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Sero-epidemiological Study on Camel Brucellosis in Somalia

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Brucellosis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases worldwide. The disease was not fully assessed in Somalia particularly after the civil war of 1990s. The present study was conducted from December, 2015 to March, 2016 in order to determine the seroprevalence and possible risk factors associated with camel brucellosis in Mogadishu city of Somalia. Questionnaire survey was also used to evaluate the knowledge-attitude-practice (KAP) among camel owners. A total of 180 camel sera were randomly sampled and tested using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), Modified RBPT (mRBPT), Serum Agglutination Test (SAT) and Competitive Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (cELISA). The investigated camels were apparently healthy above two years of age with no history of vaccination against brucellosis. The overall seroprevalence of camel brucellosis was 4.4% at individual level and 31.3% at herd level. The Kappa statistics indicated that there was perfect agreement between mRBPT, SAT and cELISA (k=0.841) while the RBPT has a Kappa value of (0.589) which was found to be a moderate level of agreement when compared to the cELISA. Questionnaire survey among the camel owners determined that camels with proved reproductive problems were culled by 77% of the respondents which is a good practice that might have contributed to the low prevalence of brucellosis in the present study. Conversely, 100% of the respondents confirmed of consuming raw milk of camel as well as bare hand contact of abortion materials with abortion cases reported by 63% of them. Furthermore, 77% of the respondents did not know brucellosis and its zoonotic risk. Thus, these factors can play a vital role of transmission of this disease among Somali people. It was concluded that Brucella infection exists in camels in Mogadishu, Somalia, and mRBPT is as sensitive as SAT and cELISA techniques. Moreover RBPT is very sensitive test validated and its antigen standardized for bovine brucellosis. Therefore, the study recommends a wider epidemiological surveillance and further validation of diagnostic serological tests in camels and other ruminants as well as human with isolation and identification of the infective Brucella organism strains and further biovars which enables best options for selection of brucellosis control strategy suitable to Somalia context. Hence, improvement of the public awareness on zoonotic potential of the disease is also recommended.
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ISSN 2286-4822
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EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH
Vol. V, Issue 6/ September 2017
Impact Factor: 3.4546 (UIF)
DRJI Value: 5.9 (B+)
Sero-epidemiological Study on Camel Brucellosis in
Somalia
AHMED A. H. KADLE
1
International Committee of the Red Cross
Mogadishu, Somalia
SHADIA A. MOHAMED
College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bahri
Khartoum, Sudan
ABDALLA M. IBRAHIM
Abrar Research and Training Centre, Abrar University
Mogadishu, Somalia
MIHAD F. ALAWAD
Central Veterinary Research Laboratories
Khartoum, Sudan
Abstract:
Brucellosis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases
worldwide. The disease was not fully assessed in Somalia particularly
after the civil war of 1990s. The present study was conducted from
December, 2015 to March, 2016 in order to determine the
seroprevalence and possible risk factors associated with camel
brucellosis in Mogadishu city of Somalia. Questionnaire survey was
also used to evaluate the knowledge-attitude-practice (KAP) among
camel owners. A total of 180 camel sera were randomly sampled and
tested using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), Modified RBPT
(mRBPT), Serum Agglutination Test (SAT) and Competitive Enzyme
Linked Immunosorbent Assay (cELISA). The investigated camels were
apparently healthy above two years of age with no history of
vaccination against brucellosis. The overall seroprevalence of camel
brucellosis was 4.4% at individual level and 31.3% at herd level. The
1
Corresponding author: kadle010@gmail.com
Ahmed A. H. Kadle, Shadia A. Mohamed, Abdalla M. Ibrahim, Mihad F. Alawad- Sero-
epidemiological Study on Camel Brucellosis in Somalia
EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH - Vol. V, Issue 6 / September 2017
2926
Kappa statistics indicated that there was perfect agreement between
mRBPT, SAT and cELISA (k=0.841) while the RBPT has a Kappa
value of (0.589) which was found to be a moderate level of agreement
when compared to the cELISA. Questionnaire survey among the camel
owners determined that camels with proved reproductive problems
were culled by 77% of the respondents which is a good practice that
might have contributed to the low prevalence of brucellosis in the
present study. Conversely, 100% of the respondents confirmed of
consuming raw milk of camel as well as bare hand contact of abortion
materials with abortion cases reported by 63% of them. Furthermore,
77% of the respondents did not know brucellosis and its zoonotic risk.
Thus, these factors can play a vital role of transmission of this disease
among Somali people. It was concluded that Brucella infection exists
in camels in Mogadishu, Somalia, and mRBPT is as sensitive as SAT
and cELISA techniques. Moreover RBPT is very sensitive test
validated and its antigen standardized for bovine brucellosis.
Therefore, the study recommends a wider epidemiological surveillance
and further validation of diagnostic serological tests in camels and
other ruminants as well as human with isolation and identification of
the infective Brucella organism strains and further biovars which
enables best options for selection of brucellosis control strategy suitable
to Somalia context. Hence, improvement of the public awareness on
zoonotic potential of the disease is also recommended.
Key words: Brucella, Seroprevalence, Risk factors, zoonotic, disease
control, Mogadishu, Somalia.
INTRODUCTION
Somalia takes the first place in the world in possessing over six
million one humped camels [1]. The dromedary is an important
livestock species in Somalia and plays a vital role as food and in
the national economy of the country [2]. They have also social
and cultural importance to the pastoralists of the country for
payment of bride-wealth, known as ‘‘yarad’’ in Somali and
compensation of injured parties in tribal feuds, known as
Ahmed A. H. Kadle, Shadia A. Mohamed, Abdalla M. Ibrahim, Mihad F. Alawad- Sero-
epidemiological Study on Camel Brucellosis in Somalia
EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH - Vol. V, Issue 6 / September 2017
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‘‘mag’’ in Somali; blood-money [3]. The camel in Somali
pastoralist is the most valuable animal for all and a large herd
is a sign of strength, power and prestige. Camels are not
primarily disposable income as they have a great potential for
survival in long periods of drought as a recurrent phenomenon
in the country [4]. The available data on Somali livestock
population are poor and quite old. According to FSAU-FAO data
(1999), the camel population of Southern zone (including
Banadir region) is about 1.2 million heads [1].
Brucellosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease affecting both
human and animals including camels. It causes heavy economic
losses to the livestock industry and also poses serious human
health hazards [5]. The Brucella infection in camels is caused
by different biotypes of B. abortus and B. melitensis [5, 6, 7, 8].
It is characterized by abortion, retained placenta, uterine
infection, foetal death, mummification and delayed maturity [5,
9]. Infertility, arthritis and hygroma were also reported [10].
The infection rate was higher in intensive camel production
system [10, 11]. In countries with more of extensive form of
husbandry like Somalia the prevalence rate is low [9, 11, 12,
13].Previous serological surveys in different camel rearing
areas of Somalia reported prevalence rates ranging from 0.3%
to 10.4%using different serological techniques [14, 15, 16].
In Somalia, despite the presence of the largest
population of camels in the world and its economic and social
importance to the pastoral and agropastoral Somali
communities [1, 2, 3], livestock management as well as
programmes to control infectious diseases like brucellosis have
declined after collapse of central veterinary services in the
country due to the civil war of 1990s. Therefore, the present
study was undertaken to determine the seroprevalence of camel
brucellosis in selected districts of Banadir region of Somalia.
Moreover, scarcity of camel brucellosis data, lack of awareness
about brucellosis among the community together with the
Ahmed A. H. Kadle, Shadia A. Mohamed, Abdalla M. Ibrahim, Mihad F. Alawad- Sero-
epidemiological Study on Camel Brucellosis in Somalia
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prevailing tradition of raw camel milk consumption are the
main encouraging points to the present study.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study Area:
The study was carried out in three districts of Banadir region of
Somalia namely, Daynile, Yaqshid and Kahda districts. The
region lies between latitude 2°2′59″N and longitude 45°15′44″E.
Although by far the smallest administrative region in Somalia,
it has the largest population estimated to be about 2.3 million
and covers an area approximately 96,878 km [17, 18]. There is
no information on Banadir camel population in particular.
Therefore, these three districts were selected purposively due to
their camel population. Samples were collected randomly from
the nomadic herds and the dairy camel farms.
Study Population:
A total of 180 apparently healthy one-humped camels above two
years old with no history of vaccination against brucellosis were
randomly sampled from 16 camel herds. Two different camel
production systems were tested in this study, including
nomadic (extensive system) and dairy camel farms (semi-
intensive system). These animals were sampled in the period
between December 2015 and March 2016. Details of the study
population from the selected districts screened for brucellosis
are summarized in table (1).
Study design:
A cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the
seroprevalence of camel brucellosis in the selected districts of
Banadir region of Somalia using four different serological tests
varies in their sensitivity and specificity. Livestock farmers of
the selected areas were informed about the survey. However, to
encourage their participation in this study and facilitate the
Ahmed A. H. Kadle, Shadia A. Mohamed, Abdalla M. Ibrahim, Mihad F. Alawad- Sero-
epidemiological Study on Camel Brucellosis in Somalia
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process of sampling, the author administered anthelmintic and
multivitamin injections to their animals during sampling
period. At the time blood samples were collected, questionnaires
were filled by the owner of each sampled herd.
Sample collection:
Blood Samples: Approximately, 8 ml of blood were collected
aseptically from jugular vein of each camel using plain
vaccutainers tubes. The samples were transported to the
laboratory of Abrar Research and Training Centre (ARTC) in
Abrar University, Mogadishu-Somalia. Samples were left to clot
at room temperature (25°C). Sera were separated and decanted
into eppendorf tubes in duplicate (four aliquots) and stored at
20°C until needed for serological examination.
Questionnaire Samples: A questionnaire survey was
conducted among camel keepers to assess the knowledge-
attitude-practice (KAP) among these herders and farmers
towards the brucellosis. The questionnaire was administered to
sixteen respondents (herders) whose camels were included in
the study population. The information gathered relates to camel
management (milking, herding, watering, feeding, and delivery
and mating assistance) and milk consumption habits, in
addition to their knowledge on brucellosis and its control.
Serological Techniques:
Four serological tests (RBPT, mRBPT, SAT & cELISA) were
used in this study for detection of Brucella infection in Camels.
The RBPT and mRBPT were done in the laboratory of Abrar
Research and Training Centre (ARTC), Abrar University,
Mogadishu-Somalia, whereas SAT and cELISA were performed
in Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL), Khartoum-
Sudan.
Ahmed A. H. Kadle, Shadia A. Mohamed, Abdalla M. Ibrahim, Mihad F. Alawad- Sero-
epidemiological Study on Camel Brucellosis in Somalia
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Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT): All serum samples were
initially screened by RBPT using Brucella abortus strain 1119-3
(USDA) (S1119-3) antigen kindly donated by Central
Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL), Khartoum-Sudan.
The tested serum samples and antigen were taken to the room
temperature before testing for half an hour. The test was
performed according to the procedure described by Alton et al.,
(1975) and OIE manual (2016) [19, 20].
Modified Rose Bengal Plate Test (mRBPT): All camel sera
were tested by mRBPT as described by Blasco et al., (1994)
[21]; this test is similar to the RBPT and differ in the volume
ratio of antigen and serum sample which is 1 to 3 respectively.
Serum Agglutination Test (SAT): A total of 69 serum
samples were included for SAT examination. These were the
RBPT and mRBPT positive sera (7 samples) and 62 serum
samples selected randomly from the RBPT and mRBPT
negative samples. This test was performed in microplates
according to Alton et al., (1975) and OIE manual (2016) [19,
20] using B. abortus strain 1119-3 (USDA) (S1119-3). Serum
samples showing 30 or more IU per ml were considered positive
[20].
Competitive Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay
(cELISA): All serum samples tested by SAT were re-evaluated
by cELISA. The competitive enzyme linked Immunosorbent
assay (cELISA) was done and its results were interpreted
according to the instructions of the manufacture manual
(SVANOVIR® Brucella-Ab cELISA test kits, Svanova Biotech
AB Uppsala, Sweden). Any serum sample which gave 30% or
more percent inhibition (pi) was considered positive.
Ahmed A. H. Kadle, Shadia A. Mohamed, Abdalla M. Ibrahim, Mihad F. Alawad- Sero-
epidemiological Study on Camel Brucellosis in Somalia
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DATA MANAGEMENT AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS:
The data obtained from the field were recorded in notebook and
later stored in Microsoft Excel and analysed using software
SPSS® version 20. Chi-square test (X2) was used to identify the
statistical differences between the different variables associated
with seropositive camels. The agreement between different
serological tests was calculated using Kappa analysis. The
differences were considered statistically significant when P <
0.05.
RESULTS
Seroprevalence of Camel Brucellosis using different
serological tests:
The overall seroprevalence rate of camel brucellosis at herd
level was 18.8% and 31.2% using RBPT and modified RBPT
respectively while at individual level was 1.7% and 3.9%
respectively (table 2). In both individual and herd levels, the
statistical difference between the three districts was
insignificant.
Out of the 11 camel herds further examined using SAT
and cELISA, the results revealed that 5 herds (45.5%) and 4
herds (36.4%) were seropositive to Brucella antibodies
respectively. Whereas, at individual level the prevalence was
10.1% for both SAT and cELISA tests (table 3).The estimated
overall survey adjusted true animal level seroprevalence was
3.9% (7/180) for both SAT and cELISA, Based on cELISA, the
percent inhibition (pi) of the seroprevalence of camel brucellosis
is ranged from 40% to 77% (table 4.12).
Comparative results between different production
systems:
The seroprevalence of brucellosis in camels under extensive
management system was 3.6% by mRBPT, 8.7% by SAT, and
Ahmed A. H. Kadle, Shadia A. Mohamed, Abdalla M. Ibrahim, Mihad F. Alawad- Sero-
epidemiological Study on Camel Brucellosis in Somalia
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8.7% by cELISA. No antibodies were detected from these
nomadic camels using RBPT. The seroprevalence of brucellosis
in camels under semi-intensive management system was 2.4%,
4%, 10.9% and 10.9% by using RBPT, mRBPT, SAT and
cELISA respectively (table 5 and 6). However, the
seroprevalence rates for all serological tests used in this study
were not statistically significant in the semi-intensive managed
camels as compared to the camels in the extensive management
system (P > 0.05) as presented in table (5 and 6).
Level of agreement in the sensitivity between the four
serological tests:
The lowest positivity rate was obtained by the RBPT (table 4).
All serological tests were able to confirm the positivity of the 3
samples detected negative by RBPT. Four out of the 62
negative samples by RBPT were found positive by mRBPT, SAT
and cELISA. Only one sample from these samples was resulted
positive by both mRBPT and SAT, moreover it was found
negative by cELISA and vice versa with another serum sample
(table 7). Thus, eight out of 180 camel serum samples were
positive to Brucella antibodies by at least one of the four
serological tests used in this study (table 7). Therefore, the
overall seroprevalence for the present study was 4.4% and
31.3% at individual and herd levels respectively. As shown in
table (8), when compared RBPT to cELISA, (taking ELISA to be
the gold standard in this study), the sensitivity of the RBPT is
42.9% .The level of agreement between RBPT and cELISA
using kappa analysis was moderate agreement with a kappa
value of (0.589) according to Dohoo [22]. When compared
modified RBPT to cELISA the sensitivity (85.7%) was higher
than that of the RBPT with slightly similar specificity of
(98.4%). Perfect agreement between mRBPT and cELISA was
proven by calculating the kappa value (0.841) (table 9). As
delineated in table (10), the comparison between SAT and
cELISA was similar to that of mRBPT. The sensitivity was
Ahmed A. H. Kadle, Shadia A. Mohamed, Abdalla M. Ibrahim, Mihad F. Alawad- Sero-
epidemiological Study on Camel Brucellosis in Somalia
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(85.7%) and the specificity was (98.4%). Thus the level of
agreement appears perfect with a kappa value (0.841).
Questionnaire Results:
Although no statistically significant difference (P=0.78) was
observed between camels in contact with small ruminants and
unaccompanied camels, the present work revealed that nearly
half (49%) of the respondents keep camels with small
ruminants. All of the respondents (100%) consume raw camel
milk. Moreover, 77% of the camel owners interviewed did not
know brucellosis. Almost all camel herders handle the abortion
material and other excreta with bare hands. The abortion cases
in studied farms were (63%). The frequency of abortion of 13%
of these abortion cases were occur repeatedly. The cases of
retention of placenta were recorded in 63% of the interviewed
herds. The rate of mastitis was (94%).The majority of
respondents (72%) mentioned different causes of abortion.
However, only 23% had stated that Brucella as one of the cause.
The rest of interviewees who know the causes of abortion (48%)
mentioned different causes including trypanosomiasis, tick
paralysis and environmental stress. The majority of
interviewed camel farmers (77%) send camels with proven
reproductive problems to slaughterhouses. Only (22%) leave it
within the herd without medication.
DISCUSSION
In the present study, the seroprevalence of camel brucellosis in
Banadir region of Somalia was 1.7% by RBPT, 3.9% by mRBPT,
10.1% by SAT and 10.1% by cELISA. However, the estimated
seroprevalence adjusted confirmed brucellosis infection was
3.9% using both SAT and cELISA.
The overall seroprevalence of brucellosis in this study
was 4.4% (8 out 180). This is in agreement with the studies
obtained from camels in UAE (4.4%) [23], Ethiopia (4.4%) [24]
Ahmed A. H. Kadle, Shadia A. Mohamed, Abdalla M. Ibrahim, Mihad F. Alawad- Sero-
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and Sudan (4.9%) [25]. Lower seroprevalence was reported
before in camels from Somalia (3.1%) [16] and (0.3%) [15], and
Ethiopia (2.4%) [26]. Higher seroprevalence of camel brucellosis
has been also reported in Somalia (10.4%) [14]. additionally, our
result is higher than that reported in Egypt (2.3%) [27]. Higher
prevalence rates were reported in Ethiopia (7.6%) [28], Kenya
(10.5%) [29], Sudan (40.5%) [30], Yemen (11%) [31], Saudi
Arabia (8%) [32] and Kuwait (14.8%) [33]. The low
seroprevalence (4.4%) detected in the present study might be
due to the low density of camel population kept in a widely
extended grazing or/and farm land which reduce the
concentration and close contact of camels. Moreover, the good
practice of herders’ timely culling of camels with proven
reproductive problems from the herds might have contributed
to the current low prevalence.
Our results revealed that modified RBPT detected more
positive cases than the RBPT, actually RBPT is validated and
its antigen standardized to screen bovine samples for
brucellosis. Thus, mRBPT could be an alternative test to
advantageously replace the RBPT for the screening of
brucellosis in camels; and the test is recommended by the OIE
for camel serum samples screening for brucellosis antibodies.
On the other hand, there were no differences between mRBPT
and SAT in terms of sensitivity. Four (6.5%) of the 62 RBPT-
negative samples were positive on the cELISA, giving that the
RBPT have missed 6.5% of seropositive (false negative) camels.
Similar findings comparing different serological tests were
reported by Omer et al., (2010) [30]. The later author found that
cELISA detected 2.1% more positives than the RBPT. In the
present study, a perfect agreement between mRBPT, SAT and
cELISA was proven by calculating Kappa values (0.841) with
high sensitivity of (85.7%) of all tests, while the RBPT have
only a sensitivity of (42.9%) and Kappa value of (0.589) when
compared to the cELISA. Thus, our results suggest combining
Ahmed A. H. Kadle, Shadia A. Mohamed, Abdalla M. Ibrahim, Mihad F. Alawad- Sero-
epidemiological Study on Camel Brucellosis in Somalia
EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH - Vol. V, Issue 6 / September 2017
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cELISA with either mRBPT or SAT for detection of Brucella
antibodies in camels.
Although no statistically significant difference (P>0.05)
observed between the two production systems, the present
study agreed with many authors [11, 32, 34] that higher
seroprevalence was found in semi-intensive camel farms (4.0%)
than extensively managed camels (3.6%). However, both
production systems in this study were in the range of the low
prevalence rate (2-5%) as reported by Abbas [12]. This is might
be contributed by the low concentration of camel population
kept in both systems which reduces the chances of contact
between animals which is one of the factors of likelihood of
Brucella infection [35].
In contrary to the established fact, no significant
difference was observed in the prevalence of brucellosis
between camels co-herded with small ruminants and camels
kept alone in this study. Even though Bekele (2004), [11] and
Al-Majali et al. (2008) [34] have reported that contact of camel
herds with small ruminants were a contributing risk factor to
brucellosis at herd and individual levels [11, 34]. A high
number (77%) of interviewees did not know brucellosis.
Moreover, all respondents manage abortion materials and other
excreta with bare hands. In addition to that, 100% of the
participants consume raw camel milk. These findings can
potentially play a major role of transmission of the disease in
both animals and human.
In conclusion: The present study revealed that the
seroprevalence of brucellosis in camels from Banadir region of
Somalia was low (4.4%). Although the seroprevalence of camel
brucellosis is low, the disease still poses a considerable risk that
contributes to the occurrence of the disease in an unaffected
animals and herds and to the public health because of its
zoonotic nature as well as market value of the camels.
Therefore, the study recommends further brucellosis
Ahmed A. H. Kadle, Shadia A. Mohamed, Abdalla M. Ibrahim, Mihad F. Alawad- Sero-
epidemiological Study on Camel Brucellosis in Somalia
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epidemiological studies in camels, other ruminants and human.
Isolation and identification of the Brucella biovars in Somalia
will leads to selection of the best option of control strategy
suitable to country. This will lead to improvement of animal
and human health.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The authors would like to thank Abrar University for allowing
us to use their laboratory facilities to carry out part of sample
analysis and for funding this research all through. We also
want to thank Dr. Maha Khojaly, Head Department of Brucella
(CVRL), Khartoum-Sudan for her valuable assistance. Our
appreciations also belong to Dr. Abdulkarim Abdulle Yusuf for
his kind assistance during blood sample collection. We would
like also to thank camel farmers of Banadir region for allowing
us to sample their animals and took their precious time to take
part in the questionnaire survey.
Ahmed A. H. Kadle, Shadia A. Mohamed, Abdalla M. Ibrahim, Mihad F. Alawad- Sero-
epidemiological Study on Camel Brucellosis in Somalia
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epidemiological Study on Camel Brucellosis in Somalia
EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH - Vol. V, Issue 6 / September 2017
2939
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EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH - Vol. V, Issue 6 / September 2017
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epidemiological Study on Camel Brucellosis in Somalia
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2941
Table 1: Number of camels sampled in the study area
Region
Districts
Number of camels
sampled
Production System
Total
Female
Male
Extensive
Semi-intensive
Banadir
Daynile
85
83
2
33
52
Yaqshid
23
22
1
23
0
Kahda
72
69
3
0
72
Total
180
174
6
56
124
Total
180
Table 2: Seroprevalence of camel brucellosis at herd and individual
levels using RBPT and mRBPT:
District
Number
of herds
RBPT
Positive
(%)
P-
value
mRBPT
Positive
(%)
P-
value
Number
of
samples
RBPT
Positive
(%)
P-
value
mRBPT
Positive
(%)
P-
value
Daynile
11
2 (18.2%)
0.85
2
(18.2%)
0.16
85
2 (2.4%)
0.71
2 (2.4%)
0.37
Kahda
4
1 (25.0%)
2
(50.0%)
72
1 (1.4%)
3 (4.2%)
Yaqshid
1
0 (0.0%)
1 (100%)
23
0 (0.0%)
2 (8.7%)
Total
16
3 (18.8%)
5
(31.2%)
180
3 (1.7%)
7 (3.9%)
Table 3: Seroprevalence of camel brucellosis at herd and individual
levels using SAT and c-ELISA:
District
Number
of
herds
SAT
Positive
(%)
P-
value
cELISA
Positive
(%)
P-
value
Number
of
samples
SAT
Positive
(%)
P-
value
cELISA
Positive
(%)
P-
value
Daynile
7
2 (28.6%)
0.28
2 (28.6%)
0.38
40
2 (5.0%)
0.24
2 (5.0%)
0.24
Kahda
3
2 (66.7%)
1 (33.3%)
19
3 (15.8%)
3 (15.8%)
Yaqshid
1
1 (100%)
1 (100%)
10
2 (20.0%)
2 (20.0%)
Total
11
5 (45.5%)
4 (36.4%)
69
7 (10.1%)
7 (10.1%)
Table 4: Serological test results of the serum samples from camels in
Banadir
Number of
samples
RBPT
mRBPT
SAT
cELISA
P+ve
(%)
N-ve
(%)
P+ve
(%)
N-ve
(%)
P+ve
(%)
N-ve
(%)
P+ve
(%)
N-ve
(%)
180 for RBPT
& mRBPT
69 for SAT &
cELISA
3(1.7)
177(98.3%)
7(3.9%)
173(96.1%)
7(10.1%)
62(89.9%)
7(10.1%)
62(89.9%)
Table 5: Prevalence of camel brucellosis in relation to the production
systems using standard RBPT and modified RBPT
Description
Category
Total
sample
RBPT
positive (%)
P-value
mRBPT
positive (%)
P-value
Production
System
Extensive
56
0 (0.0%)
0.24
2 (3.6%)
0.88
Semi-intensive
124
3 (2.4%)
5 (4.0%)
Total
180
3 (1.7%)
7 (3.9%)
Ahmed A. H. Kadle, Shadia A. Mohamed, Abdalla M. Ibrahim, Mihad F. Alawad- Sero-
epidemiological Study on Camel Brucellosis in Somalia
EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH - Vol. V, Issue 6 / September 2017
2942
Table 6: Prevalence of camel brucellosis in relation to the production
systems using SAT and cELISA
Description
Category
Total
sample
SAT positive
(%)
P-value
cELISA
positive (%)
P-value
Production
System
Extensive
23
2 (8.7%)
0.78
2 (8.7%)
0.78
Semi-intensive
46
5 (10.9%)
5 (10.9%)
Total
69
7 (10.1%)
7 (10.1%)
Table 7: Comparison of serological test results
P+ve Sample Identification
RBPT
mRBPT
SAT
cELISA
SOCM 34
+
+
+
SOCM 36
+
+
+
SOCM 53
+
+
+
+
SOCM 56
+
+
+
SOCM 83
+
+
+
+
SOCM 110
+
+
+
+
SOCM 129
+
SOCM 145
+
+
Table 8: Comparison of RBPT and cELISA test results
RBPT
cELISA
Total
Positive
Negative
Positive
3
0
3
Negative
4
62
66
Total
7
62
69
Sensitivity
42.9%
Specificity
100.0%
Overall agreement
94.2%
Kappa value
0.589%
Table 9: Comparison of mRBPT and cELISA test results
mRBPT
cELISA
Total
Positive
Negative
Positive
6
1
7
Negative
1
61
62
Total
7
62
69
Sensitivity
85.7%
Specificity
98.4%
Overall agreement
97.1%
Kappa value
0.841
Table 10: Comparison of SAT and cELISA test results
SAT
cELISA
Total
Positive
Negative
Positive
6
1
7
Negative
1
61
62
Total
7
62
69
Sensitivity
85.7%
Specificity
98.4%
Overall agreement
97.1%
Kappa value
0.841
... Somalia is a tropical developing country in which climatic and living conditions favors the dissemination of zoonotic pathogens. Despite public and economic importance of toxoplasmosis and brucellosis, few data are available in Somali people (12,13,15) and their animals (16)(17)(18)(19)(20). In addition, there are little or no concerted medical and veterinary efforts to maximize toxoplasmosis and brucellosis detection rates. ...
... Herein, the overall seroprevalence of brucellosis in pregnant women was low (1.30%), in agreement with the prevalence of brucellosis in animals (1.7%) from Somalia (16). This may be due to the traditional prevention of diseases in livestock farms through culling of animals with proven reproductive problems. ...
... A strong association between human and animal seropositivity of brucellosis has been reported in a linked study in Kenya (25). However, the public health associated risk factors of zoonotic pathogens like prevailing tradition of unheated milk consumption and handling of aborted materials and reproductive excretions with bare hands are commonly practiced in Somalia (16), and this should be considered as a potential risk factor for brucellosis and other abortifacients zoonotic pathogens. Moreover, in the present study, all pregnant women seroreactive for Brucella spp. ...
Article
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Toxoplasmosis and brucellosis are zoonotic diseases of worldwide distribution. They both cause abortion and infertility in human and animals. Limited data are available about these pathogens in Somali people and their animals. Hence, this study has evaluated the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Brucella spp. antibodies in pregnant women in Mogadishu, Somalia. Serum samples from 307 pregnant women from Mogadishu, Somalia were tested for anti-T. gondii antibodies by Latex Agglutination Test (LAT) and anti-Brucella spp. antibodies by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and a commercial competitive-ELISA (cELISA). A total of 119/307 (38.76%) pregnant women had a prior history of abortion. A total of 159/307 (51.79%; 95% CI: 46.2–57.35%) pregnant women were seroreactive for T. gondii by LAT at different stages of pregnancy. For Brucella spp., when RBPT and cELISA were combined 4/307 (1.30%; 95% CI: 0.36–3.30%) pregnant women were seroreactive to anti-Brucella spp. antibodies, being 2/307 (0.65%; 95% CI: 0.18–2.34%) by RBPT and 3/307 (0.98%; 95% CI: 0.33–2.83%) by cELISA. Two women were seroreactive for both agents. A high seropositivity to T. gondii and low seropositivity to Brucella spp. have been found in pregnant women from Mogadishu, Somalia. Considering the high number of abortions in the country associated to the fact that awareness on other zoonotic abortifacient pathogens in Somalis is very low, further studies should be conducted to evaluate the potential causes of abortions.
... There is sufficient evidence indicating that brucellosis is present in sheep and goats [11,12], cattle [13,14], camels [3,15], and humans [16] in Somalia. However, there is currently little information available about the epidemiology of the disease in Somalia, and its occurrence in both livestock and humans is poorly estimated. ...
... However, there is currently little information available about the epidemiology of the disease in Somalia, and its occurrence in both livestock and humans is poorly estimated. Few studies have been conducted in south and central Somalia, or in Somaliland (northern Somalia) [3,15]. One study reported 3.9% individual seroprevalence in camels in northern Somalia [3], while 4.4% individual seroprevalence of camel brucellosis was reported in Mogadishu, southern Somalia [15]. ...
... Few studies have been conducted in south and central Somalia, or in Somaliland (northern Somalia) [3,15]. One study reported 3.9% individual seroprevalence in camels in northern Somalia [3], while 4.4% individual seroprevalence of camel brucellosis was reported in Mogadishu, southern Somalia [15]. However, no information is available on camel brucellosis in the Puntland State of Somalia (northeastern Somalia). ...
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Brucellosis is an important zoonotic disease caused by members of the genus Brucella. Camel brucellosis has been reported in almost all camel-rearing countries in Africa and Asia. A cross- sectional study was conducted between February 2020 and February 2021 in Galkayo, Garowe, and Bosaso districts in the Puntland State of Somalia to investigate the seroprevalence and risk factors of brucellosis in camels. A competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) was used to detect anti-Brucella antibodies, while a structured questionnaire was used to collect epidemiological data. A total of 441 camel sera were screened against Brucella antibodies. Thirty-one (7%; 95% CI: 4.8–9.8%) samples were positive, and thirteen (54.2%; 95% CI: 32.8–74.4%) out of the twenty-four farms sampled had at least one seropositive animal. Galkayo district had the highest number of Brucella-seropositive camels (10.3%), followed by Bosaso district (8.6%), while Garowe district had the lowest number of seropositive camels (1.4%). The binary logistic regression model revealed that camels in Galkayo district (p = 0.015; OR: 9.428; 95% CI: 1.539–57.755), camels from large herd sizes of >50 animals (p = 0.019; OR: 5.822; 95% CI: 1.336–25.371), and those in contact with small ruminants (p = 0.011; OR: 10.941; 95% CI: 1.728–69.285) were significantly associated with seropositive cases of camel brucellosis in the Puntland State of Somalia. The present study shows that Brucella infections in camels are prevalent in the three districts covered by the study. This poses a public health risk, because milk from these camels is used for human consumption. Studies focusing on the isolation of Brucella strains in camels and investigating brucellosis in ruminants and humans are recommended in the study area. Validation of serological tests—including c-ELISA—for Brucella antibody detection in camels is also needed. Keywords: Brucella; camels; seroprevalence; Puntland State of Somalia
... In fact, a strong association between human and animal Brucella seropositivity has been reported [35]. In Somalia, along with the same social-cultural activities there is a prevailing tradition of unheated milk consumption and handling of aborted materials and reproductive excretions with bare hands [36]. Thus, there is a risk of human cases of brucellosis particularly in groups occupationally or domestically exposed to those ruminants. ...
Article
Full-text available
Background Fourteen-years after the last Rift Valley fever (RVF) virus (RVFV) outbreak, Somalia still suffers from preventable transboundary diseases. The tradition of unheated milk consumption and handling of aborted materials poses a public health risk for zoonotic diseases. Limited data are available on RVF and Brucella spp. in Somali people and their animals. Hence, this study has evaluated the occurrence of RVFV and Brucella spp. antibodies in cattle, goats and sheep sera from Afgoye and Jowhar districts of Somalia. Methods Serum samples from 609 ruminants (201 cattle, 203 goats and 205 sheep), were serologically screened for RVF by a commercial cELISA, and Brucella species by modified Rose Bengal Plate Test (mRBPT) and a commercial iELISA. Results Two out of 609 (0.3 %; 95 %CI: 0.04–1.2 %) ruminants were RVF seropositive, both were female cattle from both districts. Anti- Brucella spp. antibodies were detected in 64/609 (10.5 %; 95 %CI: 8.2–13.2 %) ruminants by mRBPT, which were 39/201 (19.4 %) cattle, 16/203 (7.9 %) goats and 9/205 (4.4 %) sheep. Cattle were 5.2 and 2.8 times more likely to be Brucella -seropositive than sheep (p = 0.000003) and goats (p = 0.001), respectively. When mRBPT-positive samples were tested by iELISA, 29/64 (45.3 %; 95 %CI: 32.8–58.3 %) ruminant sera were positive for Brucella spp. Only 23/39 (58.9 %) cattle sera and 6/16 (37.5 %) goat sera were positive to Brucella spp. by iELISA. Conclusions The present study showed the serological evidence of RVF and brucellosis in ruminants from Afgoye and Jowhar districts of Somalia. Considering the negligence of the zoonotic diseases at the human-animal interface in Somali communities, a One Health approach is needed to protect public health.
... In Mogadishu/ Somalia, researchers found the existence of camel brucellosis using various serological tests, in addition to mRBPT which was as sensitive as SAT and c ELISA. Moreover, they found that RBPT is a highly sensitive test and further validated its antigen consistent for bovine brucellosis (Kadle et al., 2017). Very little research has been published concerning camel brucellosis in Iraq (Al-Ani et al., 1998). ...
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Zoonotic infections or diseases can be transmitted naturally to humans with or without arthropod intermediates. Indeed, some of these diseases can even get transmitted from camels to humans. This review intends to focus on zoonotic diseases of camelids and measures their control. Since infected animals rarely appear sick, humans frequently become exposed to and develop severe illnesses from the bacteria, protozoa, fungi, viruses, and parasites of camelid origin. People with chronic illness, or immunodeficiency, and pregnant women may be at higher risk of developing disease or complications from a zoonotic disease and should avoid contact with these animals. Zoonotic diseases associated with camelids are divided into three groups: (i) significant diseases, (ii) diseases of which Camelids are potential pathogen carriers, and (iii) minor or non-significant diseases. Therefore, anyone working with or handling camelids should be aware of the potential zoonotic threat, and precautions must be taken to minimize their risk of becoming infected. © 2018 International society of Camelid Research and Development.
... In Mogadishu/ Somalia, researchers found the existence of camel brucellosis using various serological tests, in addition to mRBPT which was as sensitive as SAT and c ELISA. Moreover, they found that RBPT is a highly sensitive test and further validated its antigen consistent for bovine brucellosis (Kadle et al., 2017). Very little research has been published concerning camel brucellosis in Iraq (Al-Ani et al., 1998). ...
Article
Full-text available
Zoonotic infections or diseases can be transmitted naturally to humans with or without arthropod intermediates. Indeed, some of these diseases can even get transmitted from camels to humans. This review intends to focus on zoonotic diseases of camelids and measures their control. Since infected animals rarely appear sick, humans frequently become exposed to and develop severe illnesses from the bacteria, protozoa, fungi, viruses, and parasites of camelid origin. People with chronic illness, or immunodeficiency, and pregnant women may be at higher risk of developing disease or complications from a zoonotic disease and should avoid contact with these animals. Zoonotic diseases associated with camelids are divided into three groups: (i) significant diseases, (ii) diseases of which Camelids are potential pathogen carriers, and (iii) minor or non-significant diseases. Therefore, anyone working with or handling camelids should be aware of the potential zoonotic threat, and precautions must be taken to minimize their risk of becoming infected.
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The comparative performance of serological methods for diagnosing brucellosis in camels under Somali context has not been evaluated. Thus, the objective of the present study was to compare serological tests (Rose Bengal Plate Test [RBPT], modified RBPT [mRBPT], micro-Serum Agglutination Test [mSAT] and competitive Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay [cELISA]) for detection of Brucella antibodies in camel sera collected from camel herds reared in Mogadishu, Somalia. The seropositivity was 1.7% by RBPT, 3.9% by mRBPT, 3.9% by mSAT and 3.9% by cELISA. The last three tests showed excellent agreement whereas RBPT indicated moderate agreement. Moreover, the mRBPT performed well in the sensitivity compared to the standard RBPT. The standard RBPT is often reported to have a high sensitivity and recommended to use as a screening test EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH-Vol. V, Issue 10 / January 2018 5500 for brucellosis control programs. However, in the current study, mRBPT achieved incomparable sensitivity than standard RBPT and equal sensitivity mSAT and cELISA. Therefore, the authors recommend to use modified-RBPT to screen Brucella infection in camels from Somalia for export and control purposes and confirm the positive animals with competitive ELISA.
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This review article aims to describe the prevalence of brucellosis in ruminants and humans in Somalia and also guides policy makers to draw sound decisions regarding brucellosis control policies. It is concluded that brucellosis is of no public health importance in Somalia. Nevertheless, it is suggested that a stronger inter-sectoral collaboration among veterinary, medical and public health professionals at the federal and country level in terms of one-health approach should be promoted.
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Camels are highly susceptible to brucellosis caused by Brucella melitensis and Brucella abortus. Difficulties can arise in diagnosis of camel brucellosis, especially as this disease provokes only few clinical signs in contrast to its clinical course in cattle. Because none of the commonly used serological test can be perceived as a perfect test for Brucella diagnosis in camel and most serological tests used for camels have been directly transposed from cattle without adequate validation, an incorrect diagnosis may occur when diagnosis is based on serology alone. Of imminent concern is the fact that brucellosis can be easily transmitted from animals or their products to humans mainly via milk. In many developing countries in the arid areas of Asia and Africa, camels are still the most important productive livestock for nomadic populations. Therefore, we reviewed the literatures on camel brucellosis to highlight the epidemiologic, economic and public health impact of camel brucellosis as a basis for designing effective control strategies.
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Camel brucellosis has been diagnosed in all camel-rearing countries except Australia. In many countries the infection is on the rise in Old World camels (OWCs) due to the uncontrolled trade of live animals. Knowledge of camelid brucellosis has increased over the last decade through field investigations, experimental infection trials and comprehensive laboratory testing. Infection with Brucella melitensis is frequent in OWCs and rare with B. abortus. New World Camels rarely contract brucellosis. In East African countries the seroprevalence of brucellosis can reach 40% (herd level) and depends on the management system. The highest incidence is found when camels are kept together with infected small ruminants. Only a combination of serological methods can detect all serological reactors. Culturing the pathogen is still the preferred test method, although several assays based on polymerase chain reaction have been developed.
Article
Camels are highly susceptible to brucellosis caused by Brucella melitensis and Brucella abortus. Difficulties can arise in diagnosis of camel brucellosis, especially as this disease provokes only few clinical signs in contrast to its clinical course in cattle. Because none of the commonly used serological test can be perceived as a perfect test for Brucella diagnosis in camel and most serological tests used for camels have been directly transposed from cattle without adequate validation, an incorrect diagnosis may occur when diagnosis is based on serology alone. Of imminent concern is the fact that brucellosis can be easily transmitted from animals or their products to humans mainly via milk. In many developing countries in the arid areas of Asia and Africa, camels are still the most important productive livestock for nomadic populations. Therefore, we reviewed the literatures on camel brucellosis to highlight the epidemiologic, economic and public health impact of camel brucellosis as a basis for designing effective control strategies.
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Six treatment regimens using oxytetracycline (OTC) combined with streptomycin (ST) were evaluated for eliminating Brucella melitensis from 480 naturally-infected sheep and goats. Cessation of shedding Brucella from udder secretions and absence of Brucella in selected tissues at autopsy were considered criteria for successful treatment. Four regimens were equally effective in eliminating Brucella in the treated groups of sheep and goats regardless of the source of antibiotics used. These were regimen A (OTC 20 mg/kg intravenously daily for 6 weeks, combined with ST 20 mg/kg intramuscularly [i.m.] daily for 3 weeks), regimen B (long-acting [LA]-OTC 20 mg/kg i.m. every 3 days for 6 weeks, with ST 20 mg/kg i.m. every 3 days for 3 weeks), regimens D and E (LA-OTC 28 mg/kg i.m. every 3 days for 6 weeks, with ST 20 mg/kg i.m. every 3 days for 3 weeks). However, regimen C (LA-OTC 20 mg/kg i.m. every 3 days for 6 weeks, with ST 20 mg/kg i.m. every 3 days for 3 weeks) eliminated Brucella in only 75 of 80 (94%) sheep and goats. Regimen F (LA-OTC 25 mg/kg i.m. every 2 days for 4 weeks, combined with ST 20 mg/kg i.m. every 2 days for 2 weeks) was the most practical, effective and least expensive regimen for eliminating Brucella in the 80 treated sheep and goats. Brucella melitensis biovar 2 was repeatedly isolated from the mammary secretions of all sheep and goats before treatment. It was also isolated repeatedly from the udder secretions of all non-treated control animals and from selected tissue specimens collected from the controls at necropsy.
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This study investigated the presence of Brucella antibodies in serum and milk obtained from camels in Kuwait. Brucella strains were also isolated from the foetus using standard technique (Webridge Lab Techniques). Three serological tests for serum were adopted. These tests were Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), the Serum Tube Agglutination Test (SAT) and the Complement Fixation Test (CFT). The RBPT was used for all sera samples, and both SAT and CET were used for the positive RBPT. Camels that showed a titer of 1:40 in SAT or 1:5 in CFT or greater were considered positive. Thirteen of the samples examined were found positive by CFT (at 1:5); by SAT, they showed a titer of 1:20. One serological test, the Milk Ring Test (MRT), was used for milk. Here 3 and 2 were considered positive reactors but 1+ was considered suspicious. We were unable to isolate the Brucella organism from Sedemine and Cream of milk, but we isolated them from Foetus Brucella abortus and it is confirmed by Webridge Laboratory, U.K. It is Brucella abortus (Biovar 1). The prevalence rate was 14.8% from serum by the CFT and RBPT methods and 10.8% by the SAT method. For milk, the prevalence rate was 8.0%. Two Brucella abortus were isolated from 5 foetuses.
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