Seroprevalence and risk factors for bovine brucellosis in Jordan

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.

Seroprevalence of Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana infections in children from central and Northern Jordan

To investigate the prevalence of antibodies to Bartonella henselae [B.henselae] and Bartonella quintana [B.quintana] among children from central and northern Jordan. Sera from 482 children were randomly collected from referenced governmental hospitals in the central and northern parts of Jordan during the period between January 2001 to March 2003. An indirect immunofluorescent assay was used to determine serum antibody titers to B.henselae and B.quintana. Sera that were reactive at a dilution >/-1:64 were considered positive. In addition, blood from 20 cats belonged to children with high B.henselae titers were tested using polymerase chain reaction. Out of the 482 serum samples examined, 53 [11%] and 20 [4.1%] had positive antibody titers for B. henselae and B.quintana. Bartonella henselae was isolated from 4 cats that belonged to 3 children with high antibody titers to B.henselae-IgG. The seroprevalence of IgG antibodies to B.henselae was significantly higher [P<0.05] in children aged 7-10-years than in younger or older ones. Having a cat in the household and having a history of cat scratches or bites were strongly associated [P<0.01] with seropositivity to B.henselae-specific IgG. Cats ownership and history of cat scratches or bites had no impact on the prevalence of B.quintana. Seropositivity to B.henselae-specific IgG was significantly higher [P<0.01] in children from northern Jordan than in children from central Jordan. This study substantiates the presence of B.henselae in Jordan, documents the seroreactivity to 2 Bartonella antigens, and suggests that cat ownership and history of cat scratches or bites are important epidemiological risk factors for B.henselae infection in Jordan