Peste des petits ruminants in Northern Sudan

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Epidemiology
• Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

• Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) poses a significant threat to small ruminant populations globally.
• Understanding the epidemiological status of PPR in Northern Sudan is crucial for effective disease control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of PPR virus (PPRV) in Northern Sudan using serological, antigenic, and genomic detection methods.
• To identify specific regions and animal species with higher PPRV prevalence.

Main Methods:

• Serum and lung tissue samples were collected from goats and sheep in Northern Sudan.
• Competitive ELISA was used to detect PPRV antibodies.
• Immunocapture ELISA (IcELISA) was employed to detect PPRV antigen in lung tissues.
• Reverse transcription PCR (RT/PCR) was utilized to detect the PPRV genome in positive samples.

Main Results:

• Overall seroprevalence of PPRV was 35% (40.8% in sheep, 28.4% in goats).
• Prevalence varied by state: River Nile State (30.1%) and Northern State (41.8%).
• PPRV antigen was detected in 7.7% of samples, with higher rates in sheep in the Northern State (15.4%).
• PPRV genome was successfully detected by RT/PCR in ELISA-positive samples.

Conclusions:

• PPR is widespread in Northern Sudan, with a notable increase in prevalence, particularly in the Northern State.
• The findings highlight the need for enhanced surveillance and control measures for PPR in the region.
• Integrated diagnostic approaches including serology, antigen detection, and molecular methods are effective for PPRV prevalence studies.