ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The need to understand the contribution of bovine tuberculosis (BTB) to the general tuberculosis burden in a poor resource setting is paramount. The aim of this study is to determine the burden of BTB among herdsmen and cattle in the North Tongu district of Volta Region in Ghana. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross- sectional study was conducted in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region between the period of October 2011- March 2012. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic information and possible risk factor information on cattle from participants. Sputum samples from 68 herdsmen and blood samples from 200 cattle belonging to these herdsmen were also collected. Sputum samples were analyzed using Ziehl- Neelsen staining while Anigen Rapid BTB Test was used for Cattle blood samples. RESULTS: Ninety percent (61/68) of respondents were also found to consume fresh milk while 84% (57/68) do not use protective clothing. Of a total of 1580 cattle owned by the herdsmen, 200 cattle consisting of 14 bulls and 186 cows were screened where the prevalence of bovine TB was 19% (38/200) and those affected were all females. All (100%) human sample tested negative for Acid-Fast Bacilli (AFB). However, the seropositivity of cattle and kraal density were statistically associated (p= 0.001). CONCLUSION: Bovine TB is prevalent in cattle in North Tongu district. Although herdsmen indulge in risky lifestyles that expose them to BTB, a zero prevalence of BTB was observed, further study is envisaged using a larger sample size.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In October 2010 an outbreak of cholera began among a group of small-scale gold miners in the East-Akim Municipality (EAM), Eastern Region. We investigated to verify the diagnosis, identify risk factors and recommend control measures. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive investigation, active case-search and an unmatched case-control study. A cholera case-patient was a person with acute watery diarrhoea, with or without vomiting in EAM from 1st October to 20(th) November, 2010. Stool from case-patients and water samples were taken for laboratory diagnosis. We performed univariate and bivariate analysis using epi-info version 3.3. RESULTS: Of 136 case-patients, 77 (56.6%) were males, of which 40% were miners or from miners households. Index case, a 20 yr-old male miner from Apapam village reported on October 13(th), and case-patients peaked (18.4%) 20 days later. Attack rate was 2/1000 population with no fatality. Ages ranged from 1-84 years; mean of 34±18 yrs. Age-group 20-29 yrs was mostly affected (30.1%) with Apapam village having most case-patients (19.9%). Vibrio cholera serotype ogawa was isolated from stool samples. The main water source, Birim river was polluted by small-scale miners through defecation, post-defecation baths and sand-washings. Compared to controls, case-patients were more likely to have drunk from Birim-River [OR= 6.99, 95% CI: 2.75-18]. CONCLUSION: Vibrio cholera serotype ogawa caused the EAM cholera-outbreak affecting many young adult-males. Drinking water from contaminated community-wide -River was the major risk factors. Boiling or chlorination of water was initiated based on our recommendations and this controlled the outbreak.
