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Her R, Crespin L, Etougbétché J, Groud K, Gnolonfoun M, Chapron A, Evenamia C, Houéménou G, Lurier T, Cappelle J, Dobigny G, Ayral F. Seroprevalence and renal carriage of pathogenic Leptospira in livestock in Cotonou, Benin. Vet Med Sci 2024; 10:e1430. [PMID: 38533755 PMCID: PMC10966766 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease. It is particularly prevalent in tropical countries and has major consequences for human and animal health. In Benin, the disease's epidemiology remains poorly understood, especially in livestock, for which data are lacking. OBJECTIVES To characterise Leptospira seroprevalence and locally circulating serogroups in livestock from Cotonou and to estimate the prevalence of Leptospira renal carriage in cattle. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study in February 2020 during which livestock were sampled at an abattoir and in an impoverished city district. We analysed blood samples from 279 livestock animals (i.e. cattle, sheep, goats and pigs) using the microscopic agglutination test. Additionally, samples of renal tissue from 100 cattle underwent 16s rRNA (rrs) real-time PCR analysis. RESULTS For the 131 cattle, 85 sheep, and 50 goats tested, seroprevalence was 18% (95% confidence interval [CI] [12%, 26%]), 9% (95% CI [4%, 17%] and 2% (95% CI [0%, 9%]), respectively, and most of the seropositive animals were associated with 1:100 titres. All 13 pigs were seronegative. Leptospira DNA was found in the renal tissue of 10% (95% CI [5%, 18%]) of the cattle tested (n = 100). Leptospira borgpetersenii was the main species present (n = 7), but Leptospira interrogans (n = 2) and Leptospira kirschneri (n = 1) were also detected. Various serogroups (Canicola, Grippotyphosa, Sejroe, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Pomona, Pyrogenes, Australis and Autumnalis) were detected using microscopic agglutination test without a clear predominance of any of them. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that abattoir workers and people living in close contact with livestock in poor urban areas are exposed to the risk of Leptospira infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Her
- Unité RS2GPVetAgro Sup, Université de LyonMarcy L'EtoileFrance
- UMR EPIAUniversité Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro SupSaint‐Genès‐ChampanelleFrance
- UMR EPIAUniversité de Lyon, INRAE, VetAgro SupMarcy l'EtoileFrance
| | - Laurent Crespin
- UMR EPIAUniversité Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro SupSaint‐Genès‐ChampanelleFrance
- UMR EPIAUniversité de Lyon, INRAE, VetAgro SupMarcy l'EtoileFrance
| | - Jonas Etougbétché
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Biologie Appliquée, Unité de Recherche sur les Invasions BiologiquesÉcole Polytechnique d'Abomey‐Calavi, Université d'Abomey‐CalaviCotonouBenin
| | - Karine Groud
- Unité RS2GPVetAgro Sup, Université de LyonMarcy L'EtoileFrance
| | - Mathias Gnolonfoun
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Biologie Appliquée, Unité de Recherche sur les Invasions BiologiquesÉcole Polytechnique d'Abomey‐Calavi, Université d'Abomey‐CalaviCotonouBenin
| | - Audrey Chapron
- Laboratoire des Leptospires et Analyses VétérinairesVetAgro Sup, Université de LyonMarcy L'EtoileFrance
| | - Camille Evenamia
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Biologie Appliquée, Unité de Recherche sur les Invasions BiologiquesÉcole Polytechnique d'Abomey‐Calavi, Université d'Abomey‐CalaviCotonouBenin
| | - Gualbert Houéménou
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Biologie Appliquée, Unité de Recherche sur les Invasions BiologiquesÉcole Polytechnique d'Abomey‐Calavi, Université d'Abomey‐CalaviCotonouBenin
| | - Thibaut Lurier
- UMR EPIAUniversité Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro SupSaint‐Genès‐ChampanelleFrance
- UMR EPIAUniversité de Lyon, INRAE, VetAgro SupMarcy l'EtoileFrance
| | - Julien Cappelle
- ASTRE, Université Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAEMontpellierFrance
| | - Gauthier Dobigny
- UMR Centre de Biologie pour la Gestion des PopulationsInstitut de Recherche pour le Développement, CIRAD, INRAE, Montpellier SupAgro, Université MontpellierMontpellierFrance
- Unité PesteInstitut Pasteur de MadagascarAntananarivoMadagascar
| | - Florence Ayral
- Unité RS2GPVetAgro Sup, Université de LyonMarcy L'EtoileFrance
- Laboratoire des Leptospires et Analyses VétérinairesVetAgro Sup, Université de LyonMarcy L'EtoileFrance
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Robi DT, Bogale A, Urge B, Aleme M. Seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii, Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo, and Brucella species and associated reproductive disorders in cattle in southwest Ethiopia. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25558. [PMID: 38327482 PMCID: PMC10848014 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
In Ethiopia, Coxiella burnetii, Leptospira Hardjo, and Brucella spp are recognized as the primary factors contributing to cattle reproductive issues. A cross-sectional study was conducted in southwest Ethiopia from October 2020 to October 2021 to assess the risk of reproductive disorders associated with L. Hardjo, Coxiella burnetii, and Brucella spp. Moreover, the study aimed to identify the factors associated with reproductive disorders. Using an indirect ELISA, antibodies against these pathogens were observed in serum samples collected from 461 cattle. We employed multivariable random effect logistic regression analysis to identify potential risk factors associated with reproductive disorders in cattle. The study areas showed a prevalence of 25.16 % (95 % CI: 21.20-29.12) for cattle reproductive disorders. The presence of Leptospira Hardjo (OR = 2.9, 95 % CI: 1.17-4.02) and Coxiella burnetii (OR = 3.0, 1.49-5.94) antibodies was associated to the occurrence of cattle reproductive disorders. Seropositivity to pathogens B. abortus, C. burnetii, and L. Hardjo, along with co-infection of all three, showed association with cattle abortion. The presence of L. Hardjo seropositivity and co-infection with C. burnetii were related to dystocia in cattle. Cattle with retained fetal membranes were associated with co-infection seropositivity to these pathogens. Additionally, B. abortus seropositivity was linked to cases of repeated breeding in cattle. Age, breeding practices, and dog access to cattle showed associations with reproductive disorders, with odds ratios of 2.3 (95 % CI: 2.03-4.69), 2.9 (95 % CI: 1.83-4.82), and 6.5 (95 % CI: 1.04-2.53) respectively. This research indicates that Brucella abortus, Coxiella burnetii, and Leptospira Hardjo, which are responsible for severe zoonotic diseases, have a substantial negative impact on cattle production by causing reproductive disorders. To address the transmission of these diseases, it is essential to implement effective mitigation strategies and enhance public awareness. Additional investigation is necessary to identify and understand the factors contributing to cattle reproductive disorders in the specified area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dereje Tulu Robi
- Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Tepi Agricultural Research Center, P.O Box: 34, Tepi, Ethiopia
| | - Ararsa Bogale
- Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Tepi Agricultural Research Center, P.O Box: 34, Tepi, Ethiopia
| | - Beksisa Urge
- Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Holeta Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 2003, Holeta, Ethiopia
| | - Melkam Aleme
- Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Tepi Agricultural Research Center, P.O Box: 34, Tepi, Ethiopia
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Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Q fever ( Coxiella burnetii) Exposure in Smallholder Dairy Cattle in Tanzania. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9120662. [PMID: 36548823 PMCID: PMC9784148 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9120662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Q fever is a zoonotic disease, resulting from infection with Coxiella burnetii. Infection in cattle can cause abortion and infertility, however, there is little epidemiological information regarding the disease in dairy cattle in Tanzania. Between July 2019 and October 2020, a serosurvey was conducted in six high dairy producing regions of Tanzania. Cattle sera were tested for antibodies to C. burnetii using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A mixed effect logistic regression model identified risk factors associated with C. burnetii seropositivity. A total of 79 out of 2049 dairy cattle tested positive with an overall seroprevalence of 3.9% (95% CI 3.06-4.78) across the six regions with the highest seroprevalence in Tanga region (8.21%, 95% CI 6.0-10.89). Risk factors associated with seropositivity included: extensive feeding management (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.25-3.77), and low precipitation below 1000 mm (OR 2.76, 95% 1.37-7.21). The disease seroprevalence is relatively low in the high dairy cattle producing regions of Tanzania. Due to the zoonotic potential of the disease, future efforts should employ a "One Health" approach to understand the epidemiology, and for interdisciplinary control to reduce the impacts on animal and human health.
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Zangue CT, Kouamo J, Ngoula F, Tawali LPM, Ndebé MMF, Somnjom DE, Nguena RNG, Mouiche MMM. Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Zoonotic Risk Perception of Bovine Q Fever ( Coxiella burnetii) among Cattle Farmers and Veterinary Personnel in Northern Regions of Cameroon. EPIDEMIOLGIA (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 3:482-492. [PMID: 36416792 PMCID: PMC9680217 DOI: 10.3390/epidemiologia3040036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
A cross-sectional survey was conducted to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, practices and zoonotic risk perception of Q fever among 484 selected cattle farmers (438) and veterinary personnel (46) in three northern regions of Cameroon. Data collection was conducted using questionnaires and responses were recoded into binary scale. An ANOVA test was used to assess significant differences in mean knowledge, attitude, practice and zoonotic risk perception (KAPP) scores between regions, while Linear regression was done to explore the relationship between demographic characteristic and KAPP. Overall, surveyed had low mean scores for knowledge (0.02 ± 0.11), desirable attitude (0.30 ± 0.16), appropriate practice (0.43 ± 0.13) and negative perception of zoonotic risks (0.05 ± 0.11). The means knowledge, attitude, practice and risks perception scores of cattle farmers were lower than those of veterinary personnel. The nature of respondent was negatively associated to knowledge and risks perception, while regions were negatively correlated to attitude and practice. These results revealed significant knowledge gaps, low levels of desired attitudes, and high-risk behavioral practices. To improve awareness, control programs are needed to update knowledge on medical personnel and to prevent animal-to-human transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Teitsa Zangue
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, Ngaoundere P.O. Box 454, Cameroon
- Correspondence:
| | - Justin Kouamo
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, Ngaoundere P.O. Box 454, Cameroon
| | - Ferdinand Ngoula
- Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang P.O. Box 96, Cameroon
| | | | | | - Dinayen Edwin Somnjom
- Institute of Agricultural Research for Development, Polyvalent Station Bertoua, Bertoua P.O. Box 203, Cameroon
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Seroprevalence and Risks Factors Associated with Coxiella burnetii Infection in Slaughterhouse Zebu Cattle ( Bos indicus) from Northern Regions of Cameroon. EPIDEMIOLOGIA (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 3:434-442. [PMID: 36547254 PMCID: PMC9778544 DOI: 10.3390/epidemiologia3040033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
A study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and risks factors of Coxiella burnetii in zebu cattle from the northern regions of Cameroon. From a total of 2016 (1754 females and 262 males) sera sampled, 801, 762 and 453 were collected, respectively, from Adamawa, North and Far North, and screened for Coxiella burnetii using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). A total of 23.76% (479/2016) were serologically positive. The seroprevalence of Adamawa, North and Far North were 29.09% (233/801), 19.95% (152/762) and 20.75% (94/453); respectively. The seropositivity of male and female were 4.58% and 26.62%; respectively. Cattle from Adamawa region were more likely to have been exposed to C. burnetii than animals from Far North region (OR = 3.28; 95%CI: 1.13-7.85; p = 0.02). The Gudali breed was significantly more infected than Aku (OR =2.52; 95%CI: 1.06-5.99; p = 0.03), and animals aged of (6-9) years were 1.89 times more likely to have been infected to C. burnetii than young animals (p = 0.03). The seropositivity to this bacterium was significantly associated to pregnant cattle than non-pregnant (OR = 1.71; 95%CI: 1.01-2.90; p = 0.04). Female cattle were more likely to have been infected by C. burnetii than male and the rainy season were 1.66 more associated to this disease than dry season. The linear regression model indicated that C. burnetii seropositivity were positively correlated to the regions (0.09, CI: 0.04; 0.18; p = 0.007), age (0.01, CI: -0.01; 0.04; p = 0.02), sex (0.19, CI: 0.08-0.32, p = 0.001) and physiological status (0.11, CI: -0.04; 0.26; p = 0.006). This study revealed that C. burnetii infection is widespread among zebu cattle of Adamawa, North and Far North of Cameroon.
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Kelly RF, Gonzaléz Gordon L, Egbe NF, Freeman EJ, Mazeri S, Ngwa VN, Tanya V, Sander M, Ndip L, Muwonge A, Morgan KL, Handel IG, Bronsvoort BMDC. Bovine Tuberculosis Epidemiology in Cameroon, Central Africa, Based on the Interferon-Gamma Assay. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:877541. [PMID: 35937301 PMCID: PMC9353046 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.877541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) accounting for ~20% of the global cattle population, prevalence estimates and related risk factors of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) are still poorly described. The increased sensitivity of the IFN-γ assay and its practical benefits suggest the test could be useful to investigate bTB epidemiology in SSA. This study used a population-based sample to estimate bTB prevalence, identify risk factors and estimate the effective reproductive rate in Cameroonian cattle populations. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the North West Region (NWR) and the Vina Division (VIN) of Cameroon in 2013. A regional stratified sampling frame of pastoral cattle herds produced a sample of 1,448 cattle from 100 herds. In addition, a smaller cross-sectional study sampled 60 dairy cattle from 46 small-holder co-operative dairy farmers in the NWR. Collected blood samples were stimulated with bovine and avian purified protein derivatives, with extracted plasma screened using the IFN-γ enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Prionics Bovigam®). Design-adjusted population prevalences were estimated, and multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression models using Bayesian inference techniques identified the risk factors for IFN-γ positivity. Using the IFN-γ assay, the prevalence of bTB in the dairy cattle was 21.7% (95% CI: 11.2–32.2). The design-adjusted prevalence of bTB in cattle kept by pastoralists was 11.4% (95% CI: 7.6–17.0) in the NWR and 8.0% (95% CI: 4.7–13.0) in the VIN. A within-herd prevalence estimate for pastoralist cattle also supported that the NWR had higher prevalence herds than the VIN. Additionally, the estimates of the effective reproductive rate Rt were 1.12 for the NWR and 1.06 for the VIN, suggesting different transmission rates within regional cattle populations in Cameroon. For pastoral cattle, an increased risk of IFN-γ assay positivity was associated with being male (OR = 1.89; 95% CI:1.15–3.09), increasing herd size (OR = 1.02; 95% CI:1.01–1.03), exposure to the bovine leucosis virus (OR = 2.45; 95% CI: 1.19–4.84) and paratuberculosis (OR = 9.01; 95% CI: 4.17–20.08). Decreased odds were associated with contacts at grazing, buffalo (OR = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.03–0.97) and increased contact with other herds [1–5 herds: OR = 0.16 (95% CI: 0.04–0.55); 6+ herds: OR = 0.18 (95% CI: 0.05–0.64)]. Few studies have used the IFN-γ assay to describe bTB epidemiology in SSA. This study highlights the endemic situation of bTB in Cameroon and potential public health risks from dairy herds. Further work is needed to understand the IFN-γ assay performance, particularly in the presence of co-infections, and how this information can be used to develop control strategies in the SSA contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert F. Kelly
- Farm Animal Services, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Epidemiology, Economics and Risk Assessment (EERA) Group, The Roslin Institute, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Robert F. Kelly
| | - Lina Gonzaléz Gordon
- Epidemiology, Economics and Risk Assessment (EERA) Group, The Roslin Institute, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Nkongho F. Egbe
- School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Emily J. Freeman
- Farm Animal Services, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Stella Mazeri
- Epidemiology, Economics and Risk Assessment (EERA) Group, The Roslin Institute, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Victor N. Ngwa
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, Ngaoundere, Cameroon
| | | | - Melissa Sander
- Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory Bamenda, Hospital Roundabout, Bamenda, Cameroon
| | - Lucy Ndip
- Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Adrian Muwonge
- Epidemiology, Economics and Risk Assessment (EERA) Group, The Roslin Institute, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Kenton L. Morgan
- Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease and School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Ian G. Handel
- Epidemiology, Economics and Risk Assessment (EERA) Group, The Roslin Institute, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Barend M. D. C. Bronsvoort
- Epidemiology, Economics and Risk Assessment (EERA) Group, The Roslin Institute, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Kelly RF, Gonzaléz Gordon L, Egbe NF, Freeman EJ, Mazeri S, Ngwa VN, Tanya V, Sander M, Ndip L, Muwonge A, Morgan KL, Handel IG, Bronsvoort BMDC. Bovine Tuberculosis Antemortem Diagnostic Test Agreement and Disagreement in a Naturally Infected African Cattle Population. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:877534. [PMID: 35873684 PMCID: PMC9301138 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.877534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) assay and single comparative cervical skin test (SCITT) are used to estimate bovine tuberculosis (bTB) prevalence globally. Prevalence estimates of bTB, caused by Mycobacterium bovis, are poorly quantified in many Sub-Saharan African (SSA) cattle populations. Furthermore, antemortem diagnostic performance can vary at different stages of bTB pathogenesis and in different cattle populations. In this study, we aim to explore the level of agreement and disagreement between the IFN-γ assay and SCITT test, along with the drivers for disagreement, in a naturally infected African cattle population. In, 2013, a pastoral cattle population was sampled using a stratified clustered cross-sectional study in Cameroon. A total of 100 pastoral cattle herds in the North West Region (NWR) and the Vina Division (VIN) were sampled totalling 1,448 cattle. Individual animal data and herd-level data were collected, and animals were screened using both the IFN-γ assay and SCITT. Serological ELISAs were used to detect exposure to immunosuppressing co-infections. Agreement analyses were used to compare the performance between the two bTB diagnostic tests, and multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression models (MLR) were developed to investigate the two forms of IFN-γ assay and SCITT binary disagreement. Best agreement using the Cohen's κ statistic, between the SCITT (>2 mm) and the IFN-γ assay implied a ‘fair-moderate' agreement for the NWR [κ = 0.42 (95%CI: 0.31–0.53)] and ‘poor-moderate' for the VIN [κ = 0.33 (95% CI: 0.18–0.47)]. The main test disagreement was the animals testing positive on the IFN-γ assay and negative by the SCITT. From MLR modeling, adults (adults OR: 7.57; older adults OR = 7.21), females (OR = 0.50), bovine leucosis (OR = 2.30), and paratuberculosis positivity (OR = 6.54) were associated with IFN-γ-positive/SCITT-negative disagreement. Subsets to investigate diagnostic test disagreement for being SCITT-positive and IFN-γ-negative also identified that adults (adults OR = 15.74; older adults OR = 9.18) were associated with IFN-γ-negative/SCITT-positive disagreement. We demonstrate that individual or combined use of the IFN-γ assay and SCITT can lead to a large variation in bTB prevalence estimates. Considering that animal level factors were associated with disagreement between the IFN-γ assay and SCITT in this study, future work should further investigate their impact on diagnostic test performance to develop the approaches to improve SSA prevalence estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert F. Kelly
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Robert F. Kelly
| | - Lina Gonzaléz Gordon
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Nkongho F. Egbe
- School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Emily J. Freeman
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Stella Mazeri
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Victor N. Ngwa
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, Ngaoundere, Cameroon
| | | | - Melissa Sander
- Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory Bamenda, Hospital Roundabout, Bamenda, Cameroon
| | - Lucy Ndip
- Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Adrian Muwonge
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Kenton L. Morgan
- Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease and School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
| | - Ian G. Handel
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Barend M. de C. Bronsvoort
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Bronsvoort BM, Kelly RF, Freeman E, Callaby R, Bagninbom JM, Ndip L, Handel IG, Tanya VN, Morgan KL, Ngwa VN, Rossi G, Nfon CK, Mazeri S. A Cross-Sectional, Population-Based, Seroepidemiological Study of Rift Valley Fever in Cameroonian Cattle Populations. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:897481. [PMID: 35774979 PMCID: PMC9237551 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.897481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an important emerging zoonoses causing abortion and neonatal deaths in livestock and hemorrhagic fever in humans. It is typically characterized by acute epidemics with abortion storms often preceding human disease and these events have been associated with the El Niño weather cycles. Outside of areas that experience epidemics, little is known about its epidemiology. Here, we present results from a serological study using biobank samples from a study of cattle conducted in 2013 at two sites in Cameroon. A total of 1,458 cattle from 100 herds were bled and sera screened using a commercially available RVF ELISA. The overall design-adjusted animal-level apparent seroprevalence of RVF exposure for the Northwest Region (NWR) of Cameroon was 6.5% (95% CI: 3.9–11.0) and for the Vina Division (VIN) of the Adamawa Region was 8.2% (95% CI: 6.2–11.0). The age-stratified serological results were also used to estimate the force of infection, and the age-independent estimates were 0.029 for the VIN and 0.024 for the NWR. The effective reproductive number was ~1.08. Increasing age and contact with wild antelope species were associated with an increased risk of seropositivity, while high altitudes and contact with buffalo were associated with a reduced risk of seropositivity. The serological patterns are more consistent with an endemical stability rather than the more typical epidemic patterns seen in East Africa. However, there is little surveillance in livestock for abortion storms or in humans with fevers in Cameroon, and it is, therefore, difficult to interpret these observations. There is an urgent need for an integrated One Health approach to understand the levels of human- and livestock-related clinical and asymptomatic disease and whether there is a need to implement interventions such as vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barend Mark Bronsvoort
- Epidemiology, Economics and Risk Assessment (EERA) Group, The Roslin Institute, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Farm Animal Services, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Barend Mark Bronsvoort
| | - Robert Francis Kelly
- Epidemiology, Economics and Risk Assessment (EERA) Group, The Roslin Institute, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Farm Animal Services, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Emily Freeman
- Farm Animal Services, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Callaby
- Epidemiology, Economics and Risk Assessment (EERA) Group, The Roslin Institute, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jean Marc Bagninbom
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, Ngaoundere, Cameroon
| | - Lucy Ndip
- Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Ian Graham Handel
- Epidemiology, Economics and Risk Assessment (EERA) Group, The Roslin Institute, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Farm Animal Services, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | - Kenton Lloyd Morgan
- Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease and School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Victor Ngu Ngwa
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, Ngaoundere, Cameroon
| | - Gianluigi Rossi
- Epidemiology, Economics and Risk Assessment (EERA) Group, The Roslin Institute, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Charles K. Nfon
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Stella Mazeri
- Epidemiology, Economics and Risk Assessment (EERA) Group, The Roslin Institute, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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González Gordon L, Bessell PR, Nkongho EF, Ngwa VN, Tanya VN, Sander M, Ndip L, Morgan KL, Handel IG, Mazeri S, Bronsvoort BM, Kelly RF. Seroepidemiology of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever among cattle in Cameroon: Implications from a One Health perspective. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010217. [PMID: 35312678 PMCID: PMC8936485 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne viral zoonotic disease distributed across several continents and recognized as an ongoing health threat. In humans, the infection can progress to a severe disease with high fatality, raising public health concerns due to the limited prophylactic and therapeutic options available. Animal species, clinically unaffected by the virus, serve as viral reservoirs and amplifier hosts, and can be a valuable tool for surveillance. Little is known about the occurrence and prevalence of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) in Cameroon. Knowledge on CCHFV exposure and the factors associated with its presence in sentinel species are a valuable resource to better understand transmission dynamics and assess local risks for zoonotic disease emergence. Methods and findings We conducted a CCHFV serological survey and risk factor analysis for animal level seropositivity in pastoral and dairy cattle in the North West Region (NWR) and the Vina Division (VD) of the Adamawa Region in Cameroon. Seroprevalence estimates were adjusted for sampling design-effects and test performance. In addition, explanatory multivariable logistic regression mixed-effects models were fit to estimate the effect of animal characteristics, husbandry practices, risk contacts and ecological features on the serological status of pastoral cattle. The overall seroprevalence was 56.0% (95% CI 53.5–58.6) and 6.7% (95% CI 2.6–16.1) among pastoral and dairy cattle, respectively. Animals going on transhumance had twice the odds of being seropositive (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1–3.8), indicating that animal movements could be implicated in disease expansion. From an ecological perspective, absolute humidity (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4–0.9) and shrub density (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.4–3.2) were associated with seropositivity, which suggests an underlying viral dynamic connecting vertebrate host and ticks in a complex transmission network. Conclusions This study demonstrated high seroprevalence levels of CCHFV antibodies in cattle in Cameroon indicating a potential risk to human populations. However, current understanding of the underlying dynamics of CCHFV locally and the real risk for human populations is incomplete. Further studies designed using a One Health approach are required to improve local knowledge of the disease, host interactions and environmental risk factors. This information is crucial to better project the risks for human populations located in CCHFV-suitable ecological niches. Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever poses an important threat for public health, particularly in endemic locations in Eurasia and parts of Africa. Despite its long-standing recognition, CCHF is considered a neglected disease, with sporadic official case reports and evidence of serological circulation in remote rural areas and less frequently, in peri-urban settings in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the drivers associated with its emergence and the spatial-temporal patterns linked to its circulation and spread are not well-understood. In this study, we identified a high proportion of cattle with CCHFV antibodies suggestive of high levels of viral circulation in the North West and the Adamawa Regions in Cameroon. In pastoral cattle, there was a positive relationship between going on transhumance, older age, higher shrub density and lower absolute humidity and CCHFV individual seropositivity. In contrast, non-indigenous breeds reported a lower risk of being seropositive. These results can be interpreted in connection to the underlying dynamics of CCHFV cycle and underline potential mechanisms linked to disease expansion. From a public health perspective, high levels of exposure to CCHFV in cattle highlight the possibility of unrecognized human infection and therefore, emphasize on the need to remain vigilant to possible disease risks for local groups involved in pastoralism and to dairy smallholders across the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina González Gordon
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (LGG); (BMB); (RFK)
| | - Paul R. Bessell
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, United Kingdom
| | - Egbe F. Nkongho
- School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Victor N. Ngwa
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, Ngaoundere, Cameroon
| | | | - Melissa Sander
- Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory Bamenda, Bamenda, Cameroon
| | - Lucy Ndip
- Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Kenton L. Morgan
- Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease and School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
| | - Ian G. Handel
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, United Kingdom
| | - Stella Mazeri
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, United Kingdom
| | - Barend MdeC Bronsvoort
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (LGG); (BMB); (RFK)
| | - Robert F. Kelly
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (LGG); (BMB); (RFK)
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