Brucellosis In Camels Research Articles

Serological Diagnosis of Camel Brucellosis at Sharkia Governorate, Egypt

Serological Diagnosis of Camel Brucellosis at Sharkia Governorate, Egypt

Molecular Study of the Prevalence of Brucella Abortus and Brucella Melitensis in the Blood and Lymph Node Samples of Slaughtered Camels by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in Iran

Abstract Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease which is characterized by reduced fertility and abortion in several species of animals, as well as humans. Camel brucellosis is caused by Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis. To overcome the limitations posed by other techniques such as culture and serology, a sensitive technique (PCR) was employed for the detection of brucellosis in 123 camels. Findings from this PCR study indicated a total of 11.38% of blood samples as positive for Brucella spp. and 13.01% of the lymph node samples were positive for Brucella spp. In this study, 5 out of 123 (4.065%) and 3 out of 123 (2.439%) camel blood samples were positive for B. abortus and B. melitensis, respectively. Also, 4 out of 123 (3.252%) and 2 out of 123 (1.626%) camel lymph node samples were positive for B. abortus and B. melitensis, respectively. Young camels were the most commonly infected age group, while adult camels were the less often infected age group. Also, higher prevalence of brucellosis was observed in female camels. These results have indicated that PCR is a sensitive technique which could be used as a confirmatory test for the detection of brucellosis in live camels, at the same time with the lowest risk of infection of laboratory personnel. The obtained results suggest that control and eradication programs for Brucella spp. infection seem to be necessary in camels. Our findings support the power of PCR test for Brucella spp. detection in the blood and lymph node samples and it could be easily used for routine diagnosis.

Seroprevalence of Brucellosis in Camels (Camelus dromedaries) in South East Ethiopia

Seroprevalence of Brucellosis in Camels (Camelus dromedaries) in South East Ethiopia The present study was delineated to investigate the seroprevalence and risk factors of brucellosis in camels at Adama town brought for export purposes from Bale and Borena zones of Oromia region, Ethiopia. Also questionnaire survey was conducted among camel owners to assess the knowledge-attitude-practice (KAP) among these farmers towards brucellosis.

Sero-prevalence of Brucellosis in One-Humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius) Herds In Yobe State, Nigeria

The present study was carried out to survey the seroprevalence of brucellosis in one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) in the five agricultural zones of Yobe State, Northeastern Nigeria. Four hundred (400) camels of between 6 months and 12 years old were sampled. The serum samples were screened for Brucella antibodies by Microtitre Serum Agglutination Test (MSAT). The overall seroprevalence among the camel tested in all the agricultural zones was 106(26.5%), of which 42(10.5%) were male and 64(16.5%) were female camels. There was no significant statistical difference (P>0.05) in the seroprevalence based on sex of the camels in the state. However, there was significant association between the female sex of camel and serological reaction to MSAT (OR = 1.143). Of the 106 positive camels, 8(2.0%) were young while 98 (24.5%) were adults. There was a significant statistical difference (P< 0.05) in the age distribution of Brucella infection in camels with significant statistical association between the adult camel and serological reaction to MSAT (OR =3.141). Brucella infection was reported in all the agricultural zones of the state with significant association between the female sex and Brucella infection. It was concluded that the level of Brucella infection in camels in the state is high and this could be attributed to the low level of veterinary services patronage by the herdsmen and their low level of education.

Camelus dromedarius brucellosis and its public health associated risks in the Afar National Regional State in northeastern Ethiopia.

BackgroundA cross-sectional study was carried out in four districts of the Afar region in Ethiopia to determine the prevalence of brucellosis in camels, and to identify risky practices that would facilitate the transmission of zoonoses to humans. This study involved testing 461 camels and interviewing 120 livestock owners. The modified Rose Bengal plate test (mRBPT) and complement fixation test (CFT) were used as screening and confirmatory tests, respectively. SPSS 16 was used to analyze the overall prevalence and potential risk factors for seropositivity, using a multivariable logistic regression analysis.ResultsIn the camel herds tested, 5.4% had antibodies against Brucella species, and the district level seroprevalence ranged from 11.7% to 15.5% in camels. The logistic regression model for camels in a herd size > 20 animals (OR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.16-6.62) and greater than four years of age (OR = 4.9; 95% CI: 1.45-16.82) showed a higher risk of infection when compared to small herds and those ≤ 4 years old. The questionnaire survey revealed that most respondents did not know about the transmission of zoonotic diseases, and that their practices could potentially facilitate the transmission of zoonotic pathogens.ConclusionsThe results of this study revealed that camel brucellosis is prevalent in the study areas. Therefore, there is a need for implementing control measures and increasing public awareness in the prevention methods of brucellosis.

Sero-Prevalence and Epidemiology of Brucellosis in Camels, Sheep and Goats in Abu Dhabi Emirate

Brucellosis is a disease of animals caused by <em>Brucella</em> species and is transmissible to humans. This study was undertaken to determine the sero-prevalence of the disease in livestock including sheep and goats and camels, in different regions of Abu Dhabi emirate and to identify factors associated with the epidemiology of the disease. A serological study using 6126 blood samples from livestock were obtained from 267 farms (Izaba) during the period from January 2009 to December 2010. The Rose Bengal Plate Test and competitive ELISA were used as screening and confirmatory tests, respectively. The overall sero-prevalence of <em>Brucella</em> antibodies was 8.00% and 7.00% detected by the RBPT by c-ELISA respectively. <em>Brucella</em> prevalence was 8.3, 5.9 and 4.7% in Alain, Abu Dhabi and Western region. The prevalence of the disease was higher (8.4%) in sheep and goats than (4.4%) in camels respectively. The result showed that, the prevalence of brucellosis was significantly higher in females than male (p<0.04) Out of the 267 farms sampled in the study, 147 (55.1%) were infected with <em>Brucella</em>. There was strong correlation between herd size and prevalence of the disease, very large herds had significantly higher prevalence when compared with small ones. The study revealed light of a size able prevalence among livestock in Abu Dhabi Emirate and the results reflect the necessity of a control program of the disease is needed to be adopted.

Camel brucellosis and management practices in Jijiga and Babile districts, Eastern Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was carried out on sera of 822 randomly selected camels in order to estimate seroprevalence and risk factors of brucellosis and assess camel management practices. A questionnaire survey was administered to one-hundred willing respondents out of the total 185 camel owners whose camels were included in the sample unit. The sera were first screened by Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and then all positive reactors were further tested by the complement fixation test (CFT) for confirmation. The overall seroprevalence of brucella in camels was 2.43% (95% CI = 1.3 - 3.8). None of the potential risk factors studied (district, sex, age, herd size, camel rearing experience and parity) had significant effect on animal level seroprevalence (P > 0.05). The herd level seroprevalence was significantly associated with abortion (P = 0.012) and still birth (P = 0.016). Significant proportion (40%) of camel herders kept camels together with cattle, sheep and goats. Thirty-two percent of camel herders kept camel with cattle. The camel herd composition was dominated by pregnant (21.8%), lactating (21.1%) and mature non-lactating she camels (19.3%). The major diseases affecting camels were trypanosomiasis (93%), anthrax (80%), pneumonia (70%), “bent neck” (59%), abscess (59%), endoparasites (54%) and ectoparasites (51%). Camel management practices like herding, watering, milking, delivery and mating assistance were mainly the responsibilities of adults and young males. Although, seroprevalence of camel brucellosis was low, it could pose considerable threat to public health and market value of camels. The camel health and management practices are inadequate. Public education and detailed epidemiological studies of camel diseases were suggested. Key words: Camel, brucellosis, seroprevalence, milking, watering, herding, risk factor.

A review on camel brucellosis: a zoonosis sustained by ignorance and indifference

In many developing countries of Asia and Africa, camels are one of the most important sources of income for the nomadic population. With increasing urbanization, camel milk and meat have gained a wider market and commercialization and consumption of camel products are on the rise. Camel brucellosis can be encountered in all camel rearing countries with exception of Australia. High animal and herd prevalences have been reported from numerous countries, which not only pose a continuous risk for human infection, but also increase the spread of infection through uncontrolled trade of clinically inconspicuous animals. This short review aims at providing an overview on diagnostic investigations, as well as the public health and economic impact of brucellosis in old world camels.

Comparison of serology, culture, and PCR for detection of brucellosis in slaughtered camels in Iran

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease which is characterized by abortion and reduced fertility in many species. Camel brucellosis is caused by Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis. To investigate sensitive methods in the detection of camel brucellosis, PCR was used to overcome the limitations of serology and culture methods. Three hundred ten camels were examined for brucellosis infection using serological tests (RBPT, mRB, Wright, and 2-ME). In addition, 100 serological tested cases (39 mRB positive and 61 mRB negative) were analyzed with both bacteriological (lymph node culture on Brucella agar supplemented with antibiotics) and PCR (nested-PCR on sera and blood samples) methods. The nested-PCR was genus-specific and amplified the 16S rDNA locus. Six out of 310 (1.94 %) of the examined camels were positive using the serological tests, whereas, no bacteria was isolated from lymph tissues. Nested-PCR was positive in six and nine individuals in sera and blood samples, respectively. The genus-specific nested-PCR assay on blood samples detected a higher number of camel brucellosis compared with serological and classical culture methods. These results have identified a sensitive PCR method which could be used as a complement test for the detection of brucellosis in live camels with the lowest risk of infection to laboratory workers.

Seroprevalence of Brucella Infection in Camel and Its Public Health Significance in Selected Districts of Afar Region, Ethiopia

This paper reports the results of a cross-sectional study conducted between October 2010 and May 2011 in two conveniently selected camel-rearing districts of Afar, Awash-Fentale and Amibara, North East Ethiopia with the objective of determining the prevalence and risk factors of camel and human brucellosis. A total of 768 camel blood sera were collected by simple random sampling from eight pastoral and agro-pastoral residences and human sera were collected from 200 purposely selected clinical patients from two health centres of the districts. Sera were screened using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and positive samples were then confirmed by Complement Fixation Test (CFT). The overall prevalence of camel brucellosis in the districts investigated was 11.9% by RBPT and 7.6% by CFT and the overall prevalence of human brucellosis was 16% by RBPT and 15% by CFT. The logistic regression on animal level including age, herd size, presence of ruminants and parity of the camels showed statistically significant difference and were the potential risk factors associated with camel brucellosis with significance levels of (P= 0.026, 0.004, 0.0001 and 0.004 respectively. The ownership of Milking Camels, living within the pastoral and agro-pastoral communities, keeping of livestock in close contact, consumption of raw camel milk and milk products, assisting animals during parturition and grooming livestock were potential risk factors associated with human brucellosis. The results of the present investigation indicate that human and camel brucellosis is widely distributed in the study districts of Afar Regional State. Hence, controlling the risk factors, proper hygienic practices, public education and team work between veterinary and health personnel should be improved. An effort to mitigate the economic losses and public health hazard caused by the disease has to be made.

Comparison of diagnostic tests for the detection of Brucella spp. in camel sera.

BackgroundBrucellosis in livestock causes enormous losses for economies of developing countries and poses a severe health risk to consumers of dairy products. Little information is known especially on camel brucellosis and its impact on human health. For surveillance and control of the disease, sensitive and reliable detection methods are needed. Although serological tests are the mainstay of diagnosis in camel brucellosis, these tests have been directly transposed from cattle without adequate validation. To date, little information on application of real-time PCR for detection of Brucella in camel serum is available. Therefore, this study was performed to compare the diagnostic efficiency of different serological tests and real-time PCR in order to identify the most sensitive, rapid and simple combination of tests for detecting Brucella infection in camels.FindingsA total of 895 serum samples collected from apparently healthy Sudanese camels was investigated. Sudan is a well documented endemic region for brucellosis with cases in humans, ruminants, and camels. Rose Bengal Test (RBT), Complement Fixation Test (CFT), Slow Agglutination Test (SAT), Competitive Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay (cELISA) and Fluorescence Polarization Assay (FPA) as well as real-time PCR were used. Our findings revealed that bcsp31 kDa real-time PCR detected Brucella DNA in 84.8% (759/895) of the examined samples, of which 15.5% (118/759) were serologically negative. Our results show no relevant difference in sensitivity between the different serological tests. FPA detected the highest number of positive cases (79.3%) followed by CFT (71.4%), RBT (70.7%), SAT (70.6%) and cELISA (68.8%). A combination of real-time PCR with one of the used serological tests identified brucellosis in more than 99% of the infected animals. 59.7% of the examined samples were positive in all serological tests and real-time PCR. A subpopulation of 6.8% of animals was positive in all serological tests but negative in real-time PCR assays. The high percentage of positive cases in this study does not necessarily reflect the seroprevalence of the disease in the country but might be caused by the fact that the camels were imported from brucellosis infected herds of Sudan, accidentally. Seroprevalence of brucellosis in camels should be examined in confirmatory studies to evaluate the importance of brucellosis in this animal species.ConclusionWe suggest combining bcsp31 real-time PCR with either FPA, CFT, RBT or SAT to screen camels for brucellosis.

Seroprevalence of Brucellosis in Camels in and Around Dire Dawa City, Eastern Ethiopia

Seroprevalence of Brucellosis in Camels in and Around Dire Dawa City, Eastern Ethiopia

Serological Survey of Antibodies against Brucella Organisms in One Humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius) Herds in the Lake Chad Area of Borno State, North Eastern Nigeria

Sero-prevalence of brucellosis in the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) was carried out in the Lake Chad area of Borno state. A total of two hundred and fifty four (254) sera samples collected from adult camels in herds located in the Lake Chad Area of Borno state, North easternNigeria, were tested using Rose Bengal Plate test (RBPT) and Microtitre Serum Agglutination Test (MSAT). Twenty four samples (9.4%) were positive by both RBPT and MSAT, out of which 10 (3.9%) and 14 (5.5%) were males andfemale respectively. There was no statistically significant association between sex and positive serological reaction (P>0.05)

Seroprevalence of Camel Brucellosis In Pastoral Areas of Afar, Somali and Oromia Regions, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the pastoral areas of Afar, Somali and Oromia regions of Ethiopia between October 2008 and May 2009 to determine the antibody prevalence and to identify risk factors for brucellosis in camels (Camelus dromedorius). Sera were collected from 1100 camels and 86 herds. Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) was used to screen all serum samples and positive samples were subjected to confirmation by complement fixation test (CFT). Twenty six of these (2.36%) tested positive using the Rose Bengal plate test and 21 (1.91%) tested positive by the complement fixation test. The true seroprevalence of camel brucellosis as adjusted to the RBPT and CFT sensitivities and specificities was 5.71%. The highest prevalence (3.16%) was reported in Afar however the difference was not significant (p>0.05) among regions. Age and sex were not found to be significant in the occurrence of brucellosis. Univariable logistic regression model showed that adult camels in the age group of 4-6years had significant impact on camel seropositivity to brucellosis (P<0.05, odds ratio (OR), 4.56; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.38-15.04). Herd size recorded significant association with seropositivity of brucellosis (P<0.05, medium herds OR, 5.51; 95%CI, 1.80-16.91 and large herds OR, 1.85; 95%CI, 0.46-7.48). The authors recommend the implementation of well-organized disease control and prevention methods to mitigate the economic losses and public health hazard caused by the disease.

Brucellosis in camels, cattle and humans: associations and evaluation of serological tests used for diagnosis of the disease in certain nomadic localities in Sudan

Brucellosis was studied in 2,225 camels, 20 camel nomads and 33 abattoir workers in certain nomadic localities in Sudan, using serum and milk samples. Lymph nodes, testicular tissues and udder tissues from positive camels and hygroma aspirates from three affected cows were used for isolation of Brucella. Serum samples were examined by Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), modified RBPT (mRBPT), serum agglutination test (SAT) and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA), and milk by the milk ring test. Overall seroprevalence in camels (milk and serum samples) was 37.5%. The seroprevalence in males was 28.2% and in females 40.1%. Twelve (60%) of the 20 nomads and three (9%) of the 33 abattoir workers had positive antibody titres. Brucella abortus biovar 6 was isolated from two camels and three cows. Two isolates, one from each species, were atypical. The bacteriological findings suggested that camels were infected from cattle, the primary hosts of B. abortus. The mRBPT was suitable for screening camel sera for brucellosis, but the cELISA detected 2.1% more positives. The SAT antibody concentrations ranged between < 13 and 3,282 IU/ml.

Seroprevalence of camel brucellosis (Camelus dromedarius) in Somaliland

The present study was delineated to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of camel brucellosis in Northern Somalia (Somaliland). The study was carried out at three main districts of camel-rearing regions of Somaliland (Awdal, Waqoyi Galbed and Togdheer) in the period from July to November, 2008. A total of 1246 camel blood sera were randomly collected from 42 sporadic small scale camel herds. Two serological tests were used to screen all serum samples, Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and indirect ELISA (I-ELISA). Multivariate logistic regression was constructed to study the risk factors associated with Brucella seropositive cases. The overall prevalence of camel brucellosis in districts under investigation was 3.9% by RBPT and 3.1% by (I-ELISA). Multivariate logistic regression on animal level showed that locality (P < 0.05; OR: 6.254; CI, 1.186-32.976), herd size (P < 0.001; OR: 5.493; CI, 2.956-10-207), rearing with other ruminants (P < 0.001; OR: 12.433; CI, 3.957-39.060), and contact with other camels (P < 0.05; OR: 5.311; CI, 1.093-25.800) were the potential risk factors. However, herd size (P < 0.05; OR: 5.425; CI, 1.181-24.932), and rearing with other ruminants (P < 0.05; OR: 20.466; CI, 1.456-28.638) were recorded as risk factors on the herd level. The results of the present investigation indicate that the Brucella spp. exists within the camel herds in Somaliland. Further studies need to be done on Brucella infection in the other ruminants to determine which measure should be followed for control of brucellosis.

Cytokine response and clinicopathological findings in Brucella infected camels (Camelus dromedarius)

The present study had the aim of assessing the cytokine response and selected clinicopathological findings associated with brucellosis in camels (&lt;I&gt;Camelus dromedarius)&lt;/I&gt;. 340 dromedary camels were examined for brucellosis using agglutination and Complement Fixation tests (CFT). Twenty-five camels (7.35%) were positive by both tests; 14 (4.12%) for &lt;I&gt;B. abortus&lt;/I&gt; and 11 (3.23%) for &lt;I&gt;B. melitensis&lt;/I&gt;. IL-1&amp;beta; and IL-10 interleukin levels in both &lt;I&gt;B. abortus&lt;/I&gt; and &lt;I&gt;B. melitensis&lt;/I&gt; infected camels showed significant elevations (&lt;I&gt;P&lt;/I&gt; &lt; 0.05) compared with controls. Moreover, there was significantly larger increase in IL-1&amp;beta; interleukins in camels infected with &lt;I&gt;B. abortus&lt;/I&gt; compared with &lt;I&gt;B. melitensis&lt;/I&gt;. TNF-&amp;alpha;, IFN-&amp;gamma; and IL-1&amp;alpha; levels showed significant decreases (&lt;I&gt;P&lt;/I&gt; &lt; 0.05) in &lt;I&gt;Brucella&lt;/I&gt; infected camels compared with non-infected ones; however, there was non-significant changes in IL-6 levels in &lt;I&gt;Brucella&lt;/I&gt; infected camels compared with controls. Lymphopenia was recorded in infected camels but not in controls. However, normocytic normochromic anemia, hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia and hypoglycemia were recorded in the &lt;I&gt;B. abortus&lt;/I&gt; group only. Sorbitol dehydrogenase (SD), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) showed significant increases (&lt;I&gt;P&lt;/I&gt; &lt; 0.05) in infected camels compared with controls, and in &lt;I&gt;B. abortus&lt;/I&gt; infected camels compared with &lt;I&gt;B. melitensis&lt;/I&gt; infected animals. This is the first report that describes changes in selected cytokines and various haematological and biochemical parameters associated with brucellosios in dromedary camels. Emphasis should be placed on multidisciplinary research to elucidate the immunomodulatory features of camel brucellosis.

Brucellosis in Camels (Camelus dromedorius) in the south province of Jordan

A study of the prevalence of camel brucellosis has been carried out in the south province of Jordan during the years 2006 and 2007. Six hundred forty camel sera from 44 herds were randomly collected and analyzed. Rose Bengal plate test was used to screen all serum samples. The positive samples were subjected to confirmation by complement fixation test. The true prevalence of Brucella seropositive was 15.8%. Brucella melitensis biotype 3 was isolated from 2 aborted fetuses and from 2 milk samples. 64.8% of the positive camels were adult > than 4 years old and the remaining 35.2% were young ranging from 6 months to 4 years old. Recommendations for brucellosis control were given.

Risk factors associated with camel brucellosis in Jordan

During the period between February, 2004 and December, 2006, a cross-sectional study was performed to investigate some epidemiological aspects related to camel brucellosis in Jordan. Four hundred twelve camel sera from 37 herds were randomly collected and analyzed using Rose Bengal plate test and complement fixation test. A structured pre-tested questionnaire was administered to collect information on camel herd health and management. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to investigate risk factors associated with seropositivity to Brucella antigens. Moreover, the incidence of Brucella-specific abortion was investigated in 7 camel herds located in different locations in Southern Jordan. The true prevalence of Brucella-seropositive in camels was 12.1%. Thirteen (35.1%) herds had at least one positive camel. The seroprevalence ofbrucellosis in camels was significantly higher in the southern part of Jordan than that in central or northern Jordan. The multivariable logistic regression model on both individual and herd levels revealed large herds and contact with small ruminants as risk factors for Brucella seropositivity. On the other hand, using disinfectants was identified as a protective factor (OR = 0.8; 95% CI: 0.1, 0.9) only on the camel herd level. The incidence of Brucella-caused abortion was 1.9%. Brucella melitensis biotype 3 was isolated from 4 aborted camel fetuses.

First Detection of Brucella abortus in Camel Serum in Saudi Arabia Using the Polymerase Chain Reaction

Alshaikh, M.A.A., Alhaidary, A.I., Aljumaah, R.S., Mohammed, O.B., Al-Korashi, M.M., Omer, S.A., Gar EINabi, A.R. and Hussein, M.F. 2006. First detection of Brucella abortus in camel serum in Saudi Arabia using the polymerase chain reaction. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 31: 149–152. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to diagnose brucellosis in camels. DNA was extracted from 26 serum samples of camels that tested positive for brucellosis by two or more serologic tests. PCR products indicating the presence of a Brucella spp. DNA were detected in all samples with primers that amplify the 31 kDa membrane protein and 18 samples with primers that amplify the 905 bp of the 16S rRNA. Using primers that amplify the IS711 locus 8 samples revealed DNA amplification at around 500 bp, indicating that the organism involved was B. abortus. This is the first report on the use of the PCR as a diagnostic tool for brucellosis in the serum of the camel and the first record of B. abortus in that animal in Saudi Arabia.