The study investigates serological exposure to zoonotic pathogens (Brucella spp., Coxiella burnetii, and Rift Valley fever virus) in dromedary camels in northern Kenya, revealing significant infection rates. Results show that 27.5% of camels tested positive for at least one pathogen, with co-exposure common, especially between Brucella species and the other pathogens. The research highlights the need for increased scientific attention and investment in understanding the epidemiology of these diseases in the context of the socio-economic importance of camels to pastoralists.

1. Mathew Muturi1,2 James Akoko2, Athman Mwatondo1,2, Bernard Bett2
1Zoonotic Disease Unit,Nairobi , Kenya
2International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
Serological evidence of single and mixed infections of Rift Valley fever
virus, Brucella spp. and Coxiella burnetii in dromedary camels in Kenya
Introduction
Camels play an important role in the socio-economic
wellbeing and food security of pastoralists in Kenya.
However, the species remains relatively
neglected in scientific research. We carried out a
study to determine the levels of exposure of camels
in northern Kenya to Brucella spp., Coxiella burnetii a
nd Rift Valley fever virus, three zoonotic pathogens of
public health significance.
Methods
We utilized 120 camel sera samples collected from
16 herds during an outbreak investigation of a respira
tory syndrome of unknown aetiology in dromedary ca
mels between 22nd and 28th June 2020. The investi
gation was conducted in Isiolo and Samburu counties
, both of which are semi-arid, pastoral regions of nort
hern Kenya. In Isiolo
Results
• Brucella - 24.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 16.5–31.
8%),
• Coxiella burnetii at 20.8% (95% CI: 13.6–28.1%) and
• RVFV at 14.2% (95% CI: 7.9–20.4%).
• Co-exposure to two or more pathogens was detected in
15.0% (95% CI: 8.6–21.4%; n = 18) of the samples.
• Up to 27.5% (95% CI: 19.5–35.5%) of the animals were
seropositive for at least one pathogen and 13.3% (95%
CI: 7.2–19.4%) were seropositive for at least two pathog
ens. Of those with co-exposures, 92% (n = 22) had 2 co
-exposures detected, the rest of the samples (n = 2) had
antibodies to all three pathogens
• Co-exposure with Brucella species for both RVFV and C
oxiella burnetii were the most common detections.
• On multivariate analysis, age was found to be significant
ly associated with co-exposure to Brucella and Coxiella
as shown in
Acknowledgments
• US-DTRA
• ILRI
• OHRECA
Discussion and conclusion
•The historical neglect of camels and the perception of the
species as hardy and resistant to diseases has contributed
to a limited understanding of their role in the epidemiolog
y of zoonotic pathogens compared to other livestock speci
es. Filling this knowledge gap in Kenya is key to the growth
of the camel industry and reduction in the burden of zoon
otic diseases in the country
•The study provides evidence of high exposure rates to the
three priority zoonotic pathogens in camels in northern
Kenya. Considering the value of camels in food nutrition
for pastoralists in Kenya, there is a need for more research
investment to understand the role of camels in the
epidemiology of these diseases