Risk Factors Associated with Bovine Tuberculosis and Molecular Characterization ofMycobacterium bovisStrains in Urban Settings in Niger

Abstract

A retrospective and a longitudinal survey were carried out at the abattoir of Niamey. Results showed a highly significant difference in suspected tuberculosis (TB) gross lesions among different animal species (P < 0.0001). The proportion of carcasses with TB-like lesions was 0.19% among cattle, 0.11% among camels, 0.001% among sheep and 0.0006% among goats. In cattle, cows are significantly more affected than the other categories (P < 0.001). Also in cattle, TB-like lesions are mostly localized in the lungs (92.77%) followed by the lymph nodes (50.87%) and the liver (32.40%). The prevalence of gross lesions compatible with bovine TB (BTB) is strongly influenced by the season (P < 0.0001), is closely correlated with the origin of the animals (P < 0.001) and has a negative impact on the weight of affected animals (P < 0.0001). Sixty-two samples of suspected TB gross lesions were subject to microbiological analysis and molecular typing of strains. Mycobacterium bovis was identified in 18 animals showing five different spoligotypes, belonging to type 'African 1' previously identified in Central and West Africa. In addition, a profile (SB1982) not previously reported distinguished by the absence of spacers 3, 4, 9, 16, 22, 30 and 39-43 has been characterized in this study. To assess risk factors for BTB transmission, a questionnaire on animal husbandry practices, food habits, and clinical signs of TB in animals and humans was submitted to the heads of 1131 randomly selected households. The main risk factors identified are consumption of unpasteurized milk (91%) and lack of hygiene within households (32-74%). Clinical signs that could be attributed to TB were also reported both in humans and in animals of the households.

Zoonotic Aspects of Tuberculosis: Disease of the past or re-emerging zoonosis?

“…Occupational zoonotic TB via direct contact has been most frequently reported in livestock owners and traders, dairy farm and abattoir workers and less frequently in veterinary personnel and animal handlers in zoological collections (Cordova et al 2012;Boukary et al 2012;Dinkla et al 1991;Robert et al 1999;Twomey et al 2010;Adesokan et al 2012;Gumi et al 2012a;Dalovisio et al 1991;Stetter et al 1995;Firdessa et al 2012). The risk of transmission appears to be higher where livestock and humans share poorly ventilated air space or (Torres-Gonzalez et al 2013;Mfinanga et al 2003).…”

“…The close association between pastoralists and their animals facilitates the bi-directional transmission of tuberculosis. Although it is largely unknown how widespread and significant the disease is in camel populations, published reports document its presence in Egypt, Kenya, Ethiopia Somalia, Mauritania, Niger, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (Cousins 2001;Wernery;Kinne 2012;Alvarez et al 2012;Boukary et al 2012;Gumi et al 2012b;Mamo et al 2011).…”

Assessment of Safety and Hygiene Measures about the Slaughtering System of Slaughterhouses with Regard to the Human Brucellosis

“…canis [6]. The entering of the germ is effected by direct contact of the individual with infected materials such as animal secretions, abortion products, urine, manure, carcasses of animals.…”

“…The entering of the germ is effected by direct contact of the individual with infected materials such as animal secretions, abortion products, urine, manure, carcasses of animals. In Cameroon, many surveys were conducted in area of the north Cameroon from 1966 to 2010 and the results of these surveys were between the infection rate of bovine from 10% to 83% [6][7][8]. Studies conducted in Adamawa, Bénoué, Diamaré and Ménua have yielded prevalences of bovine Brucellosis which ranged from 6.5 to 12.5% [7][8][9][10], although the WHO estimates indicate more than 500 000 new human cases per year.…”

“…The incidence of the disease varies among countries and regions ranging from 0.125 to 200 cases per 100,000 populations [2,3]. Six species (B. abortus, B. melitensis, B. suis, B. ovis, B. canis, B. neotomae) are implicated in the natural infection of several animal species like cattle, goats, pigs, rodents, carnivores and other mammals [6]. Human attacks are attributed to 4 from 6 species of Brucella namely B. melitensis, B. suis, B. abortus and B.…”