Serology and anthrax in humans, livestock and Etosha National Park wildlife

• Published in: Epidemiology and infection Vol. 108; no. 2; pp. 299 - 313
• Main Authors: Turnbull, P. C. B., Doganay, M., Lindeque, P. M., Aygen, B., McLaughlin, J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge, UK Cambridge University Press 01-04-1992
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Animals; Animals, Wild - immunology; Anthrax; Anthrax - diagnosis; Anthrax - epidemiology; Anthrax - veterinary; Antibodies; Antigens; Bacteriology; Biological and medical sciences; Cattle; Cattle Diseases - diagnosis; Child; England - epidemiology; Epidemiology; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Lesions; Lions; Male; Microbiology; Namibia - epidemiology; National parks; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Serologic Tests - methods; Swine; Swine Diseases - diagnosis; Toxins; Turkey - epidemiology; Ungulates; Vaccination; Turkey; Asia; Europe; Namibia; Africa; United Kingdom; Great britain; England; UK; Human; Bovine; Serology; Wild animal; Epidemiology; Infection; Vertebrata; Mammalia; Anthrax; Swine; Bacteriosis; Artiodactyla; Ungulata
• ISSN: 0950-2688; 1469-4409
• DOI: 10.1017/S0950268800049773

Results are presented from a number of epidemiological studies using enzyme immunoassays (EIA) based on the purified anthrax toxin antigens, protective antigen, lethal factor and oedema factor. Studies on sera from a group of 62 human anthrax patients in Turkey and from cattle in Britain following two unrelated outbreaks of anthrax show that EIA using protective antigen can be a useful diagnostic aid and will detect subclinical infections in appropriate circumstances. A serological survey on wildlife in the Etosha National Park, Namibia, where anthrax is endemic, showed that naturally acquired anthrax-specific antibodies are rare in herbivores but common in carnivores; in carnivores, titres appear to reflect the prevalence of anthrax in their ranges. Problems, as yet unresolved, were encountered in studies on sera from pigs following an outbreak of anthrax on a farm in Wales. Clinical details, including treatment, of the human and one of the bovine outbreaks are summarized and discussed in relation to the serological findings.