Sero-prevalence and factors associated with anti-Brucella antibodies in slaughter livestock in Uganda

Bugeza, James; Roesel, Kristina; Moriyón, Ignacio; Mugizi, Denis Rwabiita; Alinaitwe, Lordrick; Kivali, Velma; Kankya, Clovice; Cook, Elizabeth A. J.

doi:10.3389/fepid.2023.1213592

Cited by 3 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 37 publications

(68 reference statements)

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“…Despite reports of a mild seroprevalence by Erume et al and Bugeza et al, B . suis has not been isolated in pigs from Uganda before, warranting further investigation into the apparent low risk of contracting brucellosis from pigs in Uganda [ 34 , 51 , 56 , 57 ]. Whether the observed lack of pig to human transmission could be due to exposure of pigs to B .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Our model did not reveal which tasks were more associated with anti- Brucella seropositivity. However, slaughtering cattle and small ruminants were associated with increased odds of being seropositive, and this is correlated with the high prevalence of brucellosis in these animals and confirms active transmission of Brucella in occupational settings in Uganda [ 57 ]. Mugizi et al earlier discovered B .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In Argentina for instance B. suis biovar 1 has been isolated from workers in pig slaughter and pork processing plants [51][52][53]. On the other hand, B. suis biovar 2, endemic in [34,51,56,57]. Whether the observed lack of pig to human transmission could be due to exposure of pigs to B. suis biovar 2 remains a question for future research.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The high likelihood of slaughterhouse workers from the eastern and central parts of the country being seropositive corelates with the high prevalence in cattle and PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES small ruminants in those areas [36,42,59,60]. Because a large part of the Northeastern region of Uganda is very remote, there is lack of adequate veterinary care [57,61]. This is compounded by communal grazing and transhumant movement of herds in search of water and pastures which facilitates mixing of herds and dissemination of Brucella [6,62].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Sero-prevalence and risk factors associated with occurrence of anti-Brucella antibodies among slaughterhouse workers in Uganda

Bugeza,

Roesel,

Mugizi

et al. 2024

PLoS Negl Trop Dis

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Introduction Brucellosis is a febrile zoonosis occurring among high-risk groups such as livestock keepers and abattoir workers and is a public health priority in Uganda. The technical complexities of bacteriological and molecular methods make serological approaches the cornerstone of diagnosis of human brucellosis in resource limited settings. Therefore, proper application and interpretation of serological tests is central to achieve a correct diagnosis. Materials and methods We conducted a cross-sectional study to estimate the seroprevalence and factors associated with anti-Brucella antibodies among slaughterhouse workers processing ruminants and pigs in three regions of the country with serial testing using a combination of the Rose Bengal Test (RBT) and the BrucellaCapt test. An authorized clinician collected 543 blood samples from consenting abattoir workers as well as attribute medical and social demographic data. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to determine factors associated with anti-Brucella sero-positivity. Results and discussion The sero-prevalence among ruminant slaughterhouse workers ranged from 7.3% (95% CI: 4.8–10.7) using BrucellaCapt to 9.0% (95% CI: 6.3–12.7) using RBT. Slaughterhouse workers from the Eastern regions (AOR = 9.84, 95%CI 2.27–69.2, p = 0.006) and those who graze animals for alternative income (AOR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.91–6.63, p = 0.040) were at a higher risk of exposure to Brucella. Similarly, those who wore Personal Protective Equipment (AOR = 4.83, 95%CI:1.63–18.0, p = 0.009) and those who slaughter cattle (AOR = 2.12, 95%CI: 1.25–6.0, p = 0.006) were at a higher risk of exposure to Brucella. Those who slaughter small ruminants (AOR = 1.54, 95%CI: 1.32–4.01, p = 0.048) were also at a higher risk of exposure to Brucella. Conclusions and recommendations Our study demonstrates the combined practical application of the RBT and BrucellaCapt in the diagnosis of human brucellosis in endemic settings. Both pharmaceutical (e.g., routine testing and timely therapeutic intervention), and non-pharmaceutical (e.g., higher index of suspicion of brucellosis when investigating fevers of unknown origin and observation of strict abattoir hygiene) countermeasures should be considered for control of the disease in high-risk groups.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Sero-prevalence and risk factors associated with occurrence of anti-Brucella antibodies among slaughterhouse workers in Uganda

Bugeza,

Roesel,

Mugizi

et al. 2024

PLoS Negl Trop Dis

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“…Additionally, selection of slaughter animals based on disease associated reproduction performance may be more common among adult females, increasing chances of Leptospira seropositive female animals being selected for slaughter. No wonder, studies conducted in slaughter facilities have consistently had larger proportions of female animals, and found high exposures among females, irrespective of the disease being investigated [ 22 , 28 , 38 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cross-sectional serosurvey of Leptospira species among slaughter pigs, goats, and sheep in Uganda

Alinaitwe,

Aturinda,

Lubega

et al. 2024

PLoS Negl Trop Dis

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Introduction Leptospira are a group of bacteria, including pathogenic types that cause leptospirosis. In Uganda, Leptospira exposure has been reported in humans, with domesticated animals being speculated as the source. However, comparable evidence of Leptospira prevalence and circulating serovars/serogroups in animals is only documented for cattle, and dogs. Our study determined Leptospira seroprevalence, associated risk factors and serogroups circulating among slaughtered pigs, goats, and sheep in Uganda. Methods During an 11-month cross-sectional survey in selected slaughter facilities in three regions of Uganda, we collected blood from 926 pigs, 347 goats, and 116 sheep. The age, sex, breed, and origin of each sampled animal were noted. The samples were tested for anti-Leptospira antibodies using the microscopic agglutination test, based on a panel of 12 serovars belonging to 12 serogroups. Results Leptospira seroprevalence was 26.67% (247/926, 95%CI 23.92–29.61) among pigs, and 21.81% (101/463, 95%CI 18.29–25.80) in goats and sheep (small ruminants). L. interrogans Australis and L. kirschneri Grippotyphosa were the commonest serovars among pigs, as was L. borgpetersenii Tarassovi in small ruminants. Pigs sourced from the Eastern (Odds Ratio [OR] = 2.82, 95%CI 1.84–4.30) and Northern (OR = 3.56, 95%CI 2.52–5.02) regions were more likely to be seropositive, compared to those from the Central region. For small ruminants, being female (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.69–4.57) and adult (OR 4.47, 95% CI 1.57–18.80) was significantly more associated with Leptospira seropositivity. Conclusion/significance: Detection of a moderate seroprevalence, and several Leptospira serogroups among pigs, sheep, and goats from all regions of Uganda, supports existing reports in cattle and dogs, and implies widespread Leptospira exposure in domestic animals in Uganda. These findings may inform future programs for the control of leptospirosis in livestock in Uganda.

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Exploring community-based reporting of livestock abortions for Rift Valley Fever surveillance in Uganda: A pilot study

Walekhwa,

Conlan,

Atim

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Between March and June 2023, we carried out a pilot study to explore the feasibility of using self-reporting of livestock abortions as a method of syndromic surveillance for Rift Valley fever disease (RVF) in Isingiro District, Uganda. We established a call centre in the office of the District Veterinary Officer which was promoted through stakeholder meetings, media engagement and distribution of sensitization materials. We collected 200 sera and 269 vaginal swabs from cattle, sheep and goats that experienced an abortion within a target 14-day period. The apparent IgG seroprevalence of RVF was 38% [95% CI 29 – 47] in cattle, 33% [95% CI 14 – 61] in sheep and 20% [95% CI 12 – 31] in goats. For IgM, sheep showed the highest prevalence at 8% [95% CI 1 – 35], cattle at 2% [95% CI 1 – 6]. Host species was significantly associated with IgG positive status, with cattle having the highest risk of RVF seropositivity (OR = 3 [95%CI: 1 - 7], p = 0.014). Our results demonstrate the potential for a community led model for collecting abortion alerts through local call centres. If routinely implemented, such syndromic data collection could be used to develop early warning systems and prioritise case investigations. The IgG seroprevalence in our sample is comparable to the levels seen in endemically infected countries, suggesting historical circulation of RVF within the livestock population in this community. Our pilot study demonstrates a proof-of-principle that community-driven reporting of abortions could be used to build a surveillance system for RVF. However, the lack of confirmation of infection through PCR means we cannot draw a firm causal link between the reported abortions and RVF. To build a robust case of abortion surveillance, longitudinal studies are needed to measure seasonal variation in the distribution of abortion cases and incidence of active RVF infections.

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Sero-prevalence and factors associated with anti-Brucella antibodies in slaughter livestock in Uganda

Cited by 3 publications

References 37 publications

Sero-prevalence and risk factors associated with occurrence of anti-Brucella antibodies among slaughterhouse workers in Uganda

Sero-prevalence and risk factors associated with occurrence of anti-Brucella antibodies among slaughterhouse workers in Uganda

Cross-sectional serosurvey of Leptospira species among slaughter pigs, goats, and sheep in Uganda

Exploring community-based reporting of livestock abortions for Rift Valley Fever surveillance in Uganda: A pilot study

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