The potential for upgrading traditional fermented foods through biotechnology

Fermented foods play an important socio–economic role in developing countries as well as making a major contribution to the protein requirements of natural populations. In general, traditional fermented foods are made under primitive conditions, which result in low yield and poor quality. This paper outlines the present status of some indigenous fermented foods and beverages with some information on the microbiology and biochemistry of the fermentations. Among these are ogi, a fermented cereal gruel used as a weaning food, pito and burukutu, alcoholic cereal beverages. Dawadawa from fermented oil seeds is also popular as nutritious non–meat protein foods, while serving as a condiments and flavors in soups. Traditionally, women carry out fermented food processing activities. The production is craft-based despite the dawn of science and technology. The techniques they use are labour intensive, time consuming and have low productivities, with success depending upon observation of good manufacturing practice. Factors contributing to lack of consumer appeal of indigenous manufactured foods will be also considered. In the change from craft to a technology based production system, several strategies should be adopted. These include the use of starter cultures, stabilization of spontaneous fermentations, and production of food processing enzymes. In view of the considerable range of technologies for improving traditional bioprocessing, the challenges and potential application of biotechnology in upgrading these foods will be discussed.African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 4 (5), pp. 375-380, 200

Efficacy of triclabendazole and albendazole against Fasciola spp. infection in cattle in Côte d'Ivoire: a randomised blinded trial

Triclabendazole is the anthelminthic of choice for the treatment of fascioliasis, however, it is not yet registered in many countries. Therefore, we investigated the efficacy of a single-dose of triclabendazole (12 mg/kg) or albendazole (15 mg/kg) against Fasciola spp. infection in cattle on farms in the northern part of Cote d'Ivoire in a randomized clinical trial. Faecal samples were obtained from 196 cattle, of which 155 (79.1%) were found positive for Fasciola spp. by the sedimentation technique. Cattle infected with Fasciola spp. were randomly allocated (3:3:1) to receive triclabendazole (n=66), albendazole (n=67) or left untreated to serve as control (n=22). Follow-up faecal samples were collected on days 21, 28, 90 and 188 post-treatment. No adverse events were observed as reported by the farmer in any of the treatment groups. The proportion of non-egg shedding cattle (PNES), assessed at day 21 (primary outcome), was significantly higher in cattle treated with triclabendazole (95.4%) compared to those receiving albendazole (70.3%; odds ratio [OR] 0.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.03-0.39, p <0.001). The egg reduction rate (ERR) expressed as number of eggs per gram of faeces (epg), a secondary endpoint assessed at day 21 post-treatment, was significantly higher in the triclabendazole arm (arithmetic mean (AM) ERR=99.8%) than in the albendazole arm (AM ERR=92.2%), with a difference of 7.6%-points (95% CI: 0.9-14.5%-points, p=0.03). Reinfection rates at days 90 and 188 post-treatment (secondary endpoint) were lower in the triclabendazole arm (5.3% and 18.5%) compared to the albendazole arm (23.5% and 33.3%). This is the first report of efficacy of triclabendazole against Fasciola spp. in naturally infected cattle in Cote d'Ivoire. Our results confirm that triclabendazole is the most effective treatment of fascioliasis and therefore, should be considered for the control of livestock fascioliasis; if resources allow in combination with intermediate host snail control and raising farmers awareness of pasture and livestock management to avoid reinfection

Prevalence and distribution of livestock schistosomiasis and fascioliasis in Côte d'Ivoire: results from a cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND: Schistosoma and Fasciola are zoonotic parasites of public health and veterinary importance. However, while the epidemiology of schistosomiasis in humans is well studied, little is known about fascioliasis and schistosomiasis in livestock in Cote d'Ivoire. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and the distribution of livestock schistosomiasis and fascioliasis across Cote d'Ivoire. In 2018, we conducted a cross-sectional survey in abattoirs and farms in 13 departments of Cote d'Ivoire. In abattoirs, the mesenteric veins and livers of slaughtered cattle, sheep and goats were examined for adult Schistosoma and Fasciola flukes. Faeces from live cattle, goats and sheep were collected and examined for Schistosoma and Fasciola eggs using a sedimentation technique. RESULTS: A total of 386 cattle, 174 goats and 151 sheep from abattoirs and 435 cattle, 22 goats and 176 sheep from farms were sampled. The observed prevalence of schistosomiasis was higher in slaughtered animals. Fascioliasis was more prevalent in farm animals. The prevalence of schistosomiasis in slaughtered cattle varied between 5.9% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.7-19.7%) and 53.3% (95% CI: 37.9-68.3%) with the highest prevalence observed in Ouangolodougou in the North. Cattle from farms had a relatively low prevalence of schistosomiasis, with the highest prevalence found in Ouangolodougou (2.4%, 95% CI: 0.7-6.1%). The prevalence of fascioliasis varied considerably from one department to another, ranging from nil (95% CI: 0.0-18.5%) to 50.8% (95% CI: 43.4-58.2%), with the highest prevalence found in farm cattle in Dikodougou in the North. Sheep and goats had a lower prevalence of schistosomiasis and fascioliasis than cattle. In slaughtered animals, cattle aged 4 years and older were at highest risk for schistosomiasis (odds ratio (OR): 2.4; 95% CI: 1.0-5.6) and fascioliasis (OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.1-3.9). In farm animals, male cattle had higher odds of being infected with Schistosoma (OR: 4.3; 95% CI: 0.7-26.9) than females. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms that schistosomiasis and fascioliasis are endemic in livestock across Cote d'Ivoire. A strategic control programme should be considered, especially for cattle, including providing drinking water in troughs to reduce faecal contamination of water sources by cattle

Seasonal variation in bacterial heavy metal biosorption in water samples from Eziama river near soap and brewery industries and the environmental health implications

Seasonal variation in bacterial heavy metals biosorption from soap and brewery industrial effluent samples from Eziama River in Abia State were analyzed for Pb, Hg, Fe, Zn, As, and Mn, using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Bioaccumulation of the metals by bacteria showed the following trend > Fe >Zn >As > Pb > Mn (Rainy Season) and Zn > Fe > Mn > As > Hg > Pb (Dry season). Statistical analysis using of variance (ANOVA) showed significant differences in concentrations of Pb, Hg, Fe, Zn, As, and Mn level between the sampling zones at Eziama River. Seasonal changes in heavy metal concentrations, showed increases in Pb, Fe, and As from 1.32 x 105 mg/ L in the rainy season to 1.42 x 105 mg/L in the dry season. Fe increased from 40.35 x 105 mg/L to 42.1 x 105 mg/L, while As increased from 2.32 to 2.48 x 105 mg/L with a net increases of +56 and + 69 x 105 mg/L respectively. However, Hg, Zn, and Mn concentrations decreased in the rainy season from 40.54 x 105 mg/L to 39.24 x 105 mg/L, 1.65 to 0.62 x 105 mg/L respectively

Accuracy of the sedimentation and filtration methods for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis in cattle

Infection with blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma causes considerable human and animal morbidity, mortality and economic loss to the livestock industry. Current diagnostic tools have limitations. In this study, we compared the sedimentation and filtration methods for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis in livestock. A total of 196 faecal samples from cattle in Cote d'Ivoire were subjected to sedimentation and filtration for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis and other intestinal parasite infections. Schistosoma eggs or miracidia were discovered in 32 samples: 15 by filtration only, seven by sedimentation only, six concurrently by both methods and four by observing miracidia swimming on the sedimentation slide. The sensitivity of sedimentation and filtration was 41% and 66%, respectively. Cases with no Schistosoma eggs identified in the sediment but miracidia swimming on the slide indicate that eggs had hatched before microscopy. More accurate diagnostic are required for livestock schistosomiasis, in order to better understand the epidemiology and inform control and elimination efforts in livestock and human populations