Browsing by Author "Okurut, Anna Rose Ademun"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Molecular Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of Lumpy Skin Disease Virus from Outbreaks in Uganda 2017–2018
    (BMC veterinary research, 2020) Ochwo, Sylvester; VanderWaal, Kimberly; Ndekezi, Christian; Nkamwesiga, Joseph; Munsey, Anna; Witto, Sarah Gift; Nantima, Noelina; Mayanja, Franklin; Okurut, Anna Rose Ademun; Atuhaire, David Kalenzi
    Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an infectious viral disease of cattle caused by a Capripoxvirus. LSD has substantial economic implications, with infection resulting in permanent damage to the skin of affected animals which lowers their commercial value. In Uganda, LSD is endemic and cases of the disease are frequently reported to government authorities. This study was undertaken to molecularly characterize lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) strains that have been circulating in Uganda between 2017 and 2018. Secondly, the study aimed to determine the phylogenetic relatedness of Ugandan LSDV sequences with published sequences, available in GenBank.A total of 7 blood samples and 16 skin nodule biopsies were screened for LSDV using PCR to confirm presence of LSDV nucleic acids. PCR positive samples were then characterised by amplifying the GPCR gene. These amplified genes were sequenced and phylogenetic trees were constructed. Out of the 23 samples analysed, 15 were positive for LSDV by PCR (65.2%). The LSDV GPCR sequences analysed contained the unique signatures of LSDV (A11, T12, T34, S99, and P199) which further confirmed their identity. Sequence comparison with vaccine strains revealed a 12 bp deletion unique to Ugandan outbreak strains. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the LSDV sequences from this study clustered closely with sequences from neighboring East African countries and with LSDV strains from recent outbreaks in Europe. It was noted that the sequence diversity amongst LSDV strains from Africa was higher than diversity from Eurasia.The LSDV strains circulating in Uganda were closely related with sequences from neighboring African countries and from Eurasia. Comparison of the GPCR gene showed that outbreak strains differed from vaccine strains. This information is necessary to understand LSDV molecular epidemiology and to contribute knowledge towards the development of control strategies by the Government of Uganda.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Patterns, risk factors and characteristics of reported and perceived foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Uganda
    (Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2010) Ayebazibwe, Chrisostom; Tjørnehøj, Kirsten; Mwiine, Frank N.; Muwanika, Vincent B.; Okurut, Anna Rose Ademun; Siegismund, Hans R.; Alexandersen, Soren
    Patterns of outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Uganda were elucidated from spatial and temporal retrospective data retrieved from monthly reports from District Veterinary Officers (DVOs) to the central administration for the years spanning 2001–2008. An assessment of perceived FMD occurrence, risk factors and the associated characteristics was made based on semi-structured questionnaires administered to the DVOs. During this period, a total of 311 FMD outbreaks were reported in 56 (70%) out of Uganda’s 80 districts. The number of reported FMD outbreaks changed over time and by geographical regions. Occurrence of FMD was significantly associated with the dry season months (p = 0.0346), the time when animals movements are more frequent. The average number of FMD outbreaks was higher for some sub-counties adjacent to national parks than for other sub-counties, whilst proximity to international border only seemed to play a role at the southern border. DVOs believed that the major risk factor for FMD outbreaks was animal movements (odds ratio OR 50.8, confidence interval CI 17.8–144.6) and that most outbreaks were caused by introduction of sick animals.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Patterns, Risk Factors And Characteristics Of Reported And Perceived Foot-And-Mouth Disease (FMD) In Uganda
    (Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2010) Ayebazibwe, Chrisostom; Tjørnehøj, Kirsten; Mwiine, Frank N.; Muwanika, Vincent B.; Okurut, Anna Rose Ademun; Siegismund, Hans R.; Alexandersen, Soren
    Patterns of outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Uganda were elucidated from spatial and temporal retrospective data retrieved from monthly reports from District Veterinary Officers (DVOs) to the central administration for the years spanning 2001–2008. An assessment of perceived FMD occurrence, risk factors and the associated characteristics was made based on semi-structured questionnaires administered to the DVOs. During this period, a total of 311 FMD outbreaks were reported in 56 (70%) out of Uganda’s 80 districts. The number of reported FMD outbreaks changed over time and by geographical regions. Occurrence of FMD was significantly associated with the dry season months (p = 0.0346), the time when animals movements are more frequent. The average number of FMD outbreaks was higher for some sub-counties adjacent to national parks than for other sub-counties, whilst proximity to international border only seemed to play a role at the southern border. DVOs believed that the major risk factor for FMD outbreaks was animal movements (odds ratio OR 50.8, confidence interval CI 17.8–144.6) and that most outbreaks were caused by introduction of sick animals.