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Background: Patients with haematological disorders, such as sickle cell anaemia, are at an elevated risk of transient aplastic crisis due to parvovirus B19 infection. The virus targets specific integration sites in the human genome, disrupting cellular division. However, the molecular mechanisms of infection remain poorly understood. Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of human parvovirus B19 among patients with sickle cell anaemia in Khartoum State, Sudan. Methods: Ninety patients (aged 15 years) with sickle cell disease attending Gaafer Ibnouaf Children’s Hospital between November 2016 and February 2017 were recruited. Sera and plasma samples were analyzed. IgG and IgM antibodies were measured using ELISA, and viral DNA was detected in plasma using nested-PCR. Phylogenetic analysis of sequenced B19 strains focused on the overlapping region of the minor (VP1) and major (VP2) capsid protein genes. Results: Anti-parvovirus B19 IgG antibodies were detected in 57 of 90 patients (63.3 %), while IgM antibodies were present in 7 (7.8 %). Viral DNA was identified in 23 (25.5 %) patients. Among the 23 DNA-positive patients, 7 (30 %) were seronegative for both IgG and IgM antibodies, highlighting the importance of molecular diagnostics in identifying active infections, especially in early stages. Children under 5 years of age exhibited a higher nucleic acid detection rate compared to older age groups, suggesting the importance of molecular testing in younger patients particularly in the early detection of Parvovirus B19 during the acute phase of infection, before the body has developed detectable antibodies and also in immunocompromised children, who may not mount an antibody response detectable by serological methods. Phylogenetic analysis revealed two distinct Sudanese clusters: one (50 % of sequences) formed a unique clade with low similarity to existing genotypes, while the other (50 %) closely resembled genotype 1 A sequences from Iraq, Iran, and Tanzania. Conclusion: Parvovirus B19 antibodies and DNA were detected at high prevalence among Sudanese children with sickle cell anaemia. Screening for parvovirus B19 is critical for patients requiring blood transfusions, particularly those with haematological disorders. This study provides the first report of parvovirus B19 detection, sequencing, and characterization among Sudanese patients with sickle cell anaemia.

Abstract Background Rickettsial infections are often neglected and poorly recognized by physicians in many tropical and subtropical regions. Despite a number of recent reports describing rickettsial diseases in new locations and the discovery of new rickettsiae, medical science and research have largely neglected the diagnosis and antimicrobial treatment of rickettsial infections in subtropical and tropical areas; thus, much remains to be discovered. This study aimed to detect and characterize spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae in ixodid ticks infesting domestic ruminants in Khartoum State. Methods Polymerase chain reaction targeting both genes that encode for citrate synthase (gltA) and outer membrane protein (ompA) was performed for the presence of SFG rickettsia followed by sequence and phylogenetic analysis. Results Of the 202 ticks examined for the presence of SFG rickettsia, gltA gene was detected in 4 samples (2%). Furthermore, gltA‐positive samples were used to amplify the ompA gene, in which only two samples yielded positive results. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of the positive samples revealed four different species of SFG rickettsiae: Rickettsia aeschlimannii, Rickettsia rhipicephali, Rickettsia massiliae and Rickettsia raoultii. Conclusions These results indicated the presence of SFG rickettsia in Sudanese ticks. This also indicates that humans have an opportunity to acquire these infections. It is important to keep in mind the need for careful consideration of rickettsial infections in individuals with a fever of unknown origin.

Background Because of yellow fever’s serious impact on health, vaccination is the principal strategy to control the disease. Administration of the yellow fever vaccine to breastfeeding women should be before they complete 9 months post-delivery, in order to prevent transmission of the yellow fever vaccine virus to their infants through breast feeding. This study aimed to confirm whether the excretion of yellow fever vaccine virus is in milk of vaccinated breastfeeding mothers and to confirm the probable transmission to their infants through breast milk. Methods Samples were taken as follows: one serum specimen was taken 3-14 days after the date of the vaccination, and breast milk specimens were taken at four different time points between 3-4 days apart. Specimens were obtained from eight nursing mothers, who received the YVF vaccine (17DD). Mothers were asymptomatic before and after the vaccine administration but their infants developed symptoms after administration. Maternal serum samples were tested for YFV specific IgM antibodies through immuno-fluorescent assay (IFA). RNA was extracted from serum and breast milk specimens and YFV RNA screened using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results In total, five mothers (62.5%) were positive for YFV and two mothers (25%) had YFV RNA in serum. Among milk specimens, YFV RNA was detected during the four different mentioned collection times as follows (positive milk specimens/total milk specimens): 3/8 (37.5 %), 4/6 (66.6%) and 1/4(25%). RNA was completely undetectable in the last collection time. Conclusions YFV transmission from mothers to their babies through breast-feeding was highly probable indicated by the temporal relationship to mother’s YF vaccination.

Background Because of yellow fever’s serious impact on health, vaccination is the principal strategy to control the disease. Administration of the yellow fever vaccine to breastfeeding women should be before they complete 9 months post-delivery, in order to prevent transmission of the yellow fever vaccine virus to their infants through breast feeding. This study aimed to confirm whether the excretion of yellow fever vaccine virus is in milk of vaccinated breastfeeding mothers and to confirm the probable transmission to their infants through breast milk. Methods Samples were taken as follows: one serum specimen was taken 3-14 days after the date of the vaccination, and breast milk specimens were taken at four different time points between 3-4 days apart. Specimens were obtained from eight nursing mothers, who received the YVF vaccine (17DD). Mothers were asymptomatic before and after the vaccine administration but their infants developed symptoms after administration. Maternal serum samples were tested for YFV specific IgM antibodies through immuno-fluorescent assay (IFA). RNA was extracted from serum and breast milk specimens and YFV RNA screened using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results In total, five mothers (62.5%) were positive for YFV and two mothers (25%) had YFV RNA in serum. Among milk specimens, YFV RNA was detected during the four different mentioned collection times as follows (positive milk specimens/total milk specimens): 3/8 (37.5 %), 4/6 (66.6%) and 1/4(25%). RNA was completely undetectable in the last collection time. Conclusions YFV transmission from mothers to their babies through breast-feeding was highly probable indicated by the temporal relationship to mother’s YF vaccination.

Bluetongue (BT) is an arthropod-borne viral disease that primarily affects ruminants in tropical and temperate regions. In the present study, a cross-sectional survey was conducted to define the seroprevalence of Bluetongue virus and to identify the possible risk factors correlated with BTV seropositivity among cattle, sheep, and goats during the period 2015-2016 in Gadarif State. A total of 420 cattle, 877 sheep, and 641 goat serum samples were collected randomly from 12 localities. Information about age, sex, breed, area ecology, and location was obtained for each sample. Bluetongue seroprevalence was estimated using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). The overall seroprevalence of BTV was 92.9% (390/420), 76.4% (670/877), and 85.3% (547/641) among cattle, sheep, and goats, respectively. Multivariate analysis followed univariate analysis showed that there was a significant difference (p

Abstract Background Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a zoonotic parasite that can be transmitted from animals to humans, with felids acting as its definitive host. Thus, understanding the epidemiology of this parasite in animal populations is vital to controlling its transmission to humans as well as to other animal groups. Objectives This systematic review and meta‐analysis aims to summarise and analyse reports of T. gondii infection in animal species residing in the Arabian Peninsula. Methods : It was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA), with relevant studies being retrieved from MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect. All articles published in Arabic or English languages between January 2000 and December 2020 were screened for eligibility. Random effects model was used to calculate the pooled prevalence of T. gondii infection in different animal populations which were found to harbour this infection. The critical appraisal tool for prevalence studies designed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) was used to assess the risk of bias in all included studies. Results A total of 15 studies were retrieved, reporting prevalence estimates from 4 countries in this region and in 13 animal species. Quantitative meta‐analysis estimated a pooled prevalence of 43% in felids [95% confidence interval (CI) = 23–64%, I2 index = 100%], 48% in sheep (95% CI = 27–70%, I2 = 99%) and 21% in camels (95% CI = 7–35%, I2 = 99%). Evidence of possible publication bias was found in both felids and sheep. Conclusions This meta‐analysis estimates a high prevalence of T. gondii infection in animal species which are of high economic and cultural importance to countries of this region. Hence, these findings provide valuable insight to public health authorities as well as economic and animal resources advisors in countries of the Arabian Peninsula.

Abstract Background Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a highly infectious disease of cattle caused by a virus of the Poxviridae family, genus Capripoxvirus. The disease has great economic effects on the global cattle industry. In this study, an outbreak of LSD among cattle which occurred in Nahr Atbara and Halfa El Jadida locations in Butana area, Kassala State in November, 2020 is described. Methods Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) antibody and nucleic acid were detected in specimens (n = 50) using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results The virus was isolated on the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of embryonated chicken eggs and identified by PCR. The number of animals at risk was 295 with a morbidity rate of 4.1% and a mortality rate of 2.4%. Conclusions LSDV was diagnosed for the first time in the Butana region, Kassala State, Eastern Sudan in 2020.

Background: Because of yellow fever’s serious impact on health, vaccination is the principal strategy to control the disease. Administration of the yellow fever vaccine to breastfeeding women should be before they complete 9 months post-delivery, in order to prevent transmission of the yellow fever vaccine virus to their infants through breast feeding. This study aimed to confirm whether the excretion of yellow fever vaccine virus is in milk of vaccinated breastfeeding mothers and to confirm the probable transmission to their infants through breast milk. Methods: Samples were taken as follows: one serum specimen was taken 3-14 days after the date of the vaccination, and breast milk specimens were taken at four different time points between 3-4 days apart. Specimens were obtained from eight nursing mothers, who received the YVF vaccine (17DD). Mothers were asymptomatic before and after the vaccine administration but their infants developed symptoms after administration. Maternal serum samples were tested for YFV specific IgM antibodies through immuno-fluorescent assay (IFA). RNA was extracted from serum and breast milk specimens and YFV RNA screened using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: In total, five mothers (62.5%) were positive for YFV and two mothers (25%) had YFV RNA in serum. Among milk specimens, YFV RNA was detected during the four different mentioned collection times as follows (positive milk specimens/total milk specimens): 3/8 (37.5 %), 4/6 (66.6%) and 1/4(25%). RNA was completely undetectable in the last collection time. Conclusions: YFV transmission from mothers to their babies through breast-feeding was highly probable indicated by the temporal relationship to mother’s YF vaccination.

Background: Rickettsial infections are often neglected and poorly recognized by physicians in many tropical and subtropical regions. Despite a number of recent reports describing rickettsial diseases in new locations and the discovery of new rickettsiae, medical science and research have largely neglected the diagnosis and antimicrobial treatment of rickettsial infections in subtropical and tropical areas; thus, much remains to be discovered. This study aimed to detect and characterize spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae in ixodid ticks infesting domestic ruminants in Khartoum State. Methods: Polymerase chain reaction targeting both genes that encode for citrate synthase (gltA) and outer membrane protein (ompA) was performed for the presence of SFG rickettsia followed by sequence and phylogenetic analysis. Results: Of the 202 ticks examined for the presence of SFG rickettsia, gltA gene was detected in 4 samples (2%). Furthermore, gltA‐positive samples were used to amplify the ompA gene, in which only two samples yielded positive results. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of the positive samples revealed four different species of SFG rickettsiae: Rickettsia aeschlimannii, Rickettsia rhipicephali, Rickettsia massiliae and Rickettsia raoultii. Conclusions: These results indicated the presence of SFG rickettsia in Sudanese ticks. This also indicates that humans have an opportunity to acquire these infections. It is important to keep in mind the need for careful consideration of rickettsial infections in individuals with a fever of unknown origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bluetongue (BT) is an arthropod‐borne viral disease that primarily affects ruminants in tropical and temperate regions. In the present study, a cross‐sectional survey was conducted to define the seroprevalence of Bluetongue virus and to identify the possible risk factors correlated with BTV seropositivity among cattle, sheep, and goats during the period 2015‐2016 in Gadarif State. A total of 420 cattle, 877 sheep, and 641 goat serum samples were collected randomly from 12 localities. Information about age, sex, breed, area ecology, and location was obtained for each sample. Bluetongue seroprevalence was estimated using competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). The overall seroprevalence of BTV was 92.9% (390/420), 76.4% (670/877), and 85.3% (547/641) among cattle, sheep, and goats, respectively. Multivariate analysis followed univariate analysis showed that there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between location, area ecology and age groups of cattle, sheep, and goats, and seropositivity to BTV. In addition, a significant association (p < 0.05) was observed between sex and seropositivity to BTV in sheep. In conclusion, BTV antibodies are highly prevalent in Gadarif State and susceptible livestock are at risk of exposition with BTV. Consequently, these animals have protection against specific BTV serotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Bluetongue (BT) is a vector-borne viral disease of ruminant and camelid species which is transmitted by Culicoides spp. The causative agent of BT is bluetongue virus (BTV) that belongs to genus Orbivirus of the family Reoviridae. The clinical disease is seen mainly in sheep but mostly sub-clinical infections of BT are seen in cattle, goats and camelids. The clinical reaction of camels to infection is usually not apparent. The disease is notifiable to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), causing great economic losses due to decreased trade and high mortality and morbidity rates associated with bluetongue outbreaks. The objective of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of BTV in camels in Kassala State, Eastern Sudan and to identify the potential risk factors associated with the infection. A cross sectional study using a structured questionnaire survey was conducted during 2015–2016. A total of 210 serum samples were collected randomly from camels from 8 localities of Kassala State. The serum samples were screened for the presence of BTV specific immunoglobulin (IgG) antibodies using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). Results Seropositivity to BTV IgG was detected in 165 of 210 camels’ sera accounting for a prevalence of 78.6%. Potential risk factors to BTV infection were associated with sex (OR = 0.061, p-value = 0.001) and seasonal river as water source for drinking (OR = 32.257, p-value = 0.0108). Conclusions Sex and seasonal river as water source for drinking were considered as potential risk factors for seropositivity to BTV in camels. The high prevalence of BTV in camels in Kassala State, Eastern Sudan, necessitates further epidemiological studies of BTV infection in camels and other ruminant species to better be able to control BT disease in this region.

Background: Because of yellow fever’s serious impact on health, vaccination is the principal strategy to control the disease. Administration of the yellow fever vaccine to breastfeeding women should be before they complete 9 months post-delivery, in order to prevent transmission of the yellow fever vaccine virus to their infants through breast feeding. This study aimed to confirm whether the excretion of yellow fever vaccine virus is in milk of vaccinated breastfeeding mothers and to confirm the probable transmission to their infants through breast milk. Methods: Samples were taken as follows: one serum specimen was taken 3-14 days after the date of the vaccination, and breast milk specimens were taken at four different time points between 3-4 days apart. Specimens were obtained from eight nursing mothers, who received the YVF vaccine (17DD). Mothers were asymptomatic before and after the vaccine administration but their infants developed symptoms after administration. Maternal serum samples were tested for YFV specific IgM antibodies through immuno-fluorescent assay (IFA). RNA was extracted from serum and breast milk specimens and YFV RNA screened using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: In total, five mothers (62.5%) were positive for YFV IgM and two mothers (25%) had YFV RNA in serum. Among milk specimens, YFV RNA was detected during the four different mentioned collection times as follows (positive milk specimens/total milk specimens): 3/8 (37.5 %), 4/6 (66.6%) and 1/4(25%). RNA was completely undetectable in the last collection time. Conclusions: YFV transmission from mothers to their babies through breast-feeding was highly probable indicated by the temporal relationship to mother’s YF vaccination.

Background: Because of yellow fever’s serious impact on health, vaccination is the principal strategy to control the disease. Administration of the yellow fever vaccine to breastfeeding women should be before they complete 9 months post-delivery, in order to prevent transmission of the yellow fever vaccine virus to their infants through breast feeding. This study aimed to confirm whether the excretion of yellow fever vaccine virus is in milk of vaccinated breastfeeding mothers and to confirm the probable transmission to their infants through breast milk. Methods: Samples were taken as follows: one serum specimen was taken 3-14 days after the date of the vaccination, and breast milk specimens were taken at four different time points between 3-4 days apart. Specimens were obtained from eight nursing mothers, who received the YVF vaccine (17DD). Mothers were asymptomatic before and after the vaccine administration but their infants developed symptoms after administration. Maternal serum samples were tested for YFV specific IgM antibodies through immuno-fluorescent assay (IFA). RNA was extracted from serum and breast milk specimens and YFV RNA screened using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: In total, five mothers (62.5%) were positive for YFV IgM and two mothers (25%) had YFV RNA in serum. Among milk specimens, YFV RNA was detected during the four different mentioned collection times as follows (positive milk specimens/total milk specimens): 3/8 (37.5 %), 4/6 (66.6%) and 1/4(25%). RNA was completely undetectable in the last collection time. Conclusions: YFV transmission from mothers to their babies through breast-feeding was highly probable indicated by the temporal relationship to mother’s YF vaccination.

Abstract In its occult form, hepatitis B virus infection can only be detected using molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction, increasing the cost of the screening process. Certain population subgroups are considered to have a higher risk of transmission and reactivation of occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI). This review aims to estimate the prevalence of OBI among these high‐risk groups in Sudan. It was conducted under the PRISMA guidelines, targeting the literature available in MEDLINE/PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library databases. Full‐text articles published in the last 10 years that provide prevalence estimates of OBI in Sudan were examined for fulfillment of eligibility criteria. Quality assessment of selected articles was performed using the critical appraisal tool reported by Munn et al. Publication bias was assessed by visual examination of the funnel plot. Meta‐analysis using the random‐effects model with 95% confidence interval was used to calculate the overall and subgroup pooled prevalence of OBI. Literature search yielded a total of 717 studies, of which only 11 articles fulfilled all selection criteria. The overall pooled prevalence of OBI was found to be 15.51%, with a high level of heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis demonstrated a prevalence of 16.48% among blood donors, 13.36% among hemodialysis patients, and 12.59% among febrile patients. Evidence for possible publication bias was detected. This review provides crucial evidence for health authorities in Sudan, outlining the necessity for re‐evaluation of the current screening strategies, especially among these high‐risk groups.

Background: Because of yellow fever’s serious impact on health, vaccination is the principal strategy to control the disease. Administration of the yellow fever vaccine to breastfeeding women should be before they complete 9 months post-delivery, in order to prevent transmission of the yellow fever vaccine virus to their infants through breast feeding. This study aimed to confirm whether the excretion of yellow fever vaccine virus is in milk of vaccinated breastfeeding mothers and to confirm the probable transmission to their infants through breast milk. Methods: Samples were taken as follows: one serum specimen was taken 3-14 days after the date of the vaccination, and breast milk specimens were taken at four different time points between 3-4 days apart. Specimens were obtained from eight nursing mothers, who received the YVF vaccine (17DD). Mothers were asymptomatic before and after the vaccine administration but their infants developed symptoms after administration. Maternal serum samples were tested for YFV specific IgM antibodies through immuno-fluorescent assay (IFA). RNA was extracted from serum and breast milk specimens and YFV RNA screened using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: In total, five mothers (62.5%) were positive for YFV and two mothers (25%) had YFV RNA in serum. Among milk specimens, YFV RNA was detected during the four different mentioned collection times as follows (positive milk specimens/total milk specimens): 3/8 (37.5 %), 4/6 (66.6%) and 1/4(25%). RNA was completely undetectable in the last collection time. Conclusions: YFV transmission from mothers to their babies through breast-feeding was highly probable indicated by the temporal relationship to mother’s YF vaccination.

Abstract Background Reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) is a gammaretrovirus that belongs to the family of Retroviridae. The infection can result in immunosuppression, runting syndrome, high mortality, acute reticular cell neoplasia or T‐ and/ or B‐cell lymphoma, in a variety of domestic and wild birds. The disease is widespread around the world. No related data have been reported in Sudan about the disease. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of REV antibodies and DNA in local and commercial breeds of chickens older than 20 weeks from June 2014 to February, 2017. Methods A total of 460 sera samples and 150 (50 liver and 100 spleen) tissue samples were collected from local and commercial breeds of chickens older than 20 weeks and screened for anti‐REV antibodies in four states of Sudan using a commercial REV antibody ELISA test kit (IDEXX). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect REV DNA in tissue samples in Khartoum State. Results The results revealed that the overall seroprevalence of REV was 74.6% among local and commercial chicken breeds, but in commercial it was 79.5% (190/239) and 69.2% in local breeds (153/221). One hundred and fifty tissue samples of chickens (50 liver, 100 spleen) were tested using PCR for detection of REV using primer sets of the conserved region in envelope glycoprotein (env) gene with a band length of 850 bp. Five out of 50 (10%) liver samples were RE provirus DNA positive detected by PCR, whereas 15 out of 100 (15%) spleen samples were PCR positive. Univariate analysis revealed there was a difference (p ≤ 0.05) between locality and breed of chickens and seropositivity to REV. Conclusions The prevalence of the disease was high in Sudan and more studies are needed to evaluate the epidemiology and pathogenesis of the virus.

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a pathogenic bacterium, causing nosocomial infections with intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms to a large group of antibiotics, including β-lactams. This study aimed to determine the susceptibility pattern to selected antibiotics and to index the first reported β-lactamases genes frequency in Ps. aeruginosa in Khartoum State, Sudan. Methods: 121 Ps. aeruginosa clinical isolates from various clinical specimens were used in this cross sectional study conducted in Khartoum State. Eighty isolates were confirmed as Ps. aeruginosa through conventional identification methods and species specific primers. The susceptibility pattern of the confirmed isolates to selected antibiotics was done following the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method. Multiplex PCR was used for detection of seven β-lactamase genes ( blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTXM-1, blaVEB, blaOXA-1, blaAmpC and blaDHA). Results: Of the 80 confirmed Ps. aeruginosa isolates, 8 (10%) were resistant to Imipenem while all isolates were resistant to Amoxicillin and Amoxyclav (100%). A total of 43 (54%) Ps. aeruginosa isolates were positive for blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTXM-1, blaVEB and blaOXA-1 genes, while 27 (34%) were positive for class C β- Lactamases, and 20 (25%) were positive for both classes. Frequency of beta-lactamases genes was as follows: blaTEM, 19 (44.2%); blaSHV, 16 (37.2%); bla CTX-M1, 10 (23.3%); blaVEB, 14 (32.6%); blaOXA-1, 7 (16.3%). blaAmpC 22 (81.5%) and bla DHA 8 (29.6%). In total, 3 (11.1%) isolates were positive for both bla AmpC and blaDHA genes. Conclusion: Ps. aeruginosa isolates showed a high rate of β- lactamases production, with co-resistance to other antibiotic classes. The lowest resistance rate of Ps. aeruginosa was to Imipenem followed by Gentamicin and Ciprofloxacin. No statistically significant relationship between production of β-lactamases in Ps. aeruginosa and resistance to third generation cephalosporins was found.

Dengue virus (DENV) infection has garnered a global interest in the past few decades. Nevertheless, its epidemiology in certain developing and low-income regions remains poorly understood, due to the absence of comprehensive surveillance and reporting systems. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the prevalence of DENV infection in the population of Sub-Saharan Africa using DENV infection markers, and to track any changes in its prevalence during the past ten years. It was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, targeting the literature available at MEDLINE/PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane library and Google Scholar. All articles published in English language between January 2010 and June 2020 were screened for eligibility. Random effects model was used to calculate the pooled prevalence of all infection markers. The Inconsistency Index (I2) was used to assess the level of heterogeneity between studies. Subgroup analysis according to country and time-frame of studies was conducted to provide possible explanations to substantial heterogeneity. The critical appraisal tool for prevalence studies designed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) was used to assess the risk of bias in all included studies. A total of 84 articles, covering 21 countries, were included in this review. Quantitative meta-analysis estimated a pooled IgG prevalence of 25% (95% CI: 21-29%, I2 = 99%), a pooled IgM prevalence of 10% (95% CI: 9-11%, I2 = 98%) and a pooled DENV RNA prevalence of 14% (95% CI: 12-16%, I2 = 99%). Evidence for possible publication bias was also found in all three meta-analyses. Subgroup analysis according to the time of sample collection was performed to closely track the changing prevalence of DENV infection markers between 2010 and 2019. This meta-analysis estimates a high prevalence of DENV infection in Sub-Saharan Africa. More cost-efficient vector control strategies should be designed and implemented in order to adapt to the low-resource nature of this region.

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a pathogenic bacterium, causing nosocomial infections with intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms to a large group of antibiotics, including β-lactams. This study aimed to determine the susceptibility pattern to selected antibiotics and to index the first reported β-lactamases gene (extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) genes and class C β-lactamases genes) frequency in Ps. aeruginosa in Khartoum State, Sudan. Methods: 121 Ps. aeruginosa clinical isolates from various clinical specimens were used in this cross-sectional study conducted in Khartoum State. A total of 80 isolates were confirmed as Ps. aeruginosa through conventional identification methods and species-specific primers (the remaining 40 isolates were other bacterial species). The susceptibility pattern of the confirmed isolates to selected antibiotics was done following the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method. Multiplex PCR was used for detection of seven β-lactamase genes ( bla TEM, bla SHV, bla CTXM-1, bla VEB, bla OXA-1, bla AmpC and bla DHA ). Results: Of the 80 confirmed Ps. aeruginosa isolates, 8 (10%) were resistant to Imipenem while all isolates were resistant to Amoxicillin and Amoxyclav (100%). A total of 43 (54%) Ps. aeruginosa isolates were positive for ESBLs genes, while 27 (34%) were positive for class C β-lactamases, and 20 (25%) were positive for both classes. Frequency of ESBLs genes was as follows: bla TEM, 19 (44.2%); bla SHV, 16 (37.2%); bla CTX-M1, 10 (23.3%); bla VEB, 14 (32.6%); and bla OXA-1, 7 (16.3%). Occurrence of class C β-lactamases genes was bla AmpC 22 (81.5%) and bla DHA 8 (29.6%). In total, 3 (11.1%) isolates were positive for both bla AmpC and bla DHA genes. Conclusion: Ps. aeruginosa isolates showed a high rate of β-lactamases production, with co-resistance to other antibiotic classes. The lowest resistance rate of Ps. aeruginosa was to Imipenem followed by Gentamicin and Ciprofloxacin. No statistically significant relationship between production of β-lactamases in Ps. aeruginosa and resistance to third generation cephalosporins was found.

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a pathogenic bacterium, causing nosocomial infections with intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms to a large group of antibiotics, including β-lactams. This study aimed to determine the susceptibility pattern to selected antibiotics and to index the first reported β-lactamases gene (extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) genes and class C β-lactamases genes) frequency in Ps. aeruginosa in Khartoum State, Sudan. Methods: 121 Ps. aeruginosa clinical isolates from various clinical specimens were used in this cross-sectional study conducted in Khartoum State. A total of 80 isolates were confirmed as Ps. aeruginosa through conventional identification methods and species-specific primers (the remaining 40 isolates were other bacterial species). The susceptibility pattern of the confirmed isolates to selected antibiotics was done following the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method. Multiplex PCR was used for detection of seven β-lactamase genes ( bla TEM, bla SHV, bla CTXM-1, bla VEB, bla OXA-1, bla AmpC and bla DHA ). Results: Of the 80 confirmed Ps. aeruginosa isolates, 8 (10%) were resistant to Imipenem while all isolates were resistant to Amoxicillin and Amoxyclav (100%). A total of 43 (54%) Ps. aeruginosa isolates were positive for ESBLs genes, while 27 (34%) were positive for class C β-lactamases, and 20 (25%) were positive for both classes. Frequency of ESBLs genes was as follows: bla TEM, 19 (44.2%); bla SHV, 16 (37.2%); bla CTX-M1, 10 (23.3%); bla VEB, 14 (32.6%); and bla OXA-1, 7 (16.3%). Occurrence of class C β-lactamases genes was bla AmpC 22 (81.5%) and bla DHA 8 (29.6%). In total, 3 (11.1%) isolates were positive for both bla AmpC and bla DHA genes. Conclusion: Ps. aeruginosa isolates showed a high rate of β-lactamases production, with co-resistance to other antibiotic classes. The lowest resistance rate of Ps. aeruginosa was to Imipenem followed by Gentamicin and Ciprofloxacin. No statistically significant relationship between production of β-lactamases in Ps. aeruginosa and resistance to third generation cephalosporins was found.

Bluetongue (BT) is an infectious, noncontagious, vector-borne viral disease that affects wild and domestic ruminants transmitted by Culicoides spp. A cross-sectional study was carried out during the period 2016-2017 in Gadarif state. A total of 276 sera samples were collected from camels in six localities of Gadarif state, eastern Sudan, to investigate bluetongue virus (BTV) seroprevalence and associated risk factors of BTV infection including age, sex, breed, locality, and ecology of the region. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for estimation of BTV seroprevalence rate. The overall BTV seroprevalence rate was 96.7% in the study area ranging from 93.5% to 100% in six screened localities with no significant differences. The findings revealed similar BTV seroprevalence rates in both males and females, but high rates were found in age group of less than one year and two to three years with estimated 100%. However, the lowest seroprevalence was found in the age group of five to four years with estimated BTV to be 92.3%. BTV seropositivity was not found to be statistically associated with examined different camel breeds which revealed 93%, 94.4%, 97.6%, and 97.8% seroprevalence in Bushari, Rashide, Arabi, and Anafi, breeds, respectively. Epidemiology of BTV assessment according to the ecology of the area showed high BTV seroprevalence in desert and savanna with estimated 100% and lower BTV seroprevalence in arid and rich savanna with estimated 94.8% and 95.7%, respectively. There was no significant association between BTV ELISA positivity and sex, breed, and ecology of the area.

Bluetongue (BT) is an infectious, noncontagious, vector-borne viral disease of wild and domestic ruminants. BTV is a member of the Orbivirus genus of the family Reoviridae. The present study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of BTV in sheep and goats in Kassala State, Sudan. It also aimed to determine risk factors associated with BTV infection. The study was carried out by a structured questionnaire survey, and a total of 809 serum samples were collected from sheep (n = 459) and goats (n = 350) from 9 different localities in Kassala state. These samples were analyzed using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) for the detection of BTV antibodies. The overall seroprevalence of BTV was 91.2% (738/809). In goats, the prevalence of BTV antibodies was comparatively higher (100%) than in sheep (84.5%). The prevalence differed between localities and was the highest in the center section of Kassala and Western Kassala (100%). Animals aged 6–11 months were highly infected (93.9%) compared to 1-year-old (85.5%). Caprine species was more likely to be infected (100%) than ovine (84.5%), and females were highly infected (92.8%) than males (85.5%). BTV infections were higher in the winter season (91.4%). Risk factors that showed significant associations with cELISA positivity included locality and sex (p≤0.003) and species and age (p≤0.000). Factors significantly associated with cELISA positivity in multivariate analysis were localities, species, age, and sex. BTV infection is prevalent in sheep and goat populations in Kassala state.

The Simbu serogroup is one of the serogroups that belong to the Orthobunyavirus genus of the family Peribunyaviridae. Simbu serogroup viruses are transmitted mainly by Culicoides biting midges. Meager information is available on Simbu serogroup virus infection in ruminants in Sudan. Therefore, in this study, serological surveillance of Simbu serogroup viruses in cattle in seven states in Sudan was conducted during the period from May, 2015, to March, 2016, to shed some light on the prevalence of this group of viruses in our country. Using a cross-sectional design, 184 cattle sera were collected and tested by a commercial SBV ELISA kit which enables the detection of antibodies against various Simbu serogroup viruses. The results showed an overall 86.4% prevalence of antibodies to Simbu serogroup viruses in cattle in Sudan. Univariate analysis showed a significant association (p=0.007) between ELISA seropositivity and states where samples were collected. This study suggests that Simbu serogroup virus infection is present in cattle in Sudan. Further epizootiological investigations on Simbu serogroup viruses infection and virus species involved are warranted.

Background: The mosquito-borne dengue fever and malaria are major public health concerns in tropical settings. They are highly prevalent and considered one of the main etiology of febrile illnesses in Sudan. Aim: This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of dengue virus (DENV) among febrile malaria positive and negative patients in Nyala city, Western Sudan by using Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect DENV IgM and IgG antibodies. It also aimed to study possible risk factors that may be associated with DENV and malaria infections. Methods: This cross-sectional study was undertaken in different Hospitals in Nyala city, South Darfur state Sudan from June to December 2021. A total of 93 blood samples from febrile patients were collected in EDTA containers. Plasma was obtained by centrifugation and tested by ELISA (EUROIMMUN, Germany) according to manufacturer instructions for DENV IgG and IgM antibodies. Malaria parasites were detected using microscopy of stained blood smears. Generated data was analyzed using the statistical package (SPSS) version 21. Results: Forty-six (49.5%) out of 93 febrile patients were found infected with malaria parasites using blood smear microscopy. Among these malaria-infected patients, the prevalence of dengue anti-virus IgG (49.5%) was higher than that of IgM (16.1%) but was statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). In the present study, dengue infection was higher in males than in females but was statistically insignificant (p > 0.05) and the age group 21-40 years was the most affected with DENV infection. Conclusion: The present study showed a higher prevalence rate of dengue IgG among the participants of the study more than IgM but was statistically insignificant. There was no association between age and gender with seroprevalence of DENV among febrile patients with and without malaria. The frequent existence of infections of DENV requires improved surveillance and control measures to combat this disease in Nyala, Sudan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]