Browsing by Author "Bekele Megersa"

Now showing 1 - 12 of 12
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    A one Health Approach to Investigating the Occurrence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Escherichia Coli in Infants, Animals, And the Household Environment in Bishoftu, Ethiopia
    (Addis Abeba University, 2025) Redeat Kassahun; Bekele Megersa
    Pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant E. coli remains a serious public health threat, particularly in household settings where humans and animals share space and access to clean water, hygiene, and sanitation facilities is limited. Data on the occurrence of pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) E. coli in infants, animals, and the environment within household settings in Bishoftu town is currently lacking. The objective of this study was to assess the occurrence and antimicrobial resistant profiles of E. coli and hygienic practices at One Health domain in infants, animals, and the environment in household setting in Bishoftu, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2, 2024 to April 26, 2025. Household-level data on access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene practices were collected through face-to-face interviews with infant caregivers. For microbiological analysis, four samples-one each from infants, soil, caregivers, and animals-were collected per household, totaling 288 samples from 72 households. Isolation and identification of E. coli were performed using standard techniques, including primary and secondary selective enrichment, selective plating, and molecular methods. Confirmation of E. coli was done using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, and conventional PCR was used to detect the intimin (eae) gene in positive isolates. Antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates was assessed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Among the surveyed households, 61.1% did not treat their water, 63.9% used shared latrines, 81.9% lacked handwashing facilities near latrines, and 43.1% left animal feces unmanaged within the compound. Of the 288 samples tested, 268 (69 from infants, 66 from soil, 63 from caregivers, and 70 from animals) yielded positive cultures. From these, 152 presumptive E. coli isolates were identified, with 66 confirmed using MALDI-TOF. Based on the distribution of positive isolates per household, 33 samples were selected for further analysis using PCR and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. According to MALDI-TOF results, the highest detection rate of E. coli was found in animals (51.3%), followed by soil (40.5%), caregivers (44.4%), and infants (37.5%). Of the 33 isolates tested, only 7 (4 from infants, 1 from caregivers, and 2 from animals) were positive for the eae gene. A significant proportion of these isolates showed antimicrobial resistance, with the highest resistance observed in animals (55.6%), followed by infants (52.8%), caregivers (51.4%), and soil (37.5%). The highest resistance was recorded against amoxicillin (100%), tetracycline (78.8%), and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (72.7%). All isolates were susceptible to gentamicin. Multidrug resistance was detected in 42.4% of the isolates. In conclusion, the study demonstrates the occurrence and distribution of pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant E. coli across the One Health domains. It also reveals critical sanitation gaps, including reliance on shared facilities and inadequate access to basic hygiene infrastructure, such as soap and water near latrines. These findings highlight the urgent need for integrated interventions to improve access to clean water, sanitation, hygiene, and animal management, using a One Health approach.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    An In-Depth Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices about Transmission of Zoonoses, Food Safety, Antimicrobial Resistance and the Detection of E. coli O 157:H7 along the Meat Value Chain in Ethiopia: One Health approach
    (Addis Ababa University, 2023) Fufa Abunna; Bekele Megersa
    Food-borne diseases associated with zoonotic pathogens can be transmitted to humans primarily, but not exclusively through animal source foods. Antimicrobial resistance in the food chain is also currently a subject of a major concern globally. The excessive use or rather misuse of antimicrobials coupled with a poor hygiene in the food production chain has led to a rise of drug resistant bacteria, commonly transmitted through food chain. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken by using a structured pretested questionnaire to investigate the level of knowledge, attitude and practices towards the transmission of Zoonoses among farmers in Ada‘a district, food safety among meat handlers of Bishoftu city and antimicrobial use (AMU) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among 10 public University students in Ethiopia. Another study was also carried out to detect E. coli O157: H7 along the meat value chain in abattoirs and retail meat shops and of Bishoftu city and to assess the susceptibility profile of the isolates against 13 antibiotics using a standard disk diffusion method. Logistic regression was used to assess the associations between socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Accordingly, farmers with secondary school or above education background (OR= 6.8, CI=2.4 - 18.0, p <0.05), aged between 41 and 50 years (OR=3.0, 95% CI: 1.2–7.2, p<0.05), and good knowledge (OR=2.1, CI=1.3 - 3.5, p <0.05), and positive attitude (OR=7.8, CI=4.7 - 12.9, p <0.01) had better practices that reduce the risk of exposure to zoonotic infections than their counterparts. Most meat handlers had a good knowledge level, a positive attitude and poor food safety practices. In multivariable models, good knowledge was significantly (p<0.05) associated with older age; positive attitudes were associated with lower educational attainment and good knowledge; and good practices were associated with working experience in an abattoir and having received training on food safety. Students' birthplace was found to be significantly (p <0.01) associated with knowledge of students on AMU and AMR. Students with good knowledge had 3.9 times more positive attitudes than those with poor knowledge (OR = 3.9, CI = 3.0 -5.2, p < 0.01). Students from Veterinary medicine had 1.6 times better attitude than students from Helath Science and Non-Helath Science (OR = 1.6, CI=1.2- 2.1, p < 0.05). The prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 was found to be 3.6%. There was a significant difference in the occurrences of the pathogen among the sources of samples (p<0.05). The antimicrobial susceptibility test revealed that the isolates were found to be resistant to three commonly used drugs, tetracycline (100%), erythromycin (92.8%), and ampicillin (64.3%). However, all isolates were susceptible to azithromycin, cefotaxime, and chloramphenicol. However, 85.8% of the isolates were found to be resistant to three or more classes of antimicrobials. In conclusion, this study revealed knowledge gaps, a low level of the desired attitude, and high-risk behavioral practices among farmers about the transmsioon of Zoonoses. The study revealed that there is an inadequate food safety practice among meat handlers; and E. coli O157:H7 was detected in abattoirs and butcher shops. Furtheromeore, there were critical gaps of knowledge, attitudes and practices among University students about antimicrobial usage and antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, the need for awareness creation about zoonotic disease transmission among farmers, regular hands-on training and enforcement of general and personal hygiene among meat handlers is recommended. Moreover, interventions to raise awareness about AMU and AMR should also target students majoring in fields other than health sciences.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Assessing Food Safety Management System: One Health Approach to Improve Water Quality and Meat Hygiene in Abattoir in and around Addis Ababa Ethiopia
    (Addis Abeba University, 2025) Seble Aweke; Bekele Megersa
    Foodborne diseases pose a major global public health challenge, particularly in low-income countries like Ethiopia, where food safety in abattoirs is a serious concern. This study aimed to assess food safety management systems in six Central Ethiopian abattoirs using a cross-sectional design from October 2024 to April 2025. A total of 108 individuals were surveyed, and 120 samples were collected for microbial analysis focusing on water quality and meat hygiene within the One Health framework. Data were gathered through questionnaires, observations, and microbial testing. Microbial loads (Aerobic plate count, S. aureus, and E. coli) were quantified and identified using bioMérieux TEMPO®, and OmniLog ID System, respectively. Questionnaire observational survey findings revealed significant weaknesses in the implementation of Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) while respondents generally reported adherence to hygienic protocols and the use of personal protective clothing. However, direct observation indicated a lack of consistent and proper application. Only about a one-third of facilities conducted internal hygiene audits. For water hygiene, while many facilities performed regular testing, less than half maintained proper records, indicating significant gaps in documentation and monitoring. Furthermore, observations highlighted inadequate infrastructure including poor ventilation, insufficient designated processing areas, and ineffective waste management systems. Additional study with sample analysis from these facilities showed an overall highest mean APC, S. aureus and E.coli in sampled water, equipment and in both equipment and hands, respectively. Further microbial analysis revealed significant differences in microbial loads across abattoirs and sample types (p<0.05), likely due to varying hygiene practices. The identification of pathogens such as E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella and S. aureus in this study across different abattoirs and samples including water implies a serious public health concern that needs rigorous interventions. In addition to poor microbial quality, the water used for cleaning in the abattoirs showed high concentration of some of the harmful toxic metals (Cd, Pb, and Mn) and salinity which can further compromise food safety thereby requiring urgent attention. The study highlights critical gaps in food safety management and hygiene practices, evidenced by high microbial loads and heavy metal concentrations, which calls for interventions measures through implementation of proper hygienic protocols and comprehensive personnel training to safeguard the public health
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Assessing Food Safety Management System: One Health Approach to improve Water Quality and Meat Hygiene in Abattoir in and around Addis Ababa Ethiopia
    (Addis Abeba University, 2025) Seble Aweke; Bekele Megersa
    Food borne diseases pose a major global public health challenge, particularly in low-income countries like Ethiopia, where food safety in abattoirs is a serious concern. This study aimed to assess food safety management systems in six Central Ethiopian abattoirs using a cross-sectional design from October 2024 to April 2025. A total of 108 individuals were surveyed, and 120 samples were collected for microbial analysis focusing on water quality and meat hygiene within the One Health framework. Data were gathered through questionnaires, observations, and microbial testing. Microbial loads (Aerobic plate count, S. aureus, and E. coli) were quantified and identified using bioMérieux TEMPO®, and OmniLog ID System, respectively. Questionnaire observational survey findings revealed significant weaknesses in the implementation of Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) while respondents generally reported adherence to hygienic protocols and the use of personal protective clothing. However, direct observation indicated a lack of consistent and proper application. Only about a one-third of facilities conducted internal hygiene audits. For water hygiene, while many facilities performed regular testing, less than half maintained proper records, indicating significant gaps in documentation and monitoring. Furthermore, observations highlighted inadequate infrastructure including poor ventilation, insufficient designated processing areas, and ineffective waste management systems. Additional study with sample analysis from these facilities showed an overall highest mean APC, S. aureus and E.coli in sampled water, equipment and in both equipment and hands, respectively. Further microbial analysis revealed significant differences in microbial loads across abattoirs and sample types (p<0.05), likely due to varying hygiene practices. The identification of pathogens such as E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella and S. aureus in this study across different abattoirs and samples including water implies a serious public health concern that needs rigorous interventions. In addition to poor microbial quality, the water used for cleaning in the abattoirs showed high concentration of some of the harmful toxic metals (Cd, Pb, and Mn) and salinity which can further compromise food safety thereby requiring urgent attention. The study highlights critical gaps in food safety management and hygiene practices, evidenced by high microbial loads and heavy metal concentrations, which calls for interventions measures through implementation of proper hygienic protocols and comprehensive personnel training to safeguard the public health
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Assessment of Bacteriological Quality of Fish and Fish Products and Knowledge attitude and Practice of Fish Handlers in Batu and Koka, Oromia, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2023) Mikias Jufar; Bekele Megersa
    Fish and fishery product contribute to 17% of the global animal protein intake, but its contamination can cause food borne infections and constitute a risk to the public health. Across sectional study design was conducted comprising of field survey and laboratory analysis of fish samples from December 2022 to June 2023 in Koka and Batu towns. The aim of the study was to determine the bacterial load, detect common food borne pathogenic bacteria as well as to assess food safety knowledge, attitude and hygienic practices of fish and fish products. A total of 130 fish products were collected randomly from cooked (n= 20), frozen (n= 15), and fresh fish fillets (n= 65) as well as swab samples from hands, knife and filleting table (n=30). All collected samples were transported and analyzed at Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology Medical Microbiology laboratory of Addis Ababa University. Salmonella, E. coli, and S. aureus were detected by selective media and biochemical tests. Total viable bacterial count was assessed by using Plate Count Agar, whereas total Coliform count was determined by Violet Red Bile agar. The data were analyzed using STATA version 14 and descriptive statistics, Chi squared and one way ANOVA were employed to generate required information. The overall prevalence of E. coli, S. aureus and Salmonella were 32.31%, 16.9% and 3.1% respectively. The mean of TPC from cooked, frozen and fresh fillets were 4.54, 5.91 and 7.55 log cfu/g respectively. The mean of TCC from cooked, frozen and fresh fillet were 3.67, 5.02 and 6.1 logcfu/g respectively. The mean of TPC and TCC showed above center for food safety standard level. The survey study revealed that 23.75%, 38.75%, and 51.25% of respondents had poor knowledge, negative attitudes, and poor hygienic practices of fish and fish products respectively.Similarly62.5% and 68.75% of participants had negative attitudes regarding consumption of raw and inadequately cooked fish, implying the potential health risk to consumers. Generally, the study showed detection of pathogenic bacteria and unacceptable bacterial load with unhygienic handling and processing of fish. Education and awareness creation regarding hygienic practice and risk of food borne disease is essential.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Brucellosis Seroprevalence, Knowledge, Atitude and Exposure Risks of Herdes’in Somalia Region,Ethiopia
    (Addis Abeba University, 2022) Abdullahi Adan; Bekele Megersa
    Brucellosis is a contagious bacterial disease caused by the genus Brucella that poses a major public and animal health problem in many parts of the world, particularly in pastoral settings where livestock and livestock products are the primary source of income. A cross-sectional study was conducted from December, 2021 to April, 2022, to estimate the prevalence and associated risk factors of livestock and human brucellosis, as well as to assess herders' knowledge, attitude, and exposure risk in three selected districts of Somali region, Ethiopia. A total of 1000 blood samples were collected from goats (n=201), sheep (n= 99), camel (n= 450) and human (n=250). The serum samples were screened with Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and positive ones were further confirmed using competitive Enzyme Linked Immino Sorbent Assay (cELISA). The results showed that 45 (6.0%) and 28 (3.7%) of the animal samples tested positive for RBPT and cELISA, respectively. Samples from occupationally linked human, on the other hand, were confirmed positive 9(3.6%) by RBPT and 5(2.0%, 95% CI, 0.6-4.6) by cELISA. Goats had the highest seroprevalence (6.5%; 95% Cl, 3.5-10.8), followed by camels (2.9%; 95% Cl, 1.5-4.9) and sheep (2.0 %, 95%CI, 0.2-7.1). Sex, herd size, and herd history of abortion, all showed a significant association with Brucella seropositivity logistic regression analysis. Furthermore, in multivariable Firths’ logistic regression analysis for human samples, factors such as, gender, presence of fever or joint pain, and involvement in disposal of aborted or retained fetal membrane (RFM) were statistically significant (P<0.05). About half of the herders had heard about the disease (48%), of whom very low proportion (17%) knew brucellosis is a zoonotic disease. Despite respondents’ poor knowledge and high involvement in risky practices, significant positive attitudes toward disease prevention were identified in this study. In conclusion, this study provides a baseline information for the implemention of feasible disease control strategy in terms of pastoral community and sociocultural status through one health approach.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Impact of Animal Health Interventions on Food and Nutrition Security in Extensive Livestock Systems in Selected Community-Based Breeding Program (CBBP) and HEARD project Implementation Areas of Ethiopia
    (Addis Abeba University, 2025) Asmamaw Duressa; Bekele Megersa
    Ethiopia is home to a large population of small ruminants, although their contribution to the livelihoods is sub-optimal. This study examines the impact of animal health interventions on food and nutrition security within Ethiopia‘s extensive livestock systems, with a focus on Community-Based Breeding Programs and the HEARD project. Literature review, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, secondary data analysis, and a targeted survey were employed to compare households in intervention and non-intervention areas regarding access to veterinary services and food security. Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), Food Consumption Score (FCS), and Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) were used to measure food and nutrition security of the study households. A total of 497 households were surveyed, comprising 321 from intervention areas and 176 from control areas. The study results showed significantly better access to veterinary services among intervention households (e.g., vaccination: 67.9% vs. 54.0%; training: 62.1% vs. 24.8%, P < 0.05). Food security was higher in animal health intervention areas: 72.4% vs. 54.7% (HFIAS), 64.6% vs. 56.3% (FCS), and nutrition security 65.4% vs. 62.9% (MDD-W). Logistic regressions revealed deworming increased odds of food security (OR = 3.6, P = 0.000) and treatment (OR = 2.27, P = 0.006) using the HFIAS indicator. Deworming and treatment also improved FCS (OR = 1.66, P = 0.05 and 1.88, P = 0.023), and awareness of zoonoses had a strong effect (OR = 3.20, P = 0.000). Vaccination was linked to better MDD-W (OR = 2.02, P = 0.043), and primary education improved MDD-W (OR = 2.97, P = 0.000). However, anthrax vaccination was negatively associated with all three indicators. This study showed that targeted animal health interventions significantly enhance food and nutrition security. The findings support national efforts to strengthen livestock strategies and food security. Further experimental research is needed to strengthen evidence on the relationship between animal health interventions and human nutrition.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Isolation, Molecular Characterization and Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns of Salmonella from Poultry and Poultry Products in Central Ethiopia
    (Addis Abeba University, 2022) Adugna Emane; Bekele Megersa
    Salmonella is the leading cause of foodborne infection in food of animal origin including poultry derived food. Even though studies on occurrence of salmonella in poultry have been conducted in central Ethiopia, comprehensive study on salmonella contamination in poultry and poultry product is scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study is to isolate, molecularly detect and assess antimicrobial resistance patterns of salmonella in poultry and poultry products. A cross sectional study was conducted from November 2021 to June 2022 in central Ethiopia. A total of 560 samples were collected from different establishments and analyzed for presence of salmonella. Frequency and prevalence were calculated for descriptive analysis whereas uni and multivariate logistic regression were used to measure the association of risk factors with occurrence of salmonella. p>0.05 was considered significant. 73.2% of 18 farms were positive for salmonella with sample level prevalence 11.3% (63/560). Salmonella was more isolated from meat samples (11.6%), Bishoftu (11.9%), large flock size (12.5%) and Eggs from market (13.3%). Serotype distribution showed that S.Typhimurium was dominant among serovar isolated. Salmonella occurrence was significantly associated to sources of samples (P=0 .04). In addition, all salmonella positive samples from backyard chicken were found to be serovar S.Typhimurium, which suggests less hygiene status and biosecurity in backyard environment. Antibiogram profiles revealed that all isolate were resistant to minimum three and maximum to 14 of 15 tested drugs. The maximum and minimum resistance index recorded was 0.93 and 0.2 respectively. In conclusion, high prevalence of salmonella recorded in chicken meat that indicates less hygiene status of workers and the working environment. MDR feature of the strain also alerts risk for the public health of consumer. This suggests the need for further epidemiological study and implementation of strong regulation on poultry food chain through cross-sectoral collaboration to reduce the risk of drug resistant foodborne infection
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Occurrence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Salmonella at Human Animal Environment Interface in Household Setting Bishoftu, Ethiopia
    (Addis Abeba University, 2026) Fozia Hussien; Bekele Megersa; Fanta Desisa
    Salmonella enterica is a leading cause of zoonotic illness, posing a significant public health concern in household settings, particularly where humans and animals share space and access to clean water, hygiene, and sanitation facilities is limited. The emergence of antimicrobial resistance complicates control efforts. From December 2025 to April 2026, a cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the occurrence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella at the human animal environment interface in household settings in Bishoftu, Ethiopia. A total of 266 households were included, and 1463 samples were collected from infant stool, soil, water, hand rinse, food, and animal feces. A household survey was conducted on hygiene, sanitation practices, and animal waste management, and antimicrobial use. Salmonella was confirmed using Matrix- Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization time- of- flight (MALDI- TOF) mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby- Bauer disk diffusion method for nine antibiotics. Critical sanitation gaps included infrequent water treatment (93.98%) and (73.68%) shared latrines, most without handwashing facility (78.5%). The animal waste management system was poor; 73.7% of households either disposed of waste in a waste bin or rubbish pile or did nothing at all, indicating that nearly three-quarters of households lacked proper waste management practices. 80.1% caregivers were unaware of AMR transmission between animals and humans. Over all Salmonella prevalence was 2.12% and the highest prevalence was recorded in animal feces (6.8%). Of 31 82.8% were susceptible, 5.4% showed intermediate resistance, and 11.8% of them exhibit resistance and the highest resistance was tetracycline (32.26%). MDR occurred in 6.5% isolates and all recorded from soil. In conclusion, the study demonstrates critical gaps in sanitation and animal waste management. These finding confirms that poor household practice and animal waste contribute to Salmonella transmission and antimicrobial resistance, underscoring the urgent need for integrated one health interventions.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Occurrence, Isolation, And Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile of Staphylococcus Aureus from Raw Cow Milk and Traditionally Processed Dairy Products in Adama and Debreberhan Towns, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2023) Wondu Mengesha; Bekele Megersa
    Staphylococcal foodborne intoxication is among the most known food-borne illness with global distribution. Particularly, S. aureus antimicrobial resistance has rapidly grown into a major worldwide health issue. This study was intended to determine the prevalence of S. aureus and its antimicrobial susceptibility profiles in raw milk and traditionally processed dairy products in Adama and DebereBerhan towns. A total of 421 samples (188 raw milk, 80 traditionally processed dairy products, 73 milkers’ hand swabs, 38 bucket swabs, and 42 bulk tank milk from collection centers) were sampled and analysed from December 2022 to May 2023. The samples were cultured to identify S. aureus following a standard microbiological procedure and using MALDI-TOF MS Bruker method. The antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates was performed by a panel of 9 antimicrobials using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. The association between the occurrence of S. aureus and potential risk factors was assessed using logistic regression. Resistance of the isolate to penicillin G and ampicillin were identified for the presence of blaZ gene using PCR. S. aureus was isolated from 32 (17.02%) of raw milk, 7(9.59%) of milkers’ hand swab, 9 (21.43%) of bulk tank milk from collection centre, 3 (7.89%) of bucket swabs, 2 (5%) of yoghurt and 1(2.5%) of cottage cheese. A significant difference with a higher rate of contamination with S. aureus was observed among samples (p =0.021). Out of 54 S. aureus isolates subjected to 9 antimicrobials, 53(98.15%) isolates were developed resistance to penicillin G and Ampicillin. Twenty-three (42.6%) of the isolates were developed resistance to Tetracycline and 7 (12.96%) of the isolates were developed resistance to Erythromycin. In addition to this, 3 (5.56%) of the isolates were developed resistance to Clindamycin. However, among the 21 isolates subjected to DNA amplification for detection of resistance gene, only a single (4.76%) isolate was positive for blaZ gene. In conclusion, this study showed that raw milk and other dairy products were highly contaminated with S. aureus. Most of the isolates developed multi-drug resistance, which is a serious public health risk for the dairy consumers of the study area. Additionally, there is a lack of agreement between the phenotypic and genotypic (blaZ gene) detection, and this necessitates additional research to determine the mechanism by which S. aureus develops resistance to β-lactam drugs particularly penicillin, and ampicillin.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Occurrence, Molecular Characterization and Antimicrobial Susceptibilityof Sorbitol Non-Fermenting E. coli Isolates, and Assessment of FishHandling Practices along the Supply Chain in Central Oromia, Ethiopia
    (Addis Abeba University, 2025) Tesfaye Debelu; Bekele Megersa
    Fish-borne diseases are among the global public health concern. Contaminated water bodies and poor handling practices along the fish supply chain can lead to fish contamination. Raw fish consumption is a leading cause of fish-borne infection. Emerging sorbitol non-fermenting Escherichia coli strains including Escherichia coli O157:H7, may transmit to human sthrough contaminated water and fish. However, despite reports of contamination, there islimited information on the occurrence, molecular characteristics, and antimicrobial susceptibility of sorbitol non-fermenting Escherichia coli in Ethiopia. This study, attemptstode termine these aspects in fresh water lakes, fish, and humans in central Oromia, Ethiopia. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaire interviews and personal observations from a total of 200 purposively selected respondents comprising of 50 fishermen, 10 retailers, 20 food establishments serving fish, and 120 consumers. Moreover, a total of 750 samples including 150 fish meat, 150 fish skin swab, 150 fish feces, 150 fresh water of the lakes, 150human stool samples were collected from five Lakes and three health facilities. Overall, 150fish, 30 fish from each Lake, comprising of six fish species: Oreochromis niloticus, Clariasgariepinus, Tilapia Zilli, Cyprinus carpio, Labeobarbus intermedius, Barbus ethiopicus, whichare commonly used for human consumption were included in the study. Fecal, meat andskinswab samples were taken from each fish. The samples were processed following the standardprotocol recommended by European Food Safety Authority and Kirby–Bauer disc diffusionmethod for detection of the bacteria, and antimicrobial susceptibility tests, respectively. Molecular characterization of presumptive isolates was performed using Whole-Genome Sequencing for sero typing, determination of virulence factors, antimicrobial resistance traits, and genetic linkage of the isolates. The study revealed a wide range of hygienic breaches, including fish processing at unhygienic landing sites, washing filleted fish with contaminated water of the Lakes, use of a single knife for processing all fish with infrequent washing and withnodi sinfection in between. Majority (70%; n=10) of the retailers and all the food establishment strans ported fish in vehicles with no cold chain facilities. Over three-fourths (77%; n =120) of theconsumers preferred consuming raw fish; 80% of them lacked the knowledge of fish borne diseases. Few good hygienic practices appreciated include, the use of refrigerators for storageinall retailers and 70% (n =20) of the food establishments, and the use of vehicles with thermostat for the transportation of fish among 30% of retailers. From a total of 750 microbiological samples analyzed, 3.9% (29/750) was found positive for sorbitol non-fermenting Escherichiacoli; of which 6.7% (n=10), 1.8% (n=8) and 7.3% (n=11) were retrieved from water, fish, anddiarrheic human patients, respectively. Whole-Genome Sequencing confirmed that all the isolates were sorbitol non-fermenting Escherichia coli strains; among which none of them were Escherichia coli O157:H7. Two novel Escherichia coli strains with unknown O-antigen were retrived from fish feces and human stool. All the strains have multiple virulence factors and one or more genes encoding for them. Genetic relatedness was observed among strains from the same sources (water, fish, and humans). Most isolates were resistant to ampicillin (100%), tetracycline (100%), cefotaxime (100%), ceftazidime (100%), meropenem (100%), nalidixicacid(93.1%) and sulfame thoxazole/trimethoprim (79.3%). Majority of the strains were resistant tochlor amphenicol (58.6%) and cipro floxacin (48.3%), while small fraction showed resistance toazi thromycin (3.45%). Isolates have shown an overall multi-drug resistance profile of 87.5%. Majority, (62.1%; n=18) of the strains have acquired multi-drug resistance traits. Genes encoding for mutational resistance and extended spectrum beta-lacta mases were also detected. In conclusion, the study revealed a wide range of hygienic breaches along the fish production and supply chain; lack of infrastructure for post-harvest fish handling and processing, lackof appropriate transportation facilities and presence of knowledge gaps regarding fish borne diseases, and the occurrence of virulent and antimicrobial resistant sorbitol non-fermenting Escherichia coli strains in water, fish, and humans. Although no genetic relatedness was observed among strains from various sources, the genomic clustering among strains from the same sources strongly suggests the potential risk of transmission along the supply chain at the human–fish-environment interface if strict hygienic fish production is not in place. Hence, infrastructural development for hygienic fish production and processing, training for fish producers, consumer retailers and food establishments, and robust genetic study of the new strains with unknown O-antigens is required to improve fish safety and reduce the risk of public health.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Sero-epidemiological Study of Brucellosis in Camels (Camelus Dromedarius) in Borena Lowland Pastoral Areas Southern Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa Universty, 2004-06) Bekele Megersa; Bayleyegn Molla
    Across-sectinnal study was conducted from August 2003 to January 2004. to determine the prevalence of Brucella species in camels and to identify risk factors for brucellosis infection in camels (Camelus dromedarius) in tow districts of Borena lowland. A total of 3218 camels in 250 herds were included in the study form Liben (2232) and Yabello (986 animals) districts of these 78.6% (2528 out of 3218 ) and 21.4% (690 out of 3218) were femals and male camels,respectively. The herd size ranged form 3 to 42 animals with mean herd size of 13.6-7.8 A total of 3218 blood samples were collected. All serum samples were initially sereened by RBPT.All RBPT positive reactors were further tested by CFT for confirmation. CFT confirmed 58 seropositive cases out of 72 RBPT reactors.