Molecular Identification and Characterization of Pathogenic Leptospira from Asymptomatic Humans, Livestock and Water Sources in Peri-Urban Areas of Addis Ababa: A one Health Concept
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Date
2021-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background
Leptospirosis is a neglected zoonotic disease caused by spirochetes, pathogenic Leptospira. It can give a severe disease in humans. Many domestic animals can carry pathogenic Leptospira and Leptospira can survive in environmental water sources. There are barely studies done to investigate the presence of Leptospira in humans, animals or water sources in Ethiopia.
Objectives: Identification of the presence of pathogenic Leptospira in asymptomatic humans, livestock and environmental water sources and assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice concerning leptospirosis among households in peri-urban areas of Addis Ababa.
Methodology: Urine was collected from asymptomatic humans and livestock in peri-urban areas of Addis Ababa. Water samples were taken from the same areas. After DNA-extraction, real-time PCR and melting curve analysis were performed. Knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) was assessed with help of a questionnaire.
Results: In total, 105 human urine samples, 194 animal urine samples and 32 water samples were collected from 85 households. Pathogenic Leptospira were found in 3 of the 194 animal urine samples (1.5%), characterized as Leptospira borgpetersenii and detected in urine of cattle. No pathogenic Leptospira were found in the human urine samples and in the water samples.
Majority (97.6%) of the respondents had never heard about leptospirosis, but knew that water, animals’ urine and rat urine could contain pathogens. Multiple risk factors for the presence of Leptospira were found in the studied households: walking through wet areas without adequate protection (48.2%), rats in (66.3%) or around (63.8%) the house and garbage stored inside the
compound (56.1%). No significant relationship was found between risk factors and the positive. Leptospira samples in this study.
Conclusion: This study has shown that pathogenic Leptospira are present in peri-urban areas of Addis Ababa. Risk factors for the presence of pathogenic Leptospira and other zoonoses were widespread in the study area. These findings highlight the need to create awareness among livestock-keeping households concerning leptospirosis using a “One Health” concept.
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Keywords
Leptospirosis; One Health; pathogenic Leptospira; PCR; Zoonosis