A rare case of equine Haemotropic Mycoplasma infection in Nigeria

Equine haemotropic mycoplasmosis (EHM) is a condition rarely reported worldwide. A horse presented with unspecific clinical findings and non-response to treatment to the common and endemic haemoparasitic and bacterial infections, warranted a thorough molecular investigation of suspected haemoparasitic infection given the fluctuating parasitaemia and the low sensitivity and specificity of Light Microscopy (LM) detection of haemoparasitic infections. Blood collected from an adult horse, domiciled at the University of Ibadan Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria was screened by LM and PCR techniques for haemo-parasites. The 16S rRNA gene of pan-Hemoplasma spp was targeted amplified and sequenced using Sanger automatic sequencing techniques. This case shows the very first molecular evidence of EHM in Africa and Nigeria, and the third case in the World. Microscopic examination of the horse’s blood smear presented with signs of lethargy, inactivity, anorexia and moderate emaciation, showed numerous coccoid-shaped epierythrocytic parasites. Subsequent 16S rRNA sequence data and phylogenetic analyses confirmed the presence of a haemotropic mycoplasma (‘Candidatus M. haemocervae’–like) in the horse. The hemoplasma sequence obtained falls in the same clade with some Candidatus Mycoplasma haemocervae sequences with which it shared more than 98.7% homology. This finding suggests that horses in this geographical region may also be suffering from EHM and calls for the need of epidemiological surveillance of equine hemoplasmosis with emphasis on their clinical, economic, performance and zoonotic implications in the sub-region. Keywords: Nigeria, Horse, Haemotropic mycoplasma, ‘Candidatus M. haemocervae’–like

Comparative Clinical Effects of Early Pharyngostomy Alimentation and Intravenous Fluid Infusion following Oesophageal Transection and Anastomosis in Nigerian Breeds of Dogs

Twelve adult Nigerian breeds of dogs were used to compare the clinical responses of dogs alimented through pharyngostomy tubes (PGTs) with those maintained on intravenous infusion (50:50 mixture of Ringers lactate and 5% dextrose saline) during the first 14 days following oesophageal transection and anastomosis (OTA). The dogs were assigned to two groups (n=6), the pharyngostomy tube (PGT) group and the intravenous fluid infusion (IVF) group (n=6). Dogs in both groups underwent routine OTA. The PGT group was fed blanched processed dog food at 70g/kg body weight for 14 days through PGTs, while the IVF group was maintained on intravenous fluids at a dose of 70 mL/kg body weight daily also for 14 days post operatively. The postoperative complications observed in both groups showed that the mortality rate in the IVF group (83.3%) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than in the PGT group (16.7%). Vomiting and leakages at the site of oesophageal anastomosis did not differ significantly between the groups. Cervical swelling was observed in two dogs (33.3%) in the IVF group, while tenesmus and displacement of the tubes were recorded in 66.6% and 100% respectively of the dogs in the PGT group. It is concluded that feeding dogs which had undergone OTA through PGTs during the immediate postoperative period reduces their morbidity and mortality; and shortens the recovery period when compared with similar dogs maintained solely on intravenous fluids. Keywords: Oesophageal, Transection, Anastomosis, Pharyngostomy, Complications, Morbidity, Mortality.

Surveys of Canine Filarioids In Nigeria: The Path Travelled and the Way Forward

Filarioid worms infecting dogs have recently received increased attention globally because of their zoonotic potential. In Africa and, particularly, in Nigeria, however, where there is preponderance of the risk factors for vector-borne diseases transmission, there are few reports of the disease in the canid and felid definitive hosts, the wild/domestic reservoirs and humans. Thus, the epidemiology of the disease in Nigeria remains sketchy and needs to be investigated. A retrospective analysis of reported canine filarioids in Nigeria was undertaken with the view to highlight what has been done and reported, existing gaps in knowledge, what needs to be done to bridge the gap and possibly how it could be done. Thirteen published works on canine filarioids using classical laboratory methods in Nigeria, reported the finding of Dirofilaria immitis (0.4–15.1%), Dirofilaria repens (0.1–9.4%), Acanthocheilonema reconditum (0.4–9.2%) and a case of A. dracunculoides in an unspecified dog population. In most instances, the species identification of the filarioids reported was not conclusive due to limitation of the diagnostic methods employed. No human infection due to any zoonotic canine filarioid has been reported in Nigeria. Suggestions for prospective filarioids research in Nigeria were made. Keywords: Filarioids, dog, zoonosis, diagnosis, Nigeria

Antihaemolytic, Antihaemorrhagic and Antifibrinolytic Effects of Fractions of Buchholzia coriacea Seeds on Naja nigricollis Crude Venom

Bulchhozia coriacea (Capparaceae) seeds are used in managing snake bite in Western Nigeria were investigated against Naja nigricollis (Spitting cobra) venom-induced hemolytic, hemorrhagic and fibrinolytic effects. This study was aimed at determining the antihaemolytic, antihaemorrhagic as well as antifibrinolytic effects of B. coriacea on N. nigricollis crude venom. Microwave-assisted extraction with hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol was carried out. Naja nigricollis venom-induced erythrocyte lysis (100 %) was significantly reduced to 18% by the chloroform fraction at 0.625 mg/mL. At the concentration of 0.625 mg/mL, the hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol fractions administered in combination with the venom reduced percentage hemorrhagic activity to 23%, 17%, 49%, and 87%, respectively. In conclusion, Bulchhozia coriacea seed fractions exhibited significant antihaemolytic, antihaemorrhagic and antifibrinolytic activities against N. nigricollis crude venom and may beneficial as a pre-treatment the while victim is transferred to a healthcare facility to receive the definite treatment to ensure speedy recovery. Key words: Antihaemolytic, antihaemorrhagic, fibrinolytic, venom, Bulchhozia coriacea

Immunomodulatory Effect of Moringa oleifera Lam. Aqueous Extract on the Burrowing Crab, Cardiosoma guanhumi (Latreille, 1828)

Moringa oleifera has impressive range of nutritional and medicinal values which when consumed have influence on hematological profile which is applied as an index of physiological condition of various organisms and thus provide information about the health status of local populations. The study aimed to determine the effects of M. oleifera aqueous leaves extract on the hematology, serum biochemical profile and antioxidant enzyme activities of the burrowing crab, Cardiosoma guanhumi. Thirty juveniles of C. guanhumi (Average weight 43.20±0.05 g) were tested, where six crabs were randomly selected and distributed per each tank (1 x 1x 0.6m3) of 1litre of water. Different diets containing M. oleifera aqueous extract at inclusion levels of 0.5 ml, 1.0 ml, 1.5 ml, 2.0 ml and control were used to feed the crabs. Total Haemocyte Count ranged between 2733.33±0.90 mL and 6350.00±0.60 mL; there were significant differences among the treatment groups (p < 0.05). Haemocyte sub-population variables showed that crabs fed the control and 2.0ml M. oleifera kg-1 diet had increased in the granulocyte and monocyte populations but a decrease in the agranulocytes. The results of the serum enzymes showed an increase as the level of M. oleifera aqueous extract increases in the diet. Highest superoxide dismutase (75.43 ±21.25 min/mg pro) and catalase activities (2.96±0.18 min/mg pro), malondialdehyde (12.05±2.09 nmol/L) and glutathione concentrations (0.19 ±0.02 μmol/L) were recorded in crabs fed diet T4 (2.0ml M. oleifera kg-1), while the lowest were obtained in crabs fed control diet. The present study showed that the inclusion of M. oleifera aqueous extract up to 1.0ml kg-1 will have immunomodulatory performance on Cardiosoma guanhumi without any deleterious effect on the crab’s health status. Keywords: Hemato-Biochemicals, Land Crab, Lagos Lagoon, Plant Extract, Nigeria

Clinicopathological Effects of Oral Administration of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Charcoal–Tree (Trema Orientalis Linn Blume) in Jamnapari Crossbred Goats

The present study was aimed at evaluating the clinicopathological changes due to oral administration of ethanol leaf extract of Trema orientalis (ELETO) in Jamnapari crossbred goats. The clinical manifestations, gross and histopathological changes in the major vital organs were used as indices of the toxicity. The severity of gross and microscopic changes were evaluated by scoring technique. Twenty goats weighing between 15-20kg were divided into four groups with five goats in each group in a completely randomized design. The test groups I, II, III were administered ELETO at the dosages of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0g/kg b.wt per os/day respectively, for 14 days while, group IV served as a control. Groups II and III showed decreased appetite whereas, group III showed bilateral congestion of ocular mucous membrane, lacrimation, rectal tenesmus and a significant decrease in body weight compared to control. The main gross and microscopic changes were mild to moderate and included; engorgement of the gall bladder, congestion and icteric liver, hepatocellular degeneration, vacuolation, necrosis and renal congestion observed mainly in group III goats. The results indicate that the ELETO was hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic at continued oral doses equal to or more than 2.0g/kg b.wt in goats but no significant toxicity when used at lowers doses. Therefore, special caution should be taken when keeping goats in areas with T. orientalis. Keywords: Ethanol extract, Trema orientalis, Clinicopathological changes, Goatsv

Knowledge of Validation Status of Point-of-care Glucometers among Veterinarians and Veterinary Technologists in Nigeria

Point-of-care glucometers (PCGs) have of recent almost replaced the conventional laboratory methods of blood glucose determination in animals. This study evaluated the level of awareness and knowledge about the use of handheld PCGs among veterinarians and veterinary technologists. Respondents to a structured questionnaire included academic staff and laboratory technologists from veterinary schools and public and private veterinarians across Nigeria. Design of the questions progressed from whether one had ever used a PCG before or not, how they knew about the PCG, the brands used, for what purposes and on which animals. Results showed that out of 209 respondents, 75 (36%) had used PCGs. Of this number, 37 (49.33%) used PCGs for research purposes, while 36 and 6.67% had used the PCGs for diagnosis of glucose disorders in animals and for both research and diagnostic purposes, respectively. The distribution of respondents that knew about the validation status of the PCGs used was 2.67%. As values generated by each PCG vary significantly in different species, there may be chances of reporting erroneous research conclusions as well as misdiagnosis of glucose disorders with consequent erroneous therapies in such species. Keywords: Point-of-care Glucometers, Validation status, Veterinarians.

Oocysts Output of Broilers Experimentally Infected with Eimeria tenella And Treated with N- Butanol Leaf Extract of Khaya senegalensis

A study to determine the anticoccidial efficacy of Khaya senegalensis in relation to oocyst shedding by broilers experimentally infected with Eimeria tenella was conducted. The development of drug- resistant field strains of Eimeria species has prompted the exploitation of alternative methods for controlling coccidiosis and there is an increasing use of medicinal plants as alternatives to orthodox medicine. Fresh leaves of Khaya senegalensis (KS) were collected dried under shade and the extract prepared using the maceration method in 70% methanol. The dried crude extract was partitioned into petroleum ether, chloroform, n-butanol and aqueous portions, dried with phytochemical analysis conducted on them. One hundred and twenty birds reared under standard management practice were divided into six groups (A, B, C, D, E and F). All the groups except group F (uninfected untreated group) were infected at four weeks old with sporulated Eimeria tenella oocysts (1.0 x 105 sporulated oocysts / ml / bird) obtained locally from the intestinal scrapings of experimentally infected broilers. Groups A, B and C were given calculated three dose levels of 11mg/kg, 33mg/kg, 99mg/kg respectively of the prepared n-butanol methanol extract twice daily for 5 days, group D was given Amprolium while E and F were each given 0.2ml water. Faecal samples were collected daily for 4 weeks into clean well labelled polythene bags and analysed in the laboratory for oocyst count using the McMaster counting chamber and were expressed as oocysts count per gramme of faeces. The birds were observed for pathological lesions grossly and histopathologically and the survival rates were determined. Data collected were analysed using analysis of variance and chi square. Results from the Phytochemical studies showed the presence of phenolic compounds in Khaya senegalensis. Post-infection faecal examination revealed oocyst load of +++ in all the infected pens (A-E) on the 6th day. Comparison of the groups with time showed statistical significance (P˂0.05). High mean oocyst production (A; 156060 ± 67020, B; 261590 ± 144310, C; 211620 ± 114280, D; 276930 ± 233650 and E; 159230 ± 100970) among the infected groups one week post infection as well as irregular oocyst production were observed in the course of this study. The higher mean oocysts count obtained in the infected untreated group (1748849 ± 40869) than the extract treated groups in the first week post treatment indicated that the extract had some inhibitory effects on oocyst production. This however, was dose dependent. Among the extract treated group, the 99mg/kg had lower mean oocyst production 2 weeks post treatment (9720 ± 3180) and this was comparable to the group treated with normal dose of the conventional drug Amprolium (8600 ± 40). This was therefore seen as the effective dose. Grossly, the extract had a beneficial effect in alleviating the damages to the caecal epithelium of the infected treated groups compared to the shrunken caeca of the infected untreated groups. The survival percentage was higher in the treated groups compared to the infected un treated group (55%) though Amprolium was more efficacious in the in vivo study with the highest survival rate of 90%. The histopathological lesions observed in the infected birds in this study were consistent with those associated with E tenella infection in which the parasite induced very severe lesions including severe villous atrophy and fusion. The anticoccidial efficacy of Khaya senegalensis promises greater areas for research as it relates to drug development and it is recommended that Khaya senegalensis should be exploited further for its anticoccidial properties using other parts of the plant. Key words: Broiler chickens, Eimeria tenella, oocyst production, Khaya senegalensis, in vivo

Sero-Detection of Avian Influenza A/H7 in Nigerian Live-Bird Markets in Plateau State

Avian influenza has been reported in domestic birds in Nigeria since 2006 and subtype H5 of the Gs/Gg lineage has continued to be detected up till date. It has been suggested that waterfowls and local birds sold in live-bird markets may be natural reservoir and source of reinfection of different subtype of avian influenza in poultry farms. This study aims at serodetection of avian influenza virus in waterfowls and local birds at live-bird markets in Plateau State, Nigeria. A total of three hundred and nine (309) blood samples were collected over a period of three months and two hundred and ninety-two (292) sera were analysed by c-ELISA for influenza A nucleoprotein using standard protocols. Haemagglutination Inhibition (HI) specific for subtypes H5, H9, and H7 was also carried out using standard protocols on ELISA positive samples. The results showed seroprevalence of 5.14% (n=15) for influenza A. Serotype H7 was thereafter detected by HI in 5 of the 15 influenza A positive samples. The H7 positive sera also reacted with H7N3, H7N4, H7N1 and H7N7 virus strains with HI titre ranging between 1:32 to 1:512. This investigation for the first time showed serological evidence of influenza A subtype H7 in local birds and waterfowls sold at the live bird market in Nigeria. Further virological surveillance to isolate the virus is important in order to better understand influenza virus epidemiology in Nigeria and the potential risk that other subtypesof influenza poses to poultry production and public health. Keywords: Influenza A, subtype H7, serological detection, live bird market, Nigeria.

In vitro Efficacy of Albendazole against Strongyle eggs recovered from Trade Goats slaughtered at the Nsukka Abattoir: A Preliminary Survey of Resistance to Albendazole

The efficacy of Albendazole against trichostrongyle nematode parasites in goats presented for slaughter at the Nsukka municipal abattoir was evaluated using the In vitro Egg hatch assay (EHA) model. The abattoir was visited once every week for 4 consecutive months during which a total of 240 goats were sampled. Fecal samples were collected per rectum from a minimum of 15 goats on each day of the visit. Egg Hatch Assay was performed on strongyle eggs recovered from pooled faecal sample on each day of sampling with a 2.5% W/V Albendazole. Faecal culture was also set up from the pooled faecal sample on each sampling day to recover and identify the nematode parasites present in the goats. Among the 240 goats sampled, the prevalence of trichostrongylosis as observed by the presence of strongyle eggs was 94.6% (227/240). Faecal culture and larval identification revealed 69.8% of the strongyles as Haemonchus contortus, while 25.5 and 4.8% were Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Oesophagostomum species respectively. In the EHA, Albendazole had mean LC50 value of 0.16 µg/ml which is slightly in excess of the discriminating dose of 0.1µg/ml as prescribed by the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (WAAVP) as an indication of anthelmintic resistance. There is therefore an urgent need to screen the nematode parasite population in the Nigeria for the presence Albendazole resistance genes. Key words: GI nematode; egg hatch assay; goat; Albendazole; Resistance; Nigeria