease prevention and control intervention strategies.

Review of immunohistochemistry techniques: Applications, current status, and future perspectives.

The Hematoxylin and Eosin stain is a cornerstone in histopathology that facilitates the microscopic examination of tissue samples for identifying infections and tumors. However, challenges arise from the similar appearances of diseases and cells, prompting the emergence of Immunohistochemistry (IHC) as an important technique. This review summarizes the principles, procedures, and applications and future perspectives of IHC, a prevalent immunostaining method allowing the detection of specific proteins in tissue sections. The multistep IHC process involves fixation, embedding, sectioning, antigen retrieval, blocking, detection, counterstaining, mounting, and visualization, with interpretation relying on factors such as microanatomic distribution and staining intensity. Common errors in IHC such as non-specific staining, tissue artifacts, inadequately inactivation of endogenous peroxidase activity and cross-reactivity, can substantially affect the accuracy and reliability of results, thereby impacting the interpretation of biological findings. Serving diagnostic, prognostic, predictive, and therapeutic roles in various conditions, including tumors, infectious diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and muscle diseases, IHC remains pivotal despite its intricate nature. The adoption of digital pathology emerges as a progressive enhancement, addressing limitations and ensuring more accurate analyses in histopathology.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of government workers on zoonotic parasites in pet animals: a study in Central Gondar Zone, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Parasitic zoonoses are infections transmitted between vertebrate animals and humans, posing serious public health risks and significant economic consequences. The study aimed at assessing government workers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding zoonotic parasites of pet animals in Ethiopia's central Gondar zone. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in selected towns of Central Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia from January 2022 to August 2022. Four hundred randomly selected government employees participated in the study. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaire administered by face-to-face interview. The chi-squared (χ2) was calculated for association and p-value less than 0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: A 57.25% of respondents were males and 42.75% were females. Most of the respondents, 67.5%, had completed college/university education. About 60% of the respondents had 'high knowledge', 57.25% had 'positive attitude', and 73% had 'good practice' regarding pet animals as a source of zoonotic parasites. The chi-square analysis revealed a significant discrepancy (p < 0.05) between knowledge with sex, educational level, and position in the house. The attitude level was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with educational level, religious view, and service year. Significant association was also observed (p < 0.05) between practice level of the respondents and educational level and marital status. The study also showed a significant association between knowledge and attitude (χ2 = 40.4, p ≤ 0.001), knowledge and practice (χ2 = 34.9, p ≤ 0.001), and attitude and practice (χ2 = 12.76, p = 0.013) of the respondents. CONCLUSION: Although our results revealed that more than half of the participants had good knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding zoonotic parasites of pet animals, enhanced routine hygienic practices and regular awareness creation programs are recommended to bridge existing gaps.

Study on knowledge, attitudes and behavioral practices of antimicrobial usage and resistance in animals and humans in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia.

Antimicrobial resistance has emerged as one of the foremost global public health challenges. While not a new issue, AMR has gained increasing attention due to the rise of multi-resistant pathogenic organisms, leading to higher mortality rates and significant economic burdens. To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the Bahir Dar City community regarding human and animal antimicrobial use and AMR, a community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to June 2023. The study area was selected purposively, and a simple random sampling approach was used to select kebeles, households, and individual participants. A total of 400 participants were enrolled in the study, with 63.25% being male and 31.25% having graduated from secondary school. Additionally, 61.5% of respondents were married, and the majority (46.5%) owned two species of animals. The findings revealed that 48.5% of the participants had moderate knowledge, 57.5% had positive attitudes, and 52.75% demonstrated good practices regarding antimicrobial resistance and usage. Chi-square analysis revealed statistically significant associations (p < 0.05) between respondents' knowledge level and their educational level, marital status, and position in the house. Attitude level were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with educational level, marital status, occupation, house ownership, and position in the house. Practice level also showed significant association (p < 0.05) with position in the house and occupation. Furthermore, there were significant associations among knowledge, attitude, and practice: knowledge was significantly associated with attitude (χ2 = 209.91, p ≤ 0.001), knowledge with practice (χ2 = 160.43, p ≤ 0.001), and attitude with practice (χ2 = 136.95, p ≤ 0.001). In conclusion, the study found a moderate level of knowledge, positive attitude, and good practice regarding antimicrobial usage and resistance among participants. It is recommended to promote responsible antimicrobial use across all sectors and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices on Food Safety among Food Handlers Working in Public Food Service Establishments in Lemi Kura Subcity, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Foodborne diseases, resulting from poor food handling and sanitation practices, are common public health problems globally. The primary contributing factors to potential foodborne disease outbreaks are often attributed to the poor perception and practices of food handlers regarding food safety. This study is aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practices of food handlers working in public food service establishments in Lemi Kura subcity, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2022 to September 2023, involving 400 food handlers from 20 randomly selected public food service establishments. Data were collected using a structured interview-administered questionnaire and an observational checklist. The collected data were entered into Microsoft Excel and then transferred to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize the data, and Pearson's chi-square test was used to evaluate the association of sociodemographic factors with the knowledge, attitude, and practices of food handlers towards food safety. Of the 400 food handlers, 65.5% had good knowledge about food safety. All food handlers were knowledgeable that washing hand before handling food will reduce risk of poisoning, bacteria are the main cause of food poisoning, and temperature plays a big role in bacterial growth. This study also revealed that 65.3% of the food handlers had good attitude towards food safety and 55.3% of food handlers had good food handling practice. Based on the observation, 38.5% of food handlers had good food handling practice. Taking training, age, and work experience of food handlers have statistically significant (P < 0.05) association with good attitude towards food safety. Additionally, taking training, educational level, employment, and work experience of food handlers have statistically significant (P < 0.05) association with good practice towards food safety. However, there was no statistically significant association between all sociodemographic factors and knowledge about food safety. Good knowledge and attitude were also associated with good food handling practices of the respondents. Based on the observation, there was a statistically significant association between employment status and good food handling practice. In conclusion, the findings suggest the necessity for implementing formal educational and training programs aimed at positively influencing the knowledge and attitude of food handlers, subsequently improving their food handling practices.

Detection and antibiogram profile of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli isolated from two abattoir settings in northwest Ethiopia: a one health perspective.

BACKGROUND: Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a zoonotic pathogen that contaminates abattoir workers, slaughter environments, slaughter equipment, and carcasses during abattoir processing. Infection with E. coli is associated with the consumption of contaminated food and water, and it is a potential threat to the health and welfare of both humans and animals. Hence, this study aimed to detect diarrheagenic E. coli and assess its antibiogram profile in two abattoir settings, in one health lens. METHODS: A cross-sectional study in one health approach was conducted from December 2020 to June 2021. A total of 384 samples from abattoir workers' hands, carcasses, knives, cattle feces, abattoir water and effluents were collected. Bacterial culture and biochemical tests were conducted to isolate E. coli, while conventional polymerase chain reaction was performed to identify virulence genes. The antibiogram of diarrheagenic E. coli was tested against nine antimicrobials using the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method. RESULTS: A total of 115 (29.95%) E. coli were isolated from the 384 samples, and from these isolates, about 17 (14.8%) were confirmed to be diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC). Among the DEC pathotypes, nine (52.94%), five (29.4%), and three (17.65%) were Shiga toxin-producing, enterohemorrhagic, and enterotoxigenic E. coli, respectively. While 14 (82.35%) DEC isolates harbored the stx2 gene, five (29.41%) the eae gene, five (29.41%) the hlyA gene and three (17.65%) harbored the st gene. All the DEC isolates were resistant to erythromycin and vancomycin; whereas, they were susceptible to ampicillin, nalidixic acid and norfloxacin. Furthermore, 64.7% of DEC isolates showed resistance to both ceftazidime and kanamycin and 88.24% of the isolates showed multidrug resistance. CONCLUSION: This study detected DEC isolates having different virulence genes, which showed single and multiple antimicrobial resistance. Given the existing poor hygienic and sanitary practices along the abattoir-to-table food chain, coupled with the habit of raw meat consumption, this result indicates a potential public and animal health risk from the pathogen and antimicrobial resistance.

Molecular Detection of Equine Herpesviruses from Field Outbreaks in Donkeys in Northwest Amhara Region, Ethiopia.

Equine herpesviruses pose a threat to equine health and potentially cause substantial economic losses to the global equine industry. EHV outbreaks have been reported in various parts of Ethiopia and the Amhara region specifically. This study aimed to detect EHVs from suspected outbreak cases in selected districts of the Northwest Amhara region. A cross-sectional study was performed from January 2022 to July 2022 to detect EHVs from suspected outbreak cases. Clinical observation was conducted for the presumptive identification of equine herpesvirus infection, and nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected for molecular detection of the viruses for confirmation. Out of 463 donkeys observed, 23 donkeys showed clinical signs suggestive of equine herpesvirus infection. Samples from 10 suspected donkeys were further subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, amplifying ORF30 for EHV-1 and gB for EHV-2 and EHV-5. Among the 10 donkeys tested, seven (n = 7) were positive for EHV-5. All ten (n = 10) tested donkeys were negative for EHV-1 and EHV-2. EHV-5 was detected in animals with nervous signs, respiratory signs, a combination of nervous and respiratory signs, and a combination of abortion, respiratory, and nervous signs. Generally, only EHV-5 was identified from the outbreak, and more detailed epidemiological/molecular studies should be performed to better understand its dynamics and inform preventive measures.

Identifications, spatial distribution, and seasonal occurrence of Culicoides in selected districts of Northwest Ethiopia.

Culicoides, among the tiniest and most abundant hematophagous insects globally, serve as vectors for a variety of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, protozoa, and nematodes. This study aimed to identify Culicoides species and assess their spatial distribution and seasonal occurrence in selected districts of the Central, South, and West Gondar zones, Northwest Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted between January to July 2023. A total of 44 UV light- onderstepoort traps were deployed in the study districts near specific areas. The traps were operational from dusk (6:00 PM) until dawn (6:00 AM) and were suspended at a height of 1.5 to 2 m above the ground. Poisson regression was used to assess associations, the Shannon diversity index to measure diversity, and QGIS 3.22.6 to create maps. In this study, 8,857 Culicoides were captured across the 44 trapping sites. Of the total flies captured flies, 8,838 were identified as belonging to 12 distinct species, while the classification of the remaining 19 flies remained unclear. Notably, C. kingi (54.01%) was the most prevalent species, followed by C. imicola (44.55%). The abundance of Culicoides observed from January to late April (3505) was significantly lower compared to the wet season (5355), with a marked increase in the capture of C. kingi (2499) from May to late July. A statistically significant association (p < 0.05) was observed between the occurrence of Culicoides and factors such as district, sampling point, and season. Spatial analysis revealed that C. kingi had a broader range of suitability than other Culicoides species, with high suitability observed in East Dembia. The diversity index analysis indicated that Culicoides species diversity was higher in samples from animal pens (H = 0.73) and during the wet season (H = 0.75). Additionally, this study documented the presence of eight Culicoides species namely C. corsicus, C. kibunensis, C. reioxi, C. kiouxi, C. saharienines, C. desertorum, C. reithi, and C. festivipennis, which have not been previously documented in Ethiopia. In conclusion, the study highlighted that the occurrence of Culicoides species was higher in East Dembia, with moderate presence in Wegera and West Armacho. Further research is needed to assess the impact of various Culicoides species on animal and human health, as well as their economic implications, and to develop corresponding control strategies based on these findings.

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of equine herpesvirus type-1/-4 in selected districts of Northwest Amhara, Ethiopia.

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence, determine the distribution, and identify the epidemiological risk factors of EHV-1/-4 infections in selected districts of Northwest Amhara Region. 460 serum samples were collected from equines using multistage cluster sampling technique, and a competitive Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) was performed. Various risk factors for the occurrence of EHV-1/-4 were considered. Statistical analysis was performed using R version 4.3.1. 65.9% (303) equids were tested positive for antibodies against EHV-1/-4. Based on district, the highest prevalence was recorded in Wogera (86.1%), while the lowest was in Debark (47.4%). There was a significant difference (p <0.05; 95% CI: 1.1067993-3.682843) in the prevalence of EHV-1/-4 among species and donkeys are 2.019 times more likely to get an EHV infection than horses. The prevalence of EHV-1/-4 was highest in equids with the age of 3-8 years and lowest in < 3 years, and the difference was statistically significant (p <0.05; 95% CI: 1.9812042-6.771820). Statistically significant variation (p <0.05; 95% CI: 1.1173822-2.684013) was also observed between sex of equids in which females had 1.73 times higher chance to get EHV infection than males. Higher prevalence was found in lactating equids (81.6%), followed by pregnant equids (74.6%), and dry equids (66.4%). Generally, this study indicated a high and wide distribution of EHV-1/-4 infection in the study area, which needs due attention. Devising strategies to prevent and minimize the spread and occurrence of the infection is crucial.

Situational analysis of antimicrobial resistance, laboratory capacities, surveillance systems and containment activities in Ethiopia: A new and one health approach.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a health, environmental, and economic threat around the globe. It is rising in Ethiopia. This analysis was designed to determine the current status of AMR on major bacterial pathogens, laboratory capacities, surveillance systems, and containment activities in the country. Data were collected from published literature and then supplemented by interviews with ten experts from key stakeholders. Data collections were guided by the AMR Situational Analysis Tool developed by Food Safety Officers at the Food Systems and Food Safety Division of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Published articles indicated the presence of gaps in knowledge, attitude, and practices by health professionals, students, and the community. AMR rates among E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococci, and Campylobacter isolates ranged from 3.69-88.41, 4.66-87.74, 17.03-85.08, and 8.41-86.63% to commonly prescribed antimicrobials, respectively. Microbiology laboratories are available. However, a considerable number of laboratories didn't have the basic equipment and consumables. AMR surveillance and reporting system have been established. The national strategic plan has been developed and updated three times. To contain AMR, a governance framework and regulations have been prepared. However, most of them were not fully implemented at all administrative levels. In conclusion, there was a high rate of AMR in the country; some activities have been conducted to prevent and contain AMR. However, more interventions and sustainable activities have to be performed to increase awareness, prevent and contain infectious diseases, rational use antimicrobials and generate more evidence in the country.

Application of Advanced Imaging Modalities in Veterinary Medicine: A Review.

Veterinary anatomy has traditionally relied on detailed dissections to produce anatomical illustrations, but modern imaging modalities, now represent an enormous resource that allows for fast non-invasive visualizations in living animals for clinical and research purposes. In this review, advanced anatomical imaging modalities and their applications, safety issues, challenges, and future prospects of the techniques commonly employed for animal imaging would be highlighted. The quality of diagnostic imaging equipment in veterinary practice has greatly improved. Recent advances made in veterinary advanced imaging specifically about cross-sectional modalities (CT and MRI), nuclear medicine (PET, SPECT), and dual imaging modalities (PET/CT, PET/MR, and SPECT/CT) have become widely available, leading to greater demands and expectations from veterinary clients. These modalities allow for the creation of three-dimensional representations that can be of considerable value in the dissemination of clinical diagnosis and anatomical studies. Despite, the modern imaging modalities well established in developed countries across the globe, it is yet to remain in its infancy stage in veterinary practice in developing countries due to heavy initial investment and maintenance costs, lack of expert interpretation, a requirement of specialized technical staff and need of adjustable machines to accommodate the different range of animal sizes. Therefore, veterinarians should take advantage of these imaging techniques in designing future experiments by considering the availability of these varied imaging modalities and the creation of three-dimensional graphical representations of internal structures.

Seroprevalence of Bovine Brucellosis in Ethiopia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Brucellosis is an infectious and widespread zoonotic disease caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella and can induce considerable human suffering and huge economic losses in animals. Thus, the aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis in Ethiopia. PubMed, Science Direct, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar were used to search the articles. All references were screened and articles, which reported seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis in Ethiopia were included in the study. Meta-analysis using random-effects models was made to calculate the pooled seroprevalence of brucellosis. This review included 15 papers. The estimated pooled seroprevalence of brucellosis was found to be 3.0% (95% CI: 2.0, 4.0). The subgroup analysis showed that there was a statistically significant association between the disease and geographical location, setting, laboratory technique employed and study years. Also, there was some evidence of publication bias (Egger's test, p = 0.0003) on studies reporting the prevalence of brucellosis in Ethiopia. This review proves a high seroprevalence of brucellosis in the country and appropriate control strategies are recommended. Moreover, further study on the risk factors is also required to develop cost-effective preventive strategies.