Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Antimicrobial Use and Resistance among Village Animal Health Workers and Veterinary Drug Retailers in Cambodia

Misuse, overuse, and missed prescription of antimicrobials are the driving factors to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) leading to a globally increasing public health concern. This study was conducted to assess the current knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of village animal health workers (VAHWs) and veterinary drug retailers (VDRs) on antimicrobial use (AMU) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The sample size was calculated following [1]. KAP data were scored and categorized following Bloom’s cut-off score. A total of 108 study populations (66 VAHWs and 42 VDRs) were purposively surveyed using a validated KAP questionnaire in 5 provinces across Cambodia. This study found that VAHWs and VDRs have moderate levels of knowledge (61% to 65%) and good attitudes towards AMU (83% to 84%) but employed moderate practices (59% to 74%) on AMU. VAHWs had moderate (66%);while DVRs had poor knowledge (58%) on AMR. Thus, regular awareness education specifically on proper use, prudent use, and stewardships on AMU and AMR in the form of refresher training or awareness events must be provided to VAHWs and VDRs to avoid inappropriate use of antimicrobials and spreading the AMR knowledge across Cambodia.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Antimicrobial Use and Resistance among Livestock Producers in Cambodia

The development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) due to over or misuse of antibiotics/antimicrobials is a globally increasing public health concern. This study was conducted to assess the current knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of swine and poultry producers on antimicrobial use (AMU) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). A total of 254 swine and poultry producers of 5 provinces in Cambodia were purposively surveyed using validated KAP questionnaires, a useful tool for promoting the rational use of antimicrobials in livestock. Collectively, this study found out that livestock producers in Cambodia have a low level of knowledge, neutral rather than positive attitudes, and employed poor practices on the AMU and AMR. Thus, there is a need to promote among producers the rational and responsible use of antimicrobials. Furthermore, public awareness of the AMR implications on public health can contribute to the prevention or reduction of AMU and AMR in Cambodia.

Ancylostoma ceylanicum and other zoonotic canine hookworms:neglected public and animal health risks in the Asia-Pacific region

Zoonotic hookworm infections remain a significant public health problem,causing nearly 500 milion cases globally and approximately four million disability-adjusted life years lost annually.More than one-fth of these cases are attrib-uted to Ancylostoma ceylanicum,an emerging zoonotic health issue in the Asia-Pacific region.This review presents key research gaps regarding the epidemiology,diagnosis,control,prevention and elimination of A.ceylanicum and other canine zoonotic hookworms as neglected health threats.A.ceylanicum is the second most prevalent human hook-worm in the region;it is the most common hookworm among dogs and cats-reservoirs of zoonotic infections.Previous population genetic and phylogenetic analyses revealed that A.ceylanicum has three possible transmis-sion dynamics:zoonotic,animal-only,and human-only pathways.The actual burden of zoonotic ancylostomiasis in most endemic countries remains unknown due to the use of parasitological techniques(e.g.,Kato-Katz thick smear and floatation techniques)that have reduced diagnostic performance and do not allow accurate species identifica-tion in helminth surveys.The emergence of benzimidazole resistance in soil-transmitted helminths(STHs),includ-ing hookworms,is a concern due to the protracted implementation of mass drug administration(MDA).Resistance is conferred by single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)that occur in theβ-tubulin isotype 1 gene.These mutations have been reported in drug-resistant A.caninum but have not been found in A.ceylanicum in the field.A.ceylanicum remains understudied in the Asia-Pacific region.The zoonotic nature of the parasite warrants investigation of its occur-rence in human and animal reservoir hosts to understand the dynamics of zoonotic transmission in different endemic foci.The detection of benzimidazole resistance-associated SNPs in zoonotic hookworms from Asia-Pacific countries has yet to be thoroughly explored.Considering the high level of hookworm endemicity in the region,the circulation of resistant isolates between humans and animals potentially presents a significant One Health threat that can under-mine current MDA and proposed animal deworming-based control efforts.

Histopathological Characterization of Lungs from Slaughtered Swine in Selected Abattoirs in Laguna, Philippines and Its Relation to Serological Profiling for Porcine Pleuropneumonia (PPP), Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) and Enzootic Pneumonia (EP)

Porcine Respiratory Disease Complex (PRDC) is one of the most important health concerns in swine production due to consumer demand for high quality pork from healthy animals. This study was conducted to characterize and compare the gross microscopic lesions and serological profiles of swine pneumonic lungs from selected slaughterhouses in Laguna, Philippines. Blood and lung samples were collected from the municipalities of Santa Cruz, San Pablo, Los Baños, and Cabuyao. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test was conducted for the blood samples and the histopathological changes in the lung tissues were observed microscopically. The results showed that the presence of Porcine Pleuropneumoniae (PPP), Enzootic Pneumoniae (EP) and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) virus were detected using ELISA. In Los Baños, Sta. Cruz and San Pablo the most prevalent disease was EP at 26.1%, 13.0% and 17.4% respectively. While in Cabuyao the diseases found were PRRS and EP, both at 8.7%. Based on the histopathological examination, it was found out that the most occurring types of lesions were hemorrhage, congestion and lymphoid hyperplasia of BALT (Bronchial Associated Lymphoid Tissue). However, the histopathological findings were found to be not significantly associated with the disease present in the sampled swine .

Soil Contamination With Zoonotic Geohelminths: Emerging Risks in the Philippines

Soil-transmitted helminth(STH)infections continue to be the most prevalent of the 20 neglected tropical diseases,affecting nearly a quarter of the world’s population and causing approximately 2.54 million disability-adjusted life years.1,2 Ascaris lumbricoides,Trichuris trichiuria,and multiple species of hookworms(ie,Ancylostoma duodenale,Necator americanus and Ancylostoma ceylanicum)are known to cause significant infections in humans.Approximately 70%of the infections are reportedly occurring in Asia,where nearly a quarter of the population is infected with at least one STHspecies.3,4 Infections are particularly deleterious among school-and preschool-aged children,women of reproductive age and immunocompromised populations.Impaired cognitive and motor development,stunting,malnutrition and other potentially life-long sequelae are the known adverse health effects of STH infections in children.5–7 Hence,control and elimination efforts have been directed at addressing the prevalence and burden of infections among at-risk populations.