Risk factors of African swine fever virus in suspected infected pigs in smallholder farming systems in South-Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo.
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ABSTRACT: Background
African swine fever (ASF) is an infectious viral disease of domestic pigs that presents as a hemorrhagic fever, and for which no effective vaccine is available. The disease has a serious negative social and economic impact on pig keepers. There is limited information on the potential risk factors responsible for the spread of ASF in South Kivu.Objective
The aim of this study was to determine the potential risk factors associated with ASF infection in suspected ASF virus (ASFV)-infected pigs.Methods
We sampled whole blood from 391 pigs. Additionally, 300 pig farmers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Viral DNA was detected by using the real-time polymerase chain reaction technique.Results
The majority of pigs sampled, 78% (95% confidence interval [CI], 74.4-82.6), were of local breeds. Over half, 60.4% (95% CI, 55.5-65.2), were female, and most of them, 90.5% (95% CI, 87.6-93.4), were adult pigs (> 1 year old). Viral DNA was detected in 72 of the 391 sampled pigs, indicating an overall infection rate of 18.4% (95% CI, 14.5-22.4). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed several risk factors positively associated with ASFV infection: feeding with swill in pen (odds ratio [OR], 3.8; 95% CI, 2.12-6.77); mixed ages of pigs in the same pen (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.99-5.57); introduction of new animals to the farm (OR, 5.4; 95% CI, 1.91-15.28). The risk factors that were negatively (protective) correlated with ASFV positivity were the presence of male animals and the use of an in-pen breeding system.Conclusion
Local pig farmers should be encouraged to adopt proper husbandry and feeding practices in order to increase the number of ASF-free farms.
SUBMITTER: Bisimwa PN
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8170224 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Project description:African swine fever (ASF) is the most important disease constraining smallholder pig production in the Democratic Republic of Congo, causing high mortality in domestic pigs with severe impacts on the livelihoods of local populations. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the prevalence of ASF and circulating virus genotypes in asymptomatic pigs raised on smallholder farms in the South Kivu province to understand the transmission dynamics of ASF and ultimately improving disease control. A cross-sectional survey was carried out in 5 districts where 267 pig blood were screened for both antibody and viral genome using indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) respectively. Additionally, amplicons from PCR positive samples were sequenced by Sanger method for genetic analysis of ASF virus (ASFV) based on the C-terminal region of the B646L gene that encodes the major capsid protein p72 and the gene E183L encoding the p54 protein. The overall seroprevalence obtained based on antibody to p30 protein was 37 % and was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in adult (>1 year) animals (44.7 %) than in younger (<1 year) ones (33.5 %). Moreover, the seropositivity varied significantly (P < 0.05) according to the pig husbandry system practiced within the districts investigated with Uvira (55 %) and Mwenga (42.2 %) having the highest ASFV antibodies, while the lowest (10.5 %) were in Kalehe. Free-range pigs exhibited a higher level of seropositivity to ASFV antibody (68.9 %) than pigs kept in the pigsty housing system (21.6 %). However, no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed when sex of the animal and breed were factored. PCR detection of ASFV amplified a specific band of expected size (257 bp) in 61 out of 267 blood samples, confirming the presence of the viral DNA in 22.8 % of asymptomatic domestic pigs. Statistical analysis revealed that ASFV infection in domestic pigs varied significantly (p < 0.001) according to geographical location and breed, with the highest infection rate found in Walungu district (33.7 %) while the lowest was registered in Kalehe (15.8 %). Local pigs (27.2 %) were more infected than crosses (9.2 %). Phylogenetic analyses based on partial sequences of the p72 and p54 genes revealed that all the ASFV detected belonged to genotype IX, which has previously been reported in other parts of DR Congo, and was clustered together with isolates from Kenya, Uganda and Republic of Congo. This study avails the first evidence of the presence of ASF virus in domestic pigs in the absence of outbreaks in South Kivu province, eastern DR Congo, indicating a need to raise awareness among pig farmers and veterinary authorities on the application of biosecurity measures and good husbandry practices to control the disease.
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Project description:Populations affected by humanitarian crises and emerging infectious disease outbreaks may have unique concerns and experiences that influence their perceptions toward vaccines. In March 2021, we conducted a survey to examine the perceptions toward COVID-19 vaccines and identify the factors associated with vaccine intention among 631 community members (CMs) and 438 healthcare workers (HCWs) affected by the 2018-2020 Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. A multivariable logistic regression was used to identify correlates of vaccine intention. Most HCWs (81.7%) and 53.6% of CMs felt at risk of contracting COVID-19; however, vaccine intention was low (27.6% CMs; 39.7% HCWs). In both groups, the perceived risk of contracting COVID-19, general vaccine confidence, and male sex were associated with the intention to get vaccinated, with security concerns preventing vaccine access being negatively associated. Among CMs, getting the Ebola vaccine was associated with the intention to get vaccinated (RR 1.43, 95% CI 1.05-1.94). Among HCWs, concerns about new vaccines' safety and side effects (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.57-0.91), religion's influence on health decisions (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.34-0.61), security concerns (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.37-0.74), and governmental distrust (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.35-0.70) were negatively associated with vaccine perceptions. Enhanced community engagement and communication that address this population's concerns could help improve vaccine perceptions and vaccination decisions. These findings could facilitate the success of vaccine campaigns in North Kivu and similar settings.
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Project description:BackgroundThe war in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has been the subject of numerous studies related to the problem of sexual violence. Historically, such violence is known to be part of strategic war plans to conquer and destroy communities, but it is now unfortunately prevalent in times of relative calm.MethodsWe describe the characteristics and consequences of sexual violence in Ituri province of Democratic Republic of Congo through the retrospective analysis of 2,565 patients who received medical care in the Médecins Sans Frontières sexual violence clinic in the capital of Ituri province, Bunia, between September 2005 and December 2006. Using a standardised questionnaire, we report patients' demographics, number and status of aggressor(s), forced detention and violent threats among other variables for all patients presenting for medical consultation after a sexually violent event during this period.ResultsNinety-six percent of our cohort were female and 29.3% minors, 18-29 years was the most represented age group. Acts of sexual violence (n = 2,565) were reported to be mainly perpetrated by men with military affiliations (73%), although civilians were implicated in 21% of crimes. The attack was perpetrated by two or more persons in over 74% of cases and most commonly perpetrators were unknown armed males, (87.2%). Male victims accounted for 4% (n = 103) of our cohort. Forty-eight percent of our patients reported being attacked whilst performing daily domestic duties outside the home and 18% of victims being detained by their perpetrators, the majority of whom were held for less than 2 weeks (61.6%).ConclusionsThe characteristics of sexually violent acts in Ituri province during this period cannot be simply explained as a 'weapon of war' as described in the literature, meaning the use of sexual violence within a military strategy where it is employed under the orders of a commander to harm a particular community. Whilst the majority of aggressions were by armed men there was an important proportion in which civilian perpetrators were implicated. This type of violence has become part of the general characteristics of violence in this war-torn population. Sometimes, as a means for some military factions to acquire remuneration with impunity and for some civilians, a means to counteract confronting, changing social norms occurring during chronic conflict.
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Project description:BackgroundSevere hepatosplenic complications arise in patients with chronic Schistosoma mansoni infection after heavy exposure to disease agents in endemic areas. These complications are rarely reported and, hence, underestimated.Case presentationWe report on eight patients with severe morbidity associated with S. mansoni infection in Ituri Province, northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The patients were identified during a community-based survey in 2017; one patient was seen at the district hospital. After taking the patients' history, a clinical examination and an abdominal ultrasonographical examination were performed. S. mansoni infection was diagnosed in fecal (Kato-Katz technique) and urine (point-of-case circulating cathodic antigen test) samples. These eight patients with severe intestinal and hepatosplenic complications were identified from four villages with high S. mansoni infection prevalence and related morbidity. The patients' ages ranged from 19 to 57 years; four patients were women. Three patients reported hematemesis. Two patients were severely anemic. All patients reported non-specific abdominal symptoms, such as diarrhea (six patients), abdominal pain (seven patients), and blood in the stool (five patients), as well as weight loss (two patients). Abdominal ultrasonography revealed ascites in four patients. All patients had portal hypertension with hepatomegaly (seven patients) or splenomegaly (five patients). Of the six patients with a discernable liver parenchyma pattern, five displayed pattern F and three patient displayed pattern E. Liver parenchyma was not visible for two patients with severe ascites. An S. mansoni infection was confirmed in six patients, with infection intensity ranging from light to heavy. All S. mansoni positive patients were treated with praziquantel (40 mg/kg body weight) and referred to the district hospital for follow-up. One patient with severe ascites died two weeks after we saw her. Due to security and accessibility reasons, the villages could not be visited again and the patients were lost to follow-up.ConclusionsOur observations of patients with severe schistosomiasis document the severe degree of endemicity of S. mansoni in the province and suggest an urgent need for adequate schistosomiasis control measures that target vulnerable population groups and address severe complications.
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