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Objectives: Brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic disease in Pakistan, but it causes immense impact on livestock and public health. This study was done to determine the prevalence of Brucellosis in occupationally high-risk groups encompassing butchers, milkers, and cattle caretakers in district Swabi, Mardan, and Peshawar of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 300 blood samples were collected through a non-probability purposive sampling technique from occupationally high-risk groups including butchers, milkers, and cattle caretakers at district Swabi, Mardan, and Peshawar from December 1, 2017, to March 31, 2018. All the blood samples were centrifuged and the serum was separated for further testing. Serum agglutination test was used for the detection of Brucellosis and the reagents used for this method were purchased from Biosciences PTE Ltd, Singapore. Results: Out of 300 blood samples, 111 samples were positive and the overall prevalence of Brucellosis was 37% in occupationally high-risk groups. The overall 37% prevalence of Brucellosis comprised of 70% of B. abortus, 21.6% of B. melitensis, and 8.1% of both B. abortus and B. melitensis simultaneously. The prevalence of Brucellosis in butchers was 27.6%, milkers 13.3%, and cattle caretakers 45.7% while prevalence in males was 33% and in females 39.6%. The prevalence of Brucellosis in district Swabi was 45%, Mardan 33.3%, and Peshawar 30%. The socio demographic factors including age group, occupation, and locality showed statistically significant results. Conclusion: The prevalence of Brucellosis is considerably higher in occupationally high-risk groups in district Swabi, Mardan, and Peshawar, Pakistan.

Background Animal and human brucelloses have been reported in Rwanda, human brucellosis being linked to drinking inadequately heat‐treated milk. However, information on Brucella detection and prevalence in milk produced in Rwanda is limited. Objectives To determine the sero‐prevalence and risk factors of Brucella in farm bulk milk from zero and open grazing cattle production systems in Rwanda. Methods A total of 330 farm bulk milk samples were collected from 198 zero grazing farms and 132 open grazing farms in a cross‐sectional study in Rwanda. Sero‐prevalence of Brucella in milk was analysed using indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. A questionnaire was administered to farmers to determine the risk factors of milk contamination with Brucella. Results Anti‐Brucella antibodies were prevalent in 19.7% (95% confidence interval (CI), 15.5–24.4) of the 330 collected farm bulk milk. Sero‐prevalence was significantly higher (p, This is a cross sectional study which determined the sero‐prevalence and risk factors of Brucella prevalence in farm bulk milk in Rwanda. Brucella was found to be more prevalent in milk from open grazing farms, compared to milk from zero grazing farms. Practising open grazing system, histories of abortion and placenta retention were the significant risk factors for the presence of anti‐Brucella antibodies in farm bulk milk.

Hepatitis B virus and plasmodium co-infection is of an increase in developing countries as a result of lack of proper diagnosis leading to increased morbidity. This study was to determine the sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus and Plasmodium co-infection profile among patients in Wukari and environs. Seventy (70) subjects’ with the age range of between 0 to 80 years participated and standard microbiological techniques were observed in this study. The results obtained showed 34 (48.6%) were males and 36 (51.4%) were females. Four (5.7%) participants were sero-positive for HBsAg. HBsAb, HBcAb, HBeAg and HBeAb while 66 were not detected positive. The Male with 5.9% participants were sero-positive while 5.6% of the female participants were sero-positive. 20 (28.6%) of the participants were sero-positive for malaria. This comprises of 7 males and 13 females. 20.6% of the males were sero-positive while 36.1% of the females were sero-positive. The distribution of parasitaemia by gender across the participants showed that 24 (34.3%) had plasmodium parasitaemia, out of which 9 were males and 15 were females. 26.5% of the males and 41.7% of the females had plasmodium parasitaemia. There was no co-infection of Hepatitis B virus and malaria, despite both having prevalence of 5.7% and 34.3% respectively. The research on its own has shown that in order to reduce HBV and plasmodium co-infection, mass immunization of adults and antiviral drugs should be provided for those that are infected, while HBV and plasmodium co-infections screening programs should be instituted in all levels of institutions in the country to reduce the prevalence rate and level of transmission of the hepatitis virus. This study also has added to the puddle of knowledge already available in this area of research.

Toxoplasmosis is intracellular pathogen, caused by the protozoan parasite, belong to the phylum Apicomplexa. The present research aimed to determine the sero-prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among patients attending in Kassala hospital. Blood samples were collected in blood container by using sterile syringes (300), 5 ml of venous blood was drawn and required for the laboratory examination for Latex agglutination and ELISA techniques. high prevalence of T. gondii recorded (56.7%) for Latex Agglutination technique. Age-groups (18-40) showed higher rate of infection 62.2%. Statistical analysis verified no variation according to the gender and contact with cats (P > 0.05). high prevalence calculated, for those eating undercooked meat, drinking row milk, 67.1%, 65.5% respectively. Fainaly the present study recommended to Implantation of health education program, Toxoplasmosis should be checked before donating blood and Improvement of the standard of hygienic, sanitary and disease control.

OBJECTIVE: To document Covid-19 sero-prevalence, prior testing, symptom experiences, and risk factors in a sample of community health center (CHC) workers. METHODS: Descriptive statistics and log-binomial regression were used to analyze an electronic employee survey linked with Covid-19 antibody results. The sample included 378 employees who completed the survey; 325 had complete lab data. RESULTS: The sero-positivity rate was 15.4%. One third of sero-positive participants had no previous Covid-19 symptoms or were unsure. Working on-site only and/or with direct patient contact was not associated with sero-positivity. Employees in their 20 s were more likely to test positive than employees ages 50+, controlling for sex, race, and region (PR = 2.96; p 

Red blood cell indices values were lower compared with control subjects, nature has it that SCD patients in the steady state have adapted their body system to this anaemic state and live healthy. Blood transfusion does not significantly increase the seroprevalence of transfusion transmissible infections in our clinically stable SCD participants.

Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal zoonosis that is mostly occurs in heavy rainfall, ooded and poor sanitisation areas . In west Bengal specially in Kolkata, there is high average rainfall with water holding capacity of soil [9]. As rodents like rats ,livestock and pets are reservoir for leptospires, their urine containing leptospires can contaminate the water by which humans get infected either by direct or indirect exposure to this contaminated water. Rats are main hosts of serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae, cattle of Hardjo and Pomona, pigs of Pomona or Tarrossovi, and dogs of Canicola[10]. On the other hand people living in urban slum encirclement with inadequate sanitation are at high risk of rat exposure and leptospiros is .Farmers , Sewage workers , Miners , Veterinarians and individuals who are involved in Water sports, Gardening, Ecotourism are at high risk for leptospirosis [11,33,61]. These occupations involve activities likely to result in exposure of wounds, cuts and to soil and water contaminated with the urine containing leptospire of rodents and animals from which workers get infected .All these above points are crucial reasons for the cases of leptospirosis in Kolkata.

This study investigated the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and identified a predictive statistical model for the HBV exposure among people in the community, Yasothon, Thailand. A cross-sectional study was performed on participants over 26 years old and living in Muang district, Yasothon province, Thailand. The research was conducted from July to August 2019. All 1,258 participants were verbally screened. Four hundred and fifty nine people were the risk group and tested for HBsAg, and 18 cases were positive for HBsAg (3.9% [95%CI 3.5-4.4]). For the predictive model, the HBV exposure connected with sex, marital status, alcohol, smoking, and knowledge. The area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was 61.8 % (95%CI, 58.6 to 65.0). At cut-off-point -0.66, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 72.6%, 42.4 % and 53.4%, respectively. HBV infection was a serious health problem, it can cause cirrhosis and liver cancer in the future. The predictive model of five variables can predict risk exposure of HBV which may had other relevant factors. Verbal screening by questionnaire to classify HBsAg risk group can lower the implement cost.

Introduction: Brucellosis is one of the common zoonotic diseases that leading to the extensive economic losses throughout the world. Control and eradication of this disease depends mainly on the early detection. Aims: The present work was achieved between March and September 2016 as a cross-sectional study to determine the sero-prevalence of brucellosis in cattle. Materials and Methods: Three hundred eighty four sera samples which including 359 females and 25 males were collected randomly from unvaccinated cattle, in twelve different regions at Dhamar governorate in Yemen. All sera samples screened for cattle brucellosis using RBT and the positive samples reconfirmed using I-ELISA. A structured questionnaire used to collect epidemiological data that analyzed using SAS program. Results and Discussion: The sero-prevalence of cattle brucellosis was 0.26%. No significant association (P?0.05) between prevalence of cattle brucellosis and region (2.8%), age (3.22%), sex (0.27%) and breed (0.26%) was determined. Conclusion: Study findings showed a low prevalence of cattle brucellosis in Dhamar governorate. Although, the current work form a baseline data for more study of cattle brucellosis, and start point for its control in Yemen. Keywords: Brucellosis, Cattle, Dhamar Governorate, RBT, I-ELISA, Sero-prevalence, Yemen.

Background: Blood transfusion saves millions of life in emergency situations and is considered has life saving drug. Blood transfusion is associated with several risks which also includes transfusion transmissible infections. With the implementation of strict donor selection, effective and sensitive screening tests can ensure the least reduction risk of acquiring transfusion transmissible infections. The prevalence of transfusion transmissible infections among blood donors reflect the burden of diseases among particular population. Aim: The aim of this study is: 1. To estimate the prevalence of transfusion transmissible infections among blood donors in a rural tertiary care centre; 2. To analyse the trends of transfusion transmissible infections over study period. Results: A total of 21,089 voluntary blood donors were studied. There were 20,356 male donors and 733 female donors with ratio of 28:1. The prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV, Syphilis and Malaria was found to be 0.14%, 0.82%, 0.02%, 0.13% and 0.03% respectively. The prevalence of HBV was highest (0.82%) followed by HIV(0.14%). Our study also showed decrease in trends of HCV and Syphilis over study period. There was strong association of transfusion transmissible infections among O positive blood group. Conclusion: The prevalence of transfusion transmissible infections has decreased over time, hence implementation of strict donor selection criteria and use of sensitive screening tests has lead to decrease in trends. Keywords: Transfusion transmissible infections, Sero- Prevalence, Blood donors.

A study was conducted at Ido and Atiba Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Oyo State, Nigeria, to investigate the prevalence of Newcastle disease (ND) using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) techniques. A total of 376 normal feathered local chickens were sampled by collecting 2 ml of blood from each bird. Sera that emanated from them were subjected to detection of ND antibodies using ELISA test kit. The data collected were analyzed by inferential statistics. The results showed that the prevalence of ND as 11.70% and 15.43% at Ido and Atiba LGAs, respectively. Adult males showed higher prevalence as compared to adult females in the two LGAs. Meanwhile the prevalence of ND in adults was higher than in the young in Ido but the reverse at Atiba LGA. Combined prevalence was averaged at 13.56% in the two LGAs. The combined results further showed that males (8.24%) were more susceptible to ND than females (5.32%) just like adults (7.45%) were more susceptible than the growers (6.11%). It can be concluded that ND is prevalent in the study areas. It can therefore be recommended that vaccination of local chickens should be vigorously implemented since they are in the common environment/space with intensively managed birds to avert cross infection. Key words: antibodies, ELISA, local chickens, Newcastle disease, prevalence

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Kosovo to determine the presence and prevalence of bovine leukemia virus antibodies in cattle. A total of 5,051 serum samples from 315 villages were collected during 2016. Samples were tested using commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. At least one sero-positive animal was found in 55 (17.5%) of the villages sampled, of which 23 had more than one sero-positive detected. Overall individual sero-prevalence, corrected for geographic distribution of samples, was found to be 2.26% (95% c.i. 1.62% to 3.04%). There were no statistically significant associations between serological status and herd size or age of animal, although sero-prevalence in 5-year-old cattle was higher than in the other ages. There was a statistical significant heterogeneity in sero-prevalence between different geographic zones of Kosovo (chi-square value = 20.68 (4 d.f.); (p=0.0004). Pairwise comparisons showed that sero-prevalence in the south was significantly higher than in the east and in the north and sero-prevalence in the west was significantly higher than in the north. The 3.11% aggregated sero-prevalence for the two highest sero-prevalence zones, south and west, was significantly higher than the 1.57% aggregated sero-prevalence for the remaining zones, centre, east and north (Fisher exact p-value (2-tail) = 0.0004). The reason for higher prevalence in the south and west of Kosovo is uncertain. These results may serve to enrich the information of bovine leukemia virus distribution in the region, as well as a starting point for the future control and eradication strategy in Kosovo.

A study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors for African Horse Sickness (AHS) in donkeys in the highland area of Kiambu County, Kenya. Data on the risk factors was collected using semi-structured questionnaires administered to 146 donkey owners while blood samples collected from 398 donkeys both during the rainy and dry seasons. Antibodies against AHS were detected using competitive antibody Enzyme Linked Immuno – Sorbent Assay (c-ELISA). The estimated sero-prevalence of AHS in donkeys was 35.2 and 27.6% during the rainy and the dry seasons, respectively. The sero-prevalence of AHS in the donkeys that were re-examined during both seasons decreased from 60 to 20% indicating a waning immunity. Age of the donkey (P= 0.02) and presence of water streams (P= 0.03) were significant risk factors of AHS among donkeys. Three seropositive donkeys also showed pulmonary clinical signs of AHS. There was poor agreement (k =0.05) between the c-ELISA and clinical diagnosis of AHS. In conclusion, AHS in donkeys is endemic in the highland area of Kenya. This calls for increased adoption of preventive measures against the disease and justifies the need for future research on clinical and epidemiological patterns of AHS in donkeys in other highland areas. Key words: African horse sickness, donkeys, highland area, prevalence, risk factors.

Background: Now-a-days chronic liver disease is one of the major health problems in the world. In developing countries, chronic liver disease due to hepatitis virus (like hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus) is increasing day by day. It is rapidly emerging as a major health problem. So the present study was conducted to document the hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus in patient with chronic liver disease by an easy and simple marker like HBsAg, Anti HBc (total) and Anti HCV in a tertiary hospital. Methods: Serum samples were collected from 100 selected cases who were diagnosed as a case of chronic liver disease in medicine and gastroenterology department of DMCH. Study period was from April 01, 2016 to September 30, 2018. For detection of HBsAg, Anti HBc (total) and Anti HCV, Immunochromatographic test (ICT) was done in every case. Results: Out of 100 cases, HBsAg seropositive with negative Anti HCV was found in 64% cases, Anti HCV positive with negative HBsAg was found in 16% cases, both HBsAg and anti HCV positive was found in 4% cases, both HBsAg and anti HCV negative was found in 16% cases. Among these cases, 74% were male and 26% were female. Here male: female was 3:1 and among them, 75% male was seropositive for either HBsAg or Anti HCV. Conclusion: The high frequency of seropositivity in patients with chronic liver disease with male predominance is found in tertiary care settings. The number of Anti HCV seropositive patient indicates that it is an emerging health problem in our country. Keywords: Chronic liver disease; HBsAg; Anti HCV; ICT

Background: Now-a-days chronic liver disease is one of the major health problems in the world. In developing countries, chronic liver disease due to hepatitis virus (like hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus) is increasing day by day. It is rapidly emerging as a major health problem. So the present study was conducted to document the hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus in patient with chronic liver disease by an easy and simple marker like HBsAg, Anti HBc (total) and Anti HCV in a tertiary hospital. Methods: Serum samples were collected from 100 selected cases who were diagnosed as a case of chronic liver disease in medicine and gastroenterology department of DMCH. Study period was from April 01, 2016 to September 30, 2018. For detection of HBsAg, Anti HBc (total) and Anti HCV, Immunochromatographic Test (ICT) was done in every case. Results: Out of 100 cases, HBsAg seropositive with negative Anti HCV was found in 64% cases, Anti HCV positive with negative HBsAg was found in 16% cases, both HBsAg and anti HCV positive was found in 4% cases, both HBsAg and anti HCV negative was found in 16% cases. Among these cases, 74% were male and 26% were female. Here male: female was 3:1 and among them, 75% male was seropositive for either HBsAg or Anti HCV. Conclusion: The high frequency of seropositivity in patients with chronic liver disease with male predominance is found in tertiary care settings. The number of Anti HCV seropositive patient indicates that it is an emerging health problem in our country.

Introduction: Blood transfusion is a significant life-saving intervention in the present era of patient management system. As the blood and blood products are a potential source of infections and the necessity of transfusion is increasing day by day, transfusion transmissible infections have become a major threat to the system of ensuring safe transfusion. Objectives: To find out the sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, Syphilis and Malaria parasite among the blood donors and to ascertain risk behaviour of the blood donors. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on purposively selected 115 blood donors at Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) during the period of 1st September to 31st December 2011. Results: The study revealed among 115 blood donors 7.8% were HBsAg positive. More than half of the HBsAg positive cases 66.67% were from civilian. None of the respondents was found positive for anti-HCV, VDRL, Malaria and anti-HIV. All of the donors in this study were voluntary donors. The sample studied had a mean age of 28.03 ± 6.79 years and 90.5% of donors were belongs to age group 18-37 years and female was only 6.1%. Most of the donors (49.5%) were military personnel,86%above SSC educated and 22.6% had visited abroad. Regarding risk behaviour 38.3% had the history of undertaking dental procedure, 0.9% were found undertaking blood transfusion, 2.6% had the history of illicit sex and 29.6% had the history of suffering from jaundice and among them only 1.7% were found HBsAg positive. Conclusion: The study finding demands motivation against unnecessary blood transfusion. It also emphasize health education programme among peoples having risk behaviour. Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.15 (1) 2019: 71-74

The present study was designated to know the sero-prevalence status of H9 antibodies in Sonali chickens at Joypurhat district in Bangladesh by initial screening of AIV type A by ELISA followed by H9 LPAI detection by HI test. 180 sera samples from 18 flocks were collected and screened for Avian Influenza Virus type A antibodies by ELISA. All ELISA positive samples were tested by HI test, specific for H9 antibodies. On ELISA, sero-prevalence for AIV type A were 14.4% and 3.3% in older aged group (≥11weeks) and growing aged group (≤10 weeks) respectively, with an overall sero-prevalence of 8.89% in Sonali chickens at Joypurhat district. Among these AIV sero-positive samples, 92.31% 0f older aged group and 66.67% of growing aged group chickens found sero- positive to H9 antibodies by HI test with an overall 87.5%. Out of 180 sera samples, only 14 samples found positive to H9 antibodies, indicating 7.78% sero-prevalence in Sonali chickens of Joypurhat district. This study revealed higher sero-prevalence of AIV antibodies as well as H9 antibodies in older aged group which might be due long-time exposure to infections. Sero- prevalence of both AIV type A and H9 LPAI are higher in older aged Sonali chickens. The findings of the present study suggest that the overall seroprevalence of AIV type A and H9 LPAI in Sonali chickens are 8.89% and &.78% respectively, at Joypurhat district in Bangladesh and also suggest that H9LPAI virus in circulation in Sonali chickens at Joypurhat district in Bangladesh.

Background: Brucellosis is an important re-emerging zoonosis which remains an uncontrolled public health problem worldwide because of serious diminution of manpower, animals and essential foodstuffs. Transmission to human can occurs through contact with infected animals or animal products. It is a poorly recognised health problem in this country though there is persistence of large reservoirs of the organism among livestock such as sheep, goat and cows creating fertile field for unabated transmission. But data on it’s transmission potential and prevalence in this country specially in Sylhet region remained scarce. In the absence of supportive epidemiological information physicians on most of the cases have to depend on their clinical judgement to suggest relevant tests. Objective: The study was conducted to compare the sero-prevalence of human brucellosis among high risk and normal individuals. Methods: This cross-sectional, comparative study was conducted amongst a total of randomly selected 90 participants including 65 high risk individuals during the period of July 2016-June 2017. Brucella IgM and IgG antibody in the serum were determine by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique. Results: Among the 65 participants of the high risk group, Brucella IgM and IgG seropositivity were found in 6 (9.2%) and 32(49.2%) cases respectively. On the other hand, no IgM seropositivity, but 10 (40.0%) IgG seropositivity cases were found in normal group. No significant difference (p>0.05) was found between the groups. Considering occupations, the highest 11 (61.1%) Brucella IgG seropositivity was found among the 18 dairy farm workers (p>0.05). Participants with 0-5 years duration of job had highest seropositivity 7 (70%) among high risk group and 3 (50%) among normal group. No significant association was identified between seropositivity and duration of occupation, education (p>0.05). Conclusions: Based on the study findings, it may be concluded that the extent of human brucellosis should not be ignored, and measures like awareness building, vaccination, transboundary screening needed to prevent and control the disease in animals and limit human transmission. Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2020; 46(1): 35-40

Background Helicobacter pylori infection is prevalent in African region especially in areas with low socioeconomic status. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for Helicobacter pylori Infection among individuals with and those without dyspepsia Materials and Methods The study was cross sectional in which individuals with and those without dyspepsia were enrolled. The prevalence for Helicobacter pylori infection was determined by the screening of Helicobacter pylori immunoglobulin G and this was compared across variables of interest. IBM SPSS was used for the data analysis. Results Overall prevalence of Helicobacter pylori immunoglobulin G was 44 (37.9 %). There was no association between H pylori infection and dyspepsia (0.894). There was statistically significant association between residing in rural areas and acquiring of Helicobacter pylori infection (P= 0.011). Study participants from rural areas had significantly higher and lower pit latrines and water closet toilets respectively than the study participants who reside in urban areas (P= 0.0001). Conclusion Modest prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection was observed and no association between H pylori infection and dyspepsia was observed. There is a need to take strategic measures towards improving level of socio-economic status of the rural areas so as to reduce the risk of contracting Helicobacter pylori infection in people living in rural areas

The present study was carried out between April 2015 and January 2016 to estimate the sero-prevalence and identify the risk factors of the peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in Cameroon. A total of 269 herds randomly sampled across the country have been studied and 1622 samples of serum have been levied on the sheep and goat. The c-ELISA has been studied in order to detect the presence of antibodies in small ruminants like an indicator of exposition to PPRV. The results revealed the circulation of PPRV in the country with a total sero-prevalence of 39% [95%CI; 37 - 41] and a sero-prevalence of 63.2% [95%CI; 57.2 - 69.2] at the herd level. Sero-prevalence was variable in the ten regions ranging from 7% [95% CI; 6.2 - 8.4] to 73% [95% CI; 62 - 84] with the northern zone (Adamawa, North and Far-North) having 52.3% [95% CI; 37 - 60] and southern zone (including the remaining seven regions) recording 29% [95% CI; 11 - 57]. Similarly, it was higher in animals found in urban/peri-urban areas than in rural areas with prevalence ratio of 2.9 [95% CI 2.54 - 3.4; p i.e. 3 times more, 1.6 [95% CI 1.36 - 1.90; p i.e. 1.6 times more, and 5.02 [95% CI 3.91 - 6.85; p i.e. 5 times more at national level, in the northern zone and in the southern area, respectively. Five risk factors have been identified: the breeding environment, introduction of new animals into the herds, gathering of animals for pasture and watering, wandering and transhumance. The breeding area appeared to be the most important risk factor associated with disease exposure. The control measures for the eradication of this disease must take into account the epidemiological situation, the breeding environment, animal transhumance and breeding system.

Background: Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP), caused by Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. Capripneumoniae (Mccp), is one of the most important goat diseases causing high morbidity and mortality, these results in heavy economic losses to countries like Somalia, which is a country affected the civil war of the 1990s. Objective: Generally, the disease presence has been reported in the country. However, there is no quantitative data on the prevalence and distribution of the disease has been scientifically reported in the country. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2019 to June 2020 in three villages of Afgoye district of Somalia to assess the seroprevalence and identify the associated risk factors for the occurrence of the CCPP. The risk factors considered included sex, age, and locations. Results: A total of 100 blood samples were collected and evaluated by Capri-Latex Agglutination Test (Capri-LAT). A total of 49/100 (49%, CI 95%: (38.86%-59.2%) goats were seropositive for anti-CCPP antibody. The epidemiological risk factors considered, sex, age and locations, were not significantly associated with the CCPP sero prevalence (p>0.05). However, the sero positivity was slightly higher in female (51%, 95% CI: 39.8-62.6), >3 years old goats (86.3%, 95% CI: 48.9-87.4) and Markazka village (56%, 95% CI: 41.3-70.0) compared to male (40%, 95% CI: 19.1-63.9), 1-3 years old (57.5%, 95% CI: 40.9- 73.0), and Shareeco (43.8%, 95% CI: 19.8-70.1) and Siinka (41.2%, 95% CI: 24.7-59.3) villages, respectively. Conclusion: The present study indicates the prevalence of CCPP in the studies areas and this requires practicable measures to be put in place towards the control of the disease.

Background Sero-prevalence studies quantify the proportion of a population that has antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, and can be used to identify the extent of the COVID-19 pandemic at a population level. The aim of the study was to assess the sero-prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the workforce at three workplaces: a food factory, non-food factory and call-centre. Methods Nine hundred ninety-three participants were recruited from three workplaces in South Wales. Participants completed a questionnaire and had a lateral flow point-of-care SARS-CoV-2 antibody test administered by a healthcare professional. The data were analysed using multivariable logistic regression, both using complete records only and following multiple imputation. Results The sero-prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies ranged from 4% (n = 17/402) in the non-food factory to 10% (n = 28/281) in the food factory (OR 2.93; 95% CI 1.26 to 6.81). After taking account of confounding factors evidence of a difference remained (cOR comparing food factory to call centre (2.93; 95% CI 1.26 to 6.81) and non-food factory (3.99; 95% CI 1.97 to 8.08) respectively). The SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence also varied between roles within workplaces. People working in office based roles had a 2.23 times greater conditional odds (95% CI 1.02 to 4.87) of being positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies than those working on the factory floor. Conclusion The sero-prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies varied by workplace and work role. Whilst it is not possible to state whether these differences are due to COVID-19 transmission within the workplaces, it highlights the importance of considering COVID-19 transmission in a range of workplaces and work roles.

Trypanosoma evansi, a hemoflagellate protozoan parasite causes wasting disease called surra in wide range of animals. Although, the organism has been reported from various parts of the India, data generated from organized epidemiological study is still in infancy in majority states of India. In the present study, livestock of Himachal Pradesh, India was targeted for epidemiological investigation of T. evansi infections. A total of 440 equines and 444 cattle serum samples were collected from four agro-climatic Zones. Further, serum samples of 280 buffaloes from three different agro-climatic Zones of Himachal Pradesh were also collected and evaluated for presence of T. evansi infection by indirect ELISA. Data generated showed higher prevalence in buffalo (23.57%) followed by cattle (22.52%) and equines (1.82%). Disease was found to be more prevalent (P < 0.05) in cattle of lower altitude as compared to those of higher altitudes. No significant variation was seen in prevalence of disease on the basis of age and sex of the animals. Serum biochemical analysis revealed increased levels of BUN in T. evansi infected equines. Levels of liver function enzymes such as ALT/GGT and AST were found to be significantly elevated (P < 0.01) in infected animals whereas glucose levels were significantly lower in surra infected animals as compared to non-infected animals. Western blot analysis of whole cell lysate (WCL) antigen of T. evansi using surra infected serum samples of equines showed immunodominant bands in the range of 100-25 kDa. Surra infected bovine serum samples recognized polypeptide bands in the range of 85-32 kDa, including protein clusters of 52-55 and 48-46 kDa. Poypeptide cluster of 62-66 kDa was found common to serum samples of bovines and equines from all agro-climatic Zones. Animal trypanosomosis was found to be highly prevalent in livestock of Himachal Pradesh and thus there is dire need for designing of proper control strategies against surra.

This study reports the status of onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis (LF) in communities with low endemicity in Ogun-State, Nigeria. The Ov16/Wb123 biplex Rapid Diagnostic Test was used to screen 1,836 participants aged 5 years and above from 8 Local Government Areas (LGAs) from October to December, 2016. Skin snips and night blood were also used for microscopic detection of microfilariae (MF). A cumulative seroprevalence of 9.4% and 0.42% was recorded for onchocerciasis and LF respectively with a co-infection rate of 0.4%. Among the LGAs screened, Ijebu North-East recorded the highest seroprevalence of onchocerciasis (26.4%) and LF (0.9%) while Remo North, Sagamu and Obafemi-Owode LGAs recorded low prevalences ranging from 0.7 - 2.7% for both diseases. No positive result of MF was observed in all the communities screened, even in Ijebu North-East where seroprevalence was high, suggesting historic exposure to onchocerciasis and LF infection which may have occurred over time due to human migration during farming and fishing seasons. Extension of ongoing mass treatment in endemic LGAs is recommended for Ijebu North-East to ensure inclusion in the drive towards the elimination of the diseases in Ogun State.

COVID-19 affected different countries in different ways. Palestine had recorded over 140,000 cases by the end of 2020. The WHO/PNIPH, WHO/EMRO, and the Palestinian MoH carried out a serological survey in Palestine in order to estimate the actual number of COVID-19 infections up to the end of December 2020. A sample stratified by region, district, residence area (urban, rural, and refugee camp), and accounting for gender, was taken from Gaza and the West Bank. Data from participants were also collected, including demographic, socio-economic, and health conditions. The results show that 39% of the Palestinian population (38% of the West Bank and 40% of Gaza) had been infected with COVID-19 by the end of December, almost 10 times the number detected by targeted Rt-PCR testing. Several factors were calculated to be significant such as diabetes, smoking, gender, age, and residence.Summary of findingsThe following table is a summary of all findings presented in this report. The P values in green are below 0.05, which makes the result statistically significant; red is not statistically significant. In binary comparisons (when comparing two numbers), the odds were calculated, meaning how much more likely the presence of seropositivity is if the condition is satisfied. For example, those who were previously diagnosed as COVID-19 positive using Rt PCR were 2.5 times as likely to be seropositive than those who were not diagnosed.

Socioeconomic inequality is a major factor to consider in the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. The aim of this study was to investigate socioeconomic inequalities in HIV prevalence among Namibian women. Data from a population-based household survey with multistage-stratified sample of 6501 women were used to examine the link between socioeconomic inequalities and HIV prevalence. The weighted HIV prevalence was 13.2% (95% CI: 12.1–14.3%). The HIV prevalence among the poorest, poorer, middle, richer, and richest households was 21.4%, 19.7%, 16.3%, 11.0%, and 3.7%, respectively. Similarly, 21.2%, 21.7%, 11.8%, and 2.1% HIV prevalence was estimated among women with no formal education and primary, secondary, and higher education, respectively. Women from poor households (Conc. Index = −0.258, SE = 0.017) and those with no formal education (Conc. Index = −0.199, SE = 0.015) had high concentration of HIV infection, respectively. In light of these findings, HIV prevention strategies must be tailored to the specific drivers of transmission in low socioeconomic groups, with special attention paid to the vulnerabilities faced by women and the dynamic and contextual nature of the relationship between socioeconomic status and HIV infection.

Introduction: Rabies is a vaccine-preventable viral zoonotic disease that remains a serious global public health concern. Rabies vaccination with adequate coverage of the canine population has been shown to control rabies outbreaks among canines and to prevent the transmission of rabies from dogs to humans. As vaccination is the primary control measure for rabies, it is important to determine the level of anti-rabies antibodies in animals in order to determine the effectiveness of the control measures being implemented. Materials & Methods: Blood samples were collected from 50 street dogs (August 2016 to December 2016) in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur districts. Rabies sero-conversion on the separated serum was quantified using PlateliaTM Rabies II Kit (Bio-Rad, China) according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Results: Eighty percent (40/50) of the serum samples surpassed the requested level of rabies antibodies, suggesting good coverage of vaccination among street dogs. Conclusion: However, an active dog surveillance system with a dog registration process before and after vaccination campaigns, and a multi-dimensional approach including all stakeholders, are necessary to eradicate rabies from the canine population in Nepal.

Brucellosis is a contagious bacterial disease with worldwide importance and affects a number of animal species and human beings. Although brucellosis in domestic animals has controlled in most developed countries it remains an important public health problem in several parts of the world. But in developing countries brucellosis has both animal and public health importance (Walker, 1999; Radostitset al.,2000; Acha, and Szyfers, 2001; Tsolia et al.,2002).

Introduction: Viral Hepatitis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are most common top ranking leading causes of infectious diseases and deaths worldwide. If these infections, remain unidentified and untreated among HIV infected pregnant women, children born to these pregnant women are at high risk of these viral hepatitis infections. Aims: The aim of the study was to determine the sero-prevalence of HBV and HCV among HIV infected pregnant women in Abuja, Nigeria. Methodology: A cross sectional study among 330 HIV infected pregnant women commencing antiretroviral therapy (ART) at National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Abuja, Nigeria were studied. The women were screened for the presence of HBV and HCV antibodies. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographic data prior to recruitment/enrollment. Data were analyzed using statistical product and service solutions (SPSS) (version 20.0). Results: Out of the 330 HIV infected pregnant women, 90 (27.3%) were HBV positive, while 5 (1.5%) were HCV positive (p = 0.42). The highest prevalence was observed among the age group of 20 – 29. However, none of the patients tested positive for both HBV and HCV. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that infection with viral hepatitis is common and of public health concern. Therefore, concerted efforts should be put in place to mitigate the epidemics.

Background: Rubella infection in pregnant mothers is of great concern as it acts as a teratogen causing abortions, still births, intra-uterine foetal deaths and multiple birth defects. In India, rubella causes significant bad obstetric pregnancy outcome including congenital deformities due to lack of proper surveillance and immunization coverage with rubella vaccination. Aim: To determine Sero-prevalence of rubella IgM and IgG antibodies in Bad Obstetric History (BOH) pregnant women in Tertiary Rural Medical College in Eastern India. Materials and Methods: Cross sectional study was conducted from 1st January 2017 to 31st March 2017 on sera of 100 antenatal mothers with bad obstetric history aged between 20-40 years of age group with pregnancy of ≥18 wks. Rubella IgM and IgG antibodies were assessed by ELISA. Statistical Analysis: Percentage, proportions and ᵡ2 test were applied. Results: Eleven per cent (11%) sero-prevalence for IgM antibodies and 54% for IgG antibodies was observed with maximum sero-positivity among 20-25 years mothers. Repeated abortions were the commonest pregnancy outcome. Conclusion: All antenatal cases should be routinely screened for rubella, so that early diagnosis will help in proper management and foetal outcome and strong recommendation for universal coverage of MMR in early age group of children.

im: the aim of this study is to use serological diagnosis for rapid detection of Toxoplasma gondii infection among household cats. Material and Methods: 212 serum samples collected from household cats of different sex, breeds and age groups in urban and rural area of Giza Province. Samples were checked by rapid chromatographic immune assay (IC) for detection of IgM and IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii. Statistical analysis of the obtained results were carried out using Chi-square test to study the effect of sex, breed and age on the results. Results: the IgM antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii were detected in 19 cats (8.96%), and IgG antibodies were detected in 63 cats (29.71%), the overall positive were 82 cats (38.67), the sero prevalence against Toxoplasma gondii was high in Egyptian Mau breed and in cats of over one year age. Statistical evaluation of the results proved that there were significant differences between different sex, different cat breeds and different age groups. Conclusion: This study concluded that the serological diagnosis by IC for detecting IgM and IgG against Toxoplasma gondii, is a rapid, accurate method for diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis

Aims: This study determined prevalence and possible risk factors associated with HAV infection and compared Immunochromatography (IgG) rapid point of care test with standard ELISA test for diagnosis. Study Design: Cross sectional epidemiological survey. Place and duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Samandin Medical Center (Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso), from July 2017 to December 2017. Methodology: A total of 180 pregnant women were recruited at the Samandin Medical Center. Anti-HAV IgM and IgG detection tests were performed using AccuDiag™ HAV ELISA kit (Calabasas, CA, USA) and SD BIOLINE HAV IgG/IgM Rapid Diagnostic Test (Gyeonggi-do, Korea). Results: IgG anti-HAV antibodies (AccuDiag Elisa) were found with a prevalence of 88.9% (160/180) and Anti-HAV IgM were 1.1% (2/180). Of the 160 AccuDiag HAV IgG positive samples, 44.4% (80/180) tested positive using SD BIOLINE Diagnostics HAV IgG. Regarding risk factors, 86.9% (86/99) of the IgG positive women were illiterate; 90.7% (39/43) lived mostly in peripheral areas; 89.2% (74/83) were household workers and 88.6% (93/105) used fountain water. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated poor agreement between the assays tested, which are consistent with previous reports demonstrating significant variability between HAV ELISA and RDT HAV. Moreover, the detection of HAV specific IgM antibodies in two asymptomatic pregnant women signaled the current circulation of HAV in this area.

Aim: To determine the sero-prevalence of Human Papilloma Virus type 16(HPV-16) immunoglobulin G antibodies and its association with socio-demographic features of women attending some clinics in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria. Study Design: Hospital based cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Kogi State specialist hospital and Federal medical Centre, Lokoja. Kogi State, Nigeria, between June and October, 2015. Methodology: We included 400 participants (380 pregnant and 20 non pregnant women; age range 15 to 45 years) attending the hospitals during the duration of the research. Serum samples were analysed for human papilloma virus type 16 IgG using the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay and questionnaire was also administered to obtain demographic features of the participants. Results: The prevalence of human papilloma virus type 16 IgG antibodies was found to be 10%. The occurrence of IgG antibodies to human papilloma virus was found to be statistically associated with educational status and occupation (P = 0.020 and 0.036 respectively). Conclusion: The prevalence of human papilloma virus was high. Cervical screening centres should be established in all areas of the state and awareness campaigns should be organized to afford young women the knowledge and dangers of cervical cancer and preventive measures.