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Serological Evidence of Potential Marburg Virus Circulation in Livestock and Dogs in Ghana
Theophilus Odoom1, Sherry Ama Mawuko Johnson2, William Tasiame3
1Veterinary Services Department, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Accra M-37, Ghana.
Abstract:
Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a zoonotic hemorrhagic disease with an estimated case fatality rate of up to 88%. Ghana recorded its first human MVD outbreak in June 2022 and although the outbreak was quickly brought under control, the transmission dynamics of the disease remained unclear. We assessed the presence of Marburg virus (MARV) antibodies in livestock and dogs and identified associated risk factors that increased the risk of these animals being exposed to MARV in five regions of Ghana. Sera collected from 3113 livestock and dogs in 2 climatic seasons (rainy and dry seasons) were tested for MARV antibodies using an indirect ELISA test. The samples were further tested using dot blotting to substantiate the presence of antibodies against MARV glycoprotein (GP). Overall, MARV antibodies were detected in 20.6% of the animals. The species-specific prevalence was 28.7% in cattle, 21.8% in sheep, 19.5% in goats, 15.3% in dogs and 11.2% in pigs. The seropositivity was higher in the rainy season [RR 1.5; 95% CI 1.3-1.8] and in older animals [RR = 2.6; 95% CI 1.9-3.4]. The findings underscore the importance of regular surveillance using the one health approach and future studies into the role of livestock and dogs as potential intermediaries in the circulation of MARV.
Insights
Marburg virus antibodies were found in over 20% of livestock and dogs in Ghana, indicating potential roles in disease transmission. Higher infection rates were observed during the rainy season and in older animals.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- One Health Approach
Background:
- Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a severe zoonotic hemorrhagic fever with high fatality rates.
- Ghana experienced its first human MVD outbreak in June 2022, highlighting the need to understand disease transmission dynamics.
- The role of livestock and domestic animals in Marburg virus (MARV) circulation remained unclear following the outbreak.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the seroprevalence of Marburg virus (MARV) antibodies in livestock and dogs in Ghana.
- To identify risk factors associated with MARV exposure in these animal populations.
- To investigate the potential role of animals as intermediaries in MARV transmission.
Main Methods:
- Sera from 3113 livestock and dogs across five regions were collected during rainy and dry seasons.
- Indirect ELISA was used to screen for MARV antibodies.
- Dot blotting confirmed the presence of antibodies against MARV glycoprotein (GP).
Main Results:
- Overall MARV antibody prevalence was 20.6% across all tested animals.
- Species-specific prevalence varied: cattle (28.7%), sheep (21.8%), goats (19.5%), dogs (15.3%), and pigs (11.2%).
- Seropositivity was significantly higher in the rainy season (RR 1.5) and in older animals (RR 2.6).
Conclusions:
- Livestock and dogs in Ghana show evidence of Marburg virus exposure.
- Seasonal patterns and animal age are associated with MARV seropositivity.
- Continuous surveillance and further research into the One Health framework are crucial for understanding and controlling MARV transmission.
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