Evaluation of potentials of aqueous ethanolic extract of Psidium guajava on reproductive functions of male Albino rats

The therapeutic utilization of plants for managing several diseases by people of all continents, especially Africa, is as old as tradition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potentials of aqueous ethanolic leaf extract of Psidium guajava on male reproductive parameters. Twenty-four male Albino rats were randomly assigned into four groups of six rats per group. Rats in the control group were administered Tween 20®. Rats in groups 2, 3, and 4 were administered Psidium guajava aqueous ethanolic leaf extract orally at the doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight, respectively, once daily for 60 days. The body weights of the rats were determined at the beginning and end of the experiment. Sperm parameters and some reproductive organs weight of each rat was also determined, some organs were collected for histopathology. Assay for follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone was done using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent methods. Some reproductive organs were collected for histopathological analyses. The results showed a dose-dependent increase (p<0.05) in the weight of male reproductive organs, sperm parameters, and hormones. The extract significantly increased (P < 0.05) serum testosterone in the group treated 400 mg/kg body weight when treated groups were compared with control. Furthermore, the results of FSH and LH revealed a significant (p < 0.05) increase when the treated groups were compared with the control. The histopathological analysis did not reveal any form of damage to the architectural integrity of the testis. However, there was degenerating germinal epithelium in the group administered 400 mg/kg of the aqueous ethanolic leaf extract of P. guajava. Conclusion: aqueous ethanolic extract of P. guajava has positive effects on male reproductive parameters.

Prevalence and molecular identification of Mycobacteria isolated from animals slaughtered at Sokoto modern abattoir, Sokoto State, Nigeria

This study investigated the molecular epidemiology of Mycobacteria isolated from animals slaughtered at Sokoto modern abattoir. During meat inspection, 104 suspected tuberculosis lesions were sampled from a total of 102,681 animals slaughtered between November 2016 and January 2018. These samples were subjected to Ziehl Neelsen staining, followed by culture on Lowenstein-Jensen media. Subsequently, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of the 65KDa heat shock protein (hsp65) gene were performed to identify and phylogenetically characterize the cultured organisms. Because sequencing of the hsp65 gene was unable to distinguish between Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) and M. tuberculosis, PCR was performed to amplify a genomic region-specific to M. bovis in order to differentiate them from M. tuberculosis. Results showed that, 14 samples yielded growth after culture. Furthermore, hsp65 was detected in 9 out of the 14 isolates screened, 5 of the amplicons were successfully sequenced. Similarity search using NCBI BLAST tool showed the five sequences to share highest identities with Mycobacterium novocastrense (95.99%), M. canettii (94.54%), and M. tuberculosis/M. bovis (100%). Two out of the 5 isolates were confirmed to be M. bovis after PCR amplification using M. bovis specific primers. Phylogenetic tree further confirmed the identity of these isolates by placing them close to species of their kind. Further studies should be conducted to establish the transmission dynamics of the zoonotic Mycobacteria between animals and their owners, to facilitate control and eradication of tuberculosis.

Gross testicular morphometric parameters and sperm reserves in indigenous Ghanaian West African dwarf goats

The West African Dwarf (WAD) goat has genetic potentials that can be exploited for improved goat production. However, their testicular morphometric parameters and sperm reserves in Ghana are not well known. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Sabtiu Musah abattoir in Kumasi, Ghana, to evaluate the gross testicular morphometric parameters and sperm reserves in 10 indigenous WAD goats. The samples were stored on an ice chest and transported to the Regional Veterinary Laboratory for analysis on the day of collection. In the laboratory, the testes and epididymis were separated by dissection and then freed of all connective tissue and the Tunica albuginea. The weight, length, width and volume of the testis were determined. A segment of testicular parenchyma was incised and homogenized in a 20 ml normal saline solution. The resulting homogenate was stored in the refrigerator overnight and a filtered aliquot used for estimating spermatid concentration and sperm reserves. The weight, length, width, volume of the testis and the gonadosomatic index were 70.09 ±14.19 gm, 7.46 ± 0.52 cm, 5.08 ± 0.62, cm, 102.40 ± 29.40 ml and 5.09 ± 0.07%, respectively. The sperm reserves per the whole testis, sperm reserves per gramme testis, Daily Sperm production (DSP), and DSP per gramme testis of Ghanaian WAD bucks were 146.0 ± 50.95, 2.2 ± 0.62, 41.01 ± 14.3 and 0.62 ± 0.17 x109 spermatozoa, respectively. Indigenous West African Draft goats have a high potential for sperm production. It is recommended that further research be conducted on the semen quality parameters of this breed.

Seroprevalence of anti-toxoplasma gondii antibodies in free-range chickens in Kaduna metropolis, Nigeria

Free-range chickens play a vital role in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis because they feed on the ground, exposing them to infective oocysts shed by cats that contaminate the environment. The role of chickens in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis in Nigeria is understudied. Therefore, in the present study, we surveyed 222 free-range chickens slaughtered for human consumption in Kaduna metropolis, Nigeria, for the presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). Of the total birds sampled, 27.9% (62/222) were seropositive. Results showed no statistically significant association between seroprevalence and sex (p > 0.05). The study has demonstrated the presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in free-range chickens in Kaduna, Nigeria, indicative of exposure of the sampled chickens to T. gondii oocysts. Proper cooking of poultry meat obtained from the study location is advocated to avoid exposure to T. gondii.

Six decades of infectious bursal disease in poultry: The journey so far and challenges ahead

Despite six decades of concerted efforts, Infectious bursal disease (IBD) still remains a major threat to the poultry industry worldwide. Most importantly, the emergence of variant and very virulent strains of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) has dramatically changed the epidemiology of the disease, thus resulting in the renewed efforts in the search for effective control measures. Currently, live attenuated, inactivated, and immune-complex vaccines are among the immune-therapeutic approaches employed for the control of IBD in the field alongside adequate biosecurity, albeit with various degrees of success and limitations. Progress in genetic engineering has allowed the generation of reverse genetic IBDV mutants, recombinant live viral vectors expressing the IBDV VP2 immunodominant protein, intra-serotypic recombinant IBDV viral-like particle co-expressing the outer capsid protein structures derived from 2 or more serotype 1 strains or the incorporation of either VP2 or VP2-4-3 polyprotein sequences alongside molecular adjuvants that can be used as IBD vaccine candidates to elicit an immune response. However, despite these advances, outbreaks are still reported even in flocks that have up to date vaccination records and somewhat excellent management practices. This paper reviews aspect of genetic characteristics of IBDV and reflects on the progress and future challenges in providing effective IBD vaccine to achieve effective control of both classical and very-virulent IBDV serotypes that constitute a major devastation to poultry production and health.

Molecular characterization of Salmonella enterica from poultry farms in Ilorin, north-central Nigeria

Poultry salmonellosis caused by Salmonella enterica is one of the most important bacterial diseases posing serious challenges to poultry production and human health worldwide. This study investigated the occurrence, serotypes, multilocus sequence types (MLSTs), antimicrobial resistance, plasmids, and 12 selected virulence genes of non-typhoidal Salmonella from poultry layer farms using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) methods. Two hundred cloaca swab samples were aseptically collected from four commercial poultry farms (layers) and transferred in sterile universal bottles on ice to the laboratory for analysis. Presumptive Salmonella isolates were detected with selective media and conventional biochemical tests. Serovars were confirmed by serotyping using the slide agglutination and Seqsero methods. Seven samples were positive for Salmonella consisting of Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) (n = 4), S. Albany (n = 2), and S. Agama with an occurrence rate of 3.5 % (7/200). Overall, 3 isolates showed the parC mutation expected not to cause resistance. Similarly, one S. Typhimurium isolate carried plasmid replicons of IncFIB(S)/IncFII(S) type without antimicrobial resistance genes. Three sequence types (STs); 19 (S. Typhimurium), 5317 (S. Albany), and 467 (S. Agama) were obtained. Salmonella Agama harboured 12 virulence genes, while S. Typhimurium and S. Albany harboured 11 virulence genes each. This study highlights the importance of S. Typhimurium, S. Albany, and S. Agama as major pathogens associated with poultry farms in Ilorin, north-central Nigeria. It equally provided baseline information on the serovar distribution, STs, resistance and the virulence gene profiles of all the serovars. Therefore, chickens can serve as a potential source of Salmonella transmission to humans, and this constitutes a potential health risk to the human population. Hence, there is a need for a specific Salmonella control program to be instituted as part of a national food safety strategy.

Cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex in a mastectomized Boerboel bitch following tamoxifen administration

Tamoxifen is a non-steroidal, anti-estrogenic and selective estrogen receptor modulator commonly used as adjuvant chemotherapy in humans with breast cancer and occasionally in dogs following mastectomy. This report presents a case of cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra in a dog following oral administration of the tamoxifen. A 4-year-old intact nulliparous Boerboel bitch presented at Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. It was diagnosed with mammary carcinoma of the right cranial lumbar mammary gland. Mastectomy was performed followed by oral administration of Tamoxifen (10mg daily) for six weeks as adjunct chemotherapy. Eight weeks after, the owner reported that the bitch was lethargic, anorexic and had a purulent vaginal discharge. Abdominal ultrasound revealed cystic endometrial hyperplasia. Results of complete blood counts showed neutrophilic (absolute neutrophil count = 19.5×103/L) leukocytosis (total leukocyte count = 24.9X103/L), while bacterial culture yielded moderate growth of Staphylococcus aureus, which was sensitive to Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin, Sparfloxacin and Gentamycin. The bitch was treated with 400μg of Misoprostol and 500mg of Ciprofloxacin twice daily for two weeks. Ovariohysterectomy (OVH) was performed using a ventral midline approach when no significant improvement was observed from medical treatment. The dog improved significantly after ovariohysterectomy and was discharged one week after OVH. It was concluded that, although tamoxifen is routinely used as adjuvant chemotherapy following mastectomy, more research is required to evaluate its safety in intact bitches.

A retrospective study of avascular necrosis of the femoral head in dogs in Delta State, Nigeria

The study evaluated the prevalence of avascular necrosis of the femoral head in dogs in Delta State, Nigeria. For ten years, data of cases presented to Veterinary Clinics in five government clinics in Delta state were evaluated and analysed. The breed of dog, sex, age on presentation, the limb affected and the radiographic appearance of the lesions on presentation were reviewed. The treatment and clinical management approaches were also reviewed and discussed. Of the cases of avascular necrosis of the femoral head recorded (N = 24) for the period under review, breed prevalence recorded 62.5% (Alsatians); 16.67% (Caucasians) and 20.83% (Mixed Breeds). Sex prevalence recorded 79.17% females and 20.83% males. According to age at the time of the first presentation, 83.83% of the affected dogs were 6-12month old, 12.5% were 13-24month old, and 4.16% were 25–36 month-old. Lameness was observed in 91.67%, while 8.33% of cases presented non-weight bearing lameness. Pain in the limbs during palpation of the hip joint was detected in 100% of the cases. Atrophy in the hind limb was identified in 41.66% of the patients, while 62.5% of the dogs showed different degrees of medial patellar luxation. In 91.6% of cases, the disease was unilateral, with 63.63% unilateral lesions in the right hind limb and 36.37% in the left hind limb. The study results showed a high prevalence of avascular necrosis of the femoral head in large breeds of dogs in the Delta state. The management of the disease is mainly conservative with poor follow-up. Cost of surgery and management may discourage owners from follow up. However, surgery remains the gold stand of care for managing avascular necrosis of the femoral head in dogs.

Influence of season on herd size and birth rate of small-holder goats in the Southern Guinea Savanna

The study aimed to evaluate the influence of season on herd size and the birth rate of goats in Southern Guinea Savanna, Nigeria. The study was carried out in Idah, Kogi State, Nigeria. A total of 54 households from 6 villages were used for the evaluation. Structured questionnaires on the socio-economic characteristics of the goat owners were administered. Data on the reproductive performance of goats were collected by visual appraisal. The data collected were on herd size, sex, number of pregnant goats, lactating goats and newly weaned kids. The result showed that more women (63.6%) were involved in goat rearing than males (36.4%), and about 91.6% of the respondents had a herd size of 1-20 goats, while only 8.4% had a herd size of 21-30. The goat herd distribution showed that the average herd size was 16.5goats, within the range of 7 to 30 goats. The herd structure was 391 females and 184 males. Three breeds of goats were identified, the West African Dwarf (WAD) goats being the dominant (397), followed by Maradi (Red Sokoto) breed (113), and the least was Pygmy breed (75). Season significantly influenced pregnancy and the number of lactating goats. There were more lactating goats during the cold-wet period and more pregnant goats during the hot-dry season. It was concluded that goat production is still at the peasant level, and goats were kept as a supplementary source of income. The conception rate was high during the cold-dry season, which was manifested in the hot-dry season. More awareness is still needed to increase the production of goats in the area. We recommend a reproduction program should be targeted during the cold-dry season where the conception rate is high.

Lead and coliform contaminants in groundwater sources in peri-urban areas of Makurdi, Nigeria

Benue State has one of the most populated state capitals in North-central Nigeria, suffering from acute water shortage despite River Benue that runs through the town. The combined effect of inadequate potable water supply and the polluted nature of the River has pushed the populace, especially peri-urban residents, to resort to water from wells and boreholes. This study investigates the possible contamination by lead, and some waterborne pathogenic bacterial burden of water from wells and boreholes. Four peri-urban areas of Makurdi, Nigeria, were selected for the study. A total of 768 samples were randomly collected, 192 from each location.The presence of lead was quantified using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, while the bacteriological assessment was done using Multiple Tube Fermentation Techniques and biochemical tests. The mean value for lead at the different sampling sites ranged from 0.030 to 0.079mg/L. The mean value of lead in all the wells and locations was significantly (P<0.05) higher than the WHO recommended values of 0.01 mg/L for lead. Five species of pathogenic bacteria were isolated and identified, namely E. coli, Salmonella subsp 3B, Enterobacter pagglomeran complex, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Citrobacter freundii. The mean value for E. coli at the different well types ranged from 0.000 to 0.401 CFUX10 and were significantly (P<0.05) different. Water from wells in Makurdi had high lead concentration as well as enteric pathogenic bacteria that render it not fit for human consumption. It is recommended that regulatory agencies should protect wells through the development of relevant guidelines to address the risk of water contamination.