Browsing by Author "Mathew, C"

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Circulating Brucella species in wild animals of the Serengeti ecosystem, Tanzania
(Springer) Sambu, R. M; Mathew, C; Nonga, H. E; Lukambagire, A. S; Yapi, R. B; Akoko, J; Fokou, G; Keyyu, J. D; Bonfoh, B; Kazwala, R. R
Crossing the Line: Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Transboundary Animal Diseases Along the Tanzania-Zambia Border
(Frontiers in Veterinary Science) Lysholm, S; Lindahl, J.F; Munyeme, M; Misinzo, G; Mathew, C; Alvåsen, K; Dautu, G; Linde, S; Mitternacht, L; Olovsson, E; Wilén, E; Berg, M; Wensman, J.J
Crossing the Line: Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Transboundary Animal Diseases Along the Tanzania-Zambia Border
(Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2022-03-11) Lysholm, S; Lindahl, J.F; Munyeme, M; Misinzo, G; Mathew, C; Alvåsen, K; Dautu, G; Linde, S; Mitternacht, L; Olovsson, E; Wilén, E; Berg, M; Wensman, J.J
Transboundary pathogens pose a threat to livelihood security in countries such as Zambia and Tanzania. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV), foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV), sheep and goat pox virus (SGPV), Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) and Brucella spp. in sheep and goats along the Tanzania-Zambia border. Another aim was to assess the association between certain predictor variables and seroprevalence, focusing on trade and proximity to an international border, to a town and to the Tanzania-Zambia highway. During September-October 2018, 486 serum samples from small ruminants in Zambia and 491 in Tanzania were collected and analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). A questionnaire focused on management strategies was administered to each household. The animal-level seroprevalence in Zambia was 0.21% [95% confidence interval (CI) (0.01–1.14) for PPRV, 1.03% (95% CI 0.33–2.39) for FMDV, 0% (95% CI 0–0.76) for SGPV, 2.26%(95%CI 1.14–4.01) for RVFV and 1.65%(95%CI 0.71–3.22) for Brucella spp.]. In Tanzania, animal-level seroprevalence was 2.85% (95% CI 1.57–4.74) for PPRV, 16.9% (95% CI 13.7–20.5) for FMDV, 0.20% (95% CI 0.01–1.13) for SGPV, 3.26%(95%CI 1.87–5.24) for RVFV and 20.0%(95%CI 14.5–26.5) for Brucella spp. For PPRV (OR 6.83, 95% CI 1.37–34.0, p = 0.019) and FMDV (OR 5.68, 95% CI 1.58–20.3, p = 0.008), herds situated more than 30 km from an international border were more likely to be seropositive, while being located 10–30 km (OR 4.43, 95% CI 1.22–16.1 p = 0.024) from a border was identified as a risk factor for Brucella spp. For FMDV (OR 79.2, 95% CI 4.52–1388.9, p = 0.003), being situated within 30 km from a town was associated with seropositivity.Furthermore, contact with wild ruminants (OR 18.2, 95% CI 1.36–244), and the presence of sheep in the household (OR 5.20, 95% CI 1.00–26.9, p = 0.049), was associated with seropositivity for PPRV, and FMDV. No significantassociations between trade or distance to the Tan-Zam highway and seroprevalence were found. We recommend that the impact of trade and proximity to borders, towns and roads should be further evaluated in larger studies, ideally incorporating aspects such as temporal trade fluctuations.
Detection of serum neutralizing antibodies to Simbu sero-group viruses in cattle in Tanzania.
(BMC Veterinary Research) Mathew, C; Klevar, S; Elbers, A; van der Poel, W; Kirkland, P; Godfroid, J; Mdegela, R; Mwamengele, G; Stokstad, M
Effect of pond management on prevalence of intestinal parasites in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) under small scale fish farming systems in Morogoro, Tanzania
(Livestock Research for Rural Development) Mdegela, R H; Omary, AN; Mathew, C; Nonga, HE
Effect of pond management on prevalence of intestinal parasites in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) under small scale fish farming systems in Morogoro, Tanzania
(Livestock Research for Rural Development, 2011) Mdegela, R H; Omary, AN; Mathew, C; Nonga, HE
A cross-sectional study was conducted in small scale fish farming systems in Morogoro urban and rural area between December 2007 and February 2008 to determine the effect of pond management on prevalence of intestinal parasites in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Water physicochemical parameters in fish ponds and the risk factors for intestinal parasites were determined. Information on pond type and cleanness, feeding and general pond management was also gathered through questionnaires and participant observations during the sample collection. One fifty three adult O. niloticus from 13 ponds were examined. It was found that most ponds (69%) were small and of earthen type, 77% were clean and were using river water. Up to 92% of farmers changed pond water regularly and almost all farmers reported to use maize bran as the main feed for fish. Farmers used different types of animal manure to fertilize the ponds. The observed water physicochemical levels were within the normal range for fish water ponds as recommended by FAO. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 16.3%. Specifically, 15% of fish had Eimeria oocysts while 1.3% had unidentified flukes. Prevalence of parasites was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in ponds located in rural (18.7%) than in urban areas (6.7%). Significantly (P<0.05) higher prevalence of parasites was observed in fish ponds using river water (18.8%) than in ponds using rain water (0%). Pond type was also a risk factor as there was a significantly (P < 0.05) higher parasite infection rates in earthen ponds (20.9%) than in fish reared in concrete ponds (4.7%). It is concluded that earthen fishponds, keeping fish in rural areas and using river water in ponds predisposes fish to intestinal parasites. Good water quality management and proper fish husbandry techniques will eliminate most parasitic infection and improve fish production.
First isolation, identification, phenotypic and genotypic characterization of Brucella abortus biovar 3 from dairy cattle in Tanzania
Mathew, C; Stokstad, M; Johansen, T. B; Klevar, S.; Mdegela, R. H.; Mwamengele, G.; Michel, P.; Escobar, L.; Fretin, D.; Godfroid, J.
Molecular epidemiology of Brucella species in mixed livestock-human ecosystems in Kenya
(Nature scientific Report) Akoko, JM; Pelle, R; Lukambagire, AS; Machuka, EM; Nthiw, D; Mathew, C; Fèvre, EM; Bett, B; Cook, EAJ; Othero, D; Bonfoh, B; Kazwala, R; Shirima, G; Schelling, E; Halliday, JEB; Ouma, C
Molecular epidemiology of Brucella species in mixed livestock-human ecosystems in Kenya
(Nature scientific Report, 2021) Akoko, JM; Pelle, R; Lukambagire, AS; Machuka, EM; Nthiw, D; Mathew, C; Fèvre, EM; Bett, B; Cook, EAJ; Othero, D; Bonfoh, B; Kazwala, R; Shirima, G; Schelling, E; Halliday, JEB; Ouma, C
Brucellosis, caused by several species of the genus Brucella, is a zoonotic disease that affects humans and animal species worldwide. Information on the Brucella species circulating in different hosts in Kenya is largely unknown, thus limiting the adoption of targeted control strategies. This study was conducted in multi-host livestock populations in Kenya to detect the circulating Brucella species and assess evidence of host–pathogen associations. Serum samples were collected from 228 cattle, 162 goats, 158 sheep, 49 camels, and 257 humans from Narok and Marsabit counties in Kenya. Information on age, location and history of abortion or retained placenta were obtained for sampled livestock. Data on age, gender and location of residence were also collected for human participants. All samples were tested using genus level real-time PCR assays with primers specific for IS711 and bcsp31 targets for the detection of Brucella. All genus positive samples (positive for both targets) were further tested with a speciation assay for AlkB and BMEI1162 targets, specific for B. abortus and B. melitensis, respectively. Samples with adequate quantities aggregating to 577 were also tested with the Rose Bengal Test (RBT). A total of 199 (33.3%) livestock and 99 (38.5%) human samples tested positive for genus Brucella. Animal Brucella PCR positive status was positively predicted by RBT positive results (OR = 8.3, 95% CI 4.0–17.1). Humans aged 21–40 years had higher odds (OR = 2.8, 95% CI 1.2–6.6) of being Brucella PCR positive compared to the other age categories. The data on detection of different Brucella species indicates that B. abortus was detected more often in cattle (OR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.1–4.6) and camels (OR = 2.9, 95% CI 1.3–6.3), while B. melitensis was detected more in sheep (OR = 3.6, 95% CI 2.0–6.7) and goats (OR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.0–3.1). Both B. abortus and B. melitensis DNA were detected in humans and in multiple livestock host species, suggesting cross-transmission of these species among the different hosts. The detection of these two zoonotic Brucella species in humans further underpins the importance of One Health prevention strategies that target multiple host species, especially in the multi-host livestock populations.
Pathogenic Escherichia fergusonii and Staphylococcus gallinarum co-infection in a free-ranging domestic chicken
(ROAVS) Misinzo, G; Mathew, C; Matondo, RB; Jumapili, F; Ludosha, M; Masola, S; Munisi, W; Viaene, W; Doorsselaere, J.
Pathogenic Escherichia fergusonii and Staphylococcus gallinarum co-infection in a free-ranging domestic chicken
(ROAVS, 2012) Misinzo, G; Mathew, C; Matondo, RB; Jumapili, F; Ludosha, M; Masola, S; Munisi, W; Viaene, W; Doorsselaere, J.
Examination was carried out in an emaciated and depressed free-range domestic chicken from Mpwapwa where multiple cases of a similar condition were observed in 2010. A loosely attached unilateral nodule on the ventral aspect of the right eye and similar other nodules around the base of feathers mainly on dorsal aspects of wings, neck and head were observed. The cut nodules were yellowish with a firm and cheesy consistency surrounded by hyperaemic skin. In addition, multiple grey foci of variable size on liver and localized areas of hyperaemia on duodenal mucosa with mucoid exudates in the lumen were observed. On histopathology, the nodular lesions consisted of hyperplastic feather follicles with broad bands of keratinocytes and extension of follicular epithelium into surrounding dermis. In addition, luminal folliculitis in the skin and hepatic portal vasculitis were observed. Excised lesions from the eye, skin and liver were streaked on bacteriological agar with or without penicillin and streptomycin to isolate bacteria. Bacteria grew in agar without antibiotics but not in agar containing antibiotics. Bacterial colonies were subcultured and passaged four times to obtain pure cultures. Based on colony morphology, two types of bacteria were isolated from each of the organs. DNA was extracted from bacteria followed by amplification and sequencing of the 16S rDNA using 27F and 1492R primers. Sequence similarity search in GenBank showed that the bacteria were Escherichia fergusonii and Staphylococcus gallinarum. The present study shows that the chicken had E. fergusonii and S. gallinarum co-infection sensitive to penicillin and streptomycin
Performance characteristics and costs of serological tests for brucellosis in a pastoralist community of northern Tanzania
(Nature scientific Report) Lukambagire, AS; Mendes, AJ; Bodenham, RF; McGiven, JA; Mkenda, NA; Mathew, C; Rubach, MP; Sakasaka, P; Shayo, DD; Maro, VP; Shirima, GM; Thomas, KM; Kassanga, CJ; Kazwala, RR; Halliday, JEB; Mmbaga, BT
Prevalence and mean intensity of ectoparasite infections in pond reared Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in Morogoro Tanzania.
(Tanzania Veterinary Journal) Mathew, C; Mwamengele, G; Mdegela, R. H.; Kassuku, A. A.
Prevalence and mean intensity of ectoparasite infections in pond reared Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in Morogoro Tanzania.
(Tanzania Veterinary Journal, 2014) Mathew, C; Mwamengele, G; Mdegela, R. H.; Kassuku, A. A.
cross sectional study was carried out between September 2007 and September 2008 to investigate the prevalence and mean intensity of ectoparasite infections on the gills and skin of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in Morogoro, Tanzania. A total of 229 fish from 19 ponds were studied. Trichodina spp. and Monogeneans were the only ectoparasites observed. Overall prevalence of ectoparasites in the study area was 68% and the average mean intensity was 5.3. Trichodina spp. were more prevalent (P<0.05) than Monogeneans. Gills were more affected with parasites than the skin (P<0.05). There was no strong relationship between water quality and prevalence and mean intensity of parasites. Prevalence and mean intensity varied in different ponds due to different management practices and the knowledge of fish husbandry. Parasite infection was significantly higher in urban than in rural areas (P<0.05). There is a need for farmers to be trained on proper fish husbandry and pond management in order to reduce the risk of parasite multiplication in the ponds and hence infection rate.
Reproductive infections in cattle in Tanzania – lessons for control priorities
(SOJ Microbiol Infect Dis) Mathew, C; Klevar, S; Løken, T; Mwamengele, G; Skjerve, E; Godfroid, J; Stokstad, S; Mdegela, R. H.
Reproductive infections in cattle in Tanzania – lessons for control priorities
(SOJ Microbiol Infect Dis, 2017) Mathew, C; Klevar, S; Løken, T; Mwamengele, G; Skjerve, E; Godfroid, J; Stokstad, S; Mdegela, R. H.
Reproductive disorders have negative impact on performance in cattle worldwide. Studies on infections causing reproductive disorders in Tanzania are few and fragmented, which complicates targeted disease prevention. To investigate the prevalence of selected infections and their associations with reproductive disorders and risk factors in cattle under different management systems, a cross-sectional study was conducted in two bordering regions in the southern highlands in Tanzania. Herd and individual animal level data were collected by direct observation and a semistructured questionnaire interview of the farmer. Sera from 658 cattle from 202 herds were analyzed using a commercial ELISA kits for antibodies to Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV), Brucella spp. and Neospora caninum. The logistic regression model identified herd size (odds ratio (OR): 14.5), location (OR: 23.1) and management system (grazing strategy) (OR: 22.7) as risk factors for Brucella spp. The same risk factors were also identified for BVDV herd size (OR: 2.8), location (OR: 12.7) and management system (OR: 2.9). History of abortion was associated with seropositivity for Brucella spp. (OR: 4.6). No risk factors, including location and presence of dogs, nor any association with reproductive disorders were identified for N. caninum. In one region the herd level sero-prevalence was 66.7% for BVDV and 36.1% for Brucella spp., while in the other it was 6.5% for BVDV and 0.6% for Brucella spp. In total, BVDV specific antibodies were found in 15.2% of the animals in 17.9% of the herds, and Brucella spp. specific antibodies were detected in 5.4% of the animals in 7.4% of the herds. Anti- N. caninum antibodies were found in 4.5% of animals in 8.4% of the herds. In conclusion, prevalence and impact of BVDV and Brucella spp. differed significantly between geographically closely related areas, most probably due to differences in management system that affects the potential for survival of the agents in the population. This shows that all control measures must be based on accurate epidemiological knowledge of the occurrence of the infection. Low-prevalence areas are highly susceptible for introduction of infection, while in the high-prevalence areas control measures must be implemented to reduce the impact and the risk of transferring Brucella spp. from livestock to humans.
Serological and molecular evidence of brucella species in the rapidly growing pig sector in Kenya
(BMC Veterinary Research) Akoko, J; Pelle, R; Kivali, V; Schelling, E; Shirima, G; Mathew, C; Kyallo, V; Bonfoh, B; Kazwala, R; Ouma, C; Machuka, E. M.; Fèvre, E. M.; Falzon, L. C.; Lukambagire, A. S.; Halliday, J. E. B.
Seroprevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants and related risk behaviours among humans in different husbandry systems in Mali
(PLoSONE) Traore, S; Coulibaly, K; Mathew, C; Fokou, G; Bonfoh, B; Yapi, R. B.; Kazwala, R. R.; Alambedji, R. B.