ABSTRACT
Introduction: Brucellosis is prevalent in Mediterranean countries. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis and associated factors among Syrian refugees in Jordan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult Syrian refugees who attended the Public Health Lab (PHL) in Al Mafraq governorate, during the period of May-June 2022 to obtain a health certificate, which is legally required to receive governmental authorization for employment in Jordan. Blood samples were obtained from participants and a serum specimen was tested for the presence of IgG antibodies against Brucella using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) IgG kits (Vircell Microbiologists, Granada, Spain). Results: A total of 1562 Syrian refugees were enrolled in the study. Their ages ranged between 18 and 74 years, with a median age of 30 years at presentation. The majority were males (75.9%, n = 1186) and 24.1% (n = 376) were females. The Brucella ELISA IgG results were positive for 149 persons, with an overall seroprevalence rate of 9.5% (95% confidence interval: 8.0%-11.0%). Having animal-related occupations, residing outside refugee camps, consuming unpasteurized milk, handling animals or their tissues, and slaughtering animals within 6 months of study inclusion were significantly higher among the seropositive group. In the multivariate analysis, IgG-positive persons were 13 times more likely to report being diagnosed with brucellosis (OR = 13.1, 95% CI: 6.1-28.3; p ≤ 0.001). In addition, they were more likely to reside in the city of Al Mafraq, as opposed to a refugee camp (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1-3.2; p = 0.025) and to have handled animals within 6 months of study inclusion (OR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.1-8.9; p = 0.035). Conclusions: In conclusion, one-tenth of adult Syrian refugees were tested positive for Brucella ELISA IgG. Being diagnosed with brucellosis, residing in the city of Al Mafraq, as opposed to a refugee camp, and handling animals within 6 months of study inclusion were significantly associated with being positive for Brucella ELISA IgG. This study illustrates the need for improved brucellosis control measures via comprehensive vaccination of animals and enhanced laboratory detection and surveillance capacities, in addition to emphasizing the need for increased awareness sessions among Syrian refugees on the safe use and preparation of dairy products and safety practices of handling animals and their tissues.
ABSTRACT
One Health aims to use a multidisciplinary approach to combat health threats at animal, human, and environmental health interfaces. Among its broad focus areas are issues related to food safety, the control of zoonoses, laboratory services, neglected tropical diseases, environmental health, biosafety and biosecurity, and combatting antimicrobial resistance. A roundtable session was conducted on November 18, 2021, as part of the Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network's (EMPHNET) seventh regional conference to highlight what role Global Health Development (GHD)|EMPHNET can play to strengthen the One Health approach. This viewpoint summarizes the findings of the roundtable discussion to highlight the experts' viewpoints on strengthening the One Health approach, including the extent of zoonotic diseases and the dynamics of pathogens and emerging diseases; the occurrence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens as a silent pandemic; issues surrounding the globalization of trade and food safety; the importance of integrated solutions as a new norm; issues around the institutionalization and governance toward effective operationalization of the One Health approach in the region; and how the One Health approach can be operationalized at global, regional, and local levels. The panel concluded that One Health is an integrated unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems, and provided recommendations to strengthen the One Health approach. It also discussed how GHD|EMPHNET can play its role in transferring the concept of One Health from theory to practice via a solid operationalization road map guide at the Eastern Mediterranean region level. The five broad priority areas of this operational guide include (1) establishing and strengthening a governance architecture, legal framework, and policy and advocacy structure for One Health operationalization in the region; (2) fostering coordination, communication, and collaboration for One Health actions across the region and beyond; (3) building the workforce capacity for effective One Health operationalization in the region; (4) supporting regional platforms for timely, effective, and efficient data sharing and exchange on all One Health-related issues; and (5) supporting risk communication, behavior change communication, and community engagement efforts in the region.
ABSTRACT
Background Health challenges at the human-animal-environment interface vary and include zoonotic and food-borne diseases as well as antimicrobial resistance. These are serious threats to animal and public health, and account for the majority of emerging and re-emerging conditions or infectious diseases. Reducing zoonotic disease threats requires an understanding of where and why risks exist. To support countries in building multi-sectoral mechanisms to jointly assess the risks at the human-animal-environment interface, a new operational tool is available to complement the existing tripartite guide to addressing zoonotic diseases in countries. The aim of this study is to conduct joint risk assessment (JRA) of rabies and avian influenza in Jordan utilizing the tripartite Joint Risk Assessment Operational Tool (JRA OT). Methods Representatives of sectors that are involved in zoonotic diseases outbreak investigation, control, surveillance and risk assessment, were trained on JRA OT. The operational tool of tripartite guide to addressing zoonotic diseases in countries that was developed by WHO (World Health Organization), FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) and WOAH (World Organization for Animal Health) was utilized to conduct risk assessment for rabies and H5N1 avian influenza in Jordan. Results The risk assessment outcome for rabies were as follows: Likelihood is high; impact is moderate with moderate level of uncertainty. The impact of the disease is moderate because the virus transmitted only by animal bite in Jordan. The level of uncertainty is moderate due to existence of some gaps in data available from the ministries regarding the surveillance and collection areas of wild animals with feral dogs. The risk assessment outcome for H5N1 AI indicated a low likelihood estimate with moderate uncertainty level. The impact estimate for H5N1 AI in Jordan is moderate with a low level of uncertainty. Conclusions The tripartite JRA OT provides a helpful and easy to follow guide to bring together expertise and information from all relevant sectors to jointly assess risks from zoonotic diseases and contributes to the understanding and management of shared threats at the human-animal-environment interface.
ABSTRACT
To understand the biomolecular charcteristics of Bacillus anthracis in Jordan, 20 blood smear slides from dead animals with suspected anthrax were analyzed using conventional and molecular approaches. All slides were positive for B. anthracis by conventional staining but no growth of the organism on selective media was detected. However, of the 20 samples, 16 were B. anthracis DNA-positive using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Seven samples provided enough quantity and quality of DNA, and their multilocus variable tandem repeat analysis (MLVA)-15 loci analysis revealed two different genotypes. All genotypes were belonging to A.B..r. 008/009 which is very common in Asia and Europe. Single nucleotide repeat (SNR) analysis revealed that there were no sub genotypes. Molecular diagnosis of animal anthrax in Jordan is not used routinely; henceforth, official diagnosis of anthrax is based on the observation of the slides by optical microscope and this can often cause reading errors. Therefore, the prevalence of the disease in Jordan might be slightly lower than that reported by the official bodies.
