Search

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is widely distributed in Sudan where outbreaks occur on an annual basis especially during the winter months (December-February). This study aimed to increase our understanding of the epidemiological patterns of FMD in Sudan and connections to neighbouring countries by characterizing the genetic sequences of FMD viruses (FMDV) collected from samples collected in 10 Sudanese states over a 10-year period (between 2009 and 2018). FMDV was detected in 91 of the 265 samples using an antigen-detection ELISA. Three serotypes were detected: O (46.2%), A (34.0%), and SAT 2 (19.8%). Fifty-two of these samples were submitted for sequence analyses, generating sequences that were characterized as belonging to O/EA-3 (n = 17), A/AFRICA/G-IV (n = 23) and SAT 2/VII/Alx-12 (n = 12) viral lineages. Phylogenetic analyses provided evidence that FMDV lineages were maintained within Sudan, and also highlighted epidemiological connections to FMD outbreaks reported in neighbouring countries in East and North Africa (such as Ethiopia and Egypt). This study motivates continued FMD surveillance in Sudan to monitor the circulating viral lineages and broader initiatives to improve our understanding of the epidemiological risks in the region.

Like other East African countries, Sudan experienced circulation of more than one topotype of SAT2 foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). In Sudan, topotype XIII of SAT2 virus was recorded in 1977 and 2008 and topotype VII in 2007, 2010, 2013, 2014 and 2017. This work evaluated the impact of such diversity on diagnosis and control. After one or three doses of a vaccine derived from a Sudanese SAT2 virus of topotype VII originated in 2010, heterologous neutralizing antibody titres with Sudanese SAT2 viruses in 2008 were ≤ 1.2 log 10, not consistent with likely protection. Simultaneously, homologous titres were 1.65 (after one dose) or 1.95 and 2.55 log10 (after 3 doses). When r1 values between the vaccine virus and the SAT2 viruses isolated in 2008, whilst topotype XIII was circulating, were derived, values (≈ 0.00) suggested similarly poor antigenic relationship and unlikely cross protection. Concurrently, SAT2 positive field sera from Sudan in 2016 were not unvaryingly identified by virus neutralization tests (VNT) employing SAT2 viruses from 2010 and 2008. Proportions of positive sera by SAT2 virus from 2010 were always higher than those by viruses from 2008; consistent with the more frequent and recent circulation of topotype VII prior to 2016. Proportions by SAT2 virus from 2010 were 0.68 (± 0.1) in one location (n = 72), 0.39 (± 0.1) in another one (n = 94) and 0.52 (± 0.1) in the whole test group (n = 166). Corresponding values by viruses of 2008 were 0.53 (± 0.1), 0.27 (± 0.1) and 0.38 (± 0.1). In the whole test group, differences were statistically significant (p = .02339). Like post-vaccination sera, field sera (natural immunity) showed no considerable cross neutralization between topotype VII and presumably XIII; almost 45% (43/96) of SAT2 positive field sera were positive to one topotype but not to the other. Experimental and surveillance findings emphasized the implication of SAT2 diversity in Sudan. It is concluded that it is difficult to control SAT2 infection in Sudan using a monovalent vaccine. Beside a prophylactic vaccine from topotype VII, stockpiling of antigens from topotype XIII and enhanced virological surveillance with rapid genotyping and matching studies are necessary approaches. When more frequent circulation of more than one SAT2 topotype occurs, retrospective diagnosis by serological surveys could be problematic or imprecise.

A total of 367 bovine sera positive to antibodies against non-structural proteins (NSPs) of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus were screened for serotype O, A and SAT2 antibodies using the virus neutralization test (VNT). Sera had been collected in 2016 from North (228) and South (139) Darfur States in Western Sudan, where high and low circulation of FMD virus, respectively, prevailed. Tested sera represented the positive-NSPs portion in a random sample of 669 sera collected from both States. According to standard statistical methods, calculations for serial testing (NSPs ELISA and VNT) were applied to estimate prevalence rates of serotype-specific antibodies in the two States. In each State, approximately 20% of NSPs positive sera failed typing. Prevalence's detected were 49% ± 5% (O), 27% ± 5% (A) and 14% ± 4% (SAT2) in North Darfur State and 27% ± 5% (O), 17% ± 4% (A) and 8.0% ± 3% (SAT2) in South Darfur State. In both States, prevalence rates were significantly higher for serotype O, followed by A then SAT2; the same order that was known in most parts of Sudan. Consistently, estimated prevalence's were statistically significantly higher (P 0.05) in North Darfur than in South Darfur State. Apart from serotype SAT2, detected prevalence rates were lower or similar to those inside the country in previous occasions. Frequency and pattern of distribution of serotype O prevalence were consistent with its suggested pattern of circulation from the Nile valley to other parts in Sudan and significant within the country's circulation. Alternatively, serotype SAT2 prevalence and distribution in Darfur area were suggestive of sporadic occurrence. However, slightly higher prevalence rates of SAT2 antibodies in Darfur than in neighbouring Kordofan areas in 2013 reflected the wide dissemination of SAT2 ( http://www.wrlfmd.org ) in Sudan in early 2014. Risk of FMD in Darfur seemed to be associated with the movement of animals to the North in the wet season as part of the pastoral system, and with movement related to trade into urban centers more than with pastoralism across the Western borders. Generally, the result presented little evidence to suggest presence of FMD primary endemic foci in Darfur area.

In order to update information on the situation regarding foot and mouth disease (FMD) in the Sudan, a serosurvey and disease survey were conducted. Recently collected data on FMD in the Sudan showed that FMD is a major constraint to animal production in the country. It presents no threat nor does it cause mild disease in sheep and goats. The disease, with obvious clinical signs, has been detected in cattle only, and is caused by serotype O and SAT 2. Seasonal occurrence of the disease in the cold, dry season has been observed and animal movement seems to play a major role in virus dissemination. A total of 1,069 sera were collected from cattle, sheep, goats, and camel, from seven states in the Sudan, for the detection of antibodies to FMDV. Application of liquid phase blocking (LPB) ELISA revealed that antibodies to four serotypes were present in ruminants; namely O, A, SAT 1 and SAT 2. No antibodies to FMDV were detected in camel sera. The results differed from early reports regarding the prevalence of serotype specifi c antibodies in different species; for instance, in cattle, the antibodies to type A (78.13%) surpassed that of type O (69.39%) and the antibodies to type SAT 2 (44%) surpassed that of type SAT 1 (20.2%). This work elucidates the current epidemiology of FMD in some parts of the Sudan., Radi pružanja informacija o sadašnjem stanju slinavke i šapa u Sudanu provedena su serološka istraživanja te je prikazana njezina pojavnost. Svježe prikupljeni podatci o pojavi slinavke i šapa u Sudanu pokazali su da ona predstavlja veliku prepreku životinjskoj proizvodnji u toj zemlji. U ovaca i koza javlja se kao blaga bolest i ne predstavlja veliku prijetnju, dok se u goveda javlja s očitim kliničkim znakovima, a uzrokovana je serotipovima O i SAT 2. Bolest se javlja sezonski u hladnoj i suhoj sezoni, a promet životinjama ima glavnu ulogu u širenju virusa. Ukupno je bilo prikupljeno 1069 uzoraka seruma goveda, ovaca, koza i deva podrijetlom iz sedam država u Sudanu radi pretrage na prisutnost protutijela za virus slinavke i šapa. Blokirajućim imunonenzimnim testom dokazana su protutijela za četiri serotipa virusa: O, A, SAT 1 i SAT 2. Protutijela za virus slinavke i šapa nisu bila dokazana u uzorcima seruma deva. Rezultati se razlikuju od ranijih izvješća s obzirom na prevalenciju specifi čnih protutijela u različitih vrsta. Npr., specifi čna protutijela za serotip A dokazana su u 78,13% goveda, za serotip O u 69,39%, serotip SAT 2 u 44% te serotip SAT 1 u 20,2% goveda. U radu je prikazano sadašnje epizootiološko stanje slinavke i šapa u nekim dijelovima Sudana.