Epidemiology of Pathogenic Enterobacteria in Humans, Livestock, and Peridomestic Rodents in Rural Madagascar

Abstract

BackgroundAmong the families of enteric bacteria are globally important diarrheal agents. Despite their potential for zoonotic and environmental transmission, few studies have examined the epidemiology of these pathogens in rural systems characterized by extensive overlap among humans, domesticated and peridomestic animals. We investigated patterns of infection with Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, Shigella spp., Salmonella enterica, Vibrio cholerae, and Yersinia spp. (enterocolitica, and pseudotuberculosis) in Southeastern Madagascar where the potential for the aforementioned interactions is high. In this pilot project we conducted surveys to examine behaviors potentially associated with risk of infection and if infection with specific enterobacteria species was associated with diarrheal disease.Methodology/Principal FindingsPCR was conducted on DNA from human, livestock, and rodent fecal samples from three villages. Overall, human prevalence was highest (77%), followed by rodents (51%) and livestock (18%). Rodents were ∼2.8 times more likely than livestock to carry one of the bacteria. The incidence of individual species varied between villages, with the observation that, E. coli and Shigella spp. were consistently associated with co-infections. As an aggregate, there was a significant risk of infection linked to a water source in one village. Individually, different pathogens were associated with certain behaviors, including: those who had used medication, experienced diarrhea in the past four weeks, or do not use toilets.Conclusions/SignificanceDifferent bacteria were associated with an elevated risk of infection for various human activities or characteristics. Certain bacteria may also predispose people to co-infections. These data suggest that a high potential for transmission among these groups, either directly or via contaminated water sources. As these bacteria were most prevalent in humans, it is possible that they are maintained in humans and that transmission to other species is infrequent. Further studies are needed to understand bacterial persistence, transmission dynamics, and associated consequences in this and similar systems.

Bacterial profile, antibiotic susceptibility pattern and associated risk factors of urinary tract infection among clinically suspected children attending at Felege-Hiwot Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. A prospective study

“…Citrobacter species (13.63%) are the predominantly isolated uropathogens. This predominance might be due to their unique structures such as flagella and pili, which help for their attachment to the uroepithelium increases risk for infection [31]. This finding is considerably similar to studies done in Nigeria [32] for Citrobacter species, 10.7%, E. coli 57.4% in Iran [33] and E. coli 56% and Klebsiella species 19% in Scotland [3].…”

Bacterial profile, antibiotic susceptibility pattern and associated risk factors of urinary tract infection among clinically suspected children attending at Felege-Hiwot Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. A prospective study

“…Of these, E. coli accounts for 63.63% of Gram-negatives followed by Klebsiella species (15.9%), and Citrobacter species (13.63%) are the predominantly isolated uropathogens. This predominance might be due to their unique structures such as agella and pili, which help for their attachment to the uroepithelium increases risk for infection [31]. This nding is considerably similar to studies done in Nigeria [32] for Citrobacter species, 10.7%, E. coli 57.4% in Iran [33] and E. coli 56% and Klebsiella species 19% in Scotland [3].…”

Pathogenic enterobacteria in lemurs associated with anthropogenic disturbance

“…In Madagascar, diarrheal disease is of exceptional concern for both children and adults [Johansson & Wardlaw, ; Randremanana et al, ; WHO/DFID‐AHP, ; WHO/UNICEF, ]. Humans near RNP demonstrate high prevalence of enteric bacterial pathogens at 77% [Bublitz et al, ]. The close phylogenetic relationship between humans and lemurs, as well as all non‐human primates, enhances their susceptibility to many human infectious diseases [Junge et al, ; Nunn, ; Rasambainarivo et al, ; Salyer et al, ].…”

“…The village of Ambatolahy (Fig. ), population 256, is located directly across the Namorona River from Tal and is the village where many of the park's tourist guides and research technicians live [Bublitz et al, ]. Residents of Ambatolahy keep livestock included peridomestic rodents ( Mus musculus and Rattus rattus ), cattle ( Bos indicus ), pigs ( Sus domesticus ), and humans.…”