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Pattnaik M, Choudhary HR, Parai D, Shandilya J, Padhi AK, Sahoo N, Ghosal S, Sathpathy S, Panigrahi SK, Sahu SK, Samantaray A, Pati S, Bhattacharya D. One Health intervention for elimination of anthrax in an endemic district of Odisha: A baseline and endline study. One Health 2024; 18:100729. [PMID: 38644971 PMCID: PMC11026835 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background This study was to compare a baseline and endline survey which were conducted to assess the changes in knowledge, attitude and practices about anthrax disease among the communities after One Health intervention for the elimination of human anthrax in an endemic district of Odisha. Methods A total of 2670 respondents were interviewed during the baseline and 2511 for the endline survey using a structured questionnaire by multi-stage sampling method. Descriptive statistics were used and logistic regression was performed to estimate the relationship between the variables and knowledge of anthrax. Results Out of the total participants in the study, males were about 76.25% in baseline and 72.08% in endline and about half of the total respondents were illiterate. Majority of the respondents had reported agriculture as their main occupation during both surveys. More than 50% of the respondents had livestock in their houses and farming was the main purpose for keeping them in both surveys. Around 20.26% of respondents knew about anthrax in baseline which raised to 53.64% after One Health intervention. Almost 21.29% of livestock owners had vaccinated their animals against anthrax disease throughout baseline, which increased to 66.5% during the endline survey. Conclusion This study highlights a significant surge in both knowledge and practices related to anthrax within the community after the implementation of intervention packages based on the One Health approach. The outcome of our study signified the importance of One Health interventions to address the health challenges related to zoonotic diseases in tribal communities. The data could be useful for local Governments to incorporate such an approach in their health policy to eliminate human anthrax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matrujyoti Pattnaik
- Department of Microbiology, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre (Dept. of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India), Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar 751023, India
| | - Hari Ram Choudhary
- Department of Microbiology, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre (Dept. of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India), Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar 751023, India
| | - Debaprasad Parai
- Department of Microbiology, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre (Dept. of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India), Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar 751023, India
| | - Jyoti Shandilya
- Department of Microbiology, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre (Dept. of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India), Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar 751023, India
| | - Arun Kumar Padhi
- Office of the Chief District Medical Officer Koraput, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Odisha, India
| | - Niranjana Sahoo
- Centre for Wildlife Health, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar 751003, India
| | - Shishirendu Ghosal
- Department of Microbiology, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre (Dept. of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India), Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar 751023, India
| | - Sarangdhar Sathpathy
- Office of the Chief District Veterinary Officer Koraput, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Odisha, India
| | - Santosh Kumar Panigrahi
- Office of the Chief District Veterinary Officer Koraput, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Odisha, India
| | | | | | - Sanghamitra Pati
- Department of Microbiology, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre (Dept. of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India), Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar 751023, India
| | - Debdutta Bhattacharya
- Department of Microbiology, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre (Dept. of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India), Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar 751023, India
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Islam SS, Sarker MS, Akhter AT, Shanta IS, Rahman AA, Sufian MA. Animal, human, and environmental perspectives on anthrax in Bangladesh. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23481. [PMID: 38192846 PMCID: PMC10772127 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23481] [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: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In Bangladesh, the zoonotic transmission of anthrax from animals to humans poses substantial challenges for prevention and control programs, especially in resource-constrained settings. A comprehensive literature review was conducted focusing on anthrax infections in animals, humans, and the environment to enable better design of prevention and control strategies. Materials and methods We followed PRISMA guidelines to collect data on anthrax infection in animals and humans from reports between 1980 and January 2023. We used a standardized data extraction template to collect data on study location, year, hosts, deaths and risk factors responsible for anthrax occurrences at the animal, human and environmental sectors. Subsequently, we conducted a thorough analysis of the data gathered to identify the factors responsible for anthrax occurrences and to propose updated strategies for anthrax prevention and control. Results Of the 27 articles analyzed, 20 focused on animal or human anthrax, while seven addressed environmental contaminations. A total of 6354 cases of anthrax infection in animals were recorded, with 998 fatalities and an overall case fatality of 15.7 %. In humans, inadequate knowledge about anthrax and its transmission was a significant factor. Risk factors for human cutaneous anthrax included activities such as slaughtering diseased animals and contact with contaminated raw meat or blood. Risky practices such as disposal of animal carcasses in floodwaters or water bodies were observed in some areas, contributing to the persistence of the anthrax pathogen in the environment. Conclusions Our study highlights the necessity of a multisectoral One Health approach to effectively control and prevent anthrax outbreaks in both animals and humans. This approach should include comprehensive vaccination programs, social and behavioral change activities, environmental management, and the establishment of surveillance systems. Implementing these recommendations will be crucial in addressing the complex challenges posed by anthrax in low-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sk Shaheenur Islam
- Department of Livestock Services, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Dhaka, 1215, Bangladesh
| | - Md Samun Sarker
- Antimicrobial Resistance Action Center (ARAC), Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI), Savar, 1341, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | | | - A.K.M. Anisur Rahman
- Department of Medicine, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Abu Sufian
- Department of Livestock Services, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Dhaka, 1215, Bangladesh
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Sardar N, Aziz MW, Mukhtar N, Yaqub T, Anjum AA, Javed M, Ashraf MA, Tanvir R, Wolfe AJ, Schabacker DS, Forrester S, Khemmani M, Aqel AA, Warraich MA, Shabbir MZ. One Health Assessment of Bacillus anthracis Incidence and Detection in Anthrax-Endemic Areas of Pakistan. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2462. [PMID: 37894120 PMCID: PMC10609008 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Anthrax, a severe zoonotic disease, is infrequently reported in anthrax-endemic regions of Pakistan. Despite clinical reports indicating its presence, particularly cutaneous anthrax, there is insufficient laboratory evidence regarding disease occurrence and environmental persistence. The present study aimed to confirm Bacillus anthracis presence, accountable for animal mortality and human infection, while exploring environmental transmission factors. Between March 2019 and July 2021, a total of 19 outbreaks were documented. Of these, 11 affected sheep/goats in Zhob district and 8 affected cattle/sheep in Bajour Agency. Clinical signs suggestive of Bacillus anthracis outbreak were observed in 11 animals. Blood and swab samples were collected for confirmation. The study followed a One Health approach, analyzing animal, environmental (soil/plant), and human samples. Of the 19 outbreaks, 11 were confirmed positive for anthrax based on growth characteristics, colony morphology, and PCR. Soil and plant root samples from the outbreak areas were collected and analyzed microscopically and molecularly. Cutaneous anthrax was observed in six humans, and swab samples were taken from the lesions. Human serum samples (n = 156) were tested for IgG antibodies against PA toxin and quantitative analysis of anthrax toxin receptor 1 (ANTXR1). Bacillus anthracis was detected in 65 out of 570 (11.40%) soil samples and 19 out of 190 (10%) plant root samples from the outbreak areas. Four out of six human samples from cutaneous anthrax lesions tested positive for Bacillus anthracis. Human anthrax seroprevalence was found to be 11% and 9% in two districts, with the highest rates among butchers and meat consumers. The highest ANTXR1 levels were observed in butchers, followed by meat consumers, farm employees, meat vendors, veterinarians, and farm owners. These findings highlight the persistence of anthrax in the region and emphasize the potential public health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nageen Sardar
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (N.S.); (M.J.); (M.A.A.); (R.T.); (M.Z.S.)
- Department of Microbiology, University of Jhang, Jhang 35200, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Waqar Aziz
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (N.S.); (M.J.); (M.A.A.); (R.T.); (M.Z.S.)
- Department of Microbiology, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan
| | - Nadia Mukhtar
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (N.S.); (M.J.); (M.A.A.); (R.T.); (M.Z.S.)
| | - Tahir Yaqub
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (N.S.); (M.J.); (M.A.A.); (R.T.); (M.Z.S.)
| | - Aftab Ahmad Anjum
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (N.S.); (M.J.); (M.A.A.); (R.T.); (M.Z.S.)
| | - Maryam Javed
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (N.S.); (M.J.); (M.A.A.); (R.T.); (M.Z.S.)
| | - Muhammad Adnan Ashraf
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (N.S.); (M.J.); (M.A.A.); (R.T.); (M.Z.S.)
| | - Rabia Tanvir
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (N.S.); (M.J.); (M.A.A.); (R.T.); (M.Z.S.)
| | - Alan J. Wolfe
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL 60660, USA; (A.J.W.)
| | | | | | - Mark Khemmani
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL 60660, USA; (A.J.W.)
| | - Amin A. Aqel
- Faculty of Medicine, Mutah University, Al-Karak 61710, Jordan;
| | - Muhammad Akib Warraich
- Department of Marketing, Rennes School of Business, CS 76522, 2 Rue Robert d’Arbrissel, 35065 Rennes Cedex, France;
| | - Muhammad Zubair Shabbir
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (N.S.); (M.J.); (M.A.A.); (R.T.); (M.Z.S.)
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Gwakisa P, George J, Sindato C, Ngonyoka A, Nnko H, Assenga J, Kimera S, Nessele MO. Pillars for successful operationalization of one health as an ecosystem approach: experience from a human-animal interface in the Maasai steppe in Tanzania. ONE HEALTH OUTLOOK 2023; 5:11. [PMID: 37649116 PMCID: PMC10469404 DOI: 10.1186/s42522-023-00087-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Solving complex public health challenges requires integrated approaches to health, such as One Health. A key element of the One Health approach is the interrelationship between human, animal and environmental health and the associated multistakeholder collaboration across many cultural, disciplinary, institutional and sectoral boundaries. Here we describe a pragmatic approach for One Health operationalisation basing on our long-term engagement with communities faced with health challenges in a human-livestock-wildlife interface in the Maasai steppe in northern Tanzania. METHODS Using a qualitative study design we performed an outcome mapping to document insights on results integration from our previous project. Data were collected through participatory community meetings, in-depth interviews and field observations. Field notes were coded and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS We found that effective implementation of One Health interventions in complex ecosystems works best by understanding local conditions and their context and by working closely with the local people and relevant disciplinary players as one complex adaptive system. Community engagement, systems analysis, transdisciplinarity as well as political commitment played critical roles in successful operationalization of One Health. We have further emphasized that project ownership is as important to the local community as it is to the researchers. When used in combination, these elements (community engagement, systems analysis, transdisciplinarity) provide essential pillars for co-creation and maintaining collective action to set a common vision across disciplines, serving as inputs for a metrics-based toolbox for One Health operationalisation. CONCLUSION Considering the novelty and complexity of One Health operationalisation, there is need also to develop scorecard-based guidance for assessment of One Health programs at local and national level. This paper proposes a framework for the optimization of an ecosystems-based One Health approach for prevention and control of Vector-Borne Diseases implemented at the local, sub-national or national level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Gwakisa
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Box 3019, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Janeth George
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Box 3019, Morogoro, Tanzania.
| | - Calvin Sindato
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tabora, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | - Sharadhuli Kimera
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Box 3019, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Moses Ole Nessele
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Country Office, Dodoma, United Republic of Tanzania
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Omodo M, Gardela J, Namatovu A, Okurut RA, Esau M, Acham M, Nakanjako MF, Israel M, Isingoma E, Moses M, Paul L, Ssenkeera B, Atim SA, Gonahasa DN, Sekamatte M, Gouilh MA, Gonzalez JP. Anthrax bio-surveillance of livestock in Arua District, Uganda, 2017-2018. Acta Trop 2023; 240:106841. [PMID: 36693517 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Anthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis, is a widespread zoonotic disease with many human cases, especially in developing countries. Even with its global distribution, anthrax is a neglected disease with scarce information about its actual impact on the community level. Due to the ecological dynamics of anthrax transmission at the wildlife-livestock interface, the Sub-Saharan Africa region becomes a high-risk zone for maintaining and acquiring the disease. In this regard, some subregions of Uganda are endemic to anthrax with regular seasonal trends. However, there is scarce data about anthrax outbreaks in Uganda. Here, we confirmed the presence of B. anthracis in several livestock samples after a suspected anthrax outbreak among livestock and humans in Arua District. Additionally, we explored the potential risk factors of anthrax through a survey within the community kraals. We provide evidence that the most affected livestock species during the Arua outbreak were cattle (86%) compared to the rest of the livestock species present in the area. Moreover, the farmers' education level and the presence of people's anthrax cases were the most critical factors determining the disease's knowledge and awareness. Consequently, the lack of understanding of the ecology of anthrax may contribute to the spread of the infection between livestock and humans, and it is critical to reducing the presence and persistence of the B. anthracis spores in the environment. Finally, we discuss the increasingly recognized necessity to strengthen global capacity using a One Health approach to prevent, detect, control, and respond to public threats in Uganda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Omodo
- National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Center (NADDEC), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jaume Gardela
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.
| | - Alice Namatovu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, Uganda
| | - Rose Ademun Okurut
- National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Center (NADDEC), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Martin Esau
- National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Center (NADDEC), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Merab Acham
- National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Center (NADDEC), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Maria Flavia Nakanjako
- National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Center (NADDEC), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mugezi Israel
- National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Center (NADDEC), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Emmauel Isingoma
- National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Center (NADDEC), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mwanja Moses
- National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Center (NADDEC), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lumu Paul
- National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Center (NADDEC), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ben Ssenkeera
- National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Center (NADDEC), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Stella A Atim
- National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Center (NADDEC), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Musa Sekamatte
- Ministry of Health, National One Health Platform, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Meriadeg Ar Gouilh
- Normandy University, DYNAMYCURE U1311 INSERM, UNICAEN, UNIROUEN, Caen University, 14000 Caen, France; University Hospital Center of Caen, Virology Department, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Jean Paul Gonzalez
- School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University, Medical Center, Washington DC, USA
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Owiny MO, Ngare BK, Mugo BC, Rotich J, Mutembei A, Chepkorir K, Sitawa R, Obonyo M, Onono JO. Assessment of community perceptions and risk to common zoonotic diseases among communities living at the human-livestock-wildlife interface in Nakuru West, Kenya: A participatory epidemiology approach. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011086. [PMID: 36701376 PMCID: PMC9904458 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zoonoses account for most of the emerging and re-emerging infections in Kenya and in other low to medium-income countries across the world. The human-livestock-wildlife interface provides a nexus where transmission and spread of these zoonotic diseases could occur among communities farming in these areas. We sought to identify perceptions of the community living near the Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya. METHODS We used participatory epidemiology techniques (PE) involving Focus Group Discussion (FGD) among community members and Key Informant Interviews (KII) with the health, veterinary, and administration officers in July 2020. We used listing, pairwise matching, and proportional piling techniques during the FGDs in the randomly selected villages in the study area from a list of villages provided by the area government officers. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the median scores between the zoonotic diseases, source of information, and response to disease occurrence. Medians with a z-score greater than 1.96 at 95% Confidence Level were considered to be significant. Content analysis was used to rank qualitative variables. RESULTS We conducted seven FGDs and four KIIs. A total of 89 participants took part in the FGDs with their ages ranging from 26 to 85 years. Common zoonotic diseases identified by participants included anthrax, rabies, and brucellosis. Anthrax was considered to have the greatest impact by the participants (median = 4, z>1.96), while 4/7 (57%) of the FGDs identified consumption of uninspected meat as a way that people can get infected with zoonotic diseases. Community Health Volunteers (Median = 28, z = 2.13) and the government veterinary officer (median = 7, z = 1.8) were the preferred sources of information during disease outbreaks. CONCLUSION The participants knew the zoonotic diseases common in the area and how the diseases can be acquired. We recommend increased involvement of the community in epidemio-surveillance of zoonotic diseases at the human-wildlife-livestock interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurice Omondi Owiny
- Kenya Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
- * E-mail:
| | - Ben Kipchumba Ngare
- Kenya Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Bernard Chege Mugo
- Kenya Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jacob Rotich
- Department of Health, County Government of Nakuru, Nakuru, Kenya
| | - Arithi Mutembei
- Department of Agriculture, Wajir County Government, Wajir, Kenya
| | | | - Rinah Sitawa
- Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Nairobi, Kenya
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mark Obonyo
- Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Nairobi, Kenya
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joshua Orungo Onono
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
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Gachohi J, Bett B, Otieno F, Mogoa E, Njoki P, Muturi M, Mwatondo A, Osoro E, Ngere I, Dawa J, Nasimiyu C, Oyas H, Njagi O, Canfield S, Blackburn J, Njenga K. Anthrax hotspot mapping in Kenya support establishing a sustainable two-phase elimination program targeting less than 6% of the country landmass. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21670. [PMID: 36522381 PMCID: PMC9755300 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24000-3] [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: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Using data collected from previous (n = 86) and prospective (n = 132) anthrax outbreaks, we enhanced prior ecological niche models (ENM) and added kernel density estimation (KDE) approaches to identify anthrax hotspots in Kenya. Local indicators of spatial autocorrelation (LISA) identified clusters of administrative wards with a relatively high or low anthrax reporting rate to determine areas of greatest outbreak intensity. Subsequently, we modeled the impact of vaccinating livestock in the identified hotspots as a national control measure. Anthrax suitable areas included high agriculture zones concentrated in the western, southwestern and central highland regions, consisting of 1043 of 1450 administrative wards, covering 18.5% country landmass, and hosting 30% of the approximately 13 million cattle population in the country. Of these, 79 wards covering 5.5% landmass and hosting 9% of the cattle population fell in identified anthrax hotspots. The rest of the 407 administrative wards covering 81.5% of the country landmass, were classified as low anthrax risk areas and consisted of the expansive low agricultural arid and semi-arid regions of the country that hosted 70% of the cattle population, reared under the nomadic pastoralism. Modelling targeted annual vaccination of 90% cattle population in hotspot administrative wards reduced > 23,000 human exposures. These findings support an economically viable first phase of anthrax control program in low-income countries where the disease is endemic, that is focused on enhanced animal and human surveillance in burden hotspots, followed by rapid response to outbreaks anchored on public education, detection and treatment of infected humans, and ring vaccination of livestock. Subsequently, the global anthrax elimination program focused on sustained vaccination and surveillance in livestock in the remaining few hotspots for a prolonged period (> 10 years) may be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Gachohi
- grid.411943.a0000 0000 9146 7108School of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya ,Washington State University Global Health Program, Washington State University, P. O. Box 72938, Nairobi, 00200 Kenya ,grid.30064.310000 0001 2157 6568Paul G, Allen School of Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA99164 USA
| | - Bernard Bett
- grid.419369.00000 0000 9378 4481International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Fredrick Otieno
- grid.419369.00000 0000 9378 4481International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Eddy Mogoa
- grid.10604.330000 0001 2019 0495Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Peris Njoki
- Washington State University Global Health Program, Washington State University, P. O. Box 72938, Nairobi, 00200 Kenya
| | - Mathew Muturi
- grid.419369.00000 0000 9378 4481International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya ,Kenya Zoonotic Disease Unit, Nairobi, Kenya ,grid.463427.0Kenya Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Athman Mwatondo
- grid.419369.00000 0000 9378 4481International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya ,Kenya Zoonotic Disease Unit, Nairobi, Kenya ,grid.415727.2Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Eric Osoro
- Washington State University Global Health Program, Washington State University, P. O. Box 72938, Nairobi, 00200 Kenya ,grid.30064.310000 0001 2157 6568Paul G, Allen School of Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA99164 USA
| | - Isaac Ngere
- Washington State University Global Health Program, Washington State University, P. O. Box 72938, Nairobi, 00200 Kenya ,grid.30064.310000 0001 2157 6568Paul G, Allen School of Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA99164 USA
| | - Jeanette Dawa
- Washington State University Global Health Program, Washington State University, P. O. Box 72938, Nairobi, 00200 Kenya ,grid.30064.310000 0001 2157 6568Paul G, Allen School of Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA99164 USA
| | - Carolyne Nasimiyu
- Washington State University Global Health Program, Washington State University, P. O. Box 72938, Nairobi, 00200 Kenya ,grid.30064.310000 0001 2157 6568Paul G, Allen School of Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA99164 USA
| | - Harry Oyas
- grid.463427.0Kenya Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Obadiah Njagi
- grid.463427.0Kenya Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Samuel Canfield
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611 USA
| | - Jason Blackburn
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611 USA ,grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, 2055 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32611 USA
| | - Kariuki Njenga
- Washington State University Global Health Program, Washington State University, P. O. Box 72938, Nairobi, 00200 Kenya ,grid.30064.310000 0001 2157 6568Paul G, Allen School of Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA99164 USA
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Hamutyinei Dhliwayo T, Chonzi P, Madembo C, Juru TP, Chadambuka A, Gombe NT, Chikerema S, Shambira G, Umeokonkwo CD, Tshimanga M. Anthrax outbreak investigation in Tengwe, Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe, 2022. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278537. [PMID: 36508405 PMCID: PMC9744298 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anthrax continues to be a disease of public health concern in Zimbabwe. Between December 2021 and February 2022, Tengwe reported 36 cases of human anthrax. Gastrointestinal anthrax has the potential to cause serious outbreaks leading to loss of human life. We investigated the outbreak, identified the risk factors using one health approach to inform outbreak control. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted descriptive analysis of the outbreak and a 1:2 unmatched case control study to identify risk factors for anthrax. A case was any Tengwe resident who developed an ulcer and/or abdominal symptoms and epidemiologically linked to a confirmed environmental exposure. Validated, structured interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from the cases and neighbourhood controls. Soil and dried meat samples were collected for laboratory investigations. District preparedness and response was assessed using a checklist. Data was analysed using Epi Info version 7.2.5. The odds of exposure were calculated for each risk factor examined. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent factors associated with contracting anthrax. RESULTS Through active case finding we identified 36 cases, 31 were interviewed. Twenty-one (67.7%) were males. The median age was 33 years (Inter quartile range: 22-54). Nineteen (61.2%) cases presented with abdominal symptoms with zero deaths reported. The independent risk factor for contracting anthrax was eating under-cooked meat (aOR = 12.2, 95% CI: 1.41-105.74, p = 0.023). All samples collected tested positive for anthrax. No livestock vaccinations or zoonotic meetings were being conducted prior to the outbreak. Notification of the outbreak was done 11 days after index case presentation however one health response was instituted within 24 hours. CONCLUSION The anthrax was confirmed in Tengwe. Consumption of under-cooked meat was associated with gastrointestinal anthrax. The timely one health response resulted in excellent outcomes. Using one health approach in managing zoonotic threats is encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Hamutyinei Dhliwayo
- Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, Family Medicine, Global and Public Health Unit, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | | | - Tsitsi Patience Juru
- Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, Family Medicine, Global and Public Health Unit, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Addmore Chadambuka
- Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, Family Medicine, Global and Public Health Unit, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
- * E-mail:
| | - Notion Tafara Gombe
- Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, Family Medicine, Global and Public Health Unit, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
- African Field Epidemiology Network, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Silvester Chikerema
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Studies, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Gerald Shambira
- Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, Family Medicine, Global and Public Health Unit, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Mufuta Tshimanga
- Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, Family Medicine, Global and Public Health Unit, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Seyoum AF, Bitew AB, Negussie H. A Retrospective Study on the Epidemiology of Anthrax Among Livestock from 2011 to 2020 in Awi Administrative Zone, Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia. VETERINARY MEDICINE: RESEARCH AND REPORTS 2022; 13:313-321. [PMID: 36352856 PMCID: PMC9639593 DOI: 10.2147/vmrr.s384794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Background In Ethiopia, anthrax is the second most important zoonotic disease, next to rabies. Data quantifying occurrence and distribution of animal anthrax in Awi administrative zone of Amhara region, Ethiopia, are limited. Thus, this study was conducted to describe the distribution of animal anthrax between 2011 and 2020 in Awi zone. Methods This study used secondary data of animal anthrax that occurred in the Awi zone and reported to the Regional and National Veterinary Authority between 2011 and 2020. Results A total of 1262 cases of anthrax in animals and 324 animals that died due to anthrax were reported. The highest number of anthrax cases were reported in 2012 (n = 671), sharing 48.9% of the 10-year animal anthrax reported. However, the highest number of animal death due to anthrax (n = 104) was reported in 2014. The overall case fatality rate of anthrax was 25.67% (n = 324). The highest animal anthrax cases (n = 984; 77.97%) and deaths (n = 259; 79.94%) were recorded in Bovine. The highest cases of anthrax were registered in May (n = 313), while no anthrax case was reported during December. The highest and lowest number of animal death due to anthrax were reported during July (n = 64) and January (n = 6), respectively. The highest number of anthrax cases was reported in the hot-dry season (n = 479; 37.96%) whereas the lowest was reported during the cold-dry season (n = 30; 2.38%). Conclusion The current study revealed a considerable number of animal anthrax cases and deaths in Awi zone every year. Hence, it is necessary for practicing prevention strategies including immunization programs before the peak season of anthrax outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abebe Belete Bitew
- Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- Correspondence: Abebe Belete Bitew, Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia, Email
| | - Haileleul Negussie
- Department of Clinical Studies, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
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Badri R, Uwishema O, Wellington J, Thambi VD, Pradhan AU, Adanur I, Patrick Onyeaka CV, Onyeaka H. Anthrax outbreak amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa: Challenges and possible solutions. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2022; 81:104418. [PMID: 36000069 PMCID: PMC9389518 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthrax and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are both notable zoonoses that have high morbidity and mortality, not to mention adverse socio-economic and health consequences on the communities they ravage. Anthrax wreaks disease amongst mammalian species worldwide and has an endemic distribution in Africa and Asia. Kenya, for example, records an average of 10 outbreaks annually. In 2014 and 2017, it held anthrax attack rates of 15% and 29%, respectively, and case fatality rates of 1–5%. As with COVID-19, effective surveillance, containment, and vaccination programs are crucial in the fight against anthrax. While there is no evidence of direct, human-to-human transmission of anthrax currently, Bacillus anthracis remains a disease of public health concern that serves to fuel the devastating effects of SARS-CoV-2 in African communities. In this commentary, we examine anthrax spread in Africa amidst COVID-19, the challenges faced by these simultaneous zoonoses, and the efforts put to combat both equally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rawa Badri
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education, Kigali, Rwanda
- Mycetoma Research Centre, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Olivier Uwishema
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education, Kigali, Rwanda
- Clinton Global Initiative University, New York, USA
- Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Jack Wellington
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education, Kigali, Rwanda
- Faculty of Medicine, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Vimala Devi Thambi
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education, Kigali, Rwanda
- R- Endo Inc, Hamilton, NJ, USA
| | | | - Irem Adanur
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education, Kigali, Rwanda
- Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Chinyere Vivian Patrick Onyeaka
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Watford General Hospital, West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Watford, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Onyeaka
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B152TT, UK
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Stephen KJ, Assenga J, Bernard J, Eblate E, Mwakapege E, Mghamba J, Chinyuka H, Kambarage D. After-action review of rabies and anthrax outbreaks multisectoral response in Tanzania, challenges and lessons. J Public Health Afr 2022; 13:2023. [PMID: 36051524 PMCID: PMC9425926 DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2022.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
After-action review uses experiences gained from past events to adopt best practices, thereby improving future interventions. In December 2016 and late 2018, the government of Tanzania with support from partners responded to anthrax and rabies outbreaks in Arusha and Morogoro regions respectively. The One Health Coordination Desk (OHCD) of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) later coordinated after-action reviews to review the multi-sectoral preparedness and response to the outbreaks. To establish and describe actions undertaken by the multi-sectoral investigation and response teams during planning and deployment, execution of field activities, and outbreak investigation and response, system best practices and deficiencies. These were cross-sectional surveys. Semi-structured, open and closed-ended questionnaire and focus group discussions were administered to collect information from responders at the national and subnational levels. It was found that the surveillance and response systems were weak at community level, lack of enforcement of public health laws including vaccination of livestock and domestic animals and joint preparedness efforts were generally undermined by differential disease surveillance capacities among sectors. Lack of resources in particular funds for supplies, transport and deployment of response teams contributed to many shortfalls. The findings underpin the importance of after-action reviews in identifying critical areas for improvement in multi-sectoral prevention and control of disease outbreaks. Main sectors under the coordination of the OHCD should include after action reviews in their plans and budget it as a tool to continuously assess and improve multi-sectoral preparedness and response to public health emergencies.
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12
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Forde TL, Dennis TPW, Aminu OR, Harvey WT, Hassim A, Kiwelu I, Medvecky M, Mshanga D, Van Heerden H, Vogel A, Zadoks RN, Mmbaga BT, Lembo T, Biek R. Population genomics of Bacillus anthracis from an anthrax hyperendemic area reveals transmission processes across spatial scales and unexpected within-host diversity. Microb Genom 2022; 8:000759. [PMID: 35188453 PMCID: PMC8942019 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic sequencing has revolutionized our understanding of bacterial disease epidemiology, but remains underutilized for zoonotic pathogens in remote endemic settings. Anthrax, caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis, remains a threat to human and animal health and rural livelihoods in low- and middle-income countries. While the global genomic diversity of B. anthracis has been well-characterized, there is limited information on how its populations are genetically structured at the scale at which transmission occurs, critical for understanding the pathogen's evolution and transmission dynamics. Using a uniquely rich dataset, we quantified genome-wide SNPs among 73 B. anthracis isolates derived from 33 livestock carcasses sampled over 1 year throughout the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania, a region hyperendemic for anthrax. Genome-wide SNPs distinguished 22 unique B. anthracis genotypes (i.e. SNP profiles) within the study area. However, phylogeographical structure was lacking, as identical SNP profiles were found throughout the study area, likely the result of the long and variable periods of spore dormancy and long-distance livestock movements. Significantly, divergent genotypes were obtained from spatio-temporally linked cases and even individual carcasses. The high number of SNPs distinguishing isolates from the same host is unlikely to have arisen during infection, as supported by our simulation models. This points to an unexpectedly wide transmission bottleneck for B. anthracis, with an inoculum comprising multiple variants being the norm. Our work highlights that inferring transmission patterns of B. anthracis from genomic data will require analytical approaches that account for extended and variable environmental persistence, as well as co-infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taya L. Forde
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Tristan P. W. Dennis
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - O. Rhoda Aminu
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - William T. Harvey
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ayesha Hassim
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Ireen Kiwelu
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Matej Medvecky
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Henriette Van Heerden
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Adeline Vogel
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ruth N. Zadoks
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Present address: Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Blandina T. Mmbaga
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Tiziana Lembo
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Roman Biek
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Bodenham RF, Mtui-Malamsha N, Gatei W, Woldetsadik MA, Cassell CH, Salyer SJ, Halliday JE, Nonga HE, Swai ES, Makungu S, Mwakapeje E, Bernard J, Bebay C, Makonnen YJ, Fasina FO. Multisectoral cost analysis of a human and livestock anthrax outbreak in Songwe Region, Tanzania (December 2018-January 2019), using a novel Outbreak Costing Tool. One Health 2021; 13:100259. [PMID: 34013015 PMCID: PMC8113743 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2021.100259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We applied a novel Outbreak Costing Tool (OCT), developed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to estimate the costs of investigating and responding to an anthrax outbreak in Tanzania. We also evaluated the OCT's overall utility in its application to a multisectoral outbreak response. METHODS We collected data on direct costs associated with a human and animal anthrax outbreak in Songwe Region (December 2018 to January 2019) using structured questionnaires from key-informants. We performed a cost analysis by entering direct costs data into the OCT, grouped into seven cost categories: labor, office, travel and transport, communication, laboratory support, medical countermeasures, and consultancies. RESULTS The total cost for investigating and responding to this outbreak was estimated at 102,232 United States dollars (USD), with travel and transport identified as the highest cost category (62,536 USD) and communication and consultancies as the lowest, with no expenditure, for the combined human and animal health sectors. CONCLUSIONS Multisectoral investigation and response may become complex due to coordination challenges, thus allowing escalation of public health impacts. A standardized framework for collecting and analysing cost data is vital to understanding the nature of outbreaks, in anticipatory planning, in outbreak investigation and in reducing time to intervention. Pre-emptive use of the OCT will also reduce overall and specific (response period) intervention costs for the disease. Additional aggregation of the costs by government ministries, departments and tiers will improve the use of the tool to enhance sectoral budget planning for disease outbreaks in a multisectoral response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca F. Bodenham
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Niwael Mtui-Malamsha
- Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Wangeci Gatei
- Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mahlet A. Woldetsadik
- Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Cynthia H. Cassell
- Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Stephanie J. Salyer
- Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jo E.B. Halliday
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Hezron E. Nonga
- Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Dodoma, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Emmanuel S. Swai
- Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Dodoma, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Selemani Makungu
- Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Dodoma, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Elibariki Mwakapeje
- Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
- Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Dodoma, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Jubilate Bernard
- Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Dodoma, United Republic of Tanzania
- One Health Coordination Desk, Office of the Prime Minister, Dodoma, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Charles Bebay
- Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) Regional Office for Eastern Africa, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Yilma J. Makonnen
- Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Rome, Italy
| | - Folorunso O. Fasina
- Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
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Apriliana U, Wibawa H, Ruhiat E, Untari T, Indarjulianto S. Isolation and identification of avirulent strains of Bacillus anthracis from environmental samples in Central Java, Indonesia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ONE HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.14202/ijoh.2021.204-211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Anthrax is a non-contagious infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis. The bacteria form spores that are resistant to extreme conditions and can contaminate the environment for decades. This study aimed to detect and characterize B. anthracis found in endemic areas of anthrax in Yogyakarta and Central Java province, Indonesia.
Materials and Methods: Soil samples were collected from Gunungkidul regency, Yogyakarta province (n=315) and Boyolali regency, Central Java province (n=100). Additional soil samples (n=10) and straw samples (n=5) were obtained from Pati regency, Central Java province. The isolation and identification of B. anthracis were performed using conventional methods: Morphology of bacteria colony in solid media, Gram staining, capsule staining, spores staining, and motility test. Isolates were further identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) against Ba813, lef (pXO1), and capC (pXO2) gene. An avirulent vaccine strain of B. anthracis (strain 34F2) was used as a control.
Results: Only four samples grew on blood agar with a ground-glass appearance, white-gray colony (Gunungkidul and avirulent strain) or yellowish (Boyolali and Pati). All were Gram-positive, presented chains, square-ended rods, spores, and were then identified as B. anthracis. Boyolali, Pati, and avirulent strain isolates had slightly different characteristics, including the growth of non-mucoid in the bicarbonate agar medium, and their uncapsulated form. The PCR showed two Gunungkidul isolates which amplified three genes, including Ba813, lef, and capC. Contrarily, the other isolates did not amplify the capC gene.
Conclusion: Gunungkidul isolates were identified as virulent strains of B. anthracis while Boyolali and Pati isolates were proposed as avirulent strains. This is the first report of isolation and identification of avirulent strains of B. anthracis in Central Java, Indonesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ully Apriliana
- Disease Investigation Center Wates, Jalan Raya Jogja-Wates Km 27 Po Box 18, Wates, Yogyakarta, 55602, Indonesia; Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Jl. Fauna 2, Karangmalang, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
| | - Hendra Wibawa
- Disease Investigation Center Wates, Jalan Raya Jogja-Wates Km 27 Po Box 18, Wates, Yogyakarta, 55602, Indonesia
| | - Endang Ruhiat
- Disease Investigation Center Wates, Jalan Raya Jogja-Wates Km 27 Po Box 18, Wates, Yogyakarta, 55602, Indonesia
| | - Tri Untari
- Department of Internal Medicine , Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Jl. Fauna 2, Karangmalang, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
| | - Soedarmanto Indarjulianto
- Department of Internal Medicine , Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Jl. Fauna 2, Karangmalang, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
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Holst C, Isabwe GMN, Sukums F, Ngowi H, Kajuna F, Radovanović D, Mansour W, Mwakapeje E, Cardellichio P, Ngowi B, Noll J, Winkler AS. Development of Digital Health Messages for Rural Populations in Tanzania: Multi- and Interdisciplinary Approach. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9:e25558. [PMID: 34550081 PMCID: PMC8495580 DOI: 10.2196/25558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health workers have traditionally delivered health promotion and education to rural communities in the Global South in paper leaflet formats or orally. With the rise of digital technologies, health promotion and education can be provided in innovative and more effective formats, which are believed to have a higher impact on disease prevention and treatment. OBJECTIVE The aim of this tutorial is to illustrate how a multi- and interdisciplinary approach can be applied in the design process of digital health messages for use in the Global South. METHODS The multi- and interdisciplinary team of the Non-discriminating access for Digital Inclusion (DigI) project digitalized and customized available government-approved paper-based health promotion messages into a screen-suitable format. The team worked closely together and used its diverse expertise to develop digital health messages with disease-specific content in Tanzania's national language (Swahili) as well as English. The development process included the following phases: a local needs assessment; identification of government-approved health promotion materials in a nondigital format; identification of key health messages; creation of a practical and engaging story, easy to understand for the general public; drafting of a storyboard for an animated video with review, feedback, and revisions; forward and backward translation; audio recording of the story in both languages; finalization and presentation of the animations; development of relevant questions related to the health messages in each domain; and development of web and mobile apps to access the digital health messages. RESULTS Between 2017 and 2019, we developed key health messages, quizzes, and animated health videos to address HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, Taenia solium cysticercosis and taeniasis, and anthrax, all of which are of public health importance in Tanzania. Feedback from local stakeholders and test users was included in various phases of the process. The 4 videos and other content are available in local information spots on a digital health platform (DigI platform), established by the DigI project, in both Tanzanian Swahili and English. CONCLUSIONS Our methodological multi- and interdisciplinary approach ensures that the digital health messages for the public are clear, high quality, and align with the government's objectives for health promotion. It also demonstrates the diversity of scientific disciplines required when collaborating on a digital health project. We recommend this approach to be applied to the development of other digital health messages for a wide range of diseases. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/25128.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Holst
- Centre for Global Health, Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ghislain Maurice Norbert Isabwe
- Future Competence International, Kigali, Rwanda.,Department of Information and Communication Technology, University of Agder, Grimstad, Norway
| | - Felix Sukums
- Directorate of Information and Communication Technology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Helena Ngowi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Flora Kajuna
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, United Republic of Tanzania
| | | | | | - Elibariki Mwakapeje
- Epidemiology and Diseases Control Section, Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Dodoma, United Republic of Tanzania
| | | | - Bernard Ngowi
- Muhimbili Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania.,Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Josef Noll
- Basic Internet Foundation, Kjeller, Norway.,Department of Technology Systems, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Andrea Sylvia Winkler
- Centre for Global Health, Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Center for Global Health, Department of Neurology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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16
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Aceng FL, Ario AR, Alitubeera PH, Neckyon MM, Kadobera D, Sekamatte M, Okethwangu D, Bulage L, Harris JR, Nguma W, Ndumu DB, Buule J, Nyakarahuka L, Zhu BP. Cutaneous anthrax associated with handling carcasses of animals that died suddenly of unknown cause: Arua District, Uganda, January 2015-August 2017. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009645. [PMID: 34424893 PMCID: PMC8382178 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anthrax is a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted to humans from infected animals. During May-June 2017, three persons with probable cutaneous anthrax were reported in Arua District, Uganda; one died. All had recently handled carcasses of livestock that died suddenly and a skin lesion from a deceased person tested positive by PCR for Bacillus anthracis. During July, a bull in the same community died suddenly and the blood sample tested positive by PCR for Bacillus anthracis. The aim of this investigation was to establish the scope of the problem, identify exposures associated with illness, and recommend evidence-based control measures. METHODS A probable case was defined as acute onset of a papulo-vesicular skin lesion subsequently forming an eschar in a resident of Arua District during January 2015-August 2017. A confirmed case was a probable case with a skin sample testing positive by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for B. anthracis. Cases were identified by medical record review and active community search. In a case-control study, exposures between case-patients and frequency- and village-matched asymptomatic controls were compared. Key animal health staff were interviewed to learn about livestock deaths. RESULTS There were 68 case-patients (67 probable, 1 confirmed), and 2 deaths identified. Cases occurred throughout the three-year period, peaking during dry seasons. All cases occurred following sudden livestock deaths in the villages. Case-patients came from two neighboring sub-counties: Rigbo (attack rate (AR) = 21.9/10,000 population) and Rhino Camp (AR = 1.9/10,000). Males (AR = 24.9/10,000) were more affected than females (AR = 0.7/10,000). Persons aged 30-39 years (AR = 40.1/10,000 population) were most affected. Among all cases and 136 controls, skinning (ORM-H = 5.0, 95%CI: 2.3-11), butchering (ORM-H = 22, 95%CI: 5.5-89), and carrying the carcass of livestock that died suddenly (ORM-H = 6.9, 95%CI: 3.0-16) were associated with illness. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to carcasses of animals that died suddenly was a likely risk factor for cutaneous anthrax in Arua District during 2015-2017. The recommendations are investigation of anthrax burden in livestock, prevention of animal infections through vaccinations, safe disposal of the carcasses, public education on risk factors for infection and prompt treatment of illness following exposure to animals that died suddenly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alex Riolexus Ario
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Kampala, Uganda
- Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | | | - Musa Sekamatte
- Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
- Zoonotic Disease Coordination Office, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Lilian Bulage
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Kampala, Uganda
- African Field Epidemiology Network, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Julie R. Harris
- Workforce and Institute Development Branch, Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Willy Nguma
- Arua District Local Government, Arua, Uganda
| | - Deo Birungi Ndumu
- Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industries and Fisheries, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Joshua Buule
- Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - Bao-Ping Zhu
- Workforce and Institute Development Branch, Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kampala, Uganda
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Identification of Bacillus anthracis, Brucella spp., and Coxiella burnetii DNA signatures from bushmeat. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14876. [PMID: 34290271 PMCID: PMC8295346 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94112-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Meat from wildlife species (bushmeat) represents a major source of dietary protein in low- and middle-income countries where humans and wildlife live in close proximity. Despite the occurrence of zoonotic pathogens in wildlife, their prevalence in bushmeat remains unknown. To assess the risk of exposure to major pathogens in bushmeat, a total of 3784 samples, both fresh and processed, were collected from three major regions in Tanzania during both rainy and dry seasons, and were screened by real-time PCR for the presence of DNA signatures of Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis), Brucella spp. (Brucella) and Coxiella burnetii (Coxiella). The analysis identified DNA signatures of B. anthracis (0.48%), Brucella (0.9%), and Coxiella (0.66%) in a total of 77 samples. Highest prevalence rates of B. anthracis, Brucella, and Coxiella were observed in wildebeest (56%), dik-dik (50%), and impala (24%), respectively. Fresh samples, those collected during the rainy season, and samples from Selous or Serengeti had a greater relative risk of being positive. Microbiome characterization identified Firmicutes and Proteobacteria as the most abundant phyla. The results highlight and define potential risks of exposure to endemic wildlife diseases from bushmeat and the need for future investigations to address the public health and emerging infectious disease risks associated with bushmeat harvesting, trade, and consumption.
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18
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Dutta PK, Biswas H, Ahmed JU, Shakif-Ul-Azam M, Ahammed BMJ, Dey AR. Knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) towards Anthrax among livestock farmers in selected rural areas of Bangladesh. Vet Med Sci 2021; 7:1648-1655. [PMID: 34232568 PMCID: PMC8464224 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacillus anthracis is a zoonotic bacterium that affects wide numbers of vertebrate animals and man and has life threating potential both in animal s as well as humans. METHODS A cross sectional study was conducted to assess the knowledge about, attitudes towards, and practices addressing (KAPs) anthrax among community members in selected upazillas' of Meherpur and Sirajgonj districts for the prevention and control of anthrax using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 424 community members were considered in this study irrespective of their age and sex. Most of the respondents were female (57.54%) and about half were illiterate (47.40%). Most of the respondents (86.32%) were self-employed with crop and livestock farming. Among the self-employed farmers, cattle (63.73%) were the highest reared animals. Among the respondents, 37.26% had no knowledge about anthrax. On the other hand, among the existing knowledge level, 46.69% received information of anthrax from neighbour, 74.05% and 56.82% were concerned about the mode of transmission of anthrax from animal to human through eating, handling and soil. Respondents usually collected vaccine from quack (58.25%) and vaccination status was highest in Kamarkhand (52.03%) and lowest in Gangni upazilla (10.82%). Overall 62.74% community members considered that anthrax is a fatal disease for livestock and 82.54% people disposed carcass in buried method. CONCLUSION The study findings indicated that the community members had average knowledge on cause, symptoms, transmission and prevention of anthrax. The supplied vaccine was found negligible with the number of livestock in the studied upazilas. Veterinary and Medical health planners should design and implement interventions for awareness building on anthrax under One Health (OH) approach for educating the community people on anthrax control and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hiranmoy Biswas
- Department of Livestock Services, Dhaka, Bangladesh.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Jahir Uddin Ahmed
- Adjunct Faculty, American International University-Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | | | - Anita Rani Dey
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
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A Whole-Genome-Based Gene-by-Gene Typing System for Standardized High-Resolution Strain Typing of Bacillus anthracis. J Clin Microbiol 2021; 59:e0288920. [PMID: 33827898 PMCID: PMC8218748 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02889-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has been established for bacterial subtyping and is regularly used to study pathogen transmission, to investigate outbreaks, and to perform routine surveillance. Core-genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) is a bacterial subtyping method that uses WGS data to provide a high-resolution strain characterization. This study aimed at developing a novel cgMLST scheme for Bacillus anthracis, a notorious pathogen that causes anthrax in livestock and humans worldwide. The scheme comprises 3,803 genes that were conserved in 57 B. anthracis genomes spanning the whole phylogeny. The scheme has been evaluated and applied to 584 genomes from 50 countries. On average, 99.5% of the cgMLST targets were detected. The cgMLST results confirmed the classical canonical single-nucleotide-polymorphism (SNP) grouping of B. anthracis into major clades and subclades. Genetic distances calculated based on cgMLST were comparable to distances from whole-genome-based SNP analysis with similar phylogenetic topology and comparable discriminatory power. Additionally, the application of the cgMLST scheme to anthrax outbreaks from Germany and Italy led to a definition of a cutoff threshold of five allele differences to trace epidemiologically linked strains for cluster typing and transmission analysis. Finally, the association of two clusters of B. anthracis with human cases of injectional anthrax in four European countries was confirmed using cgMLST. In summary, this study presents a novel cgMLST scheme that provides high-resolution strain genotyping for B. anthracis. This scheme can be used in parallel with SNP typing methods to facilitate rapid and harmonized interlaboratory comparisons, essential for global surveillance and outbreak analysis. The scheme is publicly available for application by users, including those with little bioinformatics knowledge.
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20
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Stears K, Schmitt MH, Turner WC, McCauley DJ, Muse EA, Kiwango H, Mathayo D, Mutayoba BM. Hippopotamus movements structure the spatiotemporal dynamics of an active anthrax outbreak. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Keenan Stears
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology & Marine Science Institute University of California Santa Barbara California93106USA
- South African Environmental Observation Network Ndlovu Node Phalaborwa1390South Africa
| | - Melissa H. Schmitt
- South African Environmental Observation Network Ndlovu Node Phalaborwa1390South Africa
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology University of California Santa Barbara California93106USA
| | - Wendy C. Turner
- U.S. Geological Survey Wisconsin Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin‐Madison Madison Wisconsin53706USA
| | - Douglas J. McCauley
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology & Marine Science Institute University of California Santa Barbara California93106USA
| | - Epaphras A. Muse
- Tanzania National Parks Authority Ruaha National Park P.O. Box 369 Iringa Tanzania
| | - Halima Kiwango
- Tanzania National Parks Authority Ruaha National Park P.O. Box 369 Iringa Tanzania
| | - Daniel Mathayo
- Tanzania National Parks Authority Ruaha National Park P.O. Box 369 Iringa Tanzania
| | - Benezeth M. Mutayoba
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology Sokoine University of Agriculture P.O. Box 3017 Morogoro Tanzania
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21
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Mansingh A, Choudhary HR, Shandilya J, Bhattacharya D, Kshatri JS, Parai D, Pattanaik M, Padhi AK, Jain HK, Mohanty P, Kanungo S, Pati S. A qualitative exploratory study using One Health approach for developing an intervention package for elimination of human anthrax in an endemic district of Odisha, India. Indian J Med Res 2021; 153:394-400. [PMID: 33907004 PMCID: PMC8204828 DOI: 10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_646_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & objectives: Anthrax is a zoonotic disease of public health concern in India. One of the key predisposing factors is linked to the behaviour of the community. This study was nested within a baseline survey to understand the risk perception, attitude, socio-cultural and behavioural practices among different communities in an anthrax endemic tribal district of Odisha, India. It was aimed to explore the systemic gaps from the officials of different departments while addressing the animal and human anthrax cases and the knowledge, attitude, and behavioural practices among the tribal communities with regards to both animal and human anthrax signs, symptoms, and transmission from animal to human. Methods: A qualitative exploratory study was carried out in the district of Koraput, Odisha. Insights from eight focus group discussions (FGDs) and 42 in-depth-interviews (IDIs) with the stakeholders from health, veterinary, forest, general administrative departments and community were collected and analyzed thematically. Results: Major themes that emerged were inter-departmental coordination, livestock vaccination, surveillance network, laboratory facilities, prevention and control strategies with regards to the animal and human anthrax cases. The study also emphasized setting up the surveillance system as per the standard guidelines, and strengthening the diagnostic facilities for timely detection of confirmed cases. It also highlighted the current needs and the gaps among inter-sectoral coordination, collaboration, and sensitization among Health, Veterinary, Forest, Education, Nutrition, and Tribal Welfare Departments at various levels to reduce the prevalence and control the outbreaks of anthrax in the district and State. Interpretation & conclusions: The coordination gaps, financial burden, insufficient relevant knowledge and information among the concerned stakeholders were the issues found in this study in addition to non-availability of proper diagnostic facility. The coordination among different departments adapting One Health approach may be one of the best possible ways for the elimination of anthrax cases in an endemic region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asit Mansingh
- Department of Microbiology and One Health, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Hari Ram Choudhary
- Department of Microbiology and One Health, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Jyoti Shandilya
- Department of Microbiology and One Health, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Debdutta Bhattacharya
- Department of Microbiology and One Health, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Jaya Singh Kshatri
- Department of Microbiology and One Health, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Debaprasad Parai
- Department of Microbiology and One Health, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Matrujyoti Pattanaik
- Department of Microbiology and One Health, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Arun Kumar Padhi
- Office of the Chief District Medical Officer, Koraput, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Koraput, Government of Odisha, Odisha, India
| | - Hitesh Kumar Jain
- Department of Microbiology and One Health, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Prasantajyoti Mohanty
- Department of Microbiology and One Health, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Srikanta Kanungo
- Department of Microbiology and One Health, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Sanghamitra Pati
- Department of Microbiology and One Health, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, India
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Kriegel ER, Cherney DJR, Kiffner C. Conventional knowledge, general attitudes and risk perceptions towards zoonotic diseases among Maasai in northern Tanzania. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07041. [PMID: 34041394 PMCID: PMC8144003 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07041] [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: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding factors influencing conventional medical knowledge (CMK), general attitudes and risk perceptions of zoonotic diseases among rural residents who face risk of exposure to such diseases is important for human, livestock, and wildlife health. Focusing on Maasai from Makame, Kiteto District (Tanzania) who largely maintained a semi-nomadic lifestyle, we evaluated respondents’ CMK of causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention methods of rabies, brucellosis, and anthrax. In addition, we identified socio-demographic correlates of CMK with respect to the target zoonoses. Finally, we assessed the relative frequency of practices that increase the risk of pathogen transmission, and compared the risk perception of the three diseases. We conducted structured interviews with Maasai respondents (n = 46) in six sub-villages of Makame and considered education, gender, age, and wealth (indicated by standardized number of livestock) as potential correlates of CMK. Respondents had greater CMK of rabies and anthrax, but feared anthrax the most. Receiving formal education increased rabies CMK (p ≤ 0.05). The CMK of anthrax and brucellosis was not associated with any of the tested variables (p > 0.05). Risk perceptions were correlated with knowledge scores for rabies and anthrax (p ≤ 0.05), and multiple interviewees reported engaging in practices that potentially enhance pathogen transmission. Specific socio-demographic attributes (i.e., formal education) may explain the observed variation in CMK of zoonotic diseases. This information can be used to develop and tailor health education programs for specific at-risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- E R Kriegel
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-4801 USA
| | - D J R Cherney
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-4801 USA
| | - C Kiffner
- Center for Wildlife Management Studies, The School for Field Studies, PO Box 304, Karatu, Tanzania.,Junior Research Group Human-Wildlife Conflict & Coexistence, Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Research Area Land Use and Governance, Müncheberg, Germany
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23
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Otieno FT, Gachohi J, Gikuma-Njuru P, Kariuki P, Oyas H, Canfield SA, Bett B, Njenga MK, Blackburn JK. Modeling the Potential Future Distribution of Anthrax Outbreaks under Multiple Climate Change Scenarios for Kenya. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:4176. [PMID: 33920863 PMCID: PMC8103515 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18084176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The climate is changing, and such changes are projected to cause global increase in the prevalence and geographic ranges of infectious diseases such as anthrax. There is limited knowledge in the tropics with regards to expected impacts of climate change on anthrax outbreaks. We determined the future distribution of anthrax in Kenya with representative concentration pathways (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5 for year 2055. Ecological niche modelling (ENM) of boosted regression trees (BRT) was applied in predicting the potential geographic distribution of anthrax for current and future climatic conditions. The models were fitted with presence-only anthrax occurrences (n = 178) from historical archives (2011-2017), sporadic outbreak surveys (2017-2018), and active surveillance (2019-2020). The selected environmental variables in order of importance included rainfall of wettest month, mean precipitation (February, October, December, July), annual temperature range, temperature seasonality, length of longest dry season, potential evapotranspiration and slope. We found a general anthrax risk areal expansion i.e., current, 36,131 km2, RCP 4.5, 40,012 km2, and RCP 8.5, 39,835 km2. The distribution exhibited a northward shift from current to future. This prediction of the potential anthrax distribution under changing climates can inform anticipatory measures to mitigate future anthrax risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrick Tom Otieno
- Animal Health Program, International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709 Nairobi 00100, Kenya;
- School of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, South Eastern Kenya University, P.O. Box 17, Kitui 90200, Kenya; (P.G.-N.); (P.K.)
| | - John Gachohi
- Paul Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University-Global Health Kenya, One Padmore Place, George Padmore Lane, P.O. Box 19676 Nairobi 00100, Kenya; (J.G.); (M.K.N.)
- School of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P.O. Box 62000, Nairobi 00200, Kenya
| | - Peter Gikuma-Njuru
- School of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, South Eastern Kenya University, P.O. Box 17, Kitui 90200, Kenya; (P.G.-N.); (P.K.)
| | - Patrick Kariuki
- School of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, South Eastern Kenya University, P.O. Box 17, Kitui 90200, Kenya; (P.G.-N.); (P.K.)
| | - Harry Oyas
- Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics Unit, Kenya Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, P.O. Box 30028 Nairobi 00100, Kenya;
| | - Samuel A. Canfield
- Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (S.A.C.); (J.K.B.)
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, 2055 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Bernard Bett
- Animal Health Program, International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709 Nairobi 00100, Kenya;
| | - Moses Kariuki Njenga
- Paul Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University-Global Health Kenya, One Padmore Place, George Padmore Lane, P.O. Box 19676 Nairobi 00100, Kenya; (J.G.); (M.K.N.)
| | - Jason K. Blackburn
- Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (S.A.C.); (J.K.B.)
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, 2055 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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Otieno FT, Gachohi J, Gikuma-Njuru P, Kariuki P, Oyas H, Canfield SA, Blackburn JK, Njenga MK, Bett B. Modeling the spatial distribution of anthrax in southern Kenya. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009301. [PMID: 33780459 PMCID: PMC8032196 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anthrax is an important zoonotic disease in Kenya associated with high animal and public health burden and widespread socio-economic impacts. The disease occurs in sporadic outbreaks that involve livestock, wildlife, and humans, but knowledge on factors that affect the geographic distribution of these outbreaks is limited, challenging public health intervention planning. METHODS Anthrax surveillance data reported in southern Kenya from 2011 to 2017 were modeled using a boosted regression trees (BRT) framework. An ensemble of 100 BRT experiments was developed using a variable set of 18 environmental covariates and 69 unique anthrax locations. Model performance was evaluated using AUC (area under the curve) ROC (receiver operating characteristics) curves. RESULTS Cattle density, rainfall of wettest month, soil clay content, soil pH, soil organic carbon, length of longest dry season, vegetation index, temperature seasonality, in order, were identified as key variables for predicting environmental suitability for anthrax in the region. BRTs performed well with a mean AUC of 0.8. Areas highly suitable for anthrax were predicted predominantly in the southwestern region around the shared Kenya-Tanzania border and a belt through the regions and highlands in central Kenya. These suitable regions extend westwards to cover large areas in western highlands and the western regions around Lake Victoria and bordering Uganda. The entire eastern and lower-eastern regions towards the coastal region were predicted to have lower suitability for anthrax. CONCLUSION These modeling efforts identified areas of anthrax suitability across southern Kenya, including high and medium agricultural potential regions and wildlife parks, important for tourism and foreign exchange. These predictions are useful for policy makers in designing targeted surveillance and/or control interventions in Kenya. We thank the staff of Directorate of Veterinary Services under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, for collecting and providing the anthrax historical occurrence data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrick Tom Otieno
- Animal Health Program, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Environmental Science and Land Resources Management, School of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, South Eastern Kenya University, Kitui, Kenya
| | - John Gachohi
- Washington State University, Global Health Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
- School of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Peter Gikuma-Njuru
- Department of Environmental Science and Land Resources Management, School of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, South Eastern Kenya University, Kitui, Kenya
| | - Patrick Kariuki
- Department of Environmental Science and Land Resources Management, School of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, South Eastern Kenya University, Kitui, Kenya
| | - Harry Oyas
- Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics Unit, Kenya Ministry of Agriculture, livestock and Fisheries, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Samuel A. Canfield
- Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jason K. Blackburn
- Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | | | - Bernard Bett
- Animal Health Program, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
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Spatial clustering of livestock Anthrax events associated with agro-ecological zones in Kenya, 1957-2017. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:191. [PMID: 33602160 PMCID: PMC7890876 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-05871-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Developing disease risk maps for priority endemic and episodic diseases is becoming increasingly important for more effective disease management, particularly in resource limited countries. For endemic and easily diagnosed diseases such as anthrax, using historical data to identify hotspots and start to define ecological risk factors of its occurrence is a plausible approach. Using 666 livestock anthrax events reported in Kenya over 60 years (1957–2017), we determined the temporal and spatial patterns of the disease as a step towards identifying and characterizing anthrax hotspots in the region. Methods Data were initially aggregated by administrative unit and later analyzed by agro-ecological zones (AEZ) to reveal anthrax spatio-temporal trends and patterns. Variations in the occurrence of anthrax events were estimated by fitting Poisson generalized linear mixed-effects models to the data with AEZs and calendar months as fixed effects and sub-counties as random effects. Results The country reported approximately 10 anthrax events annually, with the number increasing to as many as 50 annually by the year 2005. Spatial classification of the events in eight counties that reported the highest numbers revealed spatial clustering in certain administrative sub-counties, with 12% of the sub-counties responsible for over 30% of anthrax events, whereas 36% did not report any anthrax disease over the 60-year period. When segregated by AEZs, there was significantly greater risk of anthrax disease occurring in agro-alpine, high, and medium potential AEZs when compared to the agriculturally low potential arid and semi-arid AEZs of the country (p < 0.05). Interestingly, cattle were > 10 times more likely to be infected by B. anthracis than sheep, goats, or camels. There was lower risk of anthrax events in August (P = 0.034) and December (P = 0.061), months that follow long and short rain periods, respectively. Conclusion Taken together, these findings suggest existence of certain geographic, ecological, and demographic risk factors that promote B. anthracis persistence and trasmission in the disease hotspots.
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Walsh MG, Sawleshwarkar S, Hossain S, Mor SM. Whence the next pandemic? The intersecting global geography of the animal-human interface, poor health systems and air transit centrality reveals conduits for high-impact spillover. One Health 2020; 11:100177. [PMID: 33052311 PMCID: PMC7543735 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2020.100177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The health and economic impacts of infectious disease pandemics are catastrophic as most recently manifested by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The emerging infections that lead to substantive epidemics or pandemics are typically zoonoses that cross species boundaries at vulnerable points of animal-human interface. The sharing of space between wildlife and humans, and their domesticated animals, has dramatically increased in recent decades and is a key driver of pathogen spillover. Increasing animal-human interface has also occurred in concert with both increasing globalisation and failing health systems, resulting in a trifecta with dire implications for human and animal health. Nevertheless, to date we lack a geographical description of this trifecta that can be applied strategically to pandemic prevention. This investigation provides the first geographical quantification of the intersection of animal-human interfaces, poor human health system performance and global connectivity via the network of air travel. In so doing, this work provides a systematic, data-driven approach to classifying spillover hazard based on the distribution of animal-human interfaces while simultaneously identifying globally connected cities that are adjacent to these interfaces and which may facilitate global pathogen dissemination. We present this geography of high-impact spillover as a tool for developing targeted surveillance systems and improved health infrastructure in vulnerable areas that may present conduits for future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G. Walsh
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Shailendra Sawleshwarkar
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Shah Hossain
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Siobhan M. Mor
- University of Liverpool, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection and Global Health Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom
- International Livestock Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Veterinary Science, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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Romha G, Girmay W. Knowledge, attitude and practice towards anthrax in northern Ethiopia: a mixed approach study. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:814. [PMID: 33167885 PMCID: PMC7653774 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05544-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anthrax is the second most highly prioritized zoonotic disease in Ethiopia due to its negative impact at the household level, causing disease and production losses in livestock and severe disease in humans. This study seeks to assess the knowledge of, attitudes towards, and practices addressing (KAPs) anthrax in the communities of Eastern Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted concurrently with focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) between May 2019 and April 2020. A total of 862 respondents participated in the questionnaire survey. Of these, 800 were local community members while 62 were professionals working at health service institutions. In addition, qualitative data were collected using six FGDs and 11 KIIs. RESULTS Sixty-two percent (496/800) of the community respondents said that they were aware of anthrax while 38% (304/800) of them did not. Only 9.3% (74/800) of the respondents reported that the causative agent of anthrax is germs/microbial. About 56.5% (35/62) of professional respondents said that it is bacterial. More than 60% (64.1%, 513/800) of the respondents did not know that whether the disease was zoonotic or not. Regarding clinical signs, 26.3 (210/800) and 36.8% (294/800) of the respondents could identify at least one in animals and humans, respectively, while 21.3 (170/800) and 20.1% (161/800) knew one or more transmission routes in animals and humans, respectively. Moreover, 43.4% (347/800) and 45.6% (365/800) of the respondents mentioned one or more control/prevention method(s) in animals and humans, respectively. Regarding qualitative results, some of the participants knew the disease (in animals) by their local names: Lalish and Tafia (splenomegaly), and Gulbus (abdominal cramps and shivering). Some reported that anthrax was exclusively a human disease while others recognized its zoonotic potential after the clinical signs in both animals and humans were listed. CONCLUSION The KAP of the participants regarding anthrax was low. There was no consistent understanding of the disease among the participants. The study also revealed that the participants did not receive consistent, adequate, and continuous education regarding the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gebremedhin Romha
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia.
| | - Weldemelak Girmay
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
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Dell BM, Souza MJ, Willcox AS. Attitudes, practices, and zoonoses awareness of community members involved in the bushmeat trade near Murchison Falls National Park, northern Uganda. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239599. [PMID: 32986741 PMCID: PMC7521682 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The harvest of bushmeat is widespread in the tropics and sub-tropics. Often in these communities, there is a dependence on bushmeat for both food security and basic income. Despite the importance of bushmeat for households worldwide, the practice raises concern for transmission of zoonotic pathogens through hunting, food preparation, and consumption. In Uganda, harvest of wildlife is illegal, but bushmeat hunting, is commonplace. We interviewed 292 women who cook for their households and 180 self-identified hunters from 21 villages bordering Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda to gain insights into bushmeat preferences, opportunity for zoonotic pathogen transmission, and awareness of common wildlife-associated zoonoses. Both hunters and women who cook considered primates to be the most likely wildlife species to carry diseases humans can catch. Among common zoonotic pathogens, the greatest proportions of women who cook and hunters believed that pathogens causing stomach ache or diarrhea and monkeypox can be transmitted by wildlife. Neither women who cook nor hunters report being frequently injury during cooking, butchering, or hunting, and few report taking precautions while handling bushmeat. The majority of women who cook believe that hunters and dealers never or rarely disguise primate meat as another kind of meat in market, while the majority of hunters report that they usually disguise primate meat as another kind of meat. These data play a crucial role in our understanding of potential for exposure to and infection with zoonotic pathogens in the bushmeat trade. Expanding our knowledge of awareness, perceptions and risks enables us to identify opportunities to mitigate infections and injury risk and promote safe handling practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- BreeAnna M. Dell
- Department of Biomedical & Diagnostic Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Marcy J. Souza
- Department of Biomedical & Diagnostic Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Adam S. Willcox
- Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
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Perceptions and Practices towards Anthrax in Selected Agricultural Communities in Arua District, Uganda. J Trop Med 2020; 2020:9083615. [PMID: 33014075 PMCID: PMC7519178 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9083615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anthrax is globally recognized as an important public health and economic challenge in many agricultural communities. A cross-sectional study was conducted in three subcounties in Arua district to assess the community's awareness, cultural norm, and practices regarding anthrax. This followed a report of active cases of human cutaneous anthrax in the district. Methods The study was conducted in subcounties of Pawor, Rigbo, and Rhino Camp, Arua district, using focus group discussion. Results The affected communities had limited knowledge about anthrax, especially its clinical manifestation and modes of transmission both in humans and animals. The community also had no knowledge of the anthrax vaccine or treatment and where they can be accessed from. Poor practices associated with anthrax outbreaks included poor disposal of carcasses and ruminal wastes, occupational hazards (butchers, slaughter men, and herdsmen), consumption of meat from infected animals, communal herding, and cultural norms encouraging consumption of dead animals. Conclusion This study shows that there is a knowledge gap about anthrax among the people in the affected communities. Key drivers for the anthrax outbreak such as poor cultural beliefs and practices and wildlife-livestock-human interactions were observed in all the three subcounties studied. All these findings could imply a high risk of outbreak of anthrax in Arua and Ugandan agricultural communities where the public health programs are less standardized and less effective.
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Molecular species identification of bushmeat recovered from the Serengeti ecosystem in Tanzania. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237590. [PMID: 32925949 PMCID: PMC7489505 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Bushmeat harvesting and consumption represents a potential risk for the spillover of endemic zoonotic pathogens, yet remains a common practice in many parts of the world. Given that the harvesting and selling of bushmeat is illegal in Tanzania and other parts of Africa, the supply chain is informal and may include hunters, whole-sellers, retailers, and individual resellers who typically sell bushmeat in small pieces. These pieces are often further processed, obscuring species-identifying morphological characteristics, contributing to incomplete or mistaken knowledge of species of origin and potentially confounding assessments of pathogen spillover risk and bushmeat offtake. The current investigation sought to identify the species of origin and assess the concordance between seller-reported and laboratory-confirmed species of origin of bushmeat harvested from in and around the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. After obtaining necessary permits, the species of origin of a total of 151 bushmeat samples purchased from known intermediaries from 2016 to 2018 were characterized by PCR and sequence analysis of the cytochrome B (CytB) gene. Based on these sequence analyses, 30%, 95% Confidence Interval (CI: 24.4–38.6) of bushmeat samples were misidentified by sellers. Misreporting amongst the top five source species (wildebeest, buffalo, impala, zebra, and giraffe) ranged from 20% (CI: 11.4–33.2) for samples reported as wildebeest to 47% (CI: 22.2–72.7) for samples reported as zebra although there was no systematic bias in reporting. Our findings suggest that while misreporting errors are unlikely to confound wildlife offtake estimates for bushmeat consumption within the Serengeti ecosystem, the role of misreporting bias on the risk of spillover events of endemic zoonotic infections from bushmeat requires further investigation.
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Aminu OR, Lembo T, Zadoks RN, Biek R, Lewis S, Kiwelu I, Mmbaga BT, Mshanga D, Shirima G, Denwood M, Forde TL. Practical and effective diagnosis of animal anthrax in endemic low-resource settings. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008655. [PMID: 32925904 PMCID: PMC7513992 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthrax threatens human and animal health, and people's livelihoods in many rural communities in Africa and Asia. In these areas, anthrax surveillance is challenged by a lack of tools for on-site detection. Furthermore, cultural practices and infrastructure may affect sample availability and quality. Practical yet accurate diagnostic solutions are greatly needed to quantify anthrax impacts. We validated microscopic and molecular methods for the detection of Bacillus anthracis in field-collected blood smears and identified alternative samples suitable for anthrax confirmation in the absence of blood smears. We investigated livestock mortalities suspected to be caused by anthrax in northern Tanzania. Field-prepared blood smears (n = 152) were tested by microscopy using four staining techniques as well as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by Bayesian latent class analysis. Median sensitivity (91%, CI 95% [84-96%]) and specificity (99%, CI 95% [96-100%]) of microscopy using azure B were comparable to those of the recommended standard, polychrome methylene blue, PMB (92%, CI 95% [84-97%] and 98%, CI 95% [95-100%], respectively), but azure B is more available and convenient. Other commonly-used stains performed poorly. Blood smears could be obtained for <50% of suspected anthrax cases due to local customs and conditions. However, PCR on DNA extracts from skin, which was almost always available, had high sensitivity and specificity (95%, CI 95% [90-98%] and 95%, CI 95% [87-99%], respectively), even after extended storage at ambient temperature. Azure B microscopy represents an accurate diagnostic test for animal anthrax that can be performed with basic laboratory infrastructure and in the field. When blood smears are unavailable, PCR using skin tissues provides a valuable alternative for confirmation. Our findings lead to a practical diagnostic approach for anthrax in low-resource settings that can support surveillance and control efforts for anthrax-endemic countries globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olubunmi R. Aminu
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Tiziana Lembo
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth N. Zadoks
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Roman Biek
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Suzanna Lewis
- Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Ireen Kiwelu
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Blandina T. Mmbaga
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | | | - Gabriel Shirima
- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Matt Denwood
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Taya L. Forde
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Driciru M, Rwego IB, Ndimuligo SA, Travis DA, Mwakapeje ER, Craft M, Asiimwe B, Alvarez J, Ayebare S, Pelican K. Environmental determinants influencing anthrax distribution in Queen Elizabeth Protected Area, Western Uganda. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237223. [PMID: 32810178 PMCID: PMC7446795 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis, the bacteria that causes anthrax, a disease that primarily affects herbivorous animals, is a soil borne endospore-forming microbe. Environmental distribution of viable spores determines risky landscapes for herbivore exposure and subsequent anthrax outbreaks. Spore survival and longevity depends on suitable conditions in its environment. Anthrax is endemic in Queen Elizabeth Protected Area in western Uganda. Periodic historical outbreaks with significant wildlife losses date to 1950s, but B. anthracis ecological niche in the ecosystem is poorly understood. This study used the Maximum Entropy modeling algorithm method to predict suitable niche and environmental conditions that may support anthrax distribution and spore survival. Model inputs comprised 471 presence-only anthrax occurrence data from park management records of 1956–2010, and 11 predictor variables derived from the World Climatic and Africa Soil Grids online resources, selected considering the ecology of anthrax. The findings revealed predicted suitable niche favoring survival and distribution of anthrax spores as a narrow-restricted corridor within the study area, defined by hot-dry climatic conditions with alkaline soils rich in potassium and calcium. A mean test AUC of 0.94 and predicted probability of 0.93 for anthrax presence were registered. The five most important predictor variables that accounted for 93.8% of model variability were annual precipitation (70.1%), exchangeable potassium (12.6%), annual mean temperature (4.3%), soil pH (3.7%) and calcium (3.1%). The predicted suitable soil properties likely originate from existing sedimentary calcareous gypsum rocks. This has implications for long-term presence of B. anthracis spores and might explain the long history of anthrax experienced in the area. However, occurrence of suitable niche as a restricted hot zone offers opportunities for targeted anthrax surveillance, response and establishment of monitoring strategies in QEPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Driciru
- Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Kampala, Uganda
- * E-mail: , (MD); (KP)
| | - Innocent B. Rwego
- Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minneapolis, United States of America
| | - Sood A. Ndimuligo
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dominic A. Travis
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minneapolis, United States of America
| | - Elibariki R. Mwakapeje
- Epidemiology and Diseases Control Section, Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Meggan Craft
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minneapolis, United States of America
| | - Benon Asiimwe
- Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Julio Alvarez
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minneapolis, United States of America
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Center, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Samuel Ayebare
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York City, NY, United States of America
| | - Katharine Pelican
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minneapolis, United States of America
- * E-mail: , (MD); (KP)
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Dupke S, Schubert G, Beudjé F, Barduhn A, Pauly M, Couacy-Hymann E, Grunow R, Akoua-Koffi C, Leendertz FH, Klee SR. Serological evidence for human exposure to Bacillus cereus biovar anthracis in the villages around Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008292. [PMID: 32407387 PMCID: PMC7224451 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacillus cereus biovar anthracis (Bcbva) is an untypical anthrax-causing pathogen responsible for high wildlife mortality in Taï National Park (TNP), Côte d’Ivoire. However, nothing is known about its effect on the rural population living in the region bordering TNP. Contact to bushmeat is a known risk factor for exposure to a variety of zoonotic pathogens, but no human infections with Bcbva were noted so far. Therefore, we performed a retrospective seroprevalence analysis with sera from 1,386 study volunteers. We used assays which detect antibodies against the protective antigen PA, which is synthesized by both Bcbva and classic B. anthracis, and against the recently described antigen pXO2-60, a 35-kDa protein only produced by Bcbva. We found a high seroprevalence (22.37%) of antibodies against PA, and approximately half of those sera (10.46%) were also positive for the Bcbva-specific antigen pXO2-60. All sera negative for PA were also negative for antibodies against pXO2-60, confirming specificity and suitability of the PA/pXO2-60 combined serological assay. The fact that a large fraction of sera was positive for PA but negative for pXO2-60 can most likely be explained by lower immunogenicity of pXO2-60, but exposure to classic B. anthracis cannot be excluded. As only Bcbva has been detected in the TNP area so far, exposure to Bcbva can be suspected from the presence of antibodies against PA alone. In a questionnaire, most study participants reported contact to bushmeat and livestock carcasses. Unfortunately, risk factor analysis indicated that neither animal contacts, sex, age, nor country of origin were significant predictors of Bcbva seroprevalence. Nevertheless, our study added to an assessment of the distribution of Bcbva and its impact on the human population, and our data can serve to raise awareness of anthrax in the affected regions. Anthrax is a zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans and normally caused by B. anthracis mainly in savanna regions. However, untypical bacteria named Bacillus cereus biovar anthracis (Bcbva) were detected in a variety of wild animals in the rain forest region of the Taï National Park (TNP) in Côte d’Ivoire. No anthrax infections in humans living in the region around TNP were reported until now. Therefore, we assessed exposure to the pathogen by analysis of sera from human volunteers for the presence of antibodies against the protective antigen (PA), which is produced by B. anthracis and Bcbva, and against the Bcbva-specific protein pXO2-60. We found antibodies against PA in more than 20% of sera from humans living in the TNP region, and around 10% possessed also antibodies against pXO2-60, confirming exposure to Bcbva. As only Bcbva, but not classic B. anthracis was found in TNP, we assume that the majority of humans had contact with Bcbva and that pXO2-60 is less immunogenic than PA. Although most people reported animal contacts, there was no statistically significant correlation with the presence of antibodies against Bcbva. Nevertheless, our study confirmed that Bcbva represents a danger for humans living in the affected area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susann Dupke
- Robert Koch Institute, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, ZBS 2: Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms, Berlin, Germany
| | - Grit Schubert
- Robert Koch Institute, P3: Epidemiology of Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms, Berlin, Germany
| | - Félicité Beudjé
- Laboratoire National d’Appui au Développement Agricole/Laboratoire central de Pathologie Animale, Bingerville, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Anne Barduhn
- Robert Koch Institute, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, ZBS 2: Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maude Pauly
- Robert Koch Institute, P3: Epidemiology of Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms, Berlin, Germany
| | - Emmanuel Couacy-Hymann
- Laboratoire National d’Appui au Développement Agricole/Laboratoire central de Pathologie Animale, Bingerville, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Roland Grunow
- Robert Koch Institute, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, ZBS 2: Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms, Berlin, Germany
| | - Chantal Akoua-Koffi
- Centre de Recherche pour le Développement, Université Alassane Ouattara, Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Fabian H. Leendertz
- Robert Koch Institute, P3: Epidemiology of Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Silke R. Klee
- Robert Koch Institute, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, ZBS 2: Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms, Berlin, Germany
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Sahoo KC, Negi S, Barla D, Badaik G, Sahoo S, Bal M, Padhi AK, Pati S, Bhattacharya D. The Landscape of Anthrax Prevention and Control: Stakeholders' Perceptive in Odisha, India. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E3094. [PMID: 32365539 PMCID: PMC7246808 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17093094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence and outbreaks of anthrax are interlinked with the animal-environment-human context, which signifies the need for collaborative, trans-disciplinary and multi-sectoral approaches for the prevention and control of anthrax. In India, there are hardly any shreds of evidence on the role of various stakeholders' on anthrax prevention and control. Therefore, this study addressed the experiences of various stakeholders on anthrax prevention and control strategies in Odisha, India. A qualitative explorative study was carried out using 42 in-depth-interviews among the stakeholders from health, veterinary and general administrative departments from the block, district, and state level. Two major themes emerged: (1) Epidemiological investigation of anthrax in Odisha, India, and (2) Biological and social prevention strategies for anthrax in Odisha, India. The study emphasizes setting up the surveillance system as per standard guideline, and strengthening the diagnostic facility at a regional medical college laboratory to avoid delay. Moreover, it emphasizes step-up inter-sectoral co-ordination, collaboration and sensitization among health, veterinary, forestry, education, nutrition and tribal welfare departments at all levels in order to reduce the prevalence and control the outbreaks of anthrax in Odisha state. It also recommends raising community literacy, in particular on safe carcass disposal, changing behavior on dead-livestock consumption, and compliance with livestock vaccinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krushna Chandra Sahoo
- Regional Medical Research Centre, Indian Council of Medical Research, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751023, India; (K.C.S.); (S.N.); (D.B.); (G.B.); (S.S.); (M.B.); (S.P.)
| | - Sapna Negi
- Regional Medical Research Centre, Indian Council of Medical Research, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751023, India; (K.C.S.); (S.N.); (D.B.); (G.B.); (S.S.); (M.B.); (S.P.)
| | - Deepika Barla
- Regional Medical Research Centre, Indian Council of Medical Research, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751023, India; (K.C.S.); (S.N.); (D.B.); (G.B.); (S.S.); (M.B.); (S.P.)
| | - Goldi Badaik
- Regional Medical Research Centre, Indian Council of Medical Research, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751023, India; (K.C.S.); (S.N.); (D.B.); (G.B.); (S.S.); (M.B.); (S.P.)
| | - Sunita Sahoo
- Regional Medical Research Centre, Indian Council of Medical Research, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751023, India; (K.C.S.); (S.N.); (D.B.); (G.B.); (S.S.); (M.B.); (S.P.)
| | - Madhusmita Bal
- Regional Medical Research Centre, Indian Council of Medical Research, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751023, India; (K.C.S.); (S.N.); (D.B.); (G.B.); (S.S.); (M.B.); (S.P.)
| | | | - Sanghamitra Pati
- Regional Medical Research Centre, Indian Council of Medical Research, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751023, India; (K.C.S.); (S.N.); (D.B.); (G.B.); (S.S.); (M.B.); (S.P.)
| | - Debdutta Bhattacharya
- Regional Medical Research Centre, Indian Council of Medical Research, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751023, India; (K.C.S.); (S.N.); (D.B.); (G.B.); (S.S.); (M.B.); (S.P.)
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Laut CL, Perry WJ, Metzger AL, Weiss A, Stauff DL, Walker S, Caprioli RM, Skaar EP. Bacillus anthracis Responds to Targocil-Induced Envelope Damage through EdsRS Activation of Cardiolipin Synthesis. mBio 2020; 11:e03375-19. [PMID: 32234818 PMCID: PMC7157781 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03375-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis is a spore-forming bacterium that causes devastating infections and has been used as a bioterror agent. This pathogen can survive hostile environments through the signaling activity of two-component systems, which couple environmental sensing with transcriptional activation to initiate a coordinated response to stress. In this work, we describe the identification of a two-component system, EdsRS, which mediates the B. anthracis response to the antimicrobial compound targocil. Targocil is a cell envelope-targeting compound that is toxic to B. anthracis at high concentrations. Exposure to targocil causes damage to the cellular barrier and activates EdsRS to induce expression of a previously uncharacterized cardiolipin synthase, which we have named ClsT. Both EdsRS and ClsT are required for protection against targocil-dependent damage. Induction of clsT by EdsRS during targocil treatment results in an increase in cardiolipin levels, which protects B. anthracis from envelope damage. Together, these results reveal that a two-component system signaling response to an envelope-targeting antimicrobial induces production of a phospholipid associated with stabilization of the membrane. Cardiolipin is then used to repair envelope damage and promote B. anthracis viability.IMPORTANCE Compromising the integrity of the bacterial cell barrier is a common action of antimicrobials. Targocil is an antimicrobial that is active against the bacterial envelope. We hypothesized that Bacillus anthracis, a potential weapon of bioterror, senses and responds to targocil to alleviate targocil-dependent cell damage. Here, we show that targocil treatment increases the permeability of the cellular envelope and is particularly toxic to B. anthracis spores during outgrowth. In vegetative cells, two-component system signaling through EdsRS is activated by targocil. This results in an increase in the production of cardiolipin via a cardiolipin synthase, ClsT, which restores the loss of barrier function, thereby reducing the effectiveness of targocil. By elucidating the B. anthracis response to targocil, we have uncovered an intrinsic mechanism that this pathogen employs to resist toxicity and have revealed therapeutic targets that are important for bacterial defense against structural damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare L Laut
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology, and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - William J Perry
- Mass Spectrometry Research Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Andy Weiss
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology, and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Devin L Stauff
- Department of Biology, Grove City College, Grove City, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Suzanne Walker
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Richard M Caprioli
- Mass Spectrometry Research Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Eric P Skaar
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology, and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Walsh MG, Mor SM, Hossain S. The elephant-livestock interface modulates anthrax suitability in India. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 286:20190179. [PMID: 30862290 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.0179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Anthrax is a potentially life-threatening bacterial disease that can spread between wild and livestock animals and humans. Transmission typically occurs indirectly via environmental exposure, with devastating consequences for human and animal health, as well as pastoralist economies. India has a high annual occurrence of anthrax in some regions, but a country-wide delineation of risk has not yet been undertaken. The current study modelled the geographical suitability of anthrax across India and its associated environmental features using a biogeographic application of machine learning. Both biotic and abiotic features contributed to risk across multiple scales of influence. The elephant-livestock interface was the dominant feature in delineating anthrax suitability. In addition, water-soil balance, soil chemistry and historical forest loss were also influential. These findings suggest that the elephant-livestock interface plays an important role in the cycling of anthrax in India. Livestock prevention efforts targeting this interface, particularly within anthropogenic ecotones, may yield successes in reducing ongoing transmission between animal hosts and subsequent zoonotic transmission to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Walsh
- 1 Faculty of Medicine and Health, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney , Westmead, New South Wales , Australia.,2 Faculty of Medicine and Health, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney , Westmead, New South Wales , Australia
| | - Siobhan M Mor
- 3 Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection and Global Health Liverpool, University of Liverpool , Merseyside , UK.,4 Faculty of Science, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney , Camperdown, New South Wales , Australia
| | - Shah Hossain
- 5 Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education , Manipal, Karnataka , India
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Romero-Alvarez D, Peterson AT, Salzer JS, Pittiglio C, Shadomy S, Traxler R, Vieira AR, Bower WA, Walke H, Campbell LP. Potential distributions of Bacillus anthracis and Bacillus cereus biovar anthracis causing anthrax in Africa. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008131. [PMID: 32150557 PMCID: PMC7082064 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacillus cereus biovar anthracis (Bcbva) is an emergent bacterium closely related to Bacillus anthracis, the etiological agent of anthrax. The latter has a worldwide distribution and usually causes infectious disease in mammals associated with savanna ecosystems. Bcbva was identified in humid tropical forests of Côte d'Ivoire in 2001. Here, we characterize the potential geographic distributions of Bcbva in West Africa and B. anthracis in sub-Saharan Africa using an ecological niche modeling approach. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Georeferenced occurrence data for B. anthracis and Bcbva were obtained from public data repositories and the scientific literature. Combinations of temperature, humidity, vegetation greenness, and soils values served as environmental variables in model calibrations. To predict the potential distribution of suitable environments for each pathogen across the study region, parameter values derived from the median of 10 replicates of the best-performing model for each pathogen were used. We found suitable environments predicted for B. anthracis across areas of confirmed and suspected anthrax activity in sub-Saharan Africa, including an east-west corridor from Ethiopia to Sierra Leone in the Sahel region and multiple areas in eastern, central, and southern Africa. The study area for Bcbva was restricted to West and Central Africa to reflect areas that have likely been accessible to Bcbva by dispersal. Model predicted values indicated potential suitable environments within humid forested environments. Background similarity tests in geographic space indicated statistical support to reject the null hypothesis of similarity when comparing environments associated with B. anthracis to those of Bcbva and when comparing humidity values and soils values individually. We failed to reject the null hypothesis of similarity when comparing environments associated with Bcbva to those of B. anthracis, suggesting that additional investigation is needed to provide a more robust characterization of the Bcbva niche. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE This study represents the first time that the environmental and geographic distribution of Bcbva has been mapped. We document likely differences in ecological niche-and consequently in geographic distribution-between Bcbva and typical B. anthracis, and areas of possible co-occurrence between the two. We provide information crucial to guiding and improving monitoring efforts focused on these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Romero-Alvarez
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
| | - A. Townsend Peterson
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Johanna S. Salzer
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Claudia Pittiglio
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Animal Health Service, Animal Production and Health Division, Rome, Italy
| | - Sean Shadomy
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Animal Health Service, Animal Production and Health Division, Rome, Italy
- One Health Office, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Rita Traxler
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Antonio R. Vieira
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - William A. Bower
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Henry Walke
- Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Lindsay P. Campbell
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Nematology, IFAS | University of Florida, Vero Beach, Florida, United States of America
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Nakanwagi M, Ario AR, Kwagonza L, Aceng FL, Mwesigye J, Bulage L, Buule J, Sendagala JN, Downing R, Zhu BP. Outbreak of gastrointestinal anthrax following eating beef of suspicious origin: Isingiro District, Uganda, 2017. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008026. [PMID: 32106229 PMCID: PMC7064260 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gastrointestinal anthrax is a rare but serious disease. In August 2017, Isingiro District, Uganda reported a cluster of >40 persons with acute-onset gastroenteritis. Symptoms included bloody diarrhoea. We investigated to identify the etiology and exposures, and to inform control measures. METHODS We defined a suspected case as acute-onset of diarrhoea or vomiting during 15-31 August 2017 in a resident (aged≥2 years) of Kabingo sub-county, Isingiro District; a confirmed case was a suspected case with a clinical sample positive for Bacillus anthracis by culture or PCR. We conducted descriptive epidemiology to generate hypotheses. In a case-control study, we compared exposures between case-patients and neighbourhood-matched controls. We used conditional logistic regression to compute matched odds ratios (MOR) for associations of illness with exposures. RESULTS We identified 61 cases (58 suspected and 3 confirmed; no deaths). In the case-control study, 82% of 50 case-patients and 12% of 100 controls ate beef purchased exclusively from butchery X during the week before illness onset (MOR = 46, 95%CI = 4.7-446); 8.0% of case-patients and 3.0% of controls ate beef purchased from butchery X and elsewhere (MOR = 19, 95%CI = 1.0-328), compared with 6.0% of case-patients and 30% of controls who did not eat beef. B. anthracis was identified in two vomitus and one stool sample. Butchery X slaughtered a sick cow and sold the beef during case-patients' incubation period. CONCLUSION This gastrointestinal anthrax outbreak occurred due to eating beef from butchery X. We recommended health education, safe disposal of the carcasses of livestock or game animals, and anthrax vaccination for livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Nakanwagi
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program-Field Epidemiology Track, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alex Riolexus Ario
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program-Field Epidemiology Track, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Leocadia Kwagonza
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program-Field Epidemiology Track, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Freda Loy Aceng
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program-Field Epidemiology Track, Kampala, Uganda
| | - James Mwesigye
- Department of Microbiology, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Lilian Bulage
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program-Field Epidemiology Track, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joshua Buule
- UVRI-Abbott Research Laboratory, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - Robert Downing
- Global Health Security Agenda, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Bao-Ping Zhu
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kampala, Uganda
- Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, United States of America
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Ghimire TR, Regmi GR, Huettmann F. When Micro Drives the Macro: A Fresh Look at Disease and its Massive Contributions in the Hindu Kush-Himalaya. HINDU KUSH-HIMALAYA WATERSHEDS DOWNHILL: LANDSCAPE ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION PERSPECTIVES 2020. [PMCID: PMC7197387 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-36275-1_40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The outbreaks of emerging and reemerging diseases have a high impact on the human and animal health because they are the underlying causes of disability, death, and long-term illness. For many regions those details are not, or just poorly known. Here we present on the morbidity and mortality in faunal diversities including domestic and wild species caused by various viral, bacterial, parasitic, and fungal diseases prevalent in Nepal and relevant for the wider Hindu Kush Himalaya. In addition, we provide details how antibiotic resistivity, vectors, and zoonosis have resulted on a landscape-scale in the huge public and veterinary health problem has been dealt with in the context of Nepal and the wider region.
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Egeru A, Dejene SW, Siya A. Short report on implications of Covid-19 and emerging zoonotic infectious diseases for pastoralists and Africa. PASTORALISM : RESEARCH, POLICY AND PRACTICE 2020; 10:12. [PMID: 32537120 PMCID: PMC7281698 DOI: 10.1186/s13570-020-00173-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Many emerging and re-emerging zoonotic infectious diseases occur in Africa. These are projected to increase as human-animal host contact increases owing to increasing environmental degradation that shrinks nature habitats for wildlife over the continent. The current outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) responsible for causing coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID-19) has reinvigorated discourse on the disruptiveness of the zoonotic emerging infectious diseases, owing to their transboundary character. Even as the world focuses on the COVID-19 sweeping pandemic, the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS)-CoV re-emerged in Saudi Arabia infecting 18 people with five deaths; this has barely received any attention. This outbreak is particularly of concern to the pastoralists in the Horn of Africa, a region that has in recent past seen an increase in camel trade with the Gulf States, especially Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Emerging and re-emerging zoonotic infectious diseases are complex, depend on human-animal-environment interaction and pose a strain on public health systems. There is a need to address these diseases dynamically through a synergistic approach, drawing on expertise from diverse sectors. One Health approach has distinguished itself as an integrative action able to bring together multiple actors on a global, national and local scale to advance the attainment of optimal health outcomes for people, animals and the environment. One Health works by strengthening the preparedness, response, mitigation and monitoring of zoonotic infectious disease risks collaboratively. We opine that as zoonotic emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases continue to rise over pastoral Africa, comprehensive implementation of the One Health approach will be urgently required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Egeru
- Department of Environmental Management, College of Agricultural and Environmental Science, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
- Training and Community Development, Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture, P.O. Box 16811, Wandegeya, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sintayehu W. Dejene
- College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 282, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
| | - Aggrey Siya
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
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Kiffner C, Latzer M, Vise R, Benson H, Hammon E, Kioko J. Comparative knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding anthrax, brucellosis, and rabies in three districts of northern Tanzania. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1625. [PMID: 31796011 PMCID: PMC6889212 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7900-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) surveys regarding zoonotic diseases are crucial to understanding the extent of knowledge among citizens and for guiding health-related education programs. Method Employing a structured questionnaire, we interviewed residents (n = 388) in three districts of northern Tanzania (Karatu n = 128, Monduli n = 114, Babati n = 146) to assess knowledge, attitudes and reported practices regarding three zoonotic diseases that occur in the region (anthrax, brucellosis, and rabies). We used generalized linear mixed effects models and multi-model inference to identify demographic correlates of knowledge. Results Proportional average district- and disease- specific knowledge scores ranged from 0.14–0.61. We found positive correlations between age and knowledge of symptoms, causes and treatments of anthrax (three districts), brucellosis (three districts), and rabies (one district). Gender, ethnic identity, formal education and ownership of livestock or dogs had variable effects on knowledge among the interviewed population. Risk perceptions regarding different diseases varied across districts and were positively correlated with knowledge of the specific diseases. Direct interactions with livestock and domestic dogs were reported to occur across all demographic groups, suggesting that most people living in rural settings of our study area are potentially exposed to zoonotic diseases. Behaviors which may favor transmission of specific pathogens (such as consumption of raw milk or meat) were occasionally reported and varied by district. Wildlife was generally regarded as negative or neutral with regard to overall veterinary and human health. Conclusion The combination of variable knowledge about zoonotic diseases in the three districts, reported occurrence of practices that are conducive to pathogen transmission, and previously documented circulation of pathogens causing anthrax, brucellosis and rabies in our study system, call for health education programs embedded in a holistic One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Kiffner
- Center for Wildlife Management Studies, The School For Field Studies, PO Box 304, Karatu, Tanzania.
| | - Michelle Latzer
- School of Public Health, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, 29401, USA
| | - Ruby Vise
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Hayley Benson
- College of Computer, Mathematics, and Natural Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | | | - John Kioko
- Center for Wildlife Management Studies, The School For Field Studies, PO Box 304, Karatu, Tanzania
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Kitua AY, Scribner S, Rasmuson M, Kambarage D, Mghamba J, Mwakapeje ER, Chinyuka H, Bernard J, Zimmerman K, Duale S, Mutonga D. Building a functional national One Health platform: the case of Tanzania. ONE HEALTH OUTLOOK 2019; 1:3. [PMID: 33829124 PMCID: PMC7990094 DOI: 10.1186/s42522-019-0003-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The USAID Preparedness and Response (P&R) project's publication on Multisectoral Coordination that Works identified five dimensions most critical to creating effective and sustainable One Health platforms: political commitment, institutional structure, management and coordination capacity, technical and financial resources, and joint planning and implementation. This case study describes Tanzania experience in using these dimensions to establish a functional One Health platform. The main objective of this case study was to document the process of institutionalizing the One Health approach in Tanzania. METHODS An analysis of the process used to establish and institutionalize the MCM in Tanzania through addressing the five dimensions mentioned above was conducted between August 2018 and January 2019. Progress activity reports, annual reports and minutes of meetings and consultations regarding the establishment of the Tanzania national One Health platform were examined. Relevant One Health publications were studied as reference material. RESULTS This case study illustrates the time and level of effort required of multiple partners to build a functional multi-sectoral coordinating mechanism (MCM). Key facilitating factors were identified and the importance of involving policy and decision makers at all stages of the process to facilitate policy decisions and the institutionalization process was underscored. The need for molding the implementation process using lessons learnt along the way -- "sailing the ship as it was being built" -- is demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS Tanzania now has a functioning and institutionalized MCM with a sound institutional structure and capacity to prevent, detect early and respond to health events. The path to its establishment required the patient commitment of a core group of One Health champions and stakeholders along the way to examine carefully and iteratively how best to structure productive multisectoral coordination in the country. The five dimensions identified by the Preparedness and Response project may provide useful guidance to other countries working to establish functional MCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Y. Kitua
- DAI Global Health / USAID/EPT-2 Preparedness and Response Project, Kampala, Uganda
- Public Health and Environment Advancement Interventions NGO ‘NGALAKERI’, Kihonda, Plot 980/81, White House, P.O. Box 5465, Morogoro, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Susan Scribner
- DAI Global Health / USAID/EPT-2 Preparedness and Response Project, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mark Rasmuson
- DAI Global Health / USAID/EPT-2 Preparedness and Response Project, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Dominic Kambarage
- Mwalimu Julius Nyerere University, Musoma, United Republic of Tanzania
- Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Morogoro, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Janneth Mghamba
- Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children (MoHCDGEC), Dar-es-Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Elibariki R. Mwakapeje
- Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children (MoHCDGEC), Dar-es-Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Harrison Chinyuka
- Prime Minister’s Office, Disaster Management Department, Dar-es-Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Jubilate Bernard
- Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children (MoHCDGEC), Dar-es-Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Kate Zimmerman
- DAI Global Health / USAID/EPT-2 Preparedness and Response Project, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sambe Duale
- DAI Global Health / USAID/EPT-2 Preparedness and Response Project, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David Mutonga
- DAI Global Health / USAID/EPT-2 Preparedness and Response Project, Kampala, Uganda
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A bibliometric analysis of Bacillus anthracis research published between 1975 and 2018. JOURNAL OF SURGERY AND MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.28982/josam.618738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
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Muturi M, Gachohi J, Mwatondo A, Lekolool I, Gakuya F, Bett A, Osoro E, Bitek A, Thumbi SM, Munyua P, Oyas H, Njagi ON, Bett B, Njenga MK. Recurrent Anthrax Outbreaks in Humans, Livestock, and Wildlife in the Same Locality, Kenya, 2014-2017. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2019; 99:833-839. [PMID: 30105965 PMCID: PMC6159598 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiologic data indicate a global distribution of anthrax outbreaks associated with certain ecosystems that promote survival and viability of Bacillus anthracis spores. Here, we characterized three anthrax outbreaks involving humans, livestock, and wildlife that occurred in the same locality in Kenya between 2014 and 2017. Clinical and epidemiologic data on the outbreaks were collected using active case finding and review of human, livestock, and wildlife health records. Information on temporal and spatial distribution of prior outbreaks in the area was collected using participatory epidemiology. The 2014-2017 outbreaks in Nakuru West subcounty affected 15 of 71 people who had contact with infected cattle (attack rate = 21.1%), including seven with gastrointestinal, six with cutaneous, and two with oropharyngeal forms of the disease. Two (13.3%) gastrointestinal human anthrax cases died. No human cases were associated with infected wildlife. Of the 54 cattle owned in 11 households affected, 20 died (attack rate = 37%). The 2015 outbreak resulted in death of 10.5% of the affected herbivorous wildlife at Lake Nakuru National Park, including 745 of 4,500 African buffaloes (species-specific mortality rate = 17%) and three of 18 endangered white rhinos (species-specific mortality rate = 16%). The species mortality rate ranged from 1% to 5% for the other affected wildlife species. Participatory epidemiology identified prior outbreaks between 1973 and 2011 in the same area. The frequency and severity of outbreaks in this area suggests that it is an anthrax hotspot ideal for investigating risk factors associated with long-term survival of anthrax spores and outbreak occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John Gachohi
- Washington State University Global Health Program-Kenya, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
| | | | | | | | | | - Eric Osoro
- Washington State University Global Health Program-Kenya, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
| | - Austine Bitek
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - S Mwangi Thumbi
- Washington State University Global Health Program-Kenya, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
| | - Peninah Munyua
- Division of Global Health Protection, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Harry Oyas
- Kenya Directorate of Veterinary Services, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Bernard Bett
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - M Kariuki Njenga
- Washington State University Global Health Program-Kenya, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
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Abstract
The burden of anthrax in wildlife is demonstrated through high numbers of sudden mortalities among herbivore species, including endangered animal species. East Africa is home of multiple species of faunal wildlife numbering in the millions but there are limited disease surveillance programmes, resulting in a paucity of information on the role of anthrax and other infectious diseases on declining wildlife populations in the region. We reviewed historical data on anthrax outbreaks from Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) spanning from 1999 to 2017 in Kenya to determine the burden, characteristics and spatial distribution of anthrax outbreaks. A total of 51 anthrax outbreaks associated with 1014 animal deaths were reported across 20 of 60 wildlife conservation areas located in six of the seven agro-ecological zones. Overall, 67% of the outbreaks were reported during the dry seasons, affecting 24 different wildlife species. Over 90% (22 of 24) of the affected species were herbivore, including 12 grazers, five browsers and five mixed grazers and browsers. Buffaloes (23.5%), black rhinos (21.6%) and elephants (17.6%) were the most frequently affected species. Our findings demonstrate the extensive geographic distribution of wildlife anthrax in the country, making it one of the important infectious diseases that threaten wildlife conservation.
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Hrynick TA, Barasa V, Benschop J, Cleaveland S, Crump JA, Davis M, Mariki B, Mmbaga BT, Mtui-Malamsha N, Prinsen G, Sharp J, Sindiyo E, Swai ES, Thomas KM, Zadoks R, Waldman L. Street-level diplomacy and local enforcement for meat safety in northern Tanzania: knowledge, pragmatism and trust. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:863. [PMID: 31269927 PMCID: PMC6610827 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7067-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With increasing demand for red meat in Tanzania comes heightened potential for zoonotic infections in animals and humans that disproportionately affect poor communities. A range of frontline government employees work to protect public health, providing services for people engaged in animal-based livelihoods (livestock owners and butchers), and enforcing meat safety and food premises standards. In contrast to literature which emphasises the inadequacy of extension support and food safety policy implementation in low- and middle-income countries, this paper foregrounds the 'street-level diplomacy' deployed by frontline actors operating in challenging contexts. METHODS This research is based on semi-structured interviews with 61 government employees, including livestock extension officers/meat inspectors and health officers, across 10 randomly-selected rural and urban wards. RESULTS Frontline actors combined formal and informal strategies including the leveraging of formal policy texts and relationships with other state employees, remaining flexible and recognising that poverty constrained people's ability to comply with health regulations. They emphasised the need to work with livestock keepers and butchers to build their knowledge to self-regulate and to work collaboratively to ensure meat safety. Remaining adaptive and being hesitant to act punitively unless absolutely necessary cultivated trust and positive relations, making those engaged in animal-based livelihoods more open to learning from and cooperating with extension officers and inspectors. This may result in higher levels of meat safety than might be the case if frontline actors stringently enforced regulations. CONCLUSION The current tendency to view frontline actors' partial enforcement of meat safety regulations as a failure obscures the creative and proactive ways in which they seek to ensure meat safety in a context of limited resources. Their application of 'street-level diplomacy' enables them to be sensitive to local socio-economic realities, to respect local social norms and expectations and to build support for health safety interventions when necessary. More explicitly acknowledging the role of trust and positive state-society relations and the diplomatic skills deployed by frontline actors as a formal part of their inspection duties offers new perspectives and enhanced understandings on the complicated nature of their work and what might be done to support them.
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Affiliation(s)
- T A Hrynick
- Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - V Barasa
- Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - J Benschop
- mEpiLab, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston, New Zealand
| | - S Cleaveland
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - J A Crump
- Centre for International Health, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Tumaini University, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - M Davis
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, USA
| | - B Mariki
- Tanzania Chamber of Commerce - Kilimanjaro, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - B T Mmbaga
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Tumaini University, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - N Mtui-Malamsha
- Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - G Prinsen
- School of People, Environment and Planning, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - J Sharp
- School of Geographical and Earth Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - E Sindiyo
- Mwanga District Council Department of Livestock and Fisheries, Mwanga, Tanzania
| | - E S Swai
- Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - K M Thomas
- Centre for International Health, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - R Zadoks
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - L Waldman
- Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.
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Kock R, Haider N, Mboera LE, Zumla A. A One-Health lens for anthrax. Lancet Planet Health 2019; 3:e285-e286. [PMID: 31326067 PMCID: PMC7128566 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(19)30111-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Kock
- Department Pathobiology and Population Science, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, UK
| | - Najmul Haider
- Department Pathobiology and Population Science, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, UK
| | - Leonard Eg Mboera
- SACIDS Foundation for One Health, Emerging and Vector-borne Diseases, Sokoine, University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, and UCL Hospitals NIHR Biomedical Research Centre London, London, UK.
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48
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Mwakapeje ER, Ndimuligo SA, Mosomtai G, Ayebare S, Nyakarahuka L, Nonga HE, Mdegela RH, Skjerve E. Ecological niche modeling as a tool for prediction of the potential geographic distribution of Bacillus anthracis spores in Tanzania. Int J Infect Dis 2019; 79:142-151. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2018.11.367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 11/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
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Mwakapeje ER, Høgset S, Softic A, Mghamba J, Nonga HE, Mdegela RH, Skjerve E. Risk factors for human cutaneous anthrax outbreaks in the hotspot districts of Northern Tanzania: an unmatched case-control study. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2018; 5:180479. [PMID: 30839712 PMCID: PMC6170534 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.180479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis is an aerobic, Gram-positive and spore-forming bacterium, which causes anthrax in herbivores. Humans get infected after coming into contact with infected animals' products. An unmatched case-control study was conducted to identify the importance of demographic, biological and/or behavioural factors associated with human cutaneous anthrax outbreaks in the hotspot areas of Northern Tanzania. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to both cases and controls. The age range of participants was 1-80 years with a median age of 32 years. In the younger group (1-20 years), the odds of being infected were 25 times higher in the exposed group compared to the unexposed group (OR= 25, 95% CI = 1.5-410). By contrast, the odds of exposure in the old group (≥20 years) were three times lower in the exposed group compared to the unexposed group (OR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.28-8.00). Demographic characteristics, sleeping on animal's skins, contacting with infected carcasses through skinning and butchering, and not having formal education were linked to exposure for anthrax infection. Hence, a One Health approach is inevitable for the prevention and control of anthrax outbreaks in the hotspot areas of Northern Tanzania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elibariki R. Mwakapeje
- Epidemiology and Diseases Control Section, Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, PO Box 9083, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, PO Box 3021, Chuo Kikuu Morogoro, Tanzania
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 8146 Dep., 0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Sol Høgset
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 8146 Dep., 0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Adis Softic
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 8146 Dep., 0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Janneth Mghamba
- Epidemiology and Diseases Control Section, Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, PO Box 9083, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Hezron E. Nonga
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, PO Box 3021, Chuo Kikuu Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Robinson H. Mdegela
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, PO Box 3021, Chuo Kikuu Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Eystein Skjerve
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 8146 Dep., 0033 Oslo, Norway
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