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First report of an outbreak of ovine septicaemic listeriosis in Saudi Arabia
Abstract
Although a case of human listeriosis has recently been reported in Saudi Arabia, the disease has not been reported in animals to date. The authors describe an outbreak of septicaemic listeriosis in sheep, which occurred during winter. Adult animals and pregnant ewes were principally affected, with a morbidity rate of 7.1% and a mortality rate of 2.4%; no abortions were recorded during the outbreak. Clinical signs included inappetence, weakness, fever, respiratory distress, keratoconjunctivitis and compulsive circling. Listeria monocytogenes was isolated in pure culture from affected sheep. Pathological findings indicated septicaemic listeriosis with encephalitis. Hygienic measures and antibiotics were successful in treating the rest of the flock. Aspects of the outbreak and public health implications are discussed.
... In the brain, it was observed that the antigens were diffuse in the cytoplasm of neurons, similar to that in liver findings ( Figure 6A-D). animals included in our study consisted mostly of sheep brought to our department, especially in winter, similar to the literature data (Al-Dughaym et al. 2001;Campero et al. 2002;Wesley et al. 2002). Listeriosis can be evaluated pathologically under three main headings. ...
... (Ortatatlı et al. 2001). Significant congestion and blurred meningeal edema have also been reported (Al-Dughaym et al. 2001;Headley et al. 2014;Haligur et al. 2019). Focal hepatic necrosis and white nodules are observed in the liver (Low and Donachie 1997). ...
... Pyogranulomas can be observed in lymph nodes, lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys (Dreyer et al. 2015). In our study, similar to previous studies (Al-Dughaym et al. 2001;Headley et al. 2014;Haligur et al. 2019), we found an increase in opacity and thickening and significant congestion in meninges. We also detected white nodules spread over the entire organ surface in the liver, similar to that reported by Low and Donachie (1997). ...
Listeria genus are Gram positive facultative intracellular bacteria that are found in the soil as saprophytes but also contain species that have pathogenic effects in their last host. Listeria monocytogenes is the major pathogen in Listeria species that is responsible for the majority of Listeriosis cases in humans and animals. In this study, it was aimed to investigate L. monocytogenes with histopathological and immunofluorescence methods in brain and liver tissues taken from sheep and cattle with clinical signs of suspicious Listeriosis. In the study, isolation and identification of L. monocytogenes with cultural methods were also applied. The material of the study consisted of 16 sheep and 2 bovine tissue samples. As a result of cultural analysis, L. monocytogenes was identified from 12 (66.6%) of the samples. Within the framework of histopathological and macroscopic findings, 16 (88.8%) of 18 cases with suspected Listeriosis were positive with the immunofluorescence method. These findings reveal that the immunofluorescent staining method is a reliable and sensitive method in the diagnosis of Listeriosis.
... Listeriosis is mostly detected in autumn, winter and early spring in temperate and cold climates and is thought to occur due to consumption of poorly prepared silage (17,28,44). This infection can lead to different clinical symptoms such as gastroenteritis with high fever, mastitis, encephalitis, septicemia and abortion (3,20). Encephalitic listeriosis caused by only species-L. ...
... Typical lesions of the disease are observed in the brainstem (rhombencephalitis), especially in the pons and the medulla oblongata (6,16). In this study, it was determined the presence of L. monocytogenes in 20 of 24 sheep that showed various neurological symptoms such as permanent circling movement, head pressing, unable to stand, hyper salivation, paralysis in the eyelid, sagging on the lower lip, blindness and torticollis similar to the literature data (1,3,4,28) by bacteriological methods (4,10,44). As reported in previous studies, we observed microscopically large areas of liquefaction necrosis (3,8,34), nonpurulent meningitis (7,19,31), mostly lymphocyte-containing perivascular cuffing (8,9,32) varying sizes of multifocal microabscesses (20,25,35) (a small number of neutrophil granulocytes in the middle part) in the brainstem. ...
... In this study, it was determined the presence of L. monocytogenes in 20 of 24 sheep that showed various neurological symptoms such as permanent circling movement, head pressing, unable to stand, hyper salivation, paralysis in the eyelid, sagging on the lower lip, blindness and torticollis similar to the literature data (1,3,4,28) by bacteriological methods (4,10,44). As reported in previous studies, we observed microscopically large areas of liquefaction necrosis (3,8,34), nonpurulent meningitis (7,19,31), mostly lymphocyte-containing perivascular cuffing (8,9,32) varying sizes of multifocal microabscesses (20,25,35) (a small number of neutrophil granulocytes in the middle part) in the brainstem. ...
This study aimed to correlate Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 and iNOS expressions with the severity of histopathological findings in tissue samples taken from sheep with encephalitic listeriosis. Thus, the role of these molecules in the pathogenesis of the disease can be elucidated. After systemic necropsy, tissue samples of adult sheeps with meningoencephalitis were investigated by the culture, histopathological and immunohistochemical methods in the presence of Listeria spp. isolation from tissues was performed in accordance with the USDA-FSIS method with some modifications. Tissue samples were fixed in a 10% buffered formaldehyde solution. Following routine procedures, tissue sections at 5 µm were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin, investigated under light microscope and photographed.
Immunohistochemical staining was performed on the tissues using the avidin-biotin immune peroxidase complex method. Listeria spp. were obtained in 20 (83.3%) of 24 tissue samples with the presence of bright grey-black centred smooth colonies on Listeria Selective Agar and identified as Listeria monocytogenes through the phenotypically supportive tests. Liquefaction necrosis, purulent meningoencephalitis, perivascular cuffing, microabscesses and glial nodules were the
most important histopathological findings. MMP-9 immunpositive reactions were observed in the cytoplasm of microglial cells and neurons in areas where inflammatory and necrotic areas are concentrated in medulla oblongata and pons. In perivascular cuffing areas, immune reactions in endothelial cells were detected. We detected iNOS positive reactions in the medulla oblangata and pons, especially in inflammatory cells in the microabscesses. Consequently, a positive correlation (p < 0.05) was found between MMP-9 expression and the severity of histopathological findings in sheep with encephalitic listeriosis. In addition, we found that iNOS expression increased in parallel with the increase in MMP-9 expression.
... The pres ent observ ed clinic al signs in listeriosis d epends mainl y on the aff ec ted nucl eus in t he brain; Trigeminal (CN V), facial nerv e (CN V II) and glossop har yngeal (CN IX) (CN IV), (CN V I) and (CN V III) defi cits (Al- Dughaym et al. , 2001;K umar et al., 2007;Brugère-Picoux, 2008). The clinic al signs observed in s heep aff ect ed wit h coenur osis revealed a great varianc e whic h occurs i n acc ordanc e t o the sit e of the c oenurosis c ysts from one cer ebral hemispheres , median fissure, c erebellum , and v entricl es (Sc ott , 2000; ...
... Is olation and differenti ation of List eria monocyt ogenes from ot her List eria speci es were done on blood ag ar and P ALC A M m edia and identi fied microscopic ally and biochemic all y. T he r es ults obtained wer e similar to (Al -Dughaym et al., 2001;K um ar et al., 2007). ...
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic significance of selected cellular and biochemical parameters in cerebrospinal fluid of sheep with listeriosis, coenurosis and oestrosis. A total of 25 ewes were examined, 10 with listeriosis, 5 with coenurosis, 5 with oestrosis, and 5 healthy. Cerebrospinal fluid (CPS) was collected from each ewe under investigation and examined for cellular and biochemical parameters. Polymorphonuclear cells differed significantly in listeria infected sheep than other infections (p < 0.05). However, a significant variation of total nucleated cell count and mononuclear cell among animal groups (P < 0.05). creatinine kinase, urea, crearinine and glucose ration differed significantly in listeria infected ewes when compared with coenurosis group. Malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were significantly higher in coenurosis group in comparison with listeriosis group (p < 0.05). However, Reduced glutathione, nitric oxide, Lysozyme and nterleukin-1β were significantly decreased (p < 0.5). The results of the present study indicate that analysis of cerebrospinal fluid is important for diagnosis of neurological disorders in sheep.
Key words: Listeriosis;Coenurosis;sheep;CSF
... INTRODUCTION [2]. The main recorded infectious diseases that cause ...
... Toxoplasmosis causes serious economic losses in the sheep industry all over the world, especially at the time of lambing, fetal resorption, abortion, fetal mummification, stillbirth, or birth depletation [7]. The incidence o f abortion is very high in KSA with inadequate diagnostic data and prophylaxis [2]. Toxoplasma gondii infection is a common cause of abortion in pregnant women and can cause mental retardation in children. ...
A total of 3996 serum samples was collected from aborted ewes and does in 11 flocks at five
governorates of Al-Kaseem area, KSA during 2006-2007. Only 2411/3996 (60.33%) were brucella seropositive,
while 1585/3996 (39.7%) animals were brucella sero-negative. 278 out of the 1585 animals (17.53%) were positive
for one or both of Toxoplasma gondii and Chlamydophila abortus by ( ELISA on blood samples) and
confirmed by Polymerase Chain Reaction technique( placenta and fetal tissues). T. gondii and C. abortus
played definite important role in ovine and caprine abortion, with an overall respective incidence of 12.48 and
9.07% with high possibilities for animal's reproductive disorders and zoonotic hazards. Mixed infection with
both diseases was noticed in some animals (4.03%). It was concluded that although Brucella is the major
abortifacient agent in small ruminants in KSA, also other pathogens were of great importance and should be
followed in diagnosis and control.
... In Saudi Arabia, sheep and goats constitute an integral part of the animal population and are raised principally by private breeders mainly for meat production due to their manageable size and feed requirements plus their ability to utilize low-grade food and limited pasture areas [22]. In Makkah hundreds of thousands to millions of sheep and goats are utilized annually during pilgrimage season. ...
... The increasing evidences that links JD in animals to crohn's disease [38] has led the concern that JD-infected farm animals could act as reservoir for Crohn's disease infection among contact humans. In Saudi Arabia, sheep and goats constitute an integral part of the animal population and are raised principally by private breeders mainly for meat production [22]. JD was reported in Saudi Arabia among different farm animals including dairy cattle [25] and camels [24]. ...
Paratuberculosis (PTB) or Johne’s disease (JD) is a chronic debilitating disease caused by the Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). JD affects a wide range of animals including ruminants and characterized by enteritis and progressive diarrhea. The current study aimed to implement molecular tools for detection and identification of MAP among clinically suspected small ruminants in Makkah region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). A total of 2660 small ruminants from five different farms around Makkah were clinically investigated for characteristic signs of JD during the period of November 2013 to February of 2014. Out of investigated animals, 16 cases were selected as being suspected of JD infection based on the associated clinical symptoms (emaciation and unthriftiness with or without persistent diarrhea). Rectal scrapings were collected from all suspected animals and were subjected for molecular examination. Three different genetic targets were evaluated including 16S rDNA, insertion sequence 900 (IS900) and intergenic spacer (IGS). Initial examination of suspected specimens by amplification of universal bacterial primers for 16S rDNA revealed positive results in 6 out of 16 cases (37.5%). Further amplification of the Mycobacterium-specific IGS target from 16s rDNA-positive samples revealed the detection of 4 Mycobacterium species. Sequence analysis of the IGS sequence of these 4 Mycobacterium species revealed 2 cases only as Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis. This finding was confirmed by the detection of MAP-specific IS900 target only from the same 2 cases. In conclusion, the current study genetically documented the first report of MAP (the causative agent of JD) among small ruminants of Makkah region.
... INTRODUCTION [2]. The main recorded infectious diseases that cause ...
... Toxoplasmosis causes serious economic losses in the sheep industry all over the world, especially at the time of lambing, fetal resorption, abortion, fetal mummification, stillbirth, or birth depletation [7]. The incidence o f abortion is very high in KSA with inadequate diagnostic data and prophylaxis [2]. Toxoplasma gondii infection is a common cause of abortion in pregnant women and can cause mental retardation in children. ...
A total of 3996 serum samples was collected from aborted ewes and does in 11 flocks at five governorates of Al-Kaseem area, KSA during 2006-2007. Only 2411/3996 (60.33%) were brucella seropositive, while 1585/3996 (39.7%) animals were brucella sero-negative. 278 out of the 1585 animals (17.53%) were positive for one or both of Toxoplasma gondii and Chlamydophila abortus by (ELISA on blood samples) and confirmed by Polymerase Chain Reaction technique(placenta and fetal tissues). T. gondii and C. abortus played definite important role in ovine and caprine abortion, with an overall respective incidence of 12.48 and 9.07% with high possibilities for animal's reproductive disorders and zoonotic hazards. Mixed infection with both diseases was noticed in some animals (4.03%). It was concluded that although Brucella is the major abortifacient agent in small ruminants in KSA, also other pathogens were of great importance and should be followed in diagnosis and control.
... This result agreed with (12) who found that the isolation rate (0%) of L. monocytogene from gallbladder samples of cattle was less than in sheep (20%). This may be due the reason why so many things first are that the cows inherently less susceptible to this disease than other animals such as sheep and goats (22). This may be because the components of bile in the cows have a number of additional bile acids more than human and sheep bile, the bile in human and sheep contain mainly cholic acid and genodeoxy cholic (23). ...
Listeria monocytogenes is the etiologic agent of listeriosis, a severe food-borne disease. The presence of L. monocytogenes in gallbladder explained that ability of the organism to survive and resistance the bile salt effect. The aim of this study was undertaken to explore the occurrence of L. monocytogenes in gallbladder of cattle and sheep. Three hundred gallbladder samples were collected randomly from sheep and cattle and screened for the presence of L. monocytogenes by using International Dairy Federation (IDF) protocol. The isolates were confirmed by API- Listeria system and the presence of haemolysin (hly) gene. A total of 8 (2.7%) Listeria spp were recovered in 6 (4.0%) samples of sheep and 2 (1.3%) samples of cattle. The isolates were identified to the level of species and it was found that all isolates belonged to L. monocytogenes. The isolates were obtained separately during the study period, the frequency of L. monocytogenes positive gallbladder samples tend to occur during cold months of the year. All isolates gave positive results with Hly specific primers. The present study concluded that the gallbladders of cattle and sheep may play a role in meat contamination and establishment of human infections.
... The postmortem examination revealed that necrotic foci in congested liver, highly congested kidney, cloudiness of the cerebrospinal fluid, thickened and congested meninges, congested brain and congestion of blood vessels of brain stem and cerebellum (Fig. 5) and the obtained results were in agreement with that obtained by (Seaman et al., 1990;El-Sawalhy et al., 1999). These results disagreed with that observed by (Al-Dughaym et al., 2001) who observed that the postmortem picture of listeriosis of sheep was bilateral keratoconjunctivitis, lung showed multiple areas of hemorrhage, marked congestion and turbid and edematous meninges. The difference in postmortem picture may be related to the difference of the clinical form and the pathogenesis of listeriosis in sheep and most probably due to multiple causes of death. ...
This study was carried out in El-Dakahilia governorate on six flocks at different areas 2448 sheep located with varied ages and with history of nervous manifestation. The Prevalence of nervous manifestations was 4.9% (105 /2448). The case fatality rate and mortality rate were 77.14 % and 3.3 % respectively. The percent of Listeria monocytogenes was 26.66% (8/30). Examination of CSF of diseased and control healthy sheep revealed significance elevation of total cell count, total protein and creatinine cytokinase of diseased than control sheep.
... Al-Zubaidi [12] found that no isolate was detected in cattle compared with sheep (20%). This may be due to the fact that cows inherently less susceptible to this disease than other animals such as sheep and goats [18] and that the components of bile as cows have a number of additional bile acids comparing to human and sheep, the bile in human and sheep contain mainly cholic acid and genodeoxycholic [19]. Other salts are found in the bile components of cows at important concentrations such as saprocholic, citrolic, and litholic, and this change has importance in sensitivity of cows for infection with L. monocytogenes relatively less than for sheep [20]. ...
Aim
This study was designed to investigate the occurrence of serotypes of Listeria monocytogenes, an important food-borne pathogen, in gallbladder samples from cattle and sheep.
Materials and Methods
Three hundred samples were collected and screened for the presence of L. monocytogenes. The identification of the isolates was confirmed by API-Listeria system and by the presence of hemolysin (hyl) gene. The isolates were subjected to polymerase chain reaction-based serotype identification with d1 (division 1), d2 (division 2), glt, mama (mismatch amplification mutation assay), and flaA (flagellin protein) genes.
Results
A total of 8 (2.7%) L. monocytogenes were recovered from 6 (4.0%) samples of sheep and 2 (1.3%) samples of cattle. All isolates showed positive results with Hly primers. Four isolates carried d1 gene, did not possess glt gene and harbored mama gene. The serotypes of these isolates were identified as 4a or 4c. The other 4 isolates carried d2 gene, 3 of them were positive with the FlaA primers, and hence, determined to be a 1/2a or 3a serotype, and 1 isolate was determined to be 1/2c or 3c serotype.
Conclusion
This study concluded that the presence of 1/2a serotype in gallbladder samples indicates public health risk through cross-contamination of meat at slaughterhouses.
... Alguns sintomas clínicos normalmente observáveis incluem, a depressão, inaptidão à mastigação e preensão, paralesia muscular facial, marcha em círculo e estrabismo (Low e Donachie, 1997). Também pode ocorrer septicémia (sobretudo nos recém-nascidos com menos de 8 dias), aborto (raramente associado a problemas nervosos) (Akpavie eIkheloa, 1992), infecção peritonial e irites e queratoconjuntivites (Bowmer et al., 1979;Low e Renton, 1985;Hird e Genigeorgis, 1990;Schelcher et al., 1992;Schneider, 1994;Low e Donachie, 1997;Al-Dughaym et al., 2001). A inflamação da íris está particularmente associada ao consumo de silagem contaminada e à forma como é distribuída aos animais (Walker eMorgan, 1993). ...
A review of human Listeriosis risk written in portuguese
... ted liver, highly congested kidney, cloudiness of the cerebrospinal fluid, thickened and congested meninges, congested brain and congestion of blood vessels of brain stem and cerebellum and the obtained results were in agreement with that obtained by (El-Sawalhy et. al., 1999) andSeaman et. al. (1990). These results disagreed with that observed by (Al-Dughaym et. al., 2001): who observed that the postmortem picture of listeriosis of sheep was bilateral keratoconjunctivitis, lung showed multiple areas of hemorrhage, marked congestion and turbid and edematous meninges. The difference in postmortem picture may be related to the difference of the clinical form and the pathogenesis of listeriosis in sheep and m ...
The effect of legume intercrop on regrowth ability and nutritive value via in vitro gas production of guinea grass
was evaluated in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. Panicum maximum cv T 58 grass with Canavalia ensiformis intercrop was
studied for six weeks. The tiller height, tiller numbers, regrowth percentage were recorded on weekly basis. The sward
was harvested at the end of six weeks. Samples were taken, oven dried and dry matter yield determined. Proximate
composition of the grasses was then carried out. The soil condition was improved after treatment. The stem had the
least crude protein content than the leaves (5.43%). In vitro gas production carried out showed that methane gas production
was higher in the stem fraction than in the leaves. This suggests that leave utilization will be higher when fed
to ruminants. Intercropping Canavalia ensiformis with Panicum maximum enhanced the regrowth ability and in vitro gas
production thereby reducing the necessity for chemical fertilizer.
... In KSA, sheep and goats constitute an integral part of the animal population that are raised principally by private breeders due to their manageable size and feed requirements plus their ability to utilize lowgrade food and limited pasture areas (Al-Dughaym et al., 2001). In KSA, small ruminants are mainly used for meat production where is considered the favorite meat for daily meals, festivals and religious occasions. ...
The present study aimed to utilize molecular tools to evaluate the reliability of IDEXX Paratuberculosis Screening ELISA versus traditional microscopic examination of acid fast-stained-fecal smear for rapid detection of Johne’s disease among clinically suspected small ruminants in Makkah region, KSA. For this purpose, three different genetic targets, including 16S rDNA, insertion sequence 900 (IS900) and intergenic spacer (IGS), were used for molecular detection and identification of MAP among suspected cases and was used as golden standard for the evaluation study. A total of 3490 small ruminant animals from five different farms around Makkah were clinically investigated for characteristic signs of JD during the period of November 2013 to June 2014. Out of investigated animals, 41 cases were selected as being suspected of JD infection based on the associated clinical symptoms (persistent diarrhea with emaciation). Fecal samples (including rectal swabs) and blood samples were collected from all suspected small ruminants. Fecal samples were subjected to both conventional microscopic examination and molecular examination. Blood samples were used for serum separation and
conduction of immunologic assay using IDEXX Paratuberculosis Screening ELISA. The results showed that out of the 41 suspected cases, 14 (34.1%) and 15 (36.6%) cases were positive for JD using microscopic examination and ELISA, respectively. On the other hand molecular evaluation of JD infection among suspected cases revealed an initial infection rate of 43.9% based on the amplification of both bacterial 16SrDNA and Mycobacterium genus-specific IGS targets. However, further investigation of suspected samples by detection of MAP-specific IS900 and sequence analysis of the Mycobacterium species-specific IGS targets confirmed MAP infection among only 34.1% of the suspected cases. Using molecular results as a standard, higher sensitivity (85.7% vs. 50%), specificity (88.9% vs. 70.4%), PPV (80% vs. 46.7%), NPV (92.3% vs. 73.1%) and AI (87.8% vs. 63.4%) were recorded for ELISA as compared to microscopic detection of AF bacilli in fecal smear, respectively. In conclusion the study revealed the feasibility of the IDEXX Paratuberculosis Screening ELISA as a reliable tool for rapid detection of Johne’s diseases among suspected cases of small ruminants.
... Encephalitic listeriosis, is a severe disease associated with a high case fatality rate in small ruminants. Depending on the affected nucleus in brain, nervous symptoms appear as paralysis, ataxia, head tilt and circling movement [1]. ...
Encephalitic listeriosis in sheep is a life-threatening disease. However, little is known about the cytokine response and their predictive value in this disease. The aim of present study was to assess the prognostic significance of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin-12(p40) (IL-12 p40), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and Interleukin 10 (IL-10) levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in sheep with encephalitic listeriosis. Fifty-nine ewes in 14 flocks were diagnosed clinically as having listeriosis. CSF was collected and subjected to bacteriological examination and estimation of selected cytokines. Twenty-eight ewes were confirmed to be infected with Listeria monocytogenes. Based on antimicrobial sensitivity test, sheep were treated and the outcome was recorded as survivors (n = 10) and non-survivors (n = 18). Cutoff points for CSF cytokines were determined by Receiver operating characteristic analysis (ROC). Association between levels of CSF cytokines and outcome of listeriosis was assessed by logistic regression. TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-12(p40) levels as well as TNF-α/IL-10 ratio were significantly higher in non-survivors than survivors (p = 0.002, 0.0021, 0.0033, and 0.001, respectively). However, IL-10 level was significantly lower in non-survivors than survivors (p = 0.0058). ROC analysis revealed that IL-6 and TNF-α/IL-10 ratio had the highest AUC values (0.98, 0.984, respectively). Final multivariate logistic regression model showed that TNF-α/IL-10 ratio was the only variable that has predictive value for mortality in diseased sheep (p: 0.001; OR: 7.2; 95% CI: 5.7–9.8). TNF-α showed a positive correlation with IL-12β (r = 0.917) and IL-6 (r = 0.965). IL-12 (p40) showed also a positive correlation with IL-6 (r = 0.906). However, IL-10 showed a negative correlation with TNF-α (r = −0.915), IL-12(p40) (r = −0.790), and IL-6 (r = −0.902). In conclusion, TNF-α/IL-10 ratio may provide predictive information about outcome of encephalitic listeriosis in sheep.
... Encephalitic listeriosis, is a severe disease associated with a high case fatality rate in small ruminants. Depending on the affected nucleus in brain, nervous symptoms appear as paralysis, ataxia, head tilt and circling movement [1]. ...
... In addition, an outbreak of listeriosis was reported in a flock of over 2,000 sheep in the north eastern region of Saudi Arabia. 7.5% of the animals, mostly pregnant ewes, developed septicemic signs and 2.4% died, while none of them aborted (Al-Dughaym et al., 2001). Other abortifacient agents in sheep and goats such as Salmonella abortus ovis, Campylobacteriosis and Mycoplasma agalactiae have not been reported in Saudi Arabia. ...
The serological prevalence of Chlamydophila abortus was determined in 399 sheep and 171 goats in Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia, using the CHEKIT enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sera from 30 (7.52%) sheep and 59 (34.50%) goats were positive for anti-C. abortus antibodies. Higher serological prevalence and antibody concentration (percent optical density) was recorded in goats as compared to sheep. In both species, the prevalence of chlamydophilosis was markedly higher in female than male animals. Statistical analysis showed highly significant species and sex effects on prevalence. Further studies should be undertaken to assess the role of chlamydophilosis in ovine and caprine abortion in Saudi Arabia, its economic impact and the need for implementing effective control strategies such as vaccination.
... The prevalence of encephalitic listeriosis in Ossimi sheep was 3.7%. Similar finding was reported in India (Kumar et al., 2007); however, higher prevalence was recorded in Saudi Arabia (Al-Dughaym et al., 2001). Only typical findings of encephalitic form were recorded in our study. ...
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic value of selected immunological,
oxidative stress marker and antioxidants in CSF of Ossimi sheep with listerial
meningoencephalitis. Tentative diagnosis was based on case history, clinical findings and
confirmed by results of CSF analysis as well as isolation and identification of Listeria monocytogenes
from CSF and brain tissues. Based on response to treatment and clinical outcomes,
sheep were categorized responsive and nonresponsive groups. Encephalitic listeriosis was
documented in 21 out of 40 sheep with nervous manifestations. CSF analysis revealed a
significant increase (p < 0.05) of cytological parameters, creatine kinase (CK), total protein,
albumin, albumin quotient (Q), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase
(CAT) and interleukin1� (IL-1�) in nonresponsive compared with responsive group.
Meanwhile, lysozyme, nitric oxide (NO), globulin and activity of reduced glutathione (GSH)
showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05). CK and IL-1� were positively correlated with total
protein (r = 0.46, 0.53), albumin (r = 0.52, 0.78), albumin Q (r = 0.65, 0.66), total nucleated
cell count (TNCC) (r = 0.74, 0.67), polymorphonuclear (r = 0.76, 0.70), mononuclear (r = 0.58,
0.50) cells, but negatively correlated with NO (r =
−0.69,
−0.64) and lysozyme (r =
−0.68,
−0.58) respectively. The results of the present study indicate that CSF analysis for, CK,
NO; lysozyme, IL-1�, MDA, and activities of SOD and reduced GSH have useful prognostic
significance in Ossimi sheep with encephalitic listeriosis.
... The prevalence of encephalitic listeriosis in Ossimi sheep was 3.7%. Similar finding was reported in India (Kumar et al., 2007); however, higher prevalence was recorded in Saudi Arabia (Al-Dughaym et al., 2001). Only typical findings of encephalitic form were recorded in our study. ...
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic value of selected immunological, oxidative stress marker and antioxidants in CSF of Ossimi sheep with listerial meningoencephalitis. Tentative diagnosis was based on case history, clinical findings and confirmed by results of CSF analysis as well as isolation and identification of Listeria monocytogenes from CSF and brain tissues. Based on response to treatment and clinical outcomes, sheep were categorized responsive and nonresponsive groups. Encephalitic listeriosis was documented in 21 out of 40 sheep with nervous manifestations. CSF analysis revealed a significant increase (p<0.05) of cytological parameters, creatine kinase (CK), total protein, albumin, albumin quotient (Q), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and interleukin1β (IL-1β) in nonresponsive compared with responsive group. Meanwhile, lysozyme, nitric oxide (NO), globulin and activity of reduced glutathione (GSH) showed a significant decrease (p<0.05). CK and IL-1β were positively correlated with total protein (r=0.46, 0.53), albumin (r=0.52, 0.78), albumin Q (r=0.65, 0.66), total nucleated cell count (TNCC) (r=0.74, 0.67), polymorphonuclear (r=0.76, 0.70), mononuclear (r=0.58, 0.50) cells, but negatively correlated with NO (r=−0.69, −0.64) and lysozyme (r=−0.68, −0.58) respectively. The results of the present study indicate that CSF analysis for, CK, NO; lysozyme, IL-1β, MDA, and activities of SOD and reduced GSH have useful prognostic significance in Ossimi sheep with encephalitic listeriosis.
... Listerial infection in farm animals in Saudi Arabia is poorly documented in the literature, and only one outbreak of the disease has been reported in a sheep farm in the eastern region of the country (AL-DUGHAYM et al., 2001). In this outbreak morbidity of 7.1% and mortality of 2.4% were reported. ...
A she-camel of about 6 years of age with neurological signs was admitted to the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Qassim, central Saudi Arabia, for diagnosis and treatment. Clinical examination showed lack of coordination of movements, Parkinson’s-like tremors of the head and lower lip paralysis. No parasite was detected in the stained blood smear, and except for leukocytosis and monocytosis, the result of the complete blood count (CBC) was normal. The results of the liver and kidney function tests were normal. The animal was infused with 4 units of 5% dextrose saline and injected with vitamin B1 and selenium preparations for the nervous manifestations. However, its health deteriorated rapidly and it was on lateral recumbency by the second day of admission. It died after one more day and was necropsied to investigate the cause of death. Postmortem examination showed slight congestion of the liver and the kidneys. The heart, meninges and the brain were congested and haemorrhagic. Histopathological examination showed acute lymphocytic meningeoencephalomyelitis in the medulla oblongata and spinal cord. Micro-abscesses containing neutrophils were seen in the medulla oblongata. Colonies of Listeria monocytogenes were obtained when the brain tissue was cultured in a cold environment. Smears made from the colonies showed Gram positive cocco-bacilli. Listeria monocytogenes was confirmed by PCR on DNA extracted from brain tissue.
Listeria monocytogenes can cause severe foodborne infections in humans and invasive diseases in different animal species, especially in small ruminants. Infection of sheep and goats can occur via contaminated feed or through the teat canal. Both infection pathways result in direct (e.g., raw milk from an infected udder or fresh cheese produced from such milk) or indirect exposure of consumers. The majority of dairy farmers produces a high-risk product, namely fresh cheese made from raw ewe’s and goat’s milk. This, and the fact that L. monocytogenes has an extraordinary viability, poses a significant challenge to on-farm dairies. Yet, surprisingly, almost no scientific studies have been conducted dealing with the hygiene and food safety aspects of directly marketed dairy products. L. monocytogenes prevalence studies on small ruminant on-farm dairies are especially limited. Therefore, it was our aim to focus on three main transmission scenarios of this important major foodborne pathogen: (i) the impact of caprine and ovine listerial mastitis; (ii) the significance of clinical listeriosis and outbreak scenarios; and (iii) the impact of farm management and feeding practices.
Detection of pathogenic bacteria, such as Listeria monocytogenes, in food is crucial for safeguarding public health in Iraq. Forty five samples of frozen meat (15 samples of each of minced red meat, chicken, and fish) were collected from different markets in Baghdad city. Molecular (RT-PCR) and culturing (conventional microbiological examination) methods were used to determine the level of contamination of L. monocytogenes in these types of meat. For the culturing method, TSYEB broth was used as an enrichment medium, whereas BALCAM medium (HiMedia) with the listeria selective supplement FD061 was used as a selective medium, for the isolation and identification of this bacterium. The isolates were confirmed microscopically and biochemically. The results of the culturing method showed that the total number of the isolates of L. monocytogenes was 14/45 (31.1%). The incidence of this bacterium was high in fish (11/15, 73.3%), while it was low in the other two types of meat. 2/15 (13.3%) in red meat and 1/15 (6.7 %) in chicken. Molecular detection of each sample of the bacteria was performed using RT-PCR technique after preparing the Genomic DNA extraction of these samples according to the protocol provided by ReliaPrep™ Blood gDNA Miniprep System kit (Promega, USA). The PCR primers and the hybridization probe ((Macrogen, Korea) were used to target the inlA gene sequence (specific for L. monocytogenes). The results of the RT-PCR assay showed that 10/45 (22.2%) of the samples were positive for L. monocytogenes, which was detected only in fish samples ((10/15, 66.7%), while not found in minced red meat and chicken. However, our results showed differences when compared to other previous works because there were many studies found that the highest contamination rate was in red meat products. We conclude that the PCR kit used for the detection of L monocytogenes appears to give accurate results in the diagnoses of this bacterium in meat products and in comparison with the other routine diagnosis methods in the laboratory, which included culturing and doing biochemical tests which last for approximately 7 days, the RT-PCR technique was able to confirm the findings within 48 hours.
Following reports on the emergence of a new neurological disease in camels at the north-eastern region of Saudi Arabia, a study was carried out to investigate the magnitude of the problem and to identify its etiologic agent. Based on results of a questionnaire study, the disease appeared for the first time during the rainy season in the year 2004. It affected she-camels of 3 years or more and was limited to those herds that had been grazing the Dubduba area of north-eastern Saudi Arabia. For this reason the disease has been given the name "Dubduba syndrome" by the investigation team. The disease was sporadic, affecting 1 or 2 camels in the herd at a time, but the mortality rate in those affected animals was very high (>90%). The clinical signs were fever, Parkinsons-like tremors of the head, paralysis of the lower lip, motor paralysis, recumbency and animals usually died within 3-5 days of appearance of symptoms. Three camels that died of the disease were autopsied. Congestion and haemorrhages were evident in the brain and meninges. Congestion, haemorrhages and necrosis were seen in the liver, kidneys, heart and stomach. Histopathological examination of the brain and spinal cord showed non-purulent meningoencephalomyelitis, nerve cell necrosis, gliosis and presence of intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in the nerve cells. The liver was massively fatty degenerated and necrotic. Coagulation necrosis was seen in the renal tubular epithelium which also contained intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies. Since the histopathological findings of Dubduba disease supported a virus infection, virus isolation was attempted on SPF embryonated eggs and laboratory rats but the results were negative. Immunohistochemical studies on paraffin tissue-sections of the brain were negative for the following viruses that are likely to cause the above lesions i.e. Rabies, Crimean-Congo fever, Equine herpse, West Nile Fever (WNF), Panflavivirus, paramyxovirus and Rift Valley Fever. Listeriosis was also negative. A novel viral encephalitis disease was most likely to be the cause of Dubduba syndrome of camels.
This review article summarizes the most important characteristics (occurrence, aetiology, epizootiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, pathology, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, vaccination and public health/food hygiene importance) of listeriosis of the ruminants. According to Hungarian literary data and field experiences, listeriosis causes economic losses in large-scale sheep and cattle farms during winter and early spring. In sheep meningo-encephalitis (Figure 1), while in cattle abortion (Figure 2 and 3) was the main clinical manifestation of the disease. Listeriosis has also been diagnosed in game (roe) and zoo (cameroon goat) ruminants. Until now only the main three clinico-pathological forms (meningo-encephalitis, abortion and septicaemia) have been observed in domestic ruminants, but listerial keratoconjunctivitis/ophthalmitis or mastitis have not been diagnosed in Hungary. A comparative study, which was carried out in Northern Hungary in the 1980s, revealed that the majority (75-80%) of Listeria monocytogenes strains isolated from dead animals belonged to serogroup 1/2, while the majority (70%) of human clinical isolates belonged to serogroup 4. Listeria ivanovii strains were only isolated from faecal samples of symptomless sheep in Southern Hungary, but not from aborted ovine or bovine fetuses. The author emphasizes that listeriosis is usually a foodborne infection in humans and a feedborne disease in the majority of animal species.
A she-camel of about 6 years of age with neurological signs was admitted to the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Qassim, central Saudi Arabia, for diagnosis and treatment. Clinical examination showed lack of coordination of movements, Parkinson's-like tremors of the head and lower lip paralysis. No parasite was detected in the stained blood smear, and except for leukocytosis and monocytosis, the result of the complete blood count (CBC) was normal. The results of the liver and kidney function tests were normal. The animal was infused with 4 units of 5% dextrose saline and injected with vitamin B1 and selenium preparations for the nervous manifestations. However, its health deteriorated rapidly and it was on lateral recumbency by the second day of admission. It died after one more day and was necropsied to investigate the cause of death. Postmortem examination showed slight congestion of the liver and the kidneys. The heart, meninges and the brain were congested and haemorrhagic. Histopathological examination showed acute lymphocytic meningeoencephalomyelitis in the medulla oblongata and spinal cord. Micro-abscesses containing neutrophils were seen in the medulla oblongata. Colonies of Listeria monocytogenes were obtained when the brain tissue was cultured in a cold environment. Smears made from the colonies showed Gram positive cocco-bacilli. Listeria monocytogenes was confirmed by PCR on DNA extracted from brain tissue.
Listeria monocytogenes is an uncommon cause of illness in the general population. However, for some groups, including neonates, pregnant women and immuno-compromised individuals, this organism is an important cause of life-threatening meningoencephalitis and bacteremia. 1 Listeriosis is not a reportable disease, but data from two surveillance studies performed in the United States in 1981/1982 and 1986 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that the annual infection rate is 7.4 per one million population, accounting for 1850 cases and 425 deaths per year in the United States. 1 Half of all listeriosis cases involve pregnant women, fetuses or neonates. About 22% of perinatal listeral infections result in still birth or neonatal death. 1 Studies of neonatal sepsis from the Central Region of Saudi Arabia did not identify L. monocytogenes as one of the etiological agents. 2 Case Report A full-term baby boy weighing 3300 g was delivered vaginally at the King Khalid University Hospital (KKUH) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Apgar scores were 6 at 1 minute and 9 at 5 minutes. The infant was well until 48 hours later, when he became irritable and developed generalized tonic clonic convulsions which lasted for about two minutes, and were controlled with intravenous diazepam. He was transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) where he was found to be ill, irritable and febrile, with a temperature of 39°C. The respiratory rate was 60/min, the pulse rate was 140 beats/min, and central nervous system examination showed a flat anterior fontanelle, hypertonia, and exaggerated deep tendon reflexes with no clonus. The rest of the examination was unremarkable.
A 1990 outbreak of listeriosis in silage fed sheep occurred in southern Illinois, USA with three observed clinical syndromes of Listeria monocytogenes mortality (LM). Overall, 3.1 % of the ewes (29/936) and 1.3% of the lambs died (17/1262). Since exposure to silage occurred in all ewes, risk factors for mortality and the financial impact of the disease could be evaluated. Yearling ewes were at increased risk of LM relative to older ewes (OR = 4.1). Rambouillet ewes which did not receive bacterin were at increased risk of LM relative to other ewes (OR = 4.6). Use of bacterin did not decrease the risk of LM in Rambouillets (OR = 0.8) but did among ewes of other breeds (OR = 0.1). There were no differences in lamb's risk for LM between genders, breed types of lambs, or breeds of dams. Lambs born in smaller barns were at increased risk for confirmed LM (OR = 5.0). This was the only significant risk factor for LM cases confirmed by necropsy, but bacterin use in the dam approached statistical significance, and increased a lamb's risk for LM (OR = 4.1, P = 0.06). With a broader lamb case definition, dam's poor udder scores and a shed lambing location increased the risk of LM in lambs (OR = 1.7 and OR = 2.1, respectively). The overall cost of an outbreak in a 1000-ewe flock (without Rambouillets) would be 2803) with relatively minor lamb losses (1831 (1380 in the lambs). If it was a Rambouillet flock (with no bacterin use) the costs incurred in an outbreak would drastically rise to $10895, largely due to the 12% mortality in the ewes.
During a prospective study of diseases of 4413 lambs in three housed early lambing (December and January) flocks, listerial meningoencephalitis was observed in dead lambs from two flocks (A and C) and was suspected in 1.1–1.3% (exact 95% confidence intervals (ECI), 0.3–6.7%) of live lambs from flock A. Listerial meningoencephalitis was confirmed at post-mortem in 0.5–1.6% of housed lambs which either died or were euthanased. Lambs were affected during a 2–4 week calendar period during February or March when 6–12 weeks of age. There was no age, breed or sex association with the condition. All lambs in the study were exposed to several possible risk factors but only a small proportion of lambs developed clinical signs of the disease. Previous reports of listerial meningoencephalitis in young lambs come from individual flock outbreaks or retrospective analysis of Veterinary Investigation Centre data, whereas these findings come from lambs under individual surveillance from birth to slaughter.
Altogether 496 samples of meat, lymph nodes, process water and swabs from different places in the abattoir were examined for the presence of Listeria spp. L. monocytogenes was isolated from 31 (6%) and other Listeria spp. from 65 (13%) samples L. monocytogenes was isolated from 2 of 10 beef meat samples, 4 of 50 pig meat samples and 1 of 21 lymph nodes of pigs. No Listeria bacteria were isolated from lymph nodes of cattle. The highest percentage of Listeria was recovered from the unclean sections (cattle 22% and pigs 27%) and the highest frequency was observed during the winter months.
