Brucellosis In Sheep Research Articles

Unravelling key genes associated with ovine Brucellosis by differential gene expression analysis: A holistic bioinformatics study

Ovine Brucellosis, caused by Brucella ovis bacteria, is a pathognomonic reproductive infectious disease of sheep that causes epididymitis in rams (male sheep) and placental inflammation in ewes (female sheep) leading to reduced fertility. The specific molecular process that causes alterations in genome of sheep during brucellosis is not yet fully understood. This study aimed to identify key host genes associated with the pathogenesis of ovine brucellosis caused by B. ovis. The GSE35614 dataset containing six healthy and six Brucella ovis infected sample of rams in the chronic phase 2 was obtained from the NCBI GEO database to examine and detect any differences in gene expression (DEGs). Functional and pathway enrichment analyse of the DEGs were performed along with the construction of protein-protein interaction network. Next, functional modules and hub genes were clustered and identified respectively, using the MCODE plugin. As a result, a total of 316 differentially expresses genes were filtered according to the provided cut-off criteria. The enriched DEGs were related to extracellular matrix interaction, cell adhesion mediated by integrin, angiogenesis, and inflammatory response. Furthermore, the hub gene analysis resulted in five hub genes namely, FN1, FBN1, CDH1, CD44, and SPP1, were up-regulated during the infection which could lead to reproductive disorders in sheep. In conclusion, the DEGs, functional and pathways terms, along with hub genes identified in the current study can provide prospective targets for the early diagnosis and treatment of brucellosis and provide insight into the molecular mechanism underlying the alterations that occur during brucellosis in sheep.

Investigation of outbreaks and risk factors for brucellosis in goat and sheep farms in central Thailand

Background and Aim: Brucellosis is a harmful disease that affects a wide range of animals and adversely affects both animal and human health. Brucella melitensis is a zoonotic disease that causes brucellosis in sheep and goats. This study aimed to identify human index cases, identify risk factors for brucellosis in goat and sheep farms, and establish recommendations for farmers. Materials and Methods: An unmatched case-control study was conducted on goat or sheep farms in central Thailand. We utilized animal disease reports and outbreak investigation data extracted from the Department of Livestock Development, Thailand, and assessed these secondary data. A questionnaire was used to collect data. Serum samples were parallel tested for brucellosis using the modified Rose Bengal test and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: An index case of human brucellosis was reported in the province of Chai Nat. Patients who were goat farmers or had previous experience of goat farming were included. Bacteria were introduced into the patient's farms by purchasing goats, grazing in public grassland, and insufficient biosecurity. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified a higher risk of brucellosis positivity in the large herd than in the small herd (adjusted odds ratio = 8.61; 95% confidence interval = 1.62-45.71). Conclusion: These results suggest that goat or sheep farms with 50 heads should take further measures to prevent disease transmission, such as increasing the frequency of disease testing within the herd and strengthening the biosecurity system. Keywords: brucellosis, goat farms, outbreak investigation, risk factor, sheep farms.

Seroprevalence of Brucellosis in Sheep and Goats With Owners' Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices in Garowe District, Nugal region, Somalia.

Brucellosis is an important neglected bacterial zoonotic disease in sub-Saharan Africa, including Somalia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Garowe district, Nugal region, Somalia, from May 2022 to January 2023 to estimate the seroprevalence of small ruminant brucellosis and assess owners' knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward brucellosis. A total of 384 sheep and goats were selected using a simple random sampling technique and screened for Brucella antibodies by the Modified Rose Bengal Plate Test, and positive samples were then further confirmed using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. For the questionnaire survey, 384 households were selected randomly, and a structured questionnaire was used to assess owners' knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward brucellosis. The overall brucellosis seroprevalence was 4.7% in small ruminants (95% CI: 2.8-7.3), and the true seroprevalence was calculated as 5.2%. According to the multivariable logistic regression analysis, sex was found to be a potential risk factor for small ruminant brucellosis (P < .05). More specifically, female sheep and goats were 9.13 times (aOR 9.13, 95% CI: 1.18-70.33) more likely to become seropositive than males. The owners' knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward brucellosis were found to be low, and education level was associated with owners' knowledge (χ2 = 16.78; P < .001), attitudes (χ2 = 19.4; P < .001) and practices (χ2 = 34.0; P < .001). There is also a significant association between owner knowledge, attitudes, and practices and seropositivity of brucellosis in sheep and goats. Moderate seroprevalence, together with insufficient knowledge, attitudes, and practices of owners, makes brucellosis a threat to animals and the entire community. Hence, raising community awareness of the disease is essential to reduce the impact on small ruminant productivity and the risks to public health.

Determination of sero-prevalence of brucellosis in sheep (Ovis aries) in Bikaner district of Rajasthan

Determination of sero-prevalence of brucellosis in sheep (Ovis aries) in Bikaner district of Rajasthan

Seroprevalence of brucellosis in sheep and goats from Al Jufrah district in Libya.

brucellosis is a global neglected zoonotic disease affecting mainly livestock, causing communicable and zoonotic infections. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence and determine epidemiological risk factors associated with Brucella infection in sheep and goats in Al Jufrah central district of Libya. sera samples from 555 animals (goats (n=320) and sheep (n=235)) sheep) were obtained and subjected to the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) then further confirmed by a validated Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Collected data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). in total, 2.7% were ELISA seropositive for brucellosis with the highest seropositivity rate among the studied animals from Sokna with 5.8% (n=13/225) followed by 0.7% (n=2/285) in Waddan and 0% (n=0/45) in Houn. Only location was identified as a significant risk and no significant differences were identified between seropositivity and the age studied groups, species of animals, gender, and size of farms (p-value>0.05). the present study provides important information on the epidemiological status of Brucella infection in an important region in North Africa. Prevention control systems adopting "One Health" concept, and regional and international collaboration are important to control brucellosis and other zoonotic and transboundary diseases.

Bayesian true prevalence estimation of brucellosis in sheep, goats, cattle and camels in southeast regions of Iran.

Brucellosis is worldwide one of the most prevalent zoonotic diseases with serious public health hazard affecting domestic livestock and causing economic losses. Objective of this study is to estimate the true prevalence of brucellosis in livestock, specifically cattle, sheep, goats and camels, using a novel Bayesian latent class model, adjusting for the imperfect sensitivity and specificity of the applied tests, where the second test was restricted only to first test-positive samples. Brucellosis seems more prevalent in goats and sheep, while the posterior medians and 95% probability intervals (95% PI) for the average true prevalence for sheep, goats, cattle and camels are 18% (4%-43%), 19% (7%-37%), 16% (5%-34%) and 18% (1%-48%) respectively. The study results indicate that brucellosis is highly endemic in Iran and crucial steps are needed to control and raise awareness about the high public health concern of the disease.

Risk Factors for the Spread of Brucellosis in Sheep and Goats in the Campania Region in the Years 2015-2020.

Brucella is a Gram-negative facultative intracellular pathogen that causes infection in sheep and goats (B. melitensis.); B. melitensis can also infect other animals. Sheep and goat brucellosis is still present in some regions of Italy, including Campania, and causes considerable economic losses and health threats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible risk factors influencing the spread of brucellosis among sheep and goat farms in the Campania region in order to provide the local veterinary services with practical support in evaluating and planning diagnostic, preventive and control interventions. The results of official controls for brucellosis carried out from 2015 to 2020 in the sheep and goat farms of the Campania Region were analyzed. Data were extracted from the National Veterinary Information Systems and the Laboratory Management System of the Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Southern Italy. Statistical analysis was carried out through the software R version 4.1.0; the dataset consisted of 37,442 observations, and 9 qualitative and quantitative variables were evaluated on 8487 farms, 248 of which were positive. The association between covariates and the outcome (presence/absence of the disease) was evaluated (Fisher and Wilcoxon tests). A logistic regression model with mixed effects was carried out. This study confirmed that brucellosis in sheep and goats in the Campania region mostly occurs through contact with infected animals imported from other farms (OR = 3.41-IC 95% [1.82-6.41]). Farms with a greater number of animals were seen to be at the greatest risk of infection (OR = 1.04-IC 95% [1.03-1.05]); previous suspension of healthy status also proved to be a risk factor (OR = 55.8-IC 95% [26.7-117]).

Seroprevalence and potential risk factors of brucellosis in sheep from America, Africa and Asia regions: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundBrucellosis, a neglected and global zoonotic disease, infect a variety of mammals, among which sheep are one of the main hosts. This disease results in huge economic losses and is a widespread concern around the world. ResultBased on the selection criteria, 40 articles from 2010 to 2021 of five databases (CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed and Science Direct) reported in America, Africa and Asia were included. The data showed that during this period, the overall seroprevalence of sheep brucellosis on these three continents was 6.2%. At the regional level, sheep brucellosis had the highest seroprevalence (8.5%) in Africa and the lowest seroprevalence (1.9%) in the Americas. With regard to the age of the sheep, the seroprevalence was significantly higher in adult sheep (15.5%) than in lambs (8.6%). Further, the seroprevalence was significantly higher in sheep that had abortion (44.3%) than in pregnant (13.0%) and non-pregnant sheep (9.5%). With regard to herd size, herds with >20 sheep (35.4%) had a significantly higher seroprevalence than herds with <20 sheep (16.8%). In terms of farming and grazing mode, free-range rearing (8.4%) was associated with a significantly higher seroprevalence than intensive farming (2.8%), and mixed grazing (37.0%) was associated with a significantly higher seroprevalence than single grazing (5.7%). ConclusionSheep brucellosis is widely distributed in sheep-rearing regions of America, Africa and Asia, and sheep are susceptible to brucellosis by themselves or from other infectious sources. Therefore, timely monitoring of ovine brucellosis and improving farming and grazing patterns are critical to reducing the prevalence of brucellosis.

Systematic review and meta-analysis on brucellosis seroprevalence in ruminants (1970 – 2020) of India

Brucellosis is one of the most common contagious and neglected bacterial zoonotic diseases. The disease has been reported in ruminants in almost all Indian states. But there is a lack of comprehensive information on the seroprevalence of brucellosis in the Indian subcontinent. A systematic review and meta-analysis on the seroprevalence of brucellosis among ruminants of India was conducted from the published articles (January 1970 - June 2020) by including 172 studies screened from 567 publications. The estimated brucellosis seroprevalence of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, yak and mithun was 14% (95% CI: 12% - 16%), 8% (95% CI: 6% - 9%), 8% (95% CI: 7% - 10%), 8% (95% CI: 7% - 9%), 16% (95% CI: 7% - 28%) and 26% (95% CI: 12% - 42%), respectively. Sub-group analysiswas performed based on diagnostic tests, regions, publication year, and sample size. The estimated seroprevalence of brucellosis in cattle and goats was found to be higher in the central region compared to other regions. Similarly, the western region showed a higher seroprevalence for brucellosis in buffalo and sheep. Given the estimated animal population of 2021, the meta-analysis estimated that the total number of seropositive animals would be 26.95 million cattle (95% CI: 23.09–30.78), 8.78 million buffaloes (95% CI: 6.59–9.89), 5.94 million sheep (95% CI: 5.20–7.43), 11.91 million goats (95% CI: 10.42–13.40), 9.6 thousand yaks (95% CI: 0.0042–0.0168), and 100 thousand mithun (95% CI: 0.05–0.16). Further, the comprehensive picture of the brucellosis seroprevalence may help the decisionmaking authorities in formulating better prevention and control strategies for brucellosis in India.

Systematic review and meta-analysis on brucellosis seroprevalence in ruminants (1970 – 2020) of India

Brucellosis is one of the most common contagious and neglected bacterial zoonotic diseases. The disease has been reported in ruminants in almost all Indian states. But there is a lack of comprehensive information on the seroprevalence of brucellosis in the Indian subcontinent. A systematic review and meta-analysis on the seroprevalence of brucellosis among ruminants of India was conducted from the published articles (January 1970 - June 2020) by including 172 studies screened from 567 publications. The estimated brucellosis seroprevalence of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, yak and mithun was 14% (95% CI: 12% - 16%), 8% (95% CI: 6% - 9%), 8% (95% CI: 7% - 10%), 8% (95% CI: 7% - 9%), 16% (95% CI: 7% - 28%) and 26% (95% CI: 12% - 42%), respectively. Sub-group analysiswas performed based on diagnostic tests, regions, publication year, and sample size. The estimated seroprevalence of brucellosis in cattle and goats was found to be higher in the central region compared to other regions. Similarly, the western region showed a higher seroprevalence for brucellosis in buffalo and sheep. Given the estimated animal population of 2021, the meta-analysis estimated that the total number of seropositive animals would be 26.95 million cattle (95% CI: 23.09–30.78), 8.78 million buffaloes (95% CI: 6.59–9.89), 5.94 million sheep (95% CI: 5.20–7.43), 11.91 million goats (95% CI: 10.42–13.40), 9.6 thousand yaks (95% CI: 0.0042–0.0168), and 100 thousand mithun (95% CI: 0.05–0.16). Further, the comprehensive picture of the brucellosis seroprevalence may help the decisionmaking authorities in formulating better prevention and control strategies for brucellosis in India.

Serological and molecular prevalence of Brucella spp. among livestock species in Rajasthan, India.

A seroprevalence and molecular study was carried out in six districts of the state of Rajasthan, India to detect brucellosis in major livestock species. This study involves the testing of 3,245 livestock samples using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (i-ELISA), and genus-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) markers for molecular diagnosis of the disease. In the tested samples, seroprevalence was 5.06% (CI: 1.96-8.15) using the RBPT test and 6.88% (CI: 1.98-11.78) using the i-ELISA test, while the cumulative seroprevalence (RBPT and i-ELISA) was 3.63% (CI: 0.44-6.83). The prevalence of the disease was 1.27% (CI: 0.56-3.11) when tested using molecular markers. The highest prevalence of brucellosis was detected in Cattle (7.00, 3.22%), followed by camels (5.50, 2.50%), buffalo (2.66, 0.00%), sheep (2.43, 0.41%), and goats (0.58, 0.23%) when serological (cumulative) and molecular diagnosis were considered preferred methods of detection. Cattle (3.22%) and camels (2.50%) also showed a high prevalence of disease when tested using molecular markers. The results of this study reveal that cattle, camel, and sheep brucellosis is prevalent in the study areas.

Sheep Brucellosis in Delta Region

Sheep Brucellosis in Delta Region

The outer membrane proteins based seroprevalence strategy for Brucella ovis natural infection in sheep.

The diagnosis of brucellosis largely relies on tiger red plate agglutination test (RBPT). However, it is difficult to distinguish between natural infection antibody positive and vaccination antibody positive, nevertheless, the identification of specific Brucella species natural infection. Here, we analyzed the structure of main outer membrane proteins (OMPs), OMP25 and OMP31 from Brucella ovis (B. ovis) and Brucella melitensis (B. melitensis), which are the main pathogens of sheep brucellosis, and found the OMP25 and OMP31 could be used as the differential antigens for B. ovis and B. melitensis antibody. Then we expressed the OMP25 from B. ovis (OMP25o) and OMP31 from B. melitensis (OMP31m). They have equally efficiency in antibody detection of vaccinated sheep serum, consistent with the RBPT results. However, through epidemiological investigations, we found some RBPT positive samples were negative by the OMP31m based serum antibody detection, but these samples gave positive results by the OMP25o. We verified these OMP31m negative but OMP25o positive samples by B. ovis and B. melitensis specific primers based PCR detection, and all these samples were B. melitensis negative. However, four out of six samples are B. ovis positive. These results showed that we could use the OMP25o and OMP31m to diagnose sheep brucellosis antibody, especially to discriminate the infection of the B. ovis. Currently, China has not yet approved a vaccine based on B. ovis and B. ovis positive samples should be naturally infected. There should be some implicit transmission of B. ovis in Jilin province. Further epidemiological investigation should be conducted to monitor the B. ovis natural infection.

Cause Analysis and Countermeasures of Human Infection in Sheep Brucellosis Immunization

Brucellosis of sheep is an important way to cause human infection. Immunization of sheep is an effective measure for the prevention and control of brucellosis of sheep. Now, M5 and S2 strains of vaccines are commonly used to immunize sheep, while M5 and S2 strains of vaccines are live vaccines, which are easy to cause infection of epidemic prevention personnel during the epidemic prevention process. Because the epidemic prevention personnel are worried that they will be infected with brucellosis due to immunization of sheep, it is difficult to promote the immunization of sheep against brucellosis, In order to reduce the risk of infection of epidemic prevention personnel in the immunization of sheep brucellosis and ensure the normal development of the immunization of sheep brucellosis, combined with three years of experience in the immunization of oral S2 strain of brucellosis, the epidemic prevention personnel infected with brucellosis due to immunization of sheep against brucellosis were carefully investigated, and it was found that the main reason for personnel infection was the weak protection awareness of the epidemic prevention personnel, the risk of scattered bacteria in oral immunization, the lax implementation of epidemic prevention operation procedures and the problems of personal protective equipment, etc. Find corresponding solutions to these problems. The quality of epidemic prevention personnel should be strengthened; Select safe immunization mode; Strictly implement the operation procedures and optimize personal protective equipment. The improvement of these measures can effectively prevent human infection caused by immunization against sheep brucellosis. Eliminating the fear of epidemic prevention personnel about being infected with brucella in the immunization of sheep brucellosis, thus ensuring the solid progress of the immunization of sheep brucellosis, and playing a positive role in reducing human infection with brucellosis.

Rapid discrimination of Brucellosis in sheep using serum Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy combined with PCA-LDA algorithm

Brucellosis in sheep is an infectious disease caused by Brucella melitensis in sheep. The current conventional serological methods for screening Brucella-infected sheep have the disadvantage of time consuming and low accuracy, so a simple, rapid and highly accurate screening method is needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of diagnosing Brucella-infected sheep by serum samples based on the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. In this study, FTIR spectroscopy of serum from Brucella-infected sheep (n = 102) and healthy sheep (n = 125) revealed abnormal protein and lipid metabolism in serum from Brucella-infected sheep compared to healthy sheep. Principal component analysis-Linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA) method was used to differentiate the FTIR spectra of serum from Brucella-infected sheep and healthy sheep in the protein band (3700–3090 cm−1) and lipid band (3000–2800 cm−1), and its overall diagnostic accuracy was 100% (sensitivity 100%, specificity 100%). In conclusion, our results suggest that serum FTIR spectroscopy combined with PCA-LDA algorithm has great potential for brucellosis in sheep screening.

Molecular Detection and Associated Risk Factors of Brucella melitensis in Aborted Sheep and Goats in Duhok Province, Iraq.

Brucellosis in sheep and goats has a significant economic and zoonotic impact on the livestock population of Duhok province, Iraq. A total of 681 blood samples from aborted sheep and goats were collected from different flocks in seven districts of Duhok and tested using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Logistic regression was used for the analysis of the potential risk factors associated with RT-PCR positivity. Results revealed an overall prevalence of 35.45% (CI = 2.57) and 23.8% 18 (CI = 0.44) in sheep and goats, respectively. A statistically significant (p = 0.004) difference in prevalence was found between the two species. RT-PCR detected more positive cases in older-aged animals (OR = 0.7164; p = 0.073). A significant difference was found in RT-PCR positivity in relation to different risk factors, including body condition, treatment taken, and abortion frequency (<0.001). The phylogenetic tree based on the 16S rRNA gene indicated that the isolates belonged to B. melitensis and shared a common ancestor and were genetically related to the United States of America (USA), Greece, China, and Nigeria. This study demonstrates that brucellosis is widely prevalent in the study regions. Therefore, the study suggests the implementation of preventive control measures for brucellosis.

An Epidemiological Study of Brucellosis in Different Animal Species from the Al-Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia.

Brucellosis is a zoonotic bacterial illness that affects humans and a variety of domestic animals, especially ruminants. It is mostly transmitted through the consumption of contaminated drinks, foods, undercooked meat, or unpasteurized milk or contact with infected animals. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of brucellosis in camels, sheep, and goat herds in the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia, using commonly used diagnostic serological procedures such as the Rose Bengal test (RBT), complement fixation test (CFT), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The seroprevalence of brucellosis in camels, sheep, and goats was determined in the selected areas using a cross-sectional study design and a total of 690 farm animals of both sexes of different ages from the three animal species (274 camels, 227 sheep, and 189 goats). According to RBT results, 65 sera were positive for brucellosis, including 15 (5.47%) for camels, 32 (14.09%) for sheep, and 18 (9.50%) for goats. CFT and c-ELISA were performed as confirmatory tests on positive samples resulting from RBT. With c-ELISA, 60 serum samples were confirmed positive, in 14 (5.10%), 30 (13.21%), and 16 (8.46%) camels, sheep, and goats, respectively. There were 59 serum samples confirmed as positive for CFT, including 14 (5.11%), 29 (12.77%), and 16 (8.46%) for camels, sheep, and goats, respectively. Overall, the highest seroprevalence of brucellosis was found in sheep while the least was found in camels from the three tests (RBT, c-ELISA, and CFT). The highest seroprevalence of brucellosis was found in sheep while the least seroprevalence was found in camels. There was also a higher seroprevalence of brucellosis among female animals than males as well as among old animals than young animals. The study, thus, demonstrates brucellosis seroprevalence among farm animals (camels, sheep, and goats) and the significance of intervention measures against brucellosis incidence in both humans and animals through the creation of public awareness and other relevant policy measures such as livestock vaccination, effective hygiene management, and adequate quarantine or serological analysis for newly introduced animals.

K-28 Control of sheep and goat brucellosis

K-28 Control of sheep and goat brucellosis

Agreement Among Rose Bengal, Complement Fixation Test, and iELISA in Diagnostic Discrimination of Sheep and Goat Brucellosis (Brucella melitensis)

Agreement Among Rose Bengal, Complement Fixation Test, and iELISA in Diagnostic Discrimination of Sheep and Goat Brucellosis (Brucella melitensis)

Dynamics of a stochastic multi-stage sheep brucellosis model with incomplete immunity

This paper considered a multi-stage sheep brucellosis model with incomplete immunity. First, we established a deterministic model, calculated the basic reproduction number [Formula: see text], set out the conditions for the global stability of the disease-free equilibrium and endemic equilibrium. Second, considering the influence of environmental white noise on brucellosis infection, we further established the stochastic version of the model. By constructing a suitable Lyapunov function, we proved the existence and uniqueness of the global positive solution. Further, we got the sufficient conditions for disease extinction and the existence of ergodic stationary distribution. Finally, we carried out some numerical simulations to verify the theoretical results.