scholarly journals Geographically structured genomic diversity of non-human primate-infecting Treponema pallidum subsp. pertenue

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Mubemba ◽  
Jan F. Gogarten ◽  
Verena J. Schuenemann ◽  
Ariane Düx ◽  
Alexander Lang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Group ◽  
National Park ◽  
Treponema Pallidum ◽  
Genomic Diversity ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Sooty Mangabeys ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Cercocebus Atys ◽  
Phylogenomic Analyses ◽  
Human Primate

AbstractBackgroundIncreasing evidence suggests many non-human primate (NHP) species in sub-Saharan Africa are infected with Treponema pallidum subsp. pertenue (TPE), the bacterium causing yaws in humans. In humans, yaws is characterized by lesions of the extremities and face, while Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum (TPA) causes venereal syphilis and is characterized by primary lesions on the genital, anal or oral mucosae, and has not been detected in NHPs. Due to a paucity of genetic data, it remains unclear whether other Treponema pallidum (TP) subspecies found in humans also occur in NHP and how the genomic diversity of TPE lineages that do occur in NHPs is distributed across hosts and space.MethodologyWe observed a combination of yaws- and syphilis-like symptoms in sooty mangabeys (Cercocebus atys atys) in Taï National Park (TNP), Côte d’Ivoire and collected swabs and biopsies from symptomatic animals. We also collected NHP bones from eight species from TNP, as well as from 19 species at 12 field sites across sub-Saharan Africa. Samples were screened for TP DNA using PCRs. In-solution hybridization capture coupled with high throughput sequencing was used to sequence TP genomes from positive samples.Principal findingsWe generated four nearly complete TP genomes from biopsies and swabs and five partial genomes from bones. Phylogenomic analyses revealed that both syphilis- and yaws-like lesions of sooty mangabeys within a single social group in TNP were caused by TPE. All TPE genomes determined from these sooty mangabeys were different and exhibited divergence levels not observed in TPE from a single species at any other field site where the disease seems to be epizootic. In general, simian TPE isolates did not form monophyletic clades based on host species or the type of symptoms caused by an isolate, but rather clustered based on geography.ConclusionsThere is a large diversity of TPE strains infecting NHPs in TNP. Our observations within a single social group of sooty mangabeys do not support the epizootic spread of a single clone, but rather points towards frequent independent introductions of the bacterium, which can cause syphilis- and yaws-like lesions. On a larger scale, the geographic clustering of TPE genomes might be compatible with cross-species transmission of TPE within ecosystems or environmental exposure leading to acquisition of closely related strains.Author’s summaryIndividuals in several populations of wild non-human primates (NHP) in sub-Saharan Africa are infected with Treponema pallidum subsp. pertenue (TPE), a pathogen causing yaws disease in humans. In humans, yaws is characterized by skin lesions of the extremities and face. In contrast, Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum, which causes venereal syphilis in humans, has not been observed in NHPs. We describe a combination of yaws- and syphilis-like symptoms in a sooty mangabey (Cercocebus atys atys) social group in Taï National Park (TNP), Côte d’Ivoire. We sampled lesioned animals and collected and tested NHP bones from field sites across sub-Saharan Africa. We were able to reconstruct four genomes from swabs/biopsies and five partial genomes from bone samples. Phylogenomic analyses revealed that syphilis-like lesions and yaws-like lesions in TNP were caused by a large diversity of TPE strains. Additionally, simian TPE isolates did not form monophyletic clades based on the host species or the types of symptoms caused by an isolate, but rather clustered by geographic origin. This is suggestive of cross-species transmission of TPE within ecosystems or environmental exposure leading to acquisition of closely related strains.

scholarly journals Epidemiology and hypothetical transmission cycles of Trichinella infections in the Greater Kruger National Park of South Africa: an example of host-parasite interactions in an environment with minimal human interactions

Parasite ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 13
Author(s):  
Louis J. La Grange ◽  
Samson Mukaratirwa
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Protected Areas ◽  
National Parks ◽  
National Park ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Kruger National Park ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Ecological Niches ◽  
Transmission Cycles ◽  
Sub Saharan

Knowledge on the epidemiology, host range and transmission of Trichinella spp. infections in different ecological zones in southern Africa including areas of wildlife-human interface is limited. The majority of reports on Trichinella infections in sub-Saharan Africa were from wildlife resident in protected areas. Elucidation of the epidemiology of the infections and the prediction of hosts involved in the sylvatic cycles within specific ecological niches is critical. Of recent, there have been reports of Trichinella infections in several wildlife species within the Greater Kruger National Park (GKNP) of South Africa, which has prompted the revision and update of published hypothetical transmission cycles including the hypothetical options based previously on the biology and feeding behaviour of wildlife hosts confined to the GKNP. Using data gathered from surveillance studies and reports spanning the period 1964–2019, confirmed transmission cycles and revised hypothesized transmission cycles of three known Trichinella species (T. zimbabwensis, Trichinella T8 and T. nelsoni) are presented. These were formulated based on the epidemiological factors, feeding habits of hosts and prevalence data gathered from the GKNP. We presume that the formulated sylvatic cycles may be extrapolated to similar national parks and wildlife protected areas in sub-Saharan Africa where the same host and parasite species are known to occur. The anecdotal nature of some of the presented data confirms the need for more intense epidemiological surveillance in national parks and wildlife protected areas in the rest of sub-Saharan Africa to unravel the epidemiology of Trichinella infections in these unique and diverse protected landscapes.

scholarly journals A note on the presence of the Elephant Louse Haematomyzus elephantis piaget (Mallophaga: Rhynchophthirina) in the Kruger National Park

Koedoe ◽  
1984 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
L.E.O Braack
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Loxodonta Africana ◽  
African Elephant ◽  
Kruger National Park ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Elephas Maximus ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Ethiopian Region ◽  
Indian Elephant

First described in 1869, this rather unusual insect has been found to be a common ectoparasite on the Indian elephant (Elephas maximus), and has been collected in low numbers from the African elephant (Loxodonta africana) in nearly all of sub-saharan Africa (Ledger 1979, The arthropod parasites of vertebrates in Africa south of the Sahara (Ethiopian Region) Vol. IV.

scholarly journals The wild dog—Africa's vanishing carnivore

Oryx ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 137-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
John H. Fanshawe ◽  
Lory H. Frame ◽  
Joshua R. Ginsberg
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Lycaon Pictus ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
African Wild Dog ◽  
The Status ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Wild Dog

This paper presents a synopsis of the current status and distribution of the African wild dog Lycaon pictus, outlines reasons for its decline and discusses recommendations to halt or reverse this decline. A recent review of the status of the species provides evidence that it has disappeared or is in decline throughout its range (sub-Saharan Africa). Relict populations with little or no chance of long-term survival are found in several countries including Algeria and Senegal. Countries believed to contain potentially viable populations are, from north to south, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa (only the Kruger National Park).

scholarly journals Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Treponema pallidum (Syphilis) Co-infection in Uyo, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 33-42
Author(s):  
Iheanyi O. Okonko ◽  
Hope C. Innocent- Adiele ◽  
Amaka M. Awanye ◽  
Tochi I. Cookey ◽  
Charles C. Onoh
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Treponema Pallidum ◽  
Educational Background ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Early Screening ◽  
Medical Male Circumcision ◽  
Sub Saharan

Aim: HIV/AIDS remains a leading cause of death and disability in Sub Saharan Africa and this accounts for almost half of the world’s HIV related deaths. On the other hand, bacterial sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as syphilis contributes to the morbidity and mortality obtained in developing countries. Co-infection of syphilis and HIV may increase the risk of HIV transmission and adversely affect reproductive health. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of STDs in HIV positive individuals can help prevent spread to their partners. There is also very little information about incidence and prevalence of HIV/Syphilis co-infection and their determinants. The aim of this study is to evaluate the HIV/Syphilis co-infection among HIV-infected individuals in Uyo, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 176 individuals living with HIV participated in this study. The average age of the study participants was 39.1 years from a range of 6-67 years. Plasma samples obtained from the human subjects were analysed for presence of HIV and Syphilis antibodies using enzyme-Linked immunosorbent Assay. Results: Our findings showed that the overall prevalence of HIV/Syphilis co-infection in Uyo was 1.7%. Analysis of the results revealed that the variables—sex and educational background—significantly influenced the rate of syphilis sero-positivity among the population under study. While variables- age, marital status and occupational skills non-significantly influenced the rate of syphilis sero-positivity among the population under study. Conclusion: This study confirmed the co-infection of HIV and Syphilis in Uyo, Nigeria. Early screening of Syphilis and other STDs contributes to the control of infection and reduces the spread of HIV to partners. A number of primary preventive interventions for HIV and syphilis need to be adopted including use of condoms and medical male circumcision in order to improve sexual and reproductive health amongst individuals.

scholarly journals Tsetse fly distribution and occurrence of Trypanosoma species among cattle and goats around Queen Elizabeth National park, Uganda

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mallion Kangume ◽  
Denis Muhangi ◽  
Joseph Byaruhanga ◽  
Aggrey Agaba ◽  
Joachim Sserunkuma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Infection ◽  
National Park ◽  
Glossina Pallidipes ◽  
Tsetse Fly ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
Baseline Information ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Animal Trypanosomiasis ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background African Animal Trypanosomiasis (AAT) is an infectious disease of economic and public health importance hindering agricultural productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa. The current study aimed at providing baseline information on tsetse fly distribution and occurrence of Trypanosoma species in cattle and goats within and around Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP), in western Uganda. A minimal entomological survey was conducted in April 2017 while blood samples collected from cattle (n = 576) and goats (n = 319) in June 2015 and May 2017 were subjected to microscopy and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to determine the occurrence of trypanosome species. Results Glossina pallidipes and G. fuscipes were the only tsetse fly species trapped in the study area with apparent density of 20.6. The overall prevalence of Trypanosoma spp. in cattle and goats was 38.9% and 37% respectively for samples collected in 2015 while the prevalence of Trypanosome spp in cattle samples collected in 2017 was 38%. In 2015, T. brucei was the highest prevalent trypanosome in both cattle (23%) and goats (18.8%). In both cattle and goats, a mixed infection of T. brucei + T. congolense was most encountered with prevalence of 4.8% and 4.1% in cattle and goats, respectively. In goats a mixed infection of T. brucei + T. congolense + T. vivax was higher (2.8%) than in cattle (2.4%). In 2017, in cattle (n = 250), the prevalence for T. congolense was 32.4%, T. vivax was 6.8% and T. brucei was 6.4%. A co-infection of T. brucei and T. congolense was most prevalent (7.4%). Only 3.2% of the cattle were co-infected with all the three Trypanosome species. Conclusions Current findings show that there are two types of Tsetse fly specie, s important in transmission of AAT. Presence of these parasites in goats shows that they also play a key role in epidemiology of the disease and control efforts should aim also involve goat farmers.

The poverty alleviation potential of tourism employment as an off-farm activity on the local livelihoods surrounding Kibale National Park, western Uganda

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bright Adiyia ◽  
Dominique Vanneste ◽  
Anton Van Rompaey
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Livelihood Strategies ◽  
Kibale National Park ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Farm Income ◽  
Continuous Growth ◽  
Household Level ◽  
Local Livelihoods ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Western Uganda

Over the past decade, several scholars have argued that livelihood diversification in terms of off-farm activities is key for rural households to escape from poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Although the continuous growth of tourism in many SSA countries has created an additional off-farm income activity, empirical evidence is lacking to substantiate the poverty alleviating impact of tourism employment as being consistent and universal at the household level. Using the case of Kibale National Park in western Uganda, the aims of this paper are (1) to analyze the actual income composition of different types of rural livelihood strategies by means of cluster analysis, and (2) to compare the financial impact of tourism employment with alternative off-farm income activities. Results show a large differentiation in income compositions of households around Kibale National Park. In general, households engaged in off-farm income activities have higher levels of overall household welfare. Tourism employment generates low incomes compared to alternative off-farm activities, but still enables households to strengthen livelihood strategies by investments in on-farm or alternative off-farm activities.

scholarly journals Genomic diversity of Escherichia coli from healthy children in rural Gambia

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e10572
Author(s):  
Ebenezer Foster-Nyarko ◽  
Nabil-Fareed Alikhan ◽  
Usman N. Ikumapayi ◽  
Golam Sarwar ◽  
Catherine Okoi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Genomic Diversity ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Minor Role ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Asymptomatic Children ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Host Evolution

Little is known about the genomic diversity of Escherichia coli in healthy children from sub-Saharan Africa, even though this is pertinent to understanding bacterial evolution and ecology and their role in infection. We isolated and whole-genome sequenced up to five colonies of faecal E. coli from 66 asymptomatic children aged three-to-five years in rural Gambia (n = 88 isolates from 21 positive stools). We identified 56 genotypes, with an average of 2.7 genotypes per host. These were spread over 37 seven-allele sequence types and the E. coli phylogroups A, B1, B2, C, D, E, F and Escherichia cryptic clade I. Immigration events accounted for three-quarters of the diversity within our study population, while one-quarter of variants appeared to have arisen from within-host evolution. Several isolates encode putative virulence factors commonly found in Enteropathogenic and Enteroaggregative E. coli, and 53% of the isolates encode resistance to three or more classes of antimicrobials. Thus, resident E. coli in these children may constitute reservoirs of virulence- and resistance-associated genes. Moreover, several study strains were closely related to isolates that caused disease in humans or originated from livestock. Our results suggest that within-host evolution plays a minor role in the generation of diversity compared to independent immigration and the establishment of strains among our study population. Also, this study adds significantly to the number of commensal E. coli genomes, a group that has been traditionally underrepresented in the sequencing of this species.

scholarly journals Genomic diversity of Escherichia coli isolates from backyard chickens and guinea fowl in the Gambia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ebenezer Foster-Nyarko ◽  
Nabil-Fareed Alikhan ◽  
Anuradha Ravi ◽  
Nicholas M. Thomson ◽  
Sheikh Jarju ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Guinea Fowl ◽  
Genomic Diversity ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Human Society ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Backyard Poultry ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Sub Saharan

AbstractChickens and guinea fowl are commonly reared in Gambian homes as affordable sources of protein. Using standard microbiological techniques, we obtained 68 caecal isolates of Escherichia coli from ten chickens and nine guinea fowl in rural Gambia. After Illumina whole-genome sequencing, 28 sequence types were detected in the isolates (four of them novel), of which ST155 was the most common (22/68, 32%). These strains span four of the eight main phylogroups of E. coli, with phylogroups B1 and A being most prevalent. Nearly a third of the isolates harboured at least one antimicrobial resistance gene, while most of the ST155 isolates (14/22, 64%) encoded resistance to ≥3 classes of clinically relevant antibiotics, as well as putative virulence factors, suggesting pathogenic potential in humans. Furthermore, hierarchical clustering revealed that several Gambian poultry strains were closely related to isolates from humans. Although the ST155 lineage is common in poultry from Africa and South America, the Gambian ST155 isolates belong to a unique cgMLST cluster comprised of closely related (38-39 alleles differences) isolates from poultry and livestock from sub-Saharan Africa—suggesting that strains can be exchanged between poultry and livestock in this setting. Continued surveillance of E. coli and other potential pathogens in rural backyard poultry from sub-Saharan Africa is warranted.Author notesAll supporting data and protocols have been provided within the article or as supplementary data files. Eleven supplementary figures and eight supplementary files are available with the online version of this article.Data summaryThe genomic assemblies for the isolates reported here are available for download from EnteroBase (http://enterobase.warwick.ac.uk/species/index/ecoli) and the EnteroBase assembly barcodes are provided in File S2.Sequences have been deposited in the NCBI SRA, under the BioProject ID: PRJNA616250 and accession numbers SAMN14485281 to SAMN14485348 (File S2). Assemblies have been deposited in GenBank under the BioProject ID: PRJNA616250 and accession numbers CP053258 and CP053259.Impact statementDomestic birds play a crucial role in human society, in particular contributing to food security in low-income countries. Many households in Sub-Saharan Africa rear free-range chickens and guinea fowl, which are often left to scavenge for feed in and around the family compound, where they are frequently exposed to humans, other animals and the environment. Such proximity between backyard poultry and humans is likely to facilitate transmission of pathogens such as Escherichia coli or antimicrobial resistance between the two host species. Little is known about the population structure of E. coli in rural chickens and guinea fowl, although this information is needed to contextualise the potential risks of transmission of bacterial strains between humans and rural backyard poultry. Thus, we sought to investigate the genomic diversity of E. coli in backyard poultry from rural Gambia.

scholarly journals Tsetse fly distribution and occurrence of Trypanosoma species among cattle and goats around Queen Elizabeth National park, Uganda

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mallion Kangume ◽  
Denis Muhangi ◽  
Joseph Byaruhanga ◽  
Aggrey Agaba ◽  
Joachim Sserunkuma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Glossina Pallidipes ◽  
Dual Infection ◽  
Tsetse Fly ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Tsetse Flies ◽  
Baseline Information ◽  
Veterinary Importance ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Animal Trypanosomiasis

Abstract Background: African Animal Trypanosomiasis (AAT) is an infectious disease of economic and veterinary importance in Sub-Saharan Africa. The current study aimed at providing baseline information on tsetse fly distribution and occurrence of Trypanosoma species in cattle and goats within and around Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP), in western Uganda. A minimal entomological survey was conducted in April 2017 while blood samples collected from cattle (n = 576) and goats (n = 319) in June 2015 and May 2017 were subjected to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to determine the occurrence of Trypanosoma species.Results: Glossina pallidipes and G. fuscipes were the only tsetse fly species trapped in the study area with apparent density of 20.6. The overall prevalence of Trypanosoma spp. was 27% for goats and approximately 38% for cattle. The most prevalent Trypanosoma spp. in goats was T. brucei (n = 60, 18.8%) while the most prevalent in cattle was T. congolense (n = 102, 27.1%). In both cattle and goats, a dual infection of T. brucei + T. congolense was most encountered. In goats a triple infection of T. brucei + T. congolense + T. vivax was higher than that in cattle. Conclusions: Current findings show that there are two species of tsetse flies, and three species of Trypanosoma, important in transmission of AAT in both cattle and goats. Control efforts of AAT have mainly focused on cattle and this study proves that prevention and control efforts should also involve goat farmers.

scholarly journals Genomic diversity of Escherichia coli isolates from backyard chickens and guinea fowl in the Gambia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ebenezer Foster-Nyarko ◽  
Nabil-Fareed Alikhan ◽  
Anuradha Ravi ◽  
Nicholas M. Thomson ◽  
Sheikh Jarju ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Type Species ◽  
Guinea Fowl ◽  
Genomic Diversity ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Content Type ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance Gene ◽  
Sub Saharan

Chickens and guinea fowl are commonly reared in Gambian homes as affordable sources of protein. Using standard microbiological techniques, we obtained 68 caecal isolates of Escherichia coli from 10 chickens and 9 guinea fowl in rural Gambia. After Illumina whole-genome sequencing, 28 sequence types were detected in the isolates (4 of them novel), of which ST155 was the most common (22/68, 32 %). These strains span four of the eight main phylogroups of E. coli, with phylogroups B1 and A being most prevalent. Nearly a third of the isolates harboured at least one antimicrobial resistance gene, while most of the ST155 isolates (14/22, 64 %) encoded resistance to ≥3 classes of clinically relevant antibiotics, as well as putative virulence factors, suggesting pathogenic potential in humans. Furthermore, hierarchical clustering revealed that several Gambian poultry strains were closely related to isolates from humans. Although the ST155 lineage is common in poultry from Africa and South America, the Gambian ST155 isolates belong to a unique cgMLST cluster comprising closely related (38–39 alleles differences) isolates from poultry and livestock from sub-Saharan Africa – suggesting that strains can be exchanged between poultry and livestock in this setting. Continued surveillance of E. coli and other potential pathogens in rural backyard poultry from sub-Saharan Africa is warranted.

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