ABSTRACT
Background and Aim: Campylobacter spp. are Gram-negative bacilli that are widely recognized as a primary cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. Campylobacteriosis is the disease caused by this pathogen. Recently, greater attention has been given to the prevalence of campylobacteriosis in different animals, including pets. These animals are considered to be significant reservoirs for this zoonosis. In Lebanon, the occurrence of Campylobacter infection is high. Our first-of-its-kind pilot study in Lebanon aimed to estimate the fecal prevalence of Campylobacter species in house dogs. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five rectal swabs were collected from male and female house dogs of different ages, both with or without diarrhea. Samples obtained from the dogs were subjected to qualitative microbiological culture testing and molecular diagnosis by polymerase chain reaction assays after bacterial DNA extraction. Results: Fecal prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in house dogs in this study was 17%. There was a relatively higher prevalence among young females and a significant difference between healthy dogs and those suffering from diarrhea. Conclusion: Campylobacteriosis was found to be prevalent among house dogs in Lebanon, making them potential carriers of Campylobacter species.
ABSTRACT
Background and Aim: Great attention has been given recently to the prevalence of different Campylobacter spp. in poultry since the latter are considered the major contributing reservoir of human campylobacteriosis. In Lebanon, the occurrence of campylobacteriosis in humans is high. The aim of our first-of-its-kind study in the country was to estimate the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in broilers from a convenient sample of farms in North Lebanon. Materials and Methods: One hundred twenty-five fecal samples were collected from 25 broiler farms, which were selected, examined, and classified according to their biosecurity level and rearing system. All samples were subjected to qualitative microbiological culture testing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays to detect Campylobacter spp. Results: Despite the reported use of antibiotics, cell culture and PCR were positive for 44% and 88%, respectively. This implies that this bacterium is resistant to antibiotics used on the farms. Furthermore, Campylobacter infection rate was higher in open (92%) than in closed (85%) system farms. All farms with poor biosecurity measures, and 82% of farms with good biosecurity measures had Campylobacter infections, and the difference was significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results show that campylobacteriosis was found prevalent among broilers in North Lebanon, making them potential carriers of Campylobacter spp. Future studies should include antibiotic susceptibility testing to check the susceptibility pattern of isolates.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Brucellosis is endemic zoonotic and highly contagious bacterial disease. Recently, several brucellosis cases were reported in Lebanon, causing significant economic losses; however, no study was done so far on farms located in the southern part of the country. Thus, the aim of our study was to estimate the prevalence of Brucella abortus in South Lebanon using three different serological tests in the diagnosis of brucellosis in cattle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen farms from 14 locations in Southern Lebanon were selected. Two hundred and three bovine blood samples of different ages, and 121 milk samples collected from older than 2 years cattle were tested using different serological tests: Rose Bengal test (RBT), milk ring test (MRT), indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA), and confirmed with competitive ELISA (C-ELISA). RESULTS: Results revealed that approximately 15.3% (confidence interval [CI] 95 10.3-20.2%) and 15.7% (CI 95 9.2-22.2%) of samples were positive using RBT and MRT, respectively. This percentage was significantly higher when using I-ELISA (18.3%) (CI 95 12.9-23.5%) and C-ELISA (18.7%) (CI 95 9.8-27.5%). Among used diagnostic tests, our results showed that ELISA was more accurate for the detection of brucellosis, especially since it detects the late stages of the infection, which is characterized by the presence of immunoglobulin G. The seroprevalence of brucellosis was higher among females. All positive tests were of cattle Holstein breed older than 2 years. Tyre and Jezzine cities had a higher significance in bovine brucellosis than Saida. A positive correlation between human and cattle brucellosis was found. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that bovine brucellosis is prevalent in southern Lebanon. Lack of research, in addition to little feedback of occurring illness or symptoms, creates a gap in helping to control the spread of the disease.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium of the genus Brucella. This disease is present worldwide, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries, where it is endemic. This first-of-its-kind study in Lebanon aimed to assess the prevalence of brucellosis across the country and to determine the efficacy of a vaccine for reducing losses in herds so that its toll on public health is reduced. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred and fifty-three blood serum and 261 milk samples were obtained from cows in different areas of Lebanon. The samples were analyzed using serological tests (rose Bengal, milk ring, and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]) and confirmed with competitive ELISA and polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The highest rate of Brucellae was found in the Bekaa region (10%). After vaccination of 5 cows and 13 heifers at different times, the results showed that all the vaccinated animals have developed an immune response to brucellosis 60 days after vaccination. This vaccine can be considered as stable and preventative to protect against brucellosis in animals and thus protect the public from this infection. CONCLUSION: These findings will provide further insight into designing future targeted awareness interventions and adapted policies as efforts toward reducing the prevalence and prevention of brucellosis in cattle in Lebanon.
