scholarly journals Cryptosporidium Infection and Associated Risk Factors among Cattle in the Central Region of Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Kwabena Dankwa ◽  
Patrick K. Feglo ◽  
Samuel V. Nuvor ◽  
Michael Aggrey-Korsah ◽  
Mohamed Mutocheluh

Cryptosporidium species infects a wide number of animals including livestock all over the world. The current study was done to determine the prevalence and risk factors of Cryptosporidium infection among cattle in the Central Region of Ghana. Two hundred and eighty-seven (287) faecal samples were randomly collected from animals on eight cattle farms in four districts across two agroecological zones. A commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit (CoproELISA, Savyon® Diagnostics Ltd., Israel) for Cryptosporidium was used in the detection of Cryptosporidium antigens in faecal samples. Characteristics of the animals such as age, sex, and location, as well as consistency of faecal samples, were collected. Pearson’s chi-square or Fisher’s exact test was used to determine the association between explanatory variables and Cryptosporidium infection while a logistic regression model was also used to determine the risk of infection. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection was 23.7% (95% CI, 18.7-28.6). Prevalence was significantly higher ( p = 0.049 ) among cattle aged 12-month old and above compared to those under 12 months of age. Among the four districts in the study area, Cape Coast metropolis recorded a significantly higher prevalence (60.5%; CI, 49.3-71.8), ( p < 0.001 ) compared to the other three. Furthermore, a significant association was observed between the consistency of faecal samples and Cryptosporidium infection ( p = 0.042 ). The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection was also significantly higher among cattle from the coastal savanna zone (26.9%; 95% CI, 21.0-32.8) compared to those from the semideciduous forest area ( p = 0.017 ). Cattle in the forest zone had a lower risk of being infected with the parasite compared to those from the coastal savanna zone (OR 0.408; 95% CI, 0.182-0.915). In conclusion, Cryptosporidium was prevalent among cattle in the Central Region of Ghana. A higher prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection occurred in older animals and among animals in the coastal agroecological zone. The area of location and age of animals were identified as risk factors for Cryptosporidium infection in the Central Region of Ghana.

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gbemisola Magaret Olabanji ◽  
Beatty Viv Maikai ◽  
Gbeminiyi Richard Otolorin

Cryptosporidiumis one of the causes of diarrhoeal illness in man and animals worldwide. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with faecal shedding ofCryptosporidiumoocysts in dogs in FCT Abuja, Nigeria. A total of 276 dog faecal samples were examined using Modified Acid Fast (MAF) technique and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Fifteen (5.4%) and 51 (18.5%) out of the 276 dog faecal samples examined were positive forCryptosporidiumoocysts and coproantigens, respectively. There was a fair agreement (0.371) between the two tests used in this study. The prevalence ofCryptosporidiuminfection was highest in 4 dogs (21.0%) between 3 and 9 months of age. Ten diarrhoeic dogs (30.3%) and 31 dogs from rural settlements were more infected (22.46%) withCryptosporidiumoocysts. There was statistical association between prevalence ofCryptosporidiumand confinement of dogs (OR = 0.41; 95% CI on OR: 0.21 < OR < 0.80). However, there was no statistical association (P>0.05) between prevalence ofCryptosporidiumand age, diarrhoeic status of the dogs, sex, breed, and location. A total of 62.7% respondents did not have prior knowledge about dogs harbouring organisms that can infect humans. The finding of this research is of public health significance.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 210
Author(s):  
Kwabena Dankwa ◽  
Samuel Victor Nuvor ◽  
Dorcas Obiri-Yeboah ◽  
Patrick Kwame Feglo ◽  
Mohamed Mutocheluh

Cryptosporidium species are intestinal protozoan parasites that infect and cause diarrhoea in animals and humans. The current study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors of Cryptosporidium infection among HIV-infected patients in the Central region of Ghana. In this cross-sectional study, four hundred eighteen documented HIV-infected participants from four health facilities that provide antiretroviral therapy (ART) services across the Central region of Ghana were selected by systematic random sampling. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (CoproELISATM, Cryptosporidium Savyon® Diagnostics Ltd., Ashdod, Israel) was used to detect Cryptosporidium antigens in stool samples obtained from participants. Information regarding participants’ sociodemographic characteristics and clinical symptoms as well as potential environmental and behavioral risk factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests were used to determine associations between Cryptosporidium infections and explanatory variables, while risk factors were assessed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection among HIV-infected participants in this study was 6.2% (95% CI: 3.90–8.54). Cryptosporidium was not significantly associated with any of the sociodemographic variables, patient clinical symptoms, and environmental factors. However, the prevalence of the parasite was significantly higher 25% (95% CI: 1.17–48.83; p = 0.013) among participants who did not always wash their hands before meals and those who did not always wash vegetables before eating them, 23.5% (95% CI: 1.05–46.01; p = 0.016). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that participants who used public water closet facilities were approximately 9 times more likely to become infected with the parasite than those who practised open defecation (OR: 8.83; 95% CI: 1.22–64.13; p = 0.031). In conclusion, Cryptosporidium is prevalent among HIV-infected patients in the Central region of Ghana. An important risk factor identified was the use of the public water closet toilet facility. More attention should be given to ensuring cleanliness at shared water closet facilities in addition to adequate disinfection of hands after using such facilities.


2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 41-46
Author(s):  
OA Akinkuotu ◽  
BO Fagbemi

This study was carried out to assess the potential of animals, used for teaching and research, as a source of Cryptosporidium infection for students and staff of a University in Nigeria. Faecal samples from 185 animals reared on the teaching and research farm were collected and examined for Cryptosporidium spp. antigens by the use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). From all the samples evaluated, 35.7% (66/185) were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. antigens with an infection rate of 30.6% (15/49), 40.7% (22/54), 43.9% (18/41) and 26.8% (11/41) for cattle, sheep, goats and pigs respectively. The rate of infection was significantly higher (p<0.05) in pre-weaned animals (63.6%) than in the post-weaned (23.6%) and adult (29.1%) animals. The infection rates, 54.8% and 42.3%, for diarrhoeic and female animals were significantly higher (p<0.05) than in non-diarrhoeic and male animals respectively. The presence of coproantigens of Cryptosporidium spp. observed in stool samples of ruminants and pigs suggests that these animals may be considered as a potential reservoir of this protozoa, that is able to contaminate the environment, infect other domestic and wild animals and in some cases humans.Keywords: Cryptosporidium, ELISA, Nigeria, Pigs, Ruminants


1993 ◽  
Vol 70 (03) ◽  
pp. 393-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mandeep S Dhami ◽  
Robert D Bona ◽  
John A Calogero ◽  
Richard M Hellman

SummaryA retrospective study was done to determine the incidence of and the risk factors predisposing to clinical venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients treated for high grade gliomas. Medical records of 68 consecutive patients diagnosed and treated at Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center from January 1986 to June 1991 were reviewed. The follow up was to time of death or at least 6 months (up to December 1991). All clinically suspected episodes of VTE were confirmed by objective tests. Sixteen episodes of VTE were detected in 13 patients for an overall episode rate of 23.5%. Administration of chemotherapy (p = 0.027, two tailed Fisher exact test) and presence of paresis (p = 0.031, two tailed Fisher exact test) were statistically significant risk factors for the development of VTE. Thrombotic events were more likely to occur in the paretic limb and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.00049, chi square test, with Yates correction). No major bleeding complications were seen in the nine episodes treated with long term anticoagulation.We conclude that venous thromboembolic complications are frequently encountered in patients being treated for high grade gliomas and the presence of paresis and the administration of chemotherapy increases the risk of such complications.


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 449.1-449
Author(s):  
S. Mizuki ◽  
K. Horie ◽  
K. Imabayashi ◽  
K. Mishima ◽  
K. Oryoji

Background:In the idividuals with genetic and enviromental risk factors, immune events at mucosal surfaces occur and may precede systemic autoimmunity. Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) are present in the serum for an average of 3-5 years prior to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) during an asymptomatic period. In ACPA-positivite individuals, the additional presence of RA-related risk factors appears to add significant power for the development of RA. To date, there have been few reports in which clinical courses of ACPA-positive asymptomatic individuals were investigated prospectively.Objectives:To observe the clinical time course of ACPA-positive healthy population for the development of RA.Methods:Healthy volunteers without joint pain or stiffness, who attended the comprehensive health screening of our hospital, were enrolled in this prospective observational study. The serum ACPA levels were quantified by Ig-G anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with levels > 4.4 U/mL considered positive. ACPA-positive subjects were followed by rheumatologists of our department clinically or a questionnaire sent by mail for screening to detect arthritis.Results:5,971 healthy individuals without joint symptons were included. Ninty-two (1.5%) were positive for ACPA. Of these, 19 (20.7%) developed RA and two were suspected as RA by mail questionnaire. Their average age were 58-years, and women were 68%. The average duration between the date of serum sampling and diagnosis was 10.7 months. ACPA-positive individuals who developed to RA had higher serum ACPA and Ig-M rheumatoid factor levels than ACPA-positive individuals who did not (P value by Mann-Whitney U test: 0.002, 0.005, respectively).Conclusion:Among ACPA-positive asymptomatic individuals, 20% developed RA. The higher titer of ACPA and Ig-M rheumatoid factor levels are risk factors for devoloping RA.Disclosure of Interests:None declared


Author(s):  
Julio César Castillo-Cuenca ◽  
Álvaro Martínez-Moreno ◽  
José Manuel Diaz-Cao ◽  
Angel Entrena-García ◽  
Jorge Fraga ◽  
...  

AbstractA cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated risk factors in pigs in the largest pork-producing region in Cuba. Serum samples from 420 pigs, including 210 sows and 210 post-weaning pigs, were tested for antibodies against T. gondii using a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected in 56 animals (13.3%, 95% CI: 10.1–16.6). A generalized estimating equations model revealed that the risk factors associated with higher seropositivity in pigs were altitude (higher in farm’s location < 250 m above sea level (masl) versus ≥ 250 masl) and age (higher in sows compared to post-weaning pigs). The results indicated that this protozoan parasite is widely distributed on pig farms in the study area, which is a public health concern since the consumption of raw or undercooked pork meat products containing tissue cysts is considered one of the main routes of T. gondii transmission worldwide. Control measures should be implemented to reduce the risk of exposure to T. gondii in pigs in Cuba.


2021 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Molhima M. Elmahi ◽  
Mohammed O. Hussien ◽  
Abdel Rahim E. Karrar ◽  
Amira M. Elhassan ◽  
Abdel Rahim M. El Hussein

Abstract Background Bluetongue (BT) is a vector-borne viral disease of ruminant and camelid species which is transmitted by Culicoides spp. The causative agent of BT is bluetongue virus (BTV) that belongs to genus Orbivirus of the family Reoviridae. The clinical disease is seen mainly in sheep but mostly sub-clinical infections of BT are seen in cattle, goats and camelids. The clinical reaction of camels to infection is usually not apparent. The disease is notifiable to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), causing great economic losses due to decreased trade and high mortality and morbidity rates associated with bluetongue outbreaks. The objective of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of BTV in camels in Kassala State, Eastern Sudan and to identify the potential risk factors associated with the infection. A cross sectional study using a structured questionnaire survey was conducted during 2015–2016. A total of 210 serum samples were collected randomly from camels from 8 localities of Kassala State. The serum samples were screened for the presence of BTV specific immunoglobulin (IgG) antibodies using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). Results Seropositivity to BTV IgG was detected in 165 of 210 camels’ sera accounting for a prevalence of 78.6%. Potential risk factors to BTV infection were associated with sex (OR = 0.061, p-value = 0.001) and seasonal river as water source for drinking (OR = 32.257, p-value = 0.0108). Conclusions Sex and seasonal river as water source for drinking were considered as potential risk factors for seropositivity to BTV in camels. The high prevalence of BTV in camels in Kassala State, Eastern Sudan, necessitates further epidemiological studies of BTV infection in camels and other ruminant species to better be able to control BT disease in this region.


1999 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 483-488 ◽  
Author(s):  
María de la Luz Galván Ramírez ◽  
Guillermo Sánchez Vargas ◽  
Marcos Vielma Sandoval ◽  
Juan Luis Soto Mancilla

Cats are the definitive hosts of Toxoplasma gondii. Infected cats excrete oocysts in their feces, infecting humans and other animals. The objective of the present study was to determine the presence of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies in cat owners and their pets, and determine if there was a relationship between Toxoplasma infection and humans who live with infected cats. IgG anti-Toxoplasma antibodies in sera of 59 cat owners were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), in 24 sera from their cats, IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies were found using Burney's ELISA. Thirty-eight (64%) of 59 cat owners were positive to IgG anti-Toxoplasma. Seropositivity for cats was 70.8% IgG, 8.3% IgM, and 62.5% IgA. Cohabitation with cats infected by T. gondii, feeding with leftovers or raw viscera, and lack of control over how their feces were handled are risk factors conducive for humans to become infected by T. gondii.


2014 ◽  
Vol 89 (4) ◽  
pp. 428-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.A. Marchioro ◽  
C.M. Colli ◽  
É.C. Ferreira ◽  
B.M. Viol ◽  
S.M. Araújo ◽  
...  

AbstractThis study investigated the epidemiological factors that contribute to the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp. in children from Paraná state, Brazil. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to T. gondii were detected using indirect immunofluorescence, and IgG antibodies to Toxocara were detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. For each individual, a questionnaire was completed that contained epidemiological and clinical data. The data analysis was performed using multiple logistic regression. Of the 544 children investigated, 3.2% presented co-infection with T. gondii and Toxocara spp. Of this total, 7.4% were positive for antibodies to T. gondii, and 25% were positive for antibodies to Toxocara spp. The presence of antibodies to Toxocara spp. increased the risk of T. gondii infection (P= 0.029). Children who were 1–8 years of age were less infected by T. gondii than those who were 9–12 years of age. The variables that influenced positivity for anti-Toxocara spp. were the origin of the children and contact with sand. Children with positive serology for Toxocara spp. presented more eosinophilia compared with those with non-reactive serology. Infection with both parasites reveals the need for preventive measures, such as guidance about modes of infection, parasite control and monitoring recreational areas.


2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (8) ◽  
pp. 030006052091805
Author(s):  
Tianshu Zhai ◽  
Xiaojing Wu ◽  
Nannan Zhang ◽  
Xu Huang ◽  
Qingyuan Zhan

Objective Inflammation and viral infections can induce significant changes in lipid metabolism. Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) often occurs secondary to obesity, which is an independent risk factor for influenza virus infection. However, the inflammatory risk factors contributing to HTG in patients with severe influenza have yet to be elucidated. Materials and methods Plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were collected from 33 patients with severe influenza (n = 26 control patients with normal serum triglyceride levels and n = 7 HTG patients with serum triglycerides >2.3 mM). Levels of 45 putative inflammatory risk factors were quantitated using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results Plasma levels of interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-18, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, hepatocyte growth factor, stem cell factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor A were significantly higher in HTG patients compared with control patients. BALF samples from HTG patients contained significantly higher levels of IL-1RA and lower levels of IFN-γ-inducible protein-10. Conclusion HTG in patients with severe influenza is associated with alterations in several inflammatory risk factors. Our results provide new insights that may enable more effective clinical management of severe influenza combined with HCT.


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