Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is an important milk-borne zoonosis that affects cattle production and poses serious threat to public health. This study aimed at assessing the risk factors as well as the level of awareness, attitude, and practices of abattoir personnel toward bTB in Gombe Township Abattoir, Gombe State. A prospective survey was conducted between October 2015 and December 2015. During the survey, a total of 112 close-ended structured questionnaires were administered to the abattoir personnel to assess their level of awareness of bTB. Of these respondents, the majority were males (79%), butchers (49%) and about 40% were under the productive age brackets of 26-35 years. Majority of the respondents (85.7%) were aware of the zoonotic nature of the disease. However, only a few of the respondents (44.6%) wear personal protective equipments (PPEs) clothes while handling or in contact with carcasses during the slaughtering process. Only a few among the respondents (24.1% and 31.2%) consumed unpasteurized milk and unaware of eating of improperly cooked meat as a risk factor of bTB, respectively. About 75.7% of the respondents believed that the habit of eating and drinking inside the abattoir and during slaughtering operations has no any significant effects on their health. The results obtained show a statistically significant association between respondents' awareness of bTB and their occupational status, duration of exposure to cattle carcasses, and knowledge about the disease (p<0.05); and the odds of being aware of bTB was 10.0, 5.07, and 4.2, respectively. This study demonstrates the need for public health authorities to intervene in bTB prevention and control through the creation of avenues for enlightenment on the zoonotic risk associated with bTB. The risk factors associated with bTB transmission as indicated by the personnel's practice and awareness levels in Gombe township abattoir are preventable through the use of PPEs clothing. Keywords: abattoir personnel, bovine tuberculosis, Gombe, one-health approach, risk factors.

Wild birds can carry a number of potential human and animal pathogens. These birds can intrude into human habitats giving the opportunity to transmission of such infection. Therefore, the current study was designed to investigate the role of crows and waterfowls as vectors of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes and to compare cultivation methods with direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of infection. A total of 200 fecal dropping samples were collected. Salmonella was cultivated by three step method (Universal Pre-enrichment Broth [UPB], Rappaport-Vassiliadis Broth, and Xylose Lysine Desoxycholate agar). The recovered isolates were characterized by biotyping, serotyping, and PCR detection of enterotoxin (stn) gene. The antibiogram pattern of isolates against a panel of 8 antibiotics was recorded. L. monocytogenes was cultivated on UPB, then on Listeria Oxford Agar and Listeria CHROMagar. The recovered isolates were characterized by biotyping and PCR detection of listeriolysin (hylA) gene. The percentages of Salmonella infection in crows and waterfowls were 10 and 20, respectively. The most frequently recovered serovars were Typhimurium, Potengi, Enteritidis, and Kentucky. Antimicrobial susceptibility analysis of Salmonella isolates showed that the resistance rates for gentamicin were the highest (92%), followed by amoxicillin (88%) and cefixime (60%). Resistance to 8 antibiotics was recorded in 60% (15/25) of Salmonella isolates. The percentages of L. monocytogenes infection in crows and waterfowls were 1.3 and 2, respectively. Direct PCR applied to UPB revealed that 12% and 3% of samples were positive for Salmonella and L. monocytogenes, respectively, and there was no significant difference between direct PCR and cultivation method for the detection of infection. The present findings indicate that wild birds can harbor zoonotic enteric pathogens and this necessitates monitoring the epidemiologic status of these pathogens among wild birds and humans and applying the appropriate intervention measures to prevent the spread of infection. Keywords: antibiotic susceptibility, crows, hylA and stn genes, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, waterfowl.

This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of Helicobacter pullorum in broiler chickens and their farm environment. The ceca from 100 broiler chickens from ten farms were sampled from processing sites or markets. The cecal contents were aseptically collected from each cecum and cultured. The farms were visited, and environmental samples were collected which included water, house flies, floor swabs and soils in chicken houses. H. pullorum was present in 51% of the broilers; 17.5% of the flies were found to carry H. pullorum and Campylobacter spp., 30% of house floors were positive, while all water samples were negative. Flies could have picked up the organisms from the chickens' feces and/or the environment of the chicken houses or they could be one of the sources in the spread of the organisms. This study also showed that broiler chickens are potential reservoirs for H. pullorum and may serve as a source of infection for humans through the food chain. Keywords: broiler chickens, Campylobacter, Helicobacter pullorum, house flies.

This study investigated the occurrence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli in chickens from small-scale (backyard) commercial poultry farms in Maiduguri. A total of 96 cloacal swab samples were collected. This comprised of 24 samples each from broiler chicks, pullets, layers, and broilers (adults). The samples were examined for the presence of E. coli using conventional microbiological culture and biochemical tests. The pure E. coli isolates were screened for ESBL production by culturing onto BrillianceTM ESBL agar. Isolates that showed positive reactions with production of bluish or pinkish colonies were tested for susceptibilities against some selected beta-lactam antibiotics which include cefotaxime (30 μg), ceftriaxone (30 μg), cefpodoxime (10 μg), aztreonam (30 μg), and ceftazidime (30 μg). Isolates that exhibited resistance to any two or three of the antibiotics were selected and confirmed by combination disk diffusion method with ceftazidime (30 μg) and cefotaxime (30 μg) alone and in combination with clavulanic acid (30 μg/10 μg). The total occurrence of E. coli was 67.6% (65/96) with the highest occurrence of 83.3% (20/24) from broiler chicks and least detection of 54.2% (13/24) from layers. Of this, 32.0% were ESBL-producing E. coli with the highest detection rate from layers (38.5%) and least occurrence from pullets (26.7%). This study revealed the presence of ESBL-producing E. coli in chickens from small-scale commercial poultry farms in Maiduguri, thus indicating that chickens may serve as important reservoirs for the transmission of antimicrobial resistant pathogens to humans through the food chain. Keywords: antimicrobials, chickens, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase, Escherichia coli, Maiduguri.

The study determined and evaluated the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from milk collected along the milk value chain from farm herds, milk collection center, and milk shops in Mbeya rural and Mbozi districts, Tanzania. A total of 150 milk samples were collected; 96 from farmers' herds, 18 from milk collection centers, and 36 from milk shops. The samples were cultured in Mannitol salt agar for pathogen isolation and biochemical tests performed for confirmation of S. aureus. Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was employed for antibiotic resistance testing. One hundred and forty samples yielded Staphylococcus species; these were from farmer's herd (92), milk collection center (18), and milk shops (30), respectively. Biochemical tests showed that 21 (15%) were positive for S. aureus. The corresponding prevalence rates from the value chain nodes were 14.1%, 16.7%, and 16.7%, respectively. Resistance to penicillin was frequently observed (57.1%) and vancomycin was effective to all S. aureus isolates tested. Resistance along the sampling points showed a significant positive correlation (r=0.82, p<0.0001; r=0.65, p<0.003; and r=0.61, p<0.01) between farmers, milk collection points, and milk shops, respectively. More than half (57.1%) of the isolates exhibited resistance to three or more of the antibiotics used in this study. S. aureus isolates were shown to have a multiple antimicrobial resistance patterns, particularly with respect to penicillin, ampicillin, erythromycin, and tetracycline. The level of staphylococcal isolates and the antibiotic resistance of S. aureus found in this study is an indication of subclinical mastitis, poor hygiene, and inappropriate use of antibiotics; therefore, education of farmers on subclinical mastitis control and proper use of antibiotics would be of benefits in these areas. Keywords: milk contamination, milk products, multiple antibiotic resistant.

Shrimp is one of the most commonly consumed types of seafood. It is a very nutritious healthy food. Shrimp is low in calories and rich in protein and healthy fats. It also contains a treasure trove of vitamins and minerals. On the negative side, it may be affected by many bacterial diseases which affect its health. Furthermore, it may be incriminated as a vector of foodborne illnesses that range from mild gastrointestinal upset to life-threatening diseases. This study was designed to assess the clinical picture and zoonotic importance of vibriosis and Aeromonas infection in live shrimp and to study the antibacterial effect of citric acid (lemon juice) and acetic acid (vinegar) on these pathogens. A total of 170 live shrimp (Metapenaeus monoceros) samples were collected from Suez City, Egypt. The samples were examined clinically, and then, they were enriched into alkaline peptone water and cultivated on thiosulfate-citrate-bile salts-sucrose agar and ampicillin MacConkey agar for the isolation of Vibrio and Aeromonas species, respectively. The recovered isolates were confirmed biochemically and genotypically using duplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. The germicidal effects of vinegar and lemon on artificially contaminated shrimp samples with Aeromonas hydrophila and Vibrio parahaemolyticus at different times (0.25, 1, 1.5, and 24 h) and temperatures (5° and 30°C) were studied. The results revealed that some of the infected shrimp were hypoxic, lethargic with abnormal swimming behavior. In most cases, body appendages, telsons, uropods, and gills took black coloration. In addition, the hepatopancreas appeared soft, swollen, and congested. The prevalence rates of vibriosis in each of the musculature and hepatopancreas were 4.7%, while the prevalence rates of Aeromonas infection in the musculature and hepatopancreas were 11.8% and 11.2%, respectively. Duplex PCR showed that Aeromonas isolates gave double bands: 237 bp specific for gcat and 500 bp specific for 16S rRNA, while Vibrio spp. and Plesiomonas shigelloides isolates gave single band at 500 bp. The effect of organic acid treatment showed that acetic acid (vinegar 5%) had increasing reduction rates that reached its maximum level after 24 h; where it caused (100% inhibition) for A. hydrophila at both temperatures and (33.63% and 60% inhibition) for V. parahaemolyticus at refrigerator and room temperatures, respectively. Moreover, acetic acid was more effective at room temperature than at refrigerator temperature. Concerning the effect of lemon juice (citric acid), it was more effective than acetic acid at short marination (0.25 and 1 h) at both temperatures for the two pathogens. Moreover, lemon was more effective at refrigerator temperature than at room temperature at the same aforementioned time. The difference between the reduction effects of the two acids on both pathogens was statistically significant (p<0.0001). Overall, the examined shrimp samples were found to be vectors for Vibrio and Aeromonas spp. Application of hygienic measures during handling and cooking of shrimp should be esteemed. The organic acid treatment trial showed that vinegar and lemon juice can be used as a safe and economic method to limit the microbial contamination in seafood. Keywords: Shrimp, vibriosis, Aeromonas infection, sequencing, decontamination, citric acid, acetic acid.

Zoonotic rodents (Rodentia: Muridae: Gerbillinae) and Phlebotominae sand flies are the major reservoir hosts and vectors of Leishmania major causing zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis, respectively. This study was carried out to evaluate the epidemiological aspects of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Tangestan County, Southwest Iran. This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on human cases, probable reservoirs, and vectors of CL at Tangestan County in 2017. The data of patients were taken on health centers and analyzed. To determination faunistic of sand flies, they were collected using sticky paper traps and identified using identification keys. The rodent samples were captured using Sherman live traps and determined for amastigote infection. A total of 436 cases occurred during 2005-2017 and the incidence rate of disease was 0.2-12/100,000 people. Six species of sand flies including three species of Phlebotomus and three species of Sergentomyia including Phlebotomus papatasi, Phlebotomus sergenti, Phlebotomus alexandri, Sergentomyia tiberiadis, Sergentomyia baghdadis, and Sergentomyia clydei were identified. From 185 trapped rodents, 9 species were identified. We founded, 2 out of 132 Tatera indica (1.53%) were positive with Leishmania spp. using the microscopic method. According to the existence of human leishmaniasis cases as a host, T. indica with high abundance and infected to Leishmania as a reservoir, and existence of P. papatasi with high abundance as a suspected vector of disease; there is a potential for transmission of disease in the area. Design of exact control and prevention strategies is highly recommended. Keywords: cutaneous leishmaniasis, Iran, rodents, sand flies.

Genus Anaplasma is of veterinary and public health importance, and its members utilize ruminants as key hosts in their epidemiology. To date, information about the occurrence and molecular identity of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and other Anaplasma species in Saudi Arabian goats is scarce. This study aimed to molecularly detect and characterize zoonotic A. phagocytophilum and other Anaplasma spp. in goats from Taif District, KSA. Blood samples collected from 67 goats were polymerase chain reaction tested using common and A. phagocytophilum-specific primers targeting 16S rRNA and msp4 genes, respectively. Amplicons of common reactions were purified, sequenced, and analyzed. Six goats yielded positive results with common primers, whereas all animals proved negative for A. phagocytophilum. Analysis of the two successfully sequenced amplicons revealed the presence of a variant strain of Anaplasma ovis (99.52% ID) and a new Anaplasma organism, which was clustered with Anaplasma bovis (95.9% ID) and Aegyptianella pullorum (94.99% ID) and distinctly separated from all other recognized species of the genus Anaplasma. The tested goats proved negative for A. phagocytophilum; however, we could not confirm that the area is pathogen free. A variant strain of A. ovis and a putative novel Anaplasma spp. were reported raising the concern of veterinary and zoonotic potential. Other genes should be sequenced and analyzed for complete identification of the detected organisms. Keywords: Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, goats, phylogeny, Saudi Arabia.

Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite of public health significance due to its possible transmission to humans through ingestion of tissue cysts in raw or undercooked meat or food or water contaminated with oocysts shed by felids and transplacental transmission. This study was carried out to provide information on the possible risk of transmission through eating undercooked donkey meat by conducting a market based cross-sectional study design to determine the presence of T. gondii antibodies in trade donkeys in Ganawuri district, Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State, North Central, Nigeria. One hundred and thirteen serum samples were collected from trade donkeys at the market and analyzed for T. gondii antibodies using latex agglutination test (LAT). Serum samples with LAT titer >10 μl/ml were considered positive. The distribution of the donkeys based on their sources showed that greater proportions (61.1%) were from North Eastern part of the country. The study showed that 31 of the serum samples collected and analyzed were positive for T. gondii antibodies given an overall prevalence of 27.4%. The prevalence ranges between 22.2 and 33.3% across the states where the donkeys were sourced. The study showed that seropositivity increases with age (p=0.003; OR=11.8) and ranges between 12.5 and 47.2%. The prevalence did not vary significantly based on sex and source/location (p=0.494, OR=0.05; 0.920, 1.45, respectively). This study showed that trade donkeys at Ganawuri district market have antibodies to T. gondii and suggest a public health risk from the consumption of undercooked donkey meat. Keywords: antibodies, cross-sectional, donkeys, prevalence, public health, Toxoplasma gondii, trade.

Antimicrobial resistance has gained global notoriety due to its public health concern, the emergence of multiple drug-resistant bacteria, and lack of new antimicrobials. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)/ampicillin Class C (AmpC)- producing Escherichia coli and other zoonotic pathogens can be transmitted to humans from animals either through the food chain, direct contact or contamination of shared environments. There is a surge in the rate of resistance to medically important antibiotics such as carbapenem, ESBL, aminoglycosides, and fluoroquinolones among bacteria of zoonotic importance. Factors that may facilitate the occurrence, persistence and dissemination of ESBL/AmpC-Producing E. coli in humans and animal includes; 1). oral administration of antimicrobials to humans primarily (by physician and health care providers) and secondarily to animals, 2). importation of parent stock and day-old chickens, 3). farm management practice and lack of water acidification in poultry, 4). contamination of feed, water and environment, 5). contamination of plants with feces of animals. Understanding these key factors will help reduce the level of resistance, thereby boosting the therapeutic effectiveness of antimicrobial agents in the treatment of animal and human infections. This review highlights the occurrence, risk factors, and public health importance of ESBL/AmpC-beta-lactamase producing E. coli isolated from livestock.

Fascioliasis is a zoonotic disease of public importance that affects animals and man. This study was aimed at assessing Fasciola infection among goats slaughtered in Port Harcourt metropolis. A total of 323 gallbladder and fecal samples were collected from three different abattoirs (Mile 3, Rumuokwurusi, and Trans-Amadi) between September 2015 and June 2016 and analyzed using standard parasitological method. Of the 323 fecal samples, 20 (6.19%) were found to be positive for Fasciola egg. Mile 3 abattoir 17 (5.26%) had higher prevalence than Trans-Amadi abattoir 3 (0.93%) while Rumuokwurusi had no infection (Chi-square=0.11; p=0.001). Gallbladder infection was 5.57%. Trans-Amadi abattoir had the highest prevalence of 11 (3.41%) followed by Mile 3 abattoir 7 (2.17%) and Rumuokwurusi abattoir had none (Chi-square=0.91; p=0.339). Infection based on gender showed that 5.88% of female animals and 0.31% of males were ova positive. At Trans-Amadi, 0.93% of females against 0.0% of males were infected (p>0.05). At Mile 3, it was 4.95% of females against 0.31% of males (p=0.001). Rumuokwurusi abattoir had no infection. Gallbladder infection showed Trans-Amadi 2.79% of females and 0.62% of males; Mile 3, 2.17% of females and 0.0% of males and Rumuokwurusi had no infection. Fasciola infection is prevalent in goats in Port Harcourt. The health implication of these findings is that humans are at risk as fascioliasis is a zoonotic disease. There is a need to intensify effort to create more awareness of the possible consequence of this infection. Keywords: fascioliasis, goats, infection, Nigeria, prevalence, zoonotic disease.

This study aimed to find out the prevalence of active infection of Leptospira spp. in Rattus norvegicus from Grenada, West Indies, through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). One hundred and forty-nine rats were trapped, anesthetized and their kidneys collected aseptically. DNA was extracted from the kidney tissue of each rat. PCR was performed targeting LipL32 gene. Eighteen PCR-positive amplicons for LipL32 gene segment were purified and sent for direct sequencing to the sequencing facility of MCLAB (South San Francisco, USA). Results of sequencing were read and interpreted. The prevalence of Leptospira spp. in relation to sex and age was also recorded. All amplified sequences were compared to the sequences present in GenBank using basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) from the online website National Center for Biotechnology Information, the results revealed that six samples had similarity to Leptospira interrogans strain 1399/2016 and eight samples had similarity with Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo-bovis strain L49. Of 149 kidney samples, only 14 were positive for Leptospira spp. by PCR giving an incidence of 9.3%. There was no significant difference found in relation to sex and age. This is the first report confirming active infection of Leptospira spp. in Rattus norvegicus in Grenada using PCR. The presence of active infection in rats can be considered as high risk for humans. Further research to understand the epidemiology of leptospirosis in Grenada is suggested. Keywords: Rattus norvegicus, Grenada, kidney, Leptospira spp., polymerase chain reaction.

Dengue is a major public health challenge worldwide, particularly in tropical areas. Nearly 390 million infections and 22,000 deaths occur every year. At present, there are no specific therapeutics available to treat dengue; however, possible treatment procedures are explained in the traditional medical systems (TMSs), such as Sri Lankan TMS, Indian Ayurvedic, Unani, and Siddha TMS. In these TMSs, medicinal plants have been used in several ways against dengue, such as virocides, larvicides, and mosquito repellents. Therefore, medicinal plants inherit biologically active compounds/lead compounds that are yet to be identified chemically and physiologically. Herein, we discuss the possible applications of crude plant extracts and isolated phytochemicals from medicinal plants such as quercetin, sulfated galactomannans, flavonoids, and glabranine in controlling dengue. Moreover, medicinal plant-based therapeutics can be safer, cost-effective, and non-toxic. Therefore, this paper reviews the medicinal plants that are used in TMSs to manage dengue, the phytochemicals they contain, and mode of action of these phytochemicals such as virocides, larvicides, and mosquito repellents.

Thermotolerant Campylobacter organisms (TCOs) are primary causes of bacterial foodborne gastroenteritis worldwide. Although all warm-blooded animals are susceptible to colonization by TCOs, food-producing animals, especially poultry, are major reservoirs of the infection for transmission to humans. This epidemiological study for thermotolerant Campylobacter infection (TCI) in poultry was, therefore, conducted to determine the prevalence and to identify the risk factors of TCI in 60 randomly selected poultry farms in Nsukka agricultural zone. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit information on the farmers' involvement in practices that may aggravate TCI in poultry farms. Isolation of TCOs for the determination of prevalence of the infection was done following standard microbiological protocol. The majority (93.3%) of the farms practiced intensive management system. Farm and individual prevalence of TCI were 78.3% and 19.4%, respectively. The prevalence of 15.7% and 23.6% was recorded for birds reared in urban and rural areas, respectively. Similarly, prevalence rates of 17.2%, 25%, 14.7%, and 24.5% were documented for broiler, layer, male, and female birds, respectively. Major risk factors of TCI found were non-sanitization of drinking water, rearing birds of different ages together, thinning, raising other animals alongside poultry, and overstocking. Overall prevalence of 19.4% is high from public health and food safety points of view. Farmers' participation in the risk factors for TCI is massive. Significant improvement in biosecurity practices in poultry farms in the study area is therefore imperative; to limit TCI in poultry and hence the risk of human infection through the food chain or at the poultry-human interface. Keywords: biosecurity, Nigeria, poultry, public health, risk factors, thermotolerant Campylobacter infection.

One of the complications of diabetes mellitus is diabetic ulcer. Diabetic ulcer is commonly infected by infectious agents, especially methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This study aimed to evaluate the potential effects of alcoholic extracts of Aloe vera, Apium graveolens, and Sauropus androgynus on promoting wound healing in a diabetic wound infected with MRSA. A total of 60 male Sprague-Dawley rats (6 months old, weighing 250-300 g) were injected with 65 mg/kg body weight of streptozotocin to induce diabetes. On day 7, the backs of the rats were shaved, and two circular wounds (4 mm in diameter) were created on their back, which were infected with MRSA. The rats were divided into six groups: Group I = control, Group II = treated with cream base without extract, Group III = treated with 2% A. vera cream, Group IV = treated with 2% A. graveolens cream, Group V = treated with 2% S. androgynus cream, and Group VI = treated with 2% A. vera + 2% A. graveolens + 2% S. androgynus cream. The wounds were treated twice a day for 14 days. The data were collected on days 7 and 14. The results showed that all three herbal extracts and their combination decreased wound area and percentage of the wound, increased tensile strength of skin, collagen deposition, vascular endothelial growth factor expression, and skin thickness, and depressed the C-reactive protein profile and cyclooxygenase-2 expression. A. vera, A. graveolens, and S. androgynus creams can be used as herbal therapies against diabetic wounds infected with MRSA, both as a single and combination treatment. Keywords: Aloe vera, Apium graveolens, diabetes ulcer, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Sauropus androgynus.

As a mechanical vector of some communicable diseases and a self-adaptive species to human environments, the German cockroach can transmit pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, to human beings. This study was conducted to determine the toxicity of imidacloprid and chlorpyrifos against German cockroaches. In this experimental study, the last instar German cockroach nymphs were used to test their sensitivity to imidacloprid and chlorpyrifos insecticides by the contact and bait methods. In bioassay (jar test), the nymphs were isolated from the main colony and were exposed to the insecticides for 30 min. The mortality rate was recorded 24 h after the recovery time. In bioassay (bait), 24-96 h after exposure to the poisonous bait, the mortality rate was recorded and regression analysis was run to analyze the data in the SPSS software (IBM, Chicago, USA). The lethal doses (LD) of imidacloprid and chlorpyrifos were 9.5 mg/m2 and 39.78 mg/m2, respectively. The LD50 for imidacloprid and chlorpyrifos were 2.66 and 9.92 mg/m2, respectively. Results revealed that the highest concentration of imidacloprid (45%) could cause the highest mortality rate (95%) 24 h after exposure. There is a significant difference in the mortality of the samples during the follow-up period. Moreover, the chlorpyrifos smeared bait, with a concentration of 16% after 24 h, had the highest mortality rate (95%). The highest mortality rate occurred in the ingestion of imidacloprid smeared bait within the first 48 h after being exposed to the insecticide. Therefore, the results show that imidacloprid can prove significantly effective in controlling cockroaches. Keywords: Blattella germanica, chlorpyrifos, German cockroach, imidacloprid.