An Investigation of Burkholderia pseudomallei Seroprevalence in Market Pigs Slaughtered at Selected Pig Abattoirs in Uganda

Abstract

Burkholderia pseudomallei is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes melioidosis, a disease of humans and animals. It is primarily transmitted through direct contact with contaminated soil and surface water. The epidemiology of this pathogen in Africa, including Uganda, is largely unknown. The objectives of this study were to estimate the seroprevalence of B. pseudomallei in pigs slaughtered in central Uganda and to identify potential hotspots for this pathogen in the country. A total of 1035 pig sera were analyzed for serological responses to B. pseudomallei with type A and type B LPS using OPS type A and OPS type B ELISAs. Of the 1035 samples, 75 (7.25%, 95% CI: 5.8–9%) were seropositive to the OPS-A ELISA using a two standard deviations (SD) cutoff and 19 (1.84%, 95% CI: 1.2–2.9%) at 3 SD. For the OPS-B ELISA, 93/1035 (8.99%, 95% CI: 7.4–10.9%) were seropositive at the 2 SD cutoff, and 28/1035 (2.71%, 95% CI: 1.9–3.9%) at the 3 SD cutoff. Pigs slaughtered in central Uganda were exposed to B. pseudomallei, and there is a higher seroprevalence in the rainy months. Public health awareness campaigns about melioidosis may be needed.

Burkholderia pseudomallei Isolate from Soil Adhering to Underground Pipeline Repair pit of a Delhi Market Highlights Importance of Improvising Policies Addressing Environmental Pathogens

“…The route of transmission includes inhalation, ingestion, and through skin abrasions. In a study, this pathogen was found in slaughtered pigs brought to market areas in Uganda [12]. One other study showed that the ambient distribution of Burkholderia pseudomallei in Taiwan during typhoon season indicated its presence to be 6.94 copy/m 3 [13].…”

In-silico Prediction of Drug Target, Molecular Modeling, and Docking Study of Potential Inhibitors against Burkholderia pseudomallei

“…These bacteria are also known for the resistant to various environmental conditions, including deficiency of nutrients, extreme temperature, and pH (Inglis et al, 2001). It infects humans and animals, primarily cattle and livestock such as goats, pigs, and sheep (Ekakoro et al, 2022). Bacterial infection in humans is associated with different pathogenic conditions like widespread pulmonary infection, septicemic infection, diabetic patients, and renal disease (Gassiep et al, 2020).…”