Browsing by Author "Michel, A."

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3

Tuberculosis in Tanzanian Wildlife
(Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 2005) Cleaveland, S.; Mlengeya, T.; Kazwala, R. R.; Michel, A.; Kaare, M. T.; Jones, S. L.; Eblate, E.; Shirima, G. M.; Packer, C.
Bovine tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium bovis, is a pathogen of growing concern in free-ranging wildlife in Africa, but little is known about the disease in Tanzanian wildlife. Here, we report the infection status of Mycobacterium bovis in a range of wildlife species sampled from protected areas in northern Tanzania. M. bovis was isolated from 11.1% (2/ 18) migratory wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) and 11.1% (1/9) topi (Damaliscus lunatus) sampled systematically in 2000 during a meat cropping program in the Serengeti ecosystem, and from one wildebeest and one lesser kudu (Tragelaphus imberbis) killed by sport hunters adjacent to Tarangire National Park. A tuberculosis antibody enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was used to screen serum samples collected from 184 Serengeti lions (Panthera leo) and 19 lions from Ngorongoro Crater sampled between 1985 and 2000. Samples from 212 ungulates collected throughout the protected area network between 1998 and 2001 also were tested by EIA. Serological assays detected antibodies to M. bovis in 4% of Serengeti lions; one positive lion was sampled in 1984. Antibodies were detected in one of 17 (6%) buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in Tarangire and one of 41 (2%) wildebeest in the Serengeti. This study confirms for the first time the presence of bovine tuberculosis in wildlife of northern Tanzania, but further investigation is required to assess the impact on wildlife populations and the role of different wildlife species in maintenance and transmission.
Tuberculosis infection: occurrence and risk factors in presumptive tuberculosis patients of the Serengeti Ecosystem in Tanzania
(Research Gate, 2017) Mbugi, E.; Katale, B. Z.; Lupindu, A. M.; Keyyu, J. D.; Kendall, S. I.; Dockrell, H. M.; Michel, A.; D van Helden, P.
Background: Cross-species tuberculosis (TB) transmission between humans and animals has been reported for quite a long time in sub-Saharan Africa. Because humans and animals coexist in the same ecosystem, exploring their potential for cross-species transmission and the impact the disease may have on the health of humans, animals, and their products is critical. Objectives:This study aimed to identify risk factors for transmission of TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) and to assess the potential for zoonotic TB (Mycobacterium bovis) transmission in the Serengeti ecosystem where humans and animals are in intense contact. Our aim is to create a base for future implementation of appropriate control strategies to limit infection in both humans and animals. Methodology: We administered a semi-structured questionnaire to 421 self-reporting patients to gather information on risk factors and TB occurrence. In a parallel study, researchers screened sputum smears using Ziehl–Neelsen staining and confirmed by mycobacterial culture. We then performed descriptive statistics (Pearsons chi-square test) and logistic regression analysis to establish frequencies, association, and quantification of the risk factors associated with TB cases. Results: Our findings showed 44% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40-0.49) of the results were positive from sputum samples collected over a 1-year duration in areas with a high TB burden, particularly the Bunda district, followed by the Serengeti and Ngorongoro districts. Of the culture-positive patients who also had infections other than TB (43/187 patients), 21 (49%) were HIV positive. Contact with livestock products (odds ratio [OR] 6.0; 95% CI, 1.81-19.9), infrequent milk consumption (OR 2.5; 95% CI, 1.42-4.23), cigarette smoking (OR 2.9; 95% CI, 1.19-7.1.2), and alcohol consumption (OR 2.3; 95% CI, 1.22-4.23) were associated with a higher likelihood of TB infection. Conclusion: There was no evidence of direct cross-species transmission of either M tuberculosis or M bovis between humans and animals using the study methods. The absence of cross-species TB transmission could be due to limited chances of contact rather than an inability of cross-species disease transmission. In addition, not all people with presumptive TB are infected withTB, and therefore control strategies should emphasise confirming TB status before administering anti-TB drugs. Tuberculosis Infection: Occurrence and Risk Factors in Presumptive Tuberculosis.
Zoonotic tuberculosis and brucellosis in Africa: Neglected zoonoses or minor public-health issues? The outcomes of a multi-disciplinary workshop
(Annals of Tropical Medicine & Parasitology, 2009) Marcotty, T.; Matthys, F.; Godfroid, J.; Rigouts, L.; Ameni, G.; Van Pittius, N. G.; Kazwala, R.; Muma, J.; Van Helden, P.; Walravens, K.; De Klerk, L. M.; Geoghegan, C.; Mbotha, D.; Otte, M.; Amenu, K.; Samra, N. A; Botha, C.; Ekron, M.; Jenkins, A.; Jori, F.; Kriek, N.; McCrindle, C.; Michel, A.; Morar, D.; Roger, F.; Thys, E.; Den Bossche, P. V.
Late in 2007, veterinary, medical and anthropological professionals from Europe and Africa met in a 2-day workshop in Pretoria, South Africa, to evaluate the burden, surveillance and control of zoonotic tuberculosis and brucellosis in sub-Saharan Africa. Keynote presentations reviewed the burden of these diseases on human and livestock health, the existing diagnostic tools, and the available control methods. These presentations were followed by group discussions and the formulation of recommendations. The presence of Mycobacterium bovis and Brucella spp. in livestock was considered to be a serious threat to public health, since livestock and animal products are the only source of such infections in human beings. The impact of these pathogens on human health appears to be relatively marginal, however, when compared with Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections and drug resistance, HIV and malaria. Appropriate diagnostic tools are needed to improve the detection of M. bovis and Brucella spp. in humans. In livestock, the ‘test-and-slaughter’ approach and the pasteurization of milk, which have been used successfully in industrialized countries, might not be the optimal control tools in Africa. Control strategies should fit the needs and perceptions of local communities. Improved intersectoral and international collaboration in surveillance, diagnosis and control, and in the education of medical and veterinary personnel, are advocated.