Infections and risk factors for livestock with species of Anaplasma, Babesia and Brucella under semi-nomadic rearing in Karamoja Region, Uganda

Abstract

A survey was conducted to estimate the prevalence of Anaplasma, Babesia and Brucella spp. infections in cattle, goats and sheep in the Karamoja Region of Uganda and to identify possible risk factors existing in this semi-nomadic and pastoral area. Low cost laboratory tests were used to diagnose infections (Rose Bengal test for Brucella spp. antibodies and direct microscopic examination for Anaplasma and Babesia spp.). Multivariable logistic regression models were applied to identify possible risk factors linked to gender, animal species, age (only for cattle) and districts. A total of 3935 cattle, 729 goats and 306 sheep of five districts of the Karamoja Region were tested. Seroprevalence for Brucella was 9.2 % (CI, 95 %: 8.4-10), for Anaplasma 19.5 % (CI 95 %: 18.4-20.6) and for Babesia 16 % (CI 95 %: 15-17.1). Significant differences in infections prevalence were observed against risk factors associated with districts and species. Cattle were the species with higher risk of the infections. Female gender was identified as at risk only for Brucella spp. infection. Cattle more than one year old had greater likelihood to be Brucella seropositive. Co-infections of Anaplasma and Babesia spp. were statistically associated, especially in goats and sheep. Further studies to identify risk factors related to host species and geographical districts are needed. The influence on the semi-nomadic agro-pastoral system in Karamoja of animal raids and animal mixing should be further investigated. Findings were important to sensitize Karamojong undertaking measures on infection control, especially on cattle, which are their main source of food.

Babesia microti and Malaria Infection in Africa: A Pilot Serosurvey in Kilosa District, Tanzania

“…There is a paucity of Babesia surveillance data in humans in Africa, despite evidence that Babesia is present in the region. [16][17][18] A newly developed B. microti ELISA was used to conduct pilot surveillance in Kilosa district where the presence of Babesia is plausible, and high prevalence of malaria poses a risk of misdiagnosis and underreporting. The study findings are mixed.…”

“…There is a paucity of human surveillance data on Babesia in Africa, although its presence in ticks and its role as a significant veterinary pathogen is well established. [15][16][17][18][19][20] Of particular interest, B. microti 18 and B. microti-like parasites 21 have been recovered from nonhuman primates in Africa. Babesia overlaps clinically and diagnostically with Plasmodium spp.…”

A Serological Survey of Brucellosis in Wildlife in Four Major National Parks of Uganda

“…This prevalence is higher than the 9.2% prevalence recorded in cattle in Karamoja where the national park is situated (27). It is not clear what the source of brucellosis in Kidepo National Park may be.…”

A Serological Survey of Brucellosis in Wildlife in Four Major National Parks of Uganda

“…Among the national parks studied, Kidepo Valley National Park had the highest percentage of positive samples at 55.9%. This percentage is higher than the 9.2% percentage recorded in cattle in Karamoja where the national park is situated(27). It is not clear what the source of brucellosis in Kidepo National Park may be.…”