BackgroundBovine tuberculosis (bTB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis, is an infectious disease of cattle that also affects other domestic animals, free-ranging and farmed wildlife, and also humans. In Mozambique, scattered surveys have reported a wide variation of bTB prevalence rates in cattle from different regions. Due to direct economic repercussions on livestock and indirect consequences for human health and wildlife, knowing the prevalence rates of the disease is essential to define an effective control strategy.Methodology/Principal findingsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Govuro district to determine bTB prevalence in cattle and identify associated risk factors. A representative sample of the cattle population was defined, stratified by livestock areas (n = 14). A total of 1136 cattle from 289 farmers were tested using the single comparative intradermal tuberculin test. The overall apparent prevalence was estimated at 39.6% (95% CI 36.8–42.5) using a diagnostic threshold cut-off according to the World Organization for Animal Health. bTB reactors were found in 13 livestock areas, with prevalence rates ranging from 8.1 to 65.8%. Age was the main risk factor; animals older than 4 years were more likely to be positive reactors (OR = 3.2, 95% CI: 2.2–4.7). Landim local breed showed a lower prevalence than crossbred animals (Landim × Brahman) (OR = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4–0.8).Conclusions/SignificanceThe findings reveal an urgent need for intervention with effective, area-based, control measures in order to reduce bTB prevalence and prevent its spread to the human population. In addition to the high prevalence, population habits in Govuro, particularly the consumption of raw milk, clearly may potentiate the transmission to humans. Thus, further studies on human tuberculosis and the molecular characterization of the predominant strain lineages that cause bTB in cattle and humans are urgently required to evaluate the impact on human health in the region.

The study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the vaccination program against bovine brucellosis, implemented by the State of Rondônia, using prevalence rates as an indicator. The State was divided into three regions. For each region, a pre-determined number of herds were selected and at each herds, blood samples were collected from randomly chosen females with 24 months age or more. Sera from animals were submitted to a serial testing protocol, with screening performed using the buffered acidified antigen test and confirmation by the complement fixation test. A epidemiological questionnaire was administered to each farm property to identify the risk factors associated with the disease. The prevalence rates of infected herds and infected animal at the state were 12.3% [10.3-14.6] and was 1.9% [1.4-2.5], respectively. Between the regions, the prevalence of infected herds varied from 11.6% to 12.8% and the prevalence of infected animals ranged between 1.4% and 2.6%. Bovine brucellosis in Rondônia State is associated with the beef herd, a larger number of cows and the presence of flooded pastures. There was an important reduction in prevalence rates of infected herds and infected animals since 2004, however further reduction could still be achieved with vaccination. Thus, the State should continue its vaccination program, placing emphasis on ensuring the quality of the process. In addition, it should also promote the use of a vaccine that does not induce antibody formation. Additionally, the State must carry out a great effort of education so that producers test breeding animals for brucellosis before introducing them onto their properties and, where possible, prevent calved cows from having access to areas that are flooded. Key words: Bovine brucellosis. Vaccination. Prevalence. Risk factors. Rondônia. Brazil. ResumoO estudo foi realizado para se verificar a eficácia do programa de vacinação contra brucelose bovina implementado pelo estado de Rondônia, utilizando-se a prevalência como indicador. O Estado

Mycobacterium bovis is the pathogenic agent responsible for bovine tuberculosis (bTB), a zoonotic disease affecting mostly cattle, but also transmittable to humans and wildlife. Genetic studies on M. bovis allow to detect possible routes of bTB transmission and the identification of genetic reservoirs that may provide an essential framework for public health action. We used a database with 1235 M. bovis genotypes collected from different regions in Africa with 45 new Mozambican samples. Our analyses, based on phylogeographic and population genetics' approaches, allowed to identify two clear trends. First, the genetic diversity of M. bovis is geographically clustered across the continent, with the only incidences of long-distance sharing of genotypes, between South Africa and Algeria, likely due to recent European introductions. Second, there is a broad gradient of diversity from Northern to Southern Africa with a diversity focus on the proximity to the Near East, where M. bovis likely emerged with animal domestication in the last 10,000 years. Diversity indices are higher in Eastern Africa, followed successively by Northern, Central, Southern and Western Africa, roughly correlating with the regional archaeological records of introduction of animal domesticates. Given this scenario M. bovis in Africa was probably established millennia ago following a concomitant spread with cattle, sheep and goat. Such scenario could translate into long-term locally adapted lineages across Africa. This work describes a novel scenario for the spread of M. bovis in Africa using the available genetic data, opening the field to further studies using higher resolution genomic data.

In early 2019, following the 2015–2016 severe drought, the provinces of Sofala and Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, were hit by Cyclones Idai and Kenneth, respectively. These were the deadliest and most destructive cyclones in the country’s history. Currently, these two provinces host tens of thousands of vulnerable households due to the climatic catastrophes and the massive influx of displaced people associated with violent terrorist attacks plaguing Cabo Delgado. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic added a new challenge to this already critical scenario, serving as a real test for Mozambique’s public health preparedness. On the planetary level, Mozambique can be viewed as a ‘canary in the coal mine’, harbingering to the world the synergistic effects of co-occurring anthropogenic and natural disasters. Herein, we discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated the need for an effective and comprehensive public health response in a country already deeply impacted by health problems associated with natural disasters and population displacement.

In mid-June 2019, 3 months after cyclone Idai landfall in Mozambique, health authorities of Nhamatanda district reported an outbreak of Pellagra. Applying a mixed-method protocol, we carried out an investigation to characterize cases of pellagra, identify the associated factors for the outbreak using a case–control study, and explore the perceived impact on food security (availability, access, and usage) before and after Idai. We collected data from 121 cases and 121 controls and conducted in-depth interviews with 69 heads of households. The cases were more likely to be female (P < 0.01) and less educated (P < 0.01) than controls. Insufficient consumption of chicken and peanut before cyclone Idai arrival were statistically associated with pellagra (P < 0.05). From interviewed households’ heads, 51% were experiencing food shortages even before the cyclone hit. Cyclone Idai served as a trigger to reduce niacin consumption below the threshold that protected Nhamatanda population from pellagra and caused a ≈2,300 case (707.9/100,000 inhabitants) outbreak.

Introduction: We sought to determine risk factors (RFs) associated with the presence of antibodies against Leishmania in dogs from a rural area of Ilha Solteira, SP, Brazil. Methods: Serum samples were collected from 250 dogs and tested using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence antibody tests (IFATs). Data concerning dogs, their environment, and their owners' knowledge of leishmaniasis were collected using a questionnaire. To determine RFs for contact with the parasite, univariate statistical analysis based on chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests, followed by logistic regression, was used. Results: It was found that 79/250 (31.6%) of the dogs were positive by IFAT, and 72/250 (28.8%) by ELISA. A total of 82/250 dogs (32.8%) were positive in at least one test. The RFs associated with occurrences of Leishmania exposure were large body size (OR = 2.25; 95% CI = 1.26-4.04; p = 0.003), presence of chickens (OR = 1.94; 95% CI = 1.05-3.65; p = 0.023), and lack of knowledge about Leishmania among dog owners (OR = 1.74; 95% CI = 0.96-3.21; p = 0.049). After multivariate analysis, the RFs for occurrence of Leishmania exposure in dogs that remained significantly associated were the dog's size (large dogs) (OR = 1.2; 95% CI = 1.06-1.35; p = 0.003) and presence of chickens on the properties (small farms) (OR = 1.15; 95% CI = 1.02-1.30; p = 0.023). Conclusions: These results may be useful for improving preventive practices to reduce the incidence of Leishmania exposure among dogs in rural areas.

Background The extent of population exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was uncertain in many African countries during the onset of the pandemic. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study and randomly selected and surveyed general population and occupational groups from July 6 to August 24, 2020, in three cities in Mozambique. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 specific immunoglobulins M and G antibodies were measured using a point-of-care rapid test. The prevalence was weighted for population (by age, sex, and city) and adjusted for test sensitivity and specificity. Results A total of 21,183 participants, including 11,143 from the general population and 10,040 from occupational groups, were included across all three cities. General population seropositivity (immunoglobulins M or G) prevalence was 3.0% (95% CI, 1.0–6.6) in Pemba, 2.1% (95% CI, 1.2–3.3) in Maputo City, and 0.9% (95% CI, 0.1–1.9) in Quelimane. The prevalence in occupational groups ranged from 2.8% (95% CI, 1.3–5.2) to 5.9% (95% CI, 4.3–8.0) in Pemba, 0.3% (95% CI, 0.0–2.2) to 4.0% (95% CI, 2.6–5.7) in Maputo City, 0.0% (95% CI, 0.0–0.7) to 6.6% (95% CI, 3.8–10.5) in Quelimane, and showed variations between the groups tested. Conclusions Exposure to SARS-CoV-2 was extensive during the first pandemic wave, and transmission may have been more intense among occupational groups. These data have been of utmost importance to inform public health intervention to control and respond to pandemic in Mozambique. Previous presentations of findings Results from this study were presented (in Portuguese) at the Mozambican Jornadas Nacionais de Saúde in Maputo, Mozambique on Aug 10, 2021 (abstract #108, title, Prevalência da exposição ao novo coronavírus em três cidades de Moçambique, Julho-Agosto de 2020).

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