Search

After the first detection of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in camels in Jordan in 2013, we conducted 2 consecutive surveys in 2014-2015 and 2017-2018 investigating risk factors for MERS-CoV infection among camel populations in southern Jordan. Multivariate analysis to control for confounding demonstrated that borrowing of camels, particularly males, for breeding purposes was associated with increased MERS-CoV seroprevalence among receiving herds, suggesting a potential route of viral transmission between herds. Increasing age, herd size, and use of water troughs within herds were also associated with increased seroprevalence. Closed herd management practices were found to be protective. Future vaccination strategies among camel populations in Jordan could potentially prioritize breeding males, which are likely to be shared between herds. In addition, targeted management interventions with the potential to reduce transmission between herds should be considered; voluntary closed herd schemes offer a possible route to achieving disease-free herds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objectives: To investigate the seroprevalence of childhood brucellosis in Jordan and to elucidate risk factors associated with seropositivity to Brucella. Methods: Between January 2001 and October 2006, a cross-sectional study of children aged ≤15 years was conducted; a total of 1282 serum samples were collected. Serum samples were analyzed for the presence of antibodies to Brucella antigens using the Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and a direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Risk factors associated with seropositivity to Brucella antigens were identified by constructing a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: Of the 1282 serum samples tested, 119 (9.3%) were positive by both RBPT and ELISA tests. When adjusted for the sensitivities and specificities of the two tests, the true seroprevalence was 11.6%. The seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies in Ma’an and Mafraq governorates was significantly higher than in the other governorates. The logistic regression model identified male gender (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4, 4.1), age older than 10 years (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1, 3.9), living in a village (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.3, 2.9), and assisting in raising small ruminants (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1, 2.6) as risk factors for childhood Brucella seropositivity in Jordan. Conclusion: This study documents the importance of brucellosis in children and further emphasizes the role of small ruminants as an important source for human infection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We investigated the seroprevalence and risk factors for Brucella seropositivity in cattle in Jordan. The sera from 671 cows were randomly collected from 62 herds. The antibodies against Brucella were detected using a Rose Bengal plate test and indirect ELISA. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on the cattle herds' health and management. A multiple logistic regression model was constructed to identify the risk factors for Brucella seropositivity. The true prevalence of antibodies against Brucella in individual cows and cattle herds was 6.5% and 23%, respectively. The seroprevalence of brucellosis in cows older than 4 years of age was significantly higher than that in the younger cows. The seroprevalence of brucellosis in cows located in the Mafraq, Zarqa and Ma`an governorates was significantly higher than that of the other studied governorates. The multiple logistic regression model revealed that a larger herd size (odd ratio = 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.6) and mixed farming (OR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.7, 3.7) were risk factors for cattle seropositivity to Brucella antigens. On the other hand, the use of disinfectants (OR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.1) and the presence of adequate veterinary services (OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.2, 3.2) were identified as protective factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A cross-sectional study was performed to investigate some epidemiological aspects of foot and mouth disease (FMD) and paratuberculosis in small ruminant flocks located in two governorates in Southern Jordan. A total of 320 sheep and 300 goats from 38 and 24, sheep and goat flocks, respectively, were randomly sampled and assayed for presence of antibodies against FMD virus and Mycobacterium paratuberculosis using commercially available kits. A structured pre-tested questionnaire was administered to collect information on flocks’ health and management. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to investigate risk factors associated with seropositivity to the two studied diseases. The individual prevalence of FMD and paratuberculosis in sheep was 10.4 and 22.1%, respectively. The sheep flock level seroprevalence for FMD and paratuberculosis was 44.7 and 50%, respectively. In goats, the individual prevalence of FMD and paratuberculosis was 6.3 and 18.1%, respectively. The goat flock level seroprevalence for FMD and paratuberculosis was 33.3 and 45.8%, respectively. The logistic regression model revealed mixed farming as a common risk factor for both FMD and paratuberculosis. Grazing in communal areas and addition of new animals were identified as risk factors for paratuberculosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an economically important disease that affect sheep and goat industry in Asia and Africa. In this study, we investigated the seroprevalence, and risk factors, of PPR in sheep and goat flocks from five different governorates (Irbid, Jarash, Ajloun, Mafraq and Zarka) located in Northern Jordan. Serum samples from 929 and 400 sheep and goats, respectively, corresponding to 122 sheep flock and 60 goats flock were collected. Seroprevalence was determined using PPR competitive ELISA. Health status and management information were collected using a semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire. The individual true prevalence of PPR in sheep and goats was 29 and 49%, respectively. The flock level true prevalence of PPR was 60 and 74% in sheep and goats, respectively. In both sheep and goat flocks, large flock size, visiting live animals market and inadequate veterinary services were identified as risk factors for PPR seropositivity. Mixed (sheep and goats) raising was identified as a risk factor for PPR seropositivity in sheep flocks only. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A cross-sectional study was carried out during the period between July 2003 and June 2005 to investigate the epidemiology of ovine brucellosis in Southern Jordan. Serum samples from 1380 sheep corresponding to 66 flocks were collected and analyzed using rose bengal plate test and complement fixation test. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on sheep health and management. Risk factors for Brucella seropositivity were investigated using a multivariable logistic regression model. In addition, the incidence of Brucella-specific abortion was investigated in 12 sheep flocks located in Karak (a governorate in the southern part of Jordan). The true prevalence of Brucella-seropositive sheep was 37.6%. Out of the 66 investigated sheep flocks, 31 (47%) had at least one positive animal. The prevalence of brucellosis in sheep was significantly higher (P <0.05) in Ma’an governorates than that in the other governorates. The multivariable logistic regression model identified addition of new animals (OR=2.8; 95% CI: 2.1, 3.8), contact with other sheep flocks (OR=1.8; 95% CI: 1.3, 2.7) and lending lambs during breeding season (OR=1.9; 95% CI: 1.2, 3.1) as risk factors. On the other hand, vaccination with Rev-1 vaccine (OR=1.7; 95% CI: 1.1, 3.0) was identified as a protective factor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To investigate the seroprevalence of, and risk factors for, caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV) infection in different breeds of goats in Jordan, sera from 1100 goats from three different geographical regions in Jordan were analyzed. Prevalence of antibodies to CAEV was determined using a competitive ELISA test. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on herd health and management. Questionnaire data were tested in a multivariable logistic regression model to elucidate risk factors associated with CAEV seropositivity. In addition, the incidence of CAEV antibodies was investigated in six goat herds located in the northern part of Jordan. Out of the 69 goat herds investigated, 16 (23.2%) had antibodies against CAEV. Individual goat true seroprevalence to CAEV was 8.9%. The highest CAEV seroprevalence was observed in goats older than 3-years and younger than 6-years of age. The seroprevalence of CAEV in goats was significantly higher (P <0.05) in the northern part of Jordan than that in central or southern parts of Jordan. The multivariable logistic regression model identified large herd size (OD=2.0; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.7), addition of new animals to the herd (OD=1.3; 95% CI: 0.3, 1.6) and contact with other goat herds (OD=1.1; 95% CI: 0.9, 2.0) as risk factors for CAEV seropositivity. The incidence of CAEV seropositivity in the six herds monitored in the northern part of Jordan ranged from 2.4 to 5.3%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The seroprevalence and risk factors for Brucella seropositivity in goats in Jordan were investigated. Serum samples were collected from 1100 goats randomly from 69 herds. The rose bengal plate test and the complement fixation test were used to detect antibodies against Brucella. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on goat health and management. Questionnaire information was tested in a multivariable logistic regression model to identify risk factors for Brucella seropositivity. In addition, the incidence of Brucella-specific abortion was investigated in goat herds located in the northern part of Jordan. Of the 1100 goats sampled, 305 (27.7%) had antibodies against Brucella. Thirty-seven herds (53.6%) had at least one Brucella seropositive goat. The prevalence of brucellosis in goats was significantly higher (P<0.01) in the southern part of Jordan than that in central or northern Jordan. The multivariable logistic regression model identified large herds (OD=2.6; 95% CI: 2.1, 2.9), not using disinfectants (OD=2.8; 95% CI: 2.1, 3.8), not vaccinating with Rev 1 vaccine (OD=1.7; 95% CI: 1.1, 3.0) and contact with other goat herds (OD=1.8; 95% CI: 1.3, 2.7) as risk factors for Brucella-seropositivity. The incidence of Brucella-caused abortion was 27% (95% CI: 19, 32). Most of the isolated Brucella strains from the aborted fetuses and vaginal swabs were characterized as Brucella melitensis biotype 1. Brucella abortus biotype 9 was isolated from only one aborted fetus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]