Browsing by Author "Erume, Joseph"
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Item Brucellosis: Community, Medical and Veterinary Workers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Northern Uganda(Int J One Health, 2017) Nabirye, Harriet Muloki; Erume, Joseph; Nasinyama, George William; Kungu, Joseph Morison; Nakavuma, Jesca; Ongeng, Duncan; Owiny, David OkelloThis study aimed at determining the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the community, medical and veterinary workers regarding brucellosis.A cross-sectional study was conducted at selected health facilities in Apac, Gulu, Lira, and Pader districts of Northern Uganda using a standardized questionnaire. A total of 251 patients testing positive for brucellosis using the Brucella plate agglutination test, 59 medical and 29 veterinary workers were studied. Chi-square test at 95% confidence level was used to analyze data.Only 8% patients, 15.3% medical, and 21.4% veterinary workers were knowledgeable on transmission methods and symptoms for brucellosis and knowledge differed according to the level of education among patients (p=0.001), medical (p=0.001), and veterinary workers (p=0.012). Over 80% patients, medical and veterinary workers had a positive attitude. Only 8% patients, 13.6% medical, and 7.1% veterinary workers had good practices regarding brucellosis control. Poor knowledge, poor practices, and positive attitude provide an opportunity for health education and policy formulation for the control of brucellosis. The prevalence studies of human and animal brucellosis are recommended to determine the magnitude of the problem.Item Campylobacteriosis, Salmonellosis, And Shigellosis In Free-Ranging Human-Habituated Mountain Gorillas Of Uganda(Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 2001) Nizeyi, John Bosco; Innocent, Rwego B.; Erume, Joseph; Kalema, Gladys R. N. N.; Cranfield, Michael R.; Graczyk, Thaddeus K.For conservation purposes and due to growing ecotourism, free-ranging mountain gorillas (Gorilla gorilla beringei) have been habituated to humans. Fecal specimens (n = 62) collected in January 1999 from mountain gorillas of the Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks, Uganda, were tested for Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., and Shigella spp., and the overall prevalence of infection was 19%, 13%, and 6%, respectively. The prevalence of positive specimens was not related to the year of habituation of a gorilla group to humans. Campylobacter spp., Salmonella, and Shigella spp. infections were not distributed equally among the age classes of gorillas; most of the enteropathogens (80%), and all Shigella spp. organisms, S. sonnei, S. boydii, and S. flexneri, were isolated from subadults and adult gorillas with ages ranging from 6.0 to 11.9 yr. The prevalence of Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. infections among human-habituated gorillas has doubled during the last 4 yr, and isolation of Shigella spp. for the first time from mountain gorillas, may indicate enhanced anthropozoonotic transmission of these enteropathogens.Item Cholera in endemic districts in Uganda during El Niño rains: 2002 – 2003(African health sciences, 2006) Alajo, Scholastica O.; Nakavuma, Jessica; Erume, JosephEl Niño phenomenon causing increased rainfall and flooding has been linked to flare ups and emergence of several disease outbreaks including cholera. The latter has been reported in many districts in Uganda in recent years. Therefore an understanding of factors influencing its pattern of occurrence is needed for effective control. Objectives: To determine cholera disease status during six months of El Niño rains and assess serotypes and antibiotic sensitivity of isolates. Methods: A prospective study was conducted in five cholera “endemic districts” in Uganda. Results: Cholera outbreaks occurred in all the study districts coincident with the onset of the El Niño rains. There were 924 cholera suspect cases reported with 95 fatalities (case fatality rate 10.3%). A total of 388 clinical specimens were analyzed by culture and of these, 168 were positive for V. cholerae. Biochemical and serological analysis identified the isolates as V. cholerae O1, biotype EL Tor serotype Ogawa. Antibiotic sensitivity revealed that isolates were 100% sensitive to ciprofloxacin, tetracycline and erythromycin, whereas sensitivity was variable for other tested antibiotics. Unlike Kampala, where the disease was contained within three months, persistence occurred in other districts only dying out with end of El Niño rains, suggesting differences in disease control. Conclusion: These results show that El Niño rains cause increase in the number of cholera cases in Uganda, calling for preparedness and a need to emulate Kampala response incase of outbreaks in other districtsItem Correlations between lung pneumonic lesions and serologic status for key respiratory pathogens in slaughtered pigs in northern Uganda(Porcine health management, 2021) Oba, Peter; Dione, Michel M.; Wieland, Barbara; Mwiine, Frank N.; Erume, JosephA cross-sectional study of slaughtered pigs was conducted in Lira district, Uganda, to (1) determine the prevalence and severity of pneumonia and (2) establish relationships between pneumonia types and the serological status for key respiratory pathogens. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), sera were screened for antibodies against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M. hyo), Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (App), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSv) and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). Postmortem, lungs were grossly scored for pneumonia types and pneumonic lesions. Pneumonia types were characterized as catarrhal purulent bronchopneumonia (CPBP), pleuropneumonia (PLP) and pleuritis. The percent of lung surface affected by pneumonia was determined by estimating the affected surface area of each lung lobe. Each lobe was assigned scores based on the approximate volume represented and the total percentage of lung surface affected obtained as a sum of individual lobe scores. Metastrongylus spp. helminth infection was determined by examining lungs for gross presence or absence. RStudio was used for data analysis and presentation. Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to compare median pneumonia lesion scores and serostatus for each studied pathogen. An ordinal logistic regression model was fitted to evaluate the odds of multiple pneumonia, with pathogen serostatus and Metastrongylus spp. infection as predictors. Results: One hundred sixty-seven (n = 167) lungs were examined for pneumonic lesions. The prevalences of CPBP, PLP and pleuritis were 29.9% (95% CI 22.9–36.9), 74.2% (95% CI 67.5–80.9) and 17.3% (95% CI 22.4–36.3), respectively. The true prevalence of PCV2 was 9.7% (95% CI 4.5–16.8), that of PRRSv was 7.5% (95% CI 2.7–14.2), that of M. hyo was 11.5% (95% CI 7.2–18.0), that of App was 25.1% (95% CI 18.5–38.0), and that of Metastrongylus spp. was 29.3% (95% CI 22.9–36.6). The odds of multiple pneumonia forms increased in pigs with multiple pathogens (ORs 2.6, p = 0.01) and Metastrongylus spp. infestation (OR 2.5, p = 0.003), suggesting synergistic effects of coinfections in the induction of lesions. Conclusions: This study revealed a high prevalence and severity of pneumonic lesions in slaughtered pigs. It provides baseline information and evidence for the magnitude of pneumonia associated with the studied pathogens and justifies future studies on their potential economic impacts on Ugandan pigs.Item Detection of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in naturally infected pigs in Kamuli District, Uganda(Revue d’élevage et de médecine vétérinaire des pays tropicaux, 2018) Musewa, Angella; Roesel, Kristina; Grace, Delia; Dione, Michel; Erume, JosephSwine erysipelas is an economically significant disease affecting all stages of pork production. The biggest losses may occur in growers-finishers because of sudden death or acute septicemia. Survivors often suffer from chronic lameness, arthritis and endocarditis leading to poor body growth. The causative agent is the ubiquitous bacterium Erysipelothrix (E.) rhusiopathiae, which is also able to enter the skin of people handling infected animals and meat and cause infection. In order to show the presence of E. rhusiopathiae in pigs, serum samples from 426 randomly selected pigs were collected in four subcounties (Bugulumbya, Butansi, Kitayunjwa and Namwendwa) in Kamuli District in Uganda, as part of a multipathogen survey conducted by the International Livestock Research Institute in 2013. Subsequently, 100 samples of fresh pork were collected from all 67-pork slaughterhouses operating in the same subcounties for isolation and bacterial culture. Overall, 308/460 (67%) of the pig sera carried antibodies against E. rhusiopathiae and 45/100 (45%) of the fresh pork samples were contaminated with E. rhusiopathiae. This is the first ever report of E. rhusiopathiae in pigs and pork in Uganda.Item Knowledge, Attitude And Practices About Rabies Management Among Human And Animal Health Professionals In Mbale District, Uganda(One health outlook, 2020) Monje, Fred; Erume, Joseph; Mwiine, Frank N.; Kazoora, Herbert; Okech, Samuel GeorgeTo assess the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of animal and human health professionals towards rabies management and also to establish the level of relationship between KAP.A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2012 and March 2013 among 147 randomly selected animal and human health professionals in Mbale District. Of these, only 16 were animal health professionals. Quantitative data was obtained using a semi-structured questionnaire while qualitative data was obtained from 4 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and 2 Key Informant (KI) interviews. Quantitative data was entered into EpiInfo version 3.5.1 and proportions computed while qualitative data was summarised into themes and sub-themes resulting from content analysis of interview scripts.Of all the respondents, only 44% (65/147) had sufficient knowledge about rabies while 25% (37/147) had positive attitude towards rabies management. A half of the respondents (50%,73/147) had limited good practices. Respondents knowledgeable about rabies were more likely to have positive attitude towards rabies management (OR = 3.65; 95% CI: 1.60–8.3) while respondents with positive attitudes, were more likely to have good practices towards rabies management (OR: 2.22; 95% CI: 1.01–4.86).Respondents had low knowledge, negative attitude and limited good practices of rabies management. Regular refresher trainings about rabies to broaden staff knowledge and improve their attitudes and hence practices of rabies management should be conducted by the District leaders. Harnessing multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary collaborative efforts (“One Health” approach) for rabies control should be instituted to reduce the incidence of the disease in the District.Item Molecular Characterization of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSv) Isolated From Slaughtered Pigs in Northern Uganda(Research Square, 2021) Oba, Peter; Dione, Michel M.; Erume, Joseph; Wieland, Barbara; Mutisya, Christine; Ochieng, Linnet; Cook, Elizabeth A. J.; Mwiine, Frank N.A cross sectional study was conducted to determine genotypes of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSv) isolated from slaughtered pigs in Lira district, northern Uganda. The study was conducted from March to September 2019 in three selected slaughter slabs. Pigs brought for slaughter were randomly sampled. At necropsy, lungs were extracted from the thoracic cavity and examined for pneumonic lesions. Seventy-three (73) pigs with gross lung lesions were sampled, from which one hundred and one (101) tissue samples were taken. A real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to characterize PRRSv genotypes. Results A total of 20 samples tested positive for PRRSv. The respective prevalence of PRRSv type 1 and type 2 were 24.65% (n = 18) and 2.73% (n = 2) respectively. Of the pigs sampled (n = 73), only two pigs, 2.73% (n = 2) tested positive to both strains. The likelihood of PRRSv detection decreased with pig age, but increased with gross pneumonic pathology. Conclusions This study demonstrated dual circulation of both genotypes in northern Uganda. The association between PRRSv and lung pathology suggests that it may be an important cause of lung disease in pigs in Uganda and hence loss of production. This calls for further investigations on potential economic impacts of PRRSv on pig productivity. These findings contribute to discussions about the need of surveillance and possible vaccination strategies against PRRSv in Uganda.Item Prevalence and risk factors for brucellosis in prolonged fever patients in post-conflict Northern Uganda(African Health Sciences, 2018) Muloki, Harriet N.; Erume, Joseph; Owiny, David O.; Kungu, Joseph M.; Nakavuma, Jesca; Ogeng, Duncan; Nasinyama, George W.Background: Brucellosis is a disease with significant public and economic implications but strategies for controlling this disease remain problematic. Objectives: This study sought to determine the sero-prevalence of brucellosis in prolonged fever patients and to identify modifiable risk factors for the infection in humans in post conflict Northern Uganda. Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional method among prolonged fever patients who had visited selected health facilities in the study districts in Northern Uganda. Sero-prevalence of brucellosis was calculated for i-ELISA IgG/IgM. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data on possible risk factors for brucellosis. Associations between sero-prevalence and risk factors were measured using the Odds Ratio. Results: Brucellosis was confirmed in 18.7% of the 251 patients that tested positive for the disease, with the rapid Brucella Plate Agglutination Test, and ages 10-84 years (median age 47+0.86). Sex (p = 0.001; OR 3.79; 95% CI 1.75 - 8.24), rearing livestock (p < 0.005; OR 8.44; 95% CI 2.84-25.03) and consumption of unpasteurised milk (p = 0.023; OR 2.57; 95% CI 1.14-5.80) were factors associated with brucellosis. Conclusion: Control of brucellosis in animals, training and sensitisation of the community on brucellosis is needed to stimulate action on human brucellosis control.Item A Review on Epidemiology and Public Health Importance of Brucellosis with Special Reference to Sudd Wetland Region South Sudan(International Journal of Research Studies in Biosciences, 2016) Lita, Emmanuel P.; Erume, Joseph; Nasinyama, George W.; Ochi, Erneo B.Brucellosis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases of public health implications causing socio-economic impacts on the livelihoods of the poor rural pastoralist communities and the urban population worldwide. Bovine brucellosis is one of the top five priority diseases of livestock in South Sudan. This review casts light on some epidemiological parameters and public health importance of brucellosis to enable key stakeholders to understand the magnitude of the disease in South Sudan. Of which over 85% of the population is associated with cattle directly or indirectly for improving their livelihoods and enhancing food and nutrition security. Rural people commonly contract the disease through drinking of raw milk or ingestion of improperly cooked meat from infected cattle or even aborted feti and stillbirths. Cattle are infected through ingestion of contaminated feed or water in the endemic areas. In the Sudd Wetland region of Terekeka County and Jonglei State brucellosis poses threats to socioeconomic development. Biotyping of Brucella species and One Health approach are needed to mitigate prevalence of the disease among the livestock and the rural farming communities in South Sudan.Item Salmonella Species In Piglets And Weaners From Uganda:Prevalence, Antimicrobial Resistance And Herd-Level Riskfactors(Preventive veterinary medicine, 2014) Ikwap, Kokas; Erume, Joseph; Owiny, David Okello; Nasinyama, George William; Melin, Lennart; Bengtsson, Björn; Lundeheim, Nils; Fellström, Claes; Jacobson, MagdalenaNon-typhoidal salmonellosis is of concern in humans in sub-Saharan Africa, and this is partly due to the high number of immunocompromised persons. Pork and pork products could be among the sources of these non-typhi Salmonella spp. The aim of this study was to identify Salmonella spp. in piglets and weaners in northern and eastern Uganda, characterize their antimicrobial resistance patterns and determine herd-level risk factors. Fecal samples were collected from 465 piglets and weaners from 93 herds (49 and 44 from northern and eastern Uganda, respectively). In addition, information about the herd management and potential risk factors were collected. The fecal samples were cultured for the identification of Salmonella spp. The Salmonella spp. confirmed by serotyping were further characterized by determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) to 12 antimicrobials by broth microdilution. At individual level, the total prevalence of Salmonella spp. was 12% (12.2% in northern and 11.9% in eastern Uganda). At herd level, the total prevalence was 39% (43% in northern and 34% in eastern Uganda). From 56 samples with Salmonella spp., 20 serovars were identified including two serovars identified only by their antigenic formulae. The predominant serovars were S. Zanzibar, S. Heidelberg, S. Infantis, S. Typhimurium, S. Stanleyville, S. Aberdeen and S. Kampala. In total, 57% of the 53 Salmonella spp. analyzed, originating from 27% of the herds, were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent. The majority of drug-resistant isolates (60%) were from northern Uganda. Eight multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates were from northern Uganda and three MDR isolates were from eastern Uganda. Increased prevalence of Salmonella spp. was associated with feeding the young and adults separately as compared to feeding the young and adults together (p=0.043, OR=4.3; 95% CI 1.1, 17.38). Protective factors were “intensive” method of keeping the pigs versus “tethering and roaming” (p=0.016, OR=0.11; 95% CI 0.02, 0.64), “intensive” method versus “semi-intensive” method (p=0.048, OR=0.12; 95% CI 0.01, 0.96) and cleaning feeders after every two days versus daily (p=0.017, OR=0.18; 95% CI 0.05, 0.72). This study has revealed a high prevalence of infection of piglets and weaners with diverse non-typhi Salmonella serovars and highlights the potential role of pork and pork products as sources of these organisms for humans. In addition, this study has identified protective factors that could be promoted to control Salmonella spp. and in antimicrobial resistance reduction programs in rural pigs from Uganda.Item Sero-prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Bovine Brucellosis in Central Equatoria State, South Sudan(Scholars Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, 2016) Emmanuel, P. Lita; Nasinyama, George W.; Ochi, Erneo B.; James, Bugeza; Erume, JosephBrucellosis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases of livestock and human in South Sudan. A crosssectional study was conducted in peri-urban Juba town and rural Terekeka County to estimate sero-prevalence and determine risk factors of bovine brucellosis. Ninety (90) respondents were randomly interviewed on demographic information and potential risk factors to brucellosis. Out of the 90 respondents interviewed, 44 were from 44 cattle herds in peri-urban Juba and 46 from 46 cattle herds in rural Terekeka County. Sera of 502 cattle were screened for Brucella antibodies using Rose Bengal Plate test. The positive sera on RBPT were then confirmed by competitive Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay. SPSS version-18 and frequencies were used for sero-prevalence. Chi square and binomial logistic regressions were used for analysis of risk factors. RBPT and c-ELISA tests showed positive reactors and an overall individual animal sero-prevalence of 23.2%, 95% confidence interval (CI): (18.4 - 28.8) and 19.2%, 95% CI: (2.5 – 14.0), respectively in peri-urban Juba town. However, in rural Terekeka County the respective results showed seroprevalence of 40.5%, 95% CI: (34.5 – 46.4) and 39.3%, 95% CI: (33.3– 45.2). The overall herd level sero-prevalence on c-ELISA revealed 61.4% and 90.0% for peri-urban Juba town and rural Terekeka County cattle herds, respectively. The individual animal level risk factors in the study area revealed abortion history (OR= 4.941 and (CI): 2.077-11.753) and (OR= 6.251 and (CI): 2.920-13.379) significantly associated with brucella sero-positivity, respectively. No risk factor determined at herd level in peri-urban Juba town. However, in rural Terekeka County herds, number of cattle above 300 in a herd (p= 0.005, OR= 44.934) was significantly associated with brucellosis sero-positivity. Further epidemiological studies are needed for developing appropriate control strategies against bovine brucellosis in South Sudan.Item Serological and molecular investigation for brucellosis in swine in selected districts of Uganda(Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2016) Erume, Joseph; Roesel, Kristina; Dione, Michel M.; Ejobi, Francis; Mboowa, Gerald; Kungu, Joseph M.; Akol, Joyce; Pezo, Danilo; El-Adawy, Hosny; Melzer, Falk; Elschner, Mandy; Neubauer, Heinrich; Grace, DeliaBrucellosis is a notifiable zoonotic disease affecting livestock, humans, and wildlife in Uganda. Pigs can be infected with human pathogenic Brucella suis biovars 1 and 3 and can be a significant source of brucellosis for humans. Uganda has a rapidly growing pig population, and the pork consumption per capita is the highest in East Africa. The objective of this work was to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis in Ugandan pigs. A cross-sectional serosurvey of pigs was conducted in three of the major pig-keeping districts in Uganda (Masaka (n= 381 samples), Mukono (n = 398), and Kamuli (n = 414)). In addition, pigs originating from these districts were sampled in the major pig abattoir in Kampala (n =472). In total, 1665 serum samples were investigated by serological and molecular tests. Only three putative brucellosis-positive samples were detected serologically using indirect ELISA. These sera were found negative for Brucella antibodies by CFT; however, two had antibodies against Yersinia enterocolitica as determined by SAT. Presence of antibodies against Yersiniae was confirmed by Y. enterocolitica antibody-specific ELISA. The two Yersiniae ELISA-positive samples were brucellosis negative using real-time PCR. We tested additional 142 sera from the 1665 samples with real-time PCR. All tested negative. Under this type of production system, we expect a maximum B. suis prevalence of less than 1 % at 95 % confidence level, and therefore, the risk of acquiring brucellosis from the pigs or their products is negligible. However, pigs may harbor the zoonotic Y. enterocolitica. This is the first study to investigate the occurrence of brucellosis in pigs in Uganda and the first study to report Y. enterocolitica antibodies in swine in Uganda.