High MERS-CoV seropositivity associated with camel herd profile, husbandry practices and household socio-demographic characteristics in Northern Kenya

Abstract

Despite high exposure to Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), the predictors for seropositivity in the context of husbandry practices for camels in Eastern Africa are not well understood. We conducted a cross sectional survey to describe the camel herd profile and determine the factors associated with MERS-CoV seropositivity in Northern Kenya. We enrolled 29 camel-owning households and administered questionnaires to collect herd and household data. Serum samples collected from 493 randomly selected camels were tested for anti-MERS-CoV antibodies using a microneutralization assay, and regression analysis used to correlate herd and household characteristics with camel seropositivity. Households reared camels (median=23 camels and IQR 16-56), and at least one other livestock species in two distinct herds; a home herd kept near homesteads, and a range/fora herd that resided far from the homestead. The overall MERS-CoV IgG seropositivity was 76.3%, with no statistically significant difference between home and fora herds. Significant predictors for seropositivity (p ≤0.05) included camels 6-10 years old (aOR 2.3, 95%CI 1.0-5.2), herds with ≥ 25 camels (aOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2-3.4), and camels from Gabra community (aOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2-4.2). These results suggest high levels of virus transmission among camels, with potential for human infection.

Global patterns of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) prevalence and seroprevalence in camels: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…MERS-CoV prevalence was the highest during October (autumn) in Iraq [ 26 ], and during winter in Saudi Arabia [ 27 ]. Camel herd size, dung removal frequency, adding new camels to the herd, presence of nasal discharge, exposure to wild animals, and owners' ethnic background could affect MERS-CoV RNA and IgG prevalence [ 25 , 28 , 29 ]. One study reported viral RNA in semen [ 30 ], raising the possibility of sexual transmission of the virus.…”

Higher livestock abortion burden in arid and semi-arid lands, Kenya, 2019–2020

“…These movements generate patterns of contact within populations that have important implications for the spread of pathogens. Therefore, the high abortion burden in ASALs likely reflected the numerous underlying challenges among livestock in these areas [ 18 , 21 , 22 ]. Given the role that livestock abortion plays in the transmission of zoonoses, identifying the predominant reservoir species of zoonotic pathogens and heightening surveillance sensitivity in ASAL zones are necessary steps toward minimizing zoonoses risk.…”

MERS-Coronavirus across Kenya: a spatial examination of social and environmental drivers

“…Tribal communities, such as the Somali, Gabra, and Borana in the eastern and northeastern regions of Kenya primarily focus on camels as a pastoral livelihood strategy due to the camel’s adaptability to arid environments and ability to withstand droughts (Ngere et al, 2020). Also, the Somali primarily inhabit the Northeastern region with high regard for camels for their annual religious practices and ritual migrations (Watson, 2010), and a greater number of cultural practices and traditions associated with livestock rearing, trade, and consumption in tribal communities (Dan et al, 2021; Kagunyu et al, 2018).…”