Prevalence of Thermophilic Campylobacter Species in Carcasses from Sheep and Goats in an Abattoir in Debre Zeit Area; Ethiopia

Background:Thermophilic Campylobacter spp. namely; Campylobacter jejuni and coli cause acute diarrheal diseases in humans worldwide; although these species are known to occur in the intestinal tract of a wide variety of domestic and wild animals. Objective: Little is known about the presence of these bacteria in various food animals as possible sources of infection to humans in Ethiopia. Therefore this study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter species in sheep and goat carcasses at a private export abattoir in Debre-Zeit; Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on apparently healthy sheep and goat slaughtered at a private export abattoir in Debre-Zeit; from October 2007 to March 2008. Sheep carcasses (mutton) (n=218) and goat carcasses (n=180) were analyzed for Campylobacter spp. Swabs were taken from four different sites on the carcasses (crutch; abdomen; thorax and breast) at different stages of slaughtering processes (before evisceration; after evisceration and after washing). Results: Campylobacter spp were isolated from 40 (10.1) out of 398 carcasses examined. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of isolation of Campylobacter species in different swabbing sites. Of the 40 thermophilic campylobacter isolates; C. jejuni and C. coli accounted for 29 (72.5) and 11 (27.5); respectively. Conclusions: The results of this study revealed the presence of campylobacter in sheep and goat carcasses; indicating possible risks of infection to people through the consumption of raw/under-cooked meat. Coordinated actions are needed to reduce or eliminate the risks posed by this organism at various stages of slaughtering process

Occurrence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Retail Raw Meat Products in Ethiopia

Background: Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7) is now recognized as a major cause of diarrhoea; hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic-uremic syndrome worldwide. Consumption of raw or undercooked meat of bovine origin has been the most common means of transmitting this organism. Methodology: Over a period of 7 months (October 2006 to April 2007); a total of 738 raw meat samples were collected from bovines (n= 250); sheep (n=243) and goat (n=245) and investigated for the presence of E. coli O157: H7. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method. Results: E. coli O157:H7 were isolated from 31 (4.2) out of 738 meat samples examined. Among meat samples examined; the highest prevalence (8) was recorded in beef; followed by lamb and mutton (2.5) and goat meat (2). The isolated strains were found to be susceptible (100) to amikacin; chloramphenicol; gentamicin; kanamycin; nalidixic acid; norfloxacin; polymyxin B and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Multidrug resistance to three or more drugs was detected in 7/31 (22.6) strains. Conclusions: The results of this study revealed the presence of E. coli O157:H7 in retail raw meats reaching consumers; indicating possible risks of infection to people through the consumption of raw/under-cooked meat or cross-contamination of other food products. Coordinated actions are needed to reduce or eliminate the risks posed by this organism at various stages in food chain. Multiple drug resistant isolates detected in the present study may pose a threat to humans and further limit therapeutic options

Typhoid Fever in Ethiopia

This review focuses on the reports of salmonellosis by investigators in different parts of Ethiopia; in particular focusing on the levels of typhoid fever. Many of the reports are published in local journals that are not available online. There have been seven studies which diagnosed typhoid fever by laboratory culture and there is no coordinated epidemiological surveillance. All conducted research and reports from different health institutions in Ethiopia indicate that typhoid fever was still a common problem up to the most recent study in 2000 and that the extensive use of first-line drugs has led to the development of multiple drug resistance. In the sites covered by this review; the total number of published cases of typhoid fever dropped over time reflecting the decline in research capacity in the country. Data on the proportion of patients infected by different serovars of Salmonella suggest that the non-Typhi serovars of Salmonella are increasing. The published evidence suggests that typhoid fever is a current public health problem in Ethiopia although population based surveys; based on good microbiological diagnosis; are urgently needed. Only then can the true burden of enteric fever be estimated and the benefit of public health control measures; such as health education; safe water provision; improved food hygienic practices and eventually vaccination; be properly assessed

Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles of Thermotolerant Campylobacter Strains in Retail Raw Meat Products in Ethiopia

Background: Campylobacter jejuni/coli are frequent causes of diarrhea in humans worldwide originating in foods of animal origin mainly from poultry. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of thermotolerant Campylobacter strains in retail raw meat products. Methods: During a 4-month period from November 2006 to April 2007; a total of 540 raw meat samples were collected from beef (n=227); sheep (n=114); goat (n=92); chicken (n=60) and pork (n=47) and analyzed for Campylobacter spp. Results: Campylobacter spp. were isolated from 50 (9.3) out of 540 meat samples. The highest prevalence (21.7) was recorded in chicken meat; followed by sheep meat (10.5); pork meat (8.5); goat meat (7.6) and beef (6.2). Among the isolates; 39 (78) were identified to be C. jejuni; 9 (18) were C. coli and 2 (4) were C. lari. Lower resistance rates (2-6) were observed for amoxicillin; chloramphenicol and erythromycin than (10-20) for ampicillin; gentamicin; kanamycin; treptomycin and tetracycline. Multidrug resistance to two or more drugs was detected in 20of strains. Conclusion: Raw meat from food animals could serve as potential source of campylobacter; indicating possible risks of infection to people through the consumption of raw/under-cooked meat. Low percentages of resistance to most antimicrobial agents tested in this study may be the indirect result of low/no usage of these agents as a growth promoter or treatment in food animals in the Ethiopian animal farm setting