Molecular epidemiology of anaplasmosis in small ruminants along a human-livestock-wildlife interface in Uganda

Keneth Iceland Kasozi, Susan Christina Welburn, Gaber El Saber Batiha, Najat Marraiki, David Paul Nalumenya, Monica Namayanja, Kevin Matama, Kelly Katenta Zalwango, Wycliff Matovu, Gerald Zirintunda, Justine Ekou, Stellamaris Kembabazi, Claire Mack Mugasa, Annah Kitibwa, Dickson Stuart Tayebwa, Simon Peter Musinguzi, Michael Mahero, Ibrahim Ssengendo, Anne Nanteza, Enock MatovuEwan Thomas MacLeod

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Information as regards the epidemiology of the Anaplasmataceae in small ruminants in several low- and middle-income countries is scarce.

Methods: In this study a total of 712 DNA samples collected from small ruminants were analyzed for Anaplasmataceae and Anaplasma ovis using the 16S rRNA and MSP4 genes respectively. Infection risk was assessed by location, sex and age of the animals and qGIS® was used to construct spatial maps.

Results: The prevalence of Anaplasmataceae spp was 89.1% (95% CI: 77.5-95.9) and 79.1% (95% CI: 75.9-82.1) in ovines and caprines respectively (RR = 1.1, 95% CI: 1.0-1.3); higher than those previously reported in other eastern African countries. The prevalence of A. ovis was 26.1% and 25.4% for both ovines and caprines respectively with ovines showing significantly higher levels of infection than caprines (P < 0.05). The risk of Anaplasma ovis infections was not affected by age (OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 0.9-1.7) or sex (OR = 1.1, 95% CI: 0.6-2.0). Small ruminants located at the forest edge (<0.3 km) showed higher A. ovis prevalence than those found inland with infections present in the midland regions associated with increased agricultural activity.

Conclusion: Anaplasma ovis remains a major challenge for small ruminant husbandry in Uganda and infections are under-reported. Policy efforts to prioritize management of Anaplasmataceae for small ruminant health would promote livestock productivity in vulnerable communities, improving livelihoods and ecosystem health.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere05688
JournalHeliyon
Volume7
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2021

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 The Authors

Keywords

  • Africa
  • Agriculture
  • Anaplasma ovis
  • Animal behavior
  • Animal breeding
  • Ecosystem services
  • Entomology
  • Epidemiology
  • Goats
  • Parasites
  • Polymerase chain reaction
  • Protozoa
  • Ruminant
  • Small ruminants
  • Tick resistance
  • Tick vaccines
  • Tick-borne diseases
  • Ticks
  • Uganda
  • Veterinary medicine

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