title: Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Chlamydophila spp. infection in ewes in the northeast of Algeria.
abstract: A cross-sectional study was carried out to estimate prevalence of Chlamydophila spp. antibodies and to investigate risk factors associated with chlamydial infection in 552 ewes between March 2011 and January 2012 in the province of Constantine. Anti-Chlamydophila antibodies were detected using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit in 24.5% of examined sera. Of the herds, 70.4% had at least one seropositive animal. A pretested structured questionnaire was administered in order to collect information on individual animal health and herd management practices. Chi-square analysis and multivariable logistic regression model were used to identify risk factors related to Chlamydophila seropositivity. Univariable analysis revealed 17 variables with p < 0.25 that were offered to the multivariable logistic regression model which in turn identified 12-23 months age group (OR = 5.903, 95% CI (OR) = 1.690; 20.618) and not using disinfectants (OR = 2.099, 95% CI (OR) = 1.314; 8.065) as risk factors for Chlamydophila spp. seropositivity. Moreover, occurrence of stillbirth problem (OR = 3.682, 95% CI (OR) = 1.825; 7.430) and 5-10% mortality rate in young lambs (OR = 2.584, 95% CI (OR) = 1.058; 6.310) were significantly associated with seropositivity to Chlamydophila spp. On the other hand, availability of veterinary service was identified as a protective factor (OR = 0.161, 95% CI (OR) = 0.051; 0.511).
authors.affiliation: Management of Animal Health and Productions Laboratory, Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Constantine 1, Constantine, Algeria, hireche.sana@umc.edu.dz.
authors.forename: Sana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hireche
authors.forename: Omar
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Bouaziz
authors.forename: Djahida
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Djenna
authors.forename: Sabrina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Boussena
authors.forename: Rachida
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Aimeur
authors.forename: Rachid
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kabouia
authors.forename: El Hacène
authors.initials: el H
authors.lastname: Bererhi
mesh_terms: D000462:Algeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D000818:Animals; D023501:Chlamydophila / Q000276:immunology*; D023521:Chlamydophila Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D012756:Sheep; D012757:Sheep Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology*