Evaluation of the wound healing potential of ointment preparation of ethyl-acetate extract of Moringa Oleifera (Lam) in rats

Background: This study examined the in vitro antibacterial property of extracts of Moringa oleifera and the effect of different concentrations of the ethyl-acetate extract on cutaneous wound using an ointment delivery base. The aim of the study was to screen the extracts with best antibacterial property and evaluate effectiveness of different concentrations of the best extract when delivery is modified to ensure prolonged contact and reduced frequency of administration using an ointment base delivery vehicle.Materials and Methods: Dried and pulverized leaves of Moringa oleifera were screened for secondary metabolites. Successive gradient extraction was carried out using n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol. Leaf extracts were screened against clinical wound isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis using agar cup diffusion technique. The ethyl acetate extract was investigated for its healing efficiency on excision wound model in rats. The study made use of wistar rats (150-180 kg), randomized into Gentamicin, M. oleifera ointment (5% and 3.25%), and ointment base treatment groups. Treatments were applied topically on days 0, 7 and 14. The percentage wound closure rate was measured and histopathology of the healed wounds carried out.Results: In vitro antimicrobial screening showed that ethyl-acetate extract was effective against the test isolates. Topical application of ointment with 3.25% of the plant extract resulted in faster wound closure rate, rapid epithelization, resolution of granulation tissue, and remodeling at histology.Conclusion: This may be due to less interference by components of M. oleifera which appear to retard wound healing at higher concentrations. Therefore, M. oleifera 3.25% ointment preparation is recommended topically for wound healing.Keywords: Antimicrobial, ethyl acetate, Moringa oleifera, wound healing, ointment

EFFICACY OF TAMARIND Tamarindus indica LEAVES AND MANGO Mangifera indicaLEAVES AS FEED ADDITIVES ON GROWTH, BLOOD STATUS AND RESISTANCE TOAeromonas hydrophila IN JUVENILE AFRICAN CATFISH Clarias gariepinus

U istraživanju se ispitivala djelotvornost lišća tamarinda (TL) i manga (ML) pri usporedbi s oksitetraciklinom (OXY) na učinak rasta, krvni status i otpornost mlađi afričkog soma Clarias gariepinus na Aeromonas hidrofila. Eksperimentalna hrana sastojala se od kontrole (0%), TL2 (1%), TL3 (2%), ML4 (1%), ML5 (2%), OXY6 (30 mg/ kg hrane), (TL + ML) 7, (TL + OXY) 8, (ML + OXY) 9 i (TL + ML + OXY) 10. Ribe (3,02 ± 0,01 g) su smještene u bazene s dva ponavljanja (20 riba u ponavljanju). Hranjene su dva puta dnevno izoproteinskom hranom (40% sirovog proteina), količinom od 3% tjelesne mase u trajanju od dvanaest tjedana (8 tjedana za pokusnu hranidbu i 4 tjedna za bakterijski test). Srednje vrijednosti prirasta mase (MWG), specifične stope rasta (SGR), hematokrita (PCV), hemoglobina (Hb), limfocita (LYM), globulina (GLO), amino-alanin transferaze (ALT) i aspartat amino- transferaze (AST) utvrđene su standardnom tehnikom određivanja. Ribe su zaražene sa 5.94 log10 CFU / ml A. hydrophila interperitonealno te su hranjene s eksperimentalnim hranama kako bi se procijenio relativni postotak preživljavanja (RPS). Podaci su obrađeni deskriptivnom statistikom i jednosmjernom analizom varijance pri P =0,05. Riba hranjena eksperimentalnom hranom imala je više vrijednosti stope rasta s naglaskom na ribu hranjenom hranom (TL + ML + OXY) 10 koja je imala značajno viši MWG i SGR (7,74 ± 0,69 g, odnosno 0,77 ± 0,01 g). Također, vrijednosti PCV (44,0 ±2,00%), Hb (14,7 ±2,00 g / dl), LYM (37,0 ± 2,00), GLO (42,0 +2,00 g / dl) bile su više kod riba skupine (TL + ML + OXY) 10 nego kod riba kontrolne skupine. Vrijednosti AST i ALT kod riba u tretiranim skupinama bile su niže od vrijednosti kontrole. RPS na A. hidrofila bio je viši u tretiranim skupinama (100%) od kontrolnih (0%). Riba čija je hrana obogaćena listovima tamarinda i manga, imala je poboljšan prirast te veću otpornost na infekciju uzrokovanu A. hydrophila.This study investigated the efficacy of Tamarind Leaves (TL) and Mango Leaves (ML) with Oxytetracycline (OXY) on growth performance, haemato- immunological and disease resistance of Clarias gariepinus juveniles against Aeromonas hydrophila. Experimental diets consist of control (0%), TL2 (1%), TL3 (2%), ML4 (1%), ML5 (2%), OXY6 (30mg/kg diet), (TL+ML) 7, (TL+OXY) 8, (ML+OXY) 9 and (TL+ML+OXY) 10. The fish (3.02±0.01g) were replicated twice with 20 fish per replicate and were fed twice daily at 3% body weight of 40% crude protein for twelve weeks (8 weeks for feeding trial and 4 weeks for challenge test). Mean Weight Gain (MWG), Specific Growth Rate (SGR), Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Haemoglobin (Hb), Lymphocytes (LYM), Globulin (GLO), Amino Alanine Transferase (ALT) and Aspertate Amino Transferase (AST) contents were ascertained using standard technique. The fish were infected with A. hydrophila at 5.94 log10 CFU/ml interperitoneally and fed different diets to evaluate their Relative Percent of Survival (RPS). Data was subjected to descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance at P=0.05. Clarias gariepinus juveniles fed treated diets had higher growth rates than the control diet but C. gariepinus fed (TL+ML+OXY) 10 had a significantly higher MWG and SGR of 7.74±0.69 g and 0.97±0.01 g, respectively. The PCV (44.0±2.00%), Hb (14.7±2.00 g/dl), LYM (37.0±2.00), GLO (42.0 ±2.00 g/dl) were higher in the C. gariepinus fed (TL+ML+OXY) 10 than the control diet. The AST and ALT values among the treated groups were lower than the values in the control at the post-challenge test. The RPS against A. hydrophila was higher in the treated groups (100%) than in the control (0%). Fish fed tamarind and mango leaves had enhanced mean weight gain and were more resistant to A. hydrophila infection

First reported case of dog associated pig rabies in Ghana

Background: Pig rabies is uncommon and there is paucity of information on rabies in pigs in West African countries other than Nigeria. This communication presents a case of dog associated pig rabies in Adidome, Ghana.Materials and Methods: Case history, Dog assessment in adjoining communities, human exposure, clinical presentations and mortality in affected pigs were evaluated using standard techniques. Laboratory screening of brain samples collected was by Fluorescent antibody technique.Results: Stray dog bitten affected pigs showed anorexia, constipation, hyper excitation, twitching of head, roaring and foaming with resultant category 1 and 11 human exposure, 17% mortality and 75% case fatality rate. Laboratory examination of swine brain specimens tested positive for Rabies virus using Fluorescent Agglutination Test.Conclusion: This report described the first documented case of dog associated pig rabies in Ghana and emphasis was laid on continued advocacy and prompt reporting of suspected neurological conditions in pigs in GhanaKey words: Dog associated Rabies, Pig, Ghan

Clinicopathological evaluation of intranasal, subcutaneous and intramuscular routes of vaccination against intratracheal challenge of Peste des petits ruminants virus in goats

An experiment was conducted to compare the efficacy of intranasal vaccination against caprine Peste des petits ruminant lineage 1 variant virus infection with intramuscular and subcutaneous vaccinations. Twenty four goats were divided into four equal groups. Group 1 was vaccinated intranasally, group 2 was vaccinated subcutaneously, and group 3 intramuscularly, while group 4 was the unvaccinated control. In each group, the vaccinations were carried out once. All goats were challenged intratracheally with PPR virus at a concentration of 106.5 TCID50 two weeks after vaccination and were euthanised 21 days after the challenge. The clinical, lung consolidation, gross and histopathological scores were employed using standard techniques. All data were analysed statistically using the paired t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Group 3 had the highest clinical score following the challenge of vaccinated group while deaths were observed only in group 4. Three goats in group 2 and 3 had pneumonic lung lesions, compared with none in group 1 and all the goats in group 4. The lung lesions in group 4 were significantly (P 0.05) while group 1 had no consolidation. This study showed that PPR vaccination using subcutaneous, intramuscular and intranasal routes were protective but that of intranasal was found to be easy to apply hence it could be used for the prevention of the disease in small ruminants

Effects of Tamarindus indica (Linnaeus 1753) pulp-fortified diets on the gut microflora and morphometry in African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822)

The global criticism on the adverse effects of synthetic antibiotics including destabilization of gut microflora necessitated research into natural alternative like phytobiotics. Tamarind pulp is a phytobiotic known for its antimicrobial, growth-promoting and antioxidants properties, with little information on the mechanism of its growth promotion in fish. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of tamarind pulp (TP) meal as feed additives on the growth, gut microflora, and morphometry in Clarias gariepinus. The fish were fed with diets fortified with graded levels (0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% or 2.0%) of TP or 0.2% oxytetracycline (OTC). Fish weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), gut microflora and morphometry were determined. The weight gain of fish rose (P 0.05) with increasing levels of TP, while the FCR reduced significantly, compared to those fed the control diets. The total viable counts and enterobacteriaceae from the gut of fish fed OTC-fortified control diet was lower, compared the fish fed unfortified control (0.0% TP) diet and diets containing TP. Fish fed 1.0-2.0% TP-fortified diets had significantly higher yeast counts, compared to those fed other diets, while on the other hand higher (P0.05) Streptococcus sp was obtained from fish fed the control diets. The thickness of muscular lining of the base of villi, villi height and absorption area were higher (P ˂ 0.05) in fish fed OTC-fortified (C2) diet, compared to other treatments, while lower crypt depth were obtained in fish fed TP-fortified diets. The correlation analyses showed moderate negative (R = -0.539 at P 0.05) relationship between FCR and population of enterobacteriaceae while a very strong positive relationship (R = 0.848 at P 0.01) existed between FCR and population of haemolytic Streptococcus. The enhanced growth in fish fed TP-fortified diets could be accredited to the reduced crypt depth and colonization of yeast and reduced Streptococcus counts. Therefore the application of tamarind pulp meal at 2% is recommended for enhanced growth and healthy gut microflora composition

Prevalence of foreign bodies in stomach of pigs slaughtered at the Kumasi Abattoir, Ghana

The study was conducted on pigs slaughtered at Kumasi abattoir to determine the occurrence and nature of foreign bodies in the stomach of pigs. A total of 75 pig stomachs were randomly selected from pig slaughtered within the five month period and 20 out of 75 (26.67 %) were found to contain foreign bodies. There was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) between sex, age and prevalence bodies in the stomach of pigs, though pigs less than one year had more ingested foreign bodies (10.7 %).  Analysis of 20 pigs positive for foreign bodies in the stomach revealed that plastics (polythene bags) was the most prevalent (14.67 %), followed by bristles (6.67%), stones (2.67%) and almond seeds (2.67%). Lack of proper management system and improper waste disposal particularly of plastic materials seems to play a major role towards the frequent occurrence of foreign body in pig stomachs. Therefore, proper disposal of wastes from households should be given the needed attention. Veterinarians and animal health workers should also be aware of this condition in pigs in Kumasi.Keywords: Slaughtered pigs, Ingested foreign bodies, Stomach content analysis,  Kumasi, Ghan

EVALUATION OF THE WOUND HEALING POTENTIAL OF OINTMENT PREPARATION OF ETHYL-ACETATE EXTRACT OF MORINGA OLEIFERA (LAM) IN RATS

Background: This study examined the in vitro antibacterial property of extracts of Moringa oleifera and the effect of different concentrations of the ethyl-acetate extract on cutaneous wound using an ointment delivery base. The aim of the study was to screen the extracts with best antibacterial property and evaluate effectiveness of different concentrations of the best extract when delivery is modified to ensure prolonged contact and reduced frequency of administration using an ointment base delivery vehicle. Materials and Methods: Dried and pulverized leaves of Moringa oleifera were screened for secondary metabolites. Successive gradient extraction was carried out using n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol. Leaf extracts were screened against clinical wound isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis using agar cup diffusion technique. The ethyl acetate extract was investigated for its healing efficiency on excision wound model in rats. The study made use of wistar rats (150-180 kg), randomized into Gentamicin, M. oleifera ointment (5% and 3.25%), and ointment base treatment groups. Treatments were applied topically on days 0, 7 and 14. The percentage wound closure rate was measured and histopathology of the healed wounds carried out. Results: In vitro antimicrobial screening showed that ethyl-acetate extract was effective against the test isolates. Topical application of ointment with 3.25% of the plant extract resulted in faster wound closure rate, rapid epithelization, resolution of granulation tissue, and remodeling at histology. Conclusion: This may be due to less interference by components of M. oleifera which appear to retard wound healing at higher concentrations. Therefore, M. oleifera 3.25% ointment preparation is recommended topically for wound healing

Evaluation of the shedding routes and serological patterns in experimentally-induced Brucella melitensis infection in dexamethasonetreated and transport-stressed goats

Aim: To identify and evaluate the shedding routes and patterns following experimentally-induced Brucella melitensis infection in dexamethasone-treated and transport-stressed goats. Materials and Methods: Twenty four healthy, adult goats were divided into 4 groups: A, B, C and D respectively. Group A was treated with dexamethasone for 8 days prior to inoculation with 10 (7) Colony Forming Units of B. melitensis via the intraocular route. Group B was transported for 3 hours prior to inoculation with a similar dose. Group C was inoculated with a similar dose without subjecting the animals to any prior treatment, and this group served as our positive control. Group D was not inoculated with the infective dose and served as our negative control. Blood samples along with nasal, ocular, and vaginal swabs were collected on days 0, 3, 7, 10, 14, and weekly thereafter until day 63 post inoculation (pi) and were analyzed by PCR, Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), and indirect ELISAtechniques. Results: The nasal, ocular and vaginal swabs tested positive for Brucellosis with PCR from day 7, with nasal route being the first and most consistent route to reveal the positive results. Group B showed the earliest onset of shedding the bacterium (day 7) followed by group Awhich started from day 10 and shed relatively more positive of the bacterium via the routes examined. Blood samples tested positive with PCR from day 7 through 14 and the results were inconsistent subsequently. Sera samples tested positive with RBPT on day 14 in all the 3 infected groups but more consistent in group C. On the other hand, tests using ELISAshowed positive results from day 7 pi, with group C having a 100% seroconvertion –while groups Aand B showed only 50% seroconvertion. Conclusion: The consistent shedding via the nasal, ocular, and vaginal routes in groups A and B implied possible immunosuppression in the infected animals. We recommend that programs designed to control Brucellosis should consider analyzing a larger number of biological samples to enhance the accuracy of identification of shedders

Rabies Virus in Sierra Leone: Challenges and Recommended Solutions for Elimination by 2030

The objective of this write-up is to find possible solution control canine rabies virus in Sierra Leone and other low-income countries in the world. Rabies is a viral disease affecting both humans and animals in Sierra Leone. The country has no policy on dog ownership and management, two veterinarians, limited access to rabies vaccines and human immunoglobin, and a lack of information about the disease in the country despite increasing dog bite cases and death. There is no wildlife specialist to initiate wildlife vaccination. Continuous vaccination increased awareness, trained personnel in veterinary and wildlife, development of policies on responsible dog ownership and by-laws and increase financial support from the government and private sector will help Sierra Leone eliminate rabies in the first half of the twenty-first century

Changes in haematological parameters and oxidative stress response of goats subjected to road transport stress in a hot humid tropical environment

Even though studies investigating the effect of road transportation on haematological parameters in goats from temperate and hot tropical environments are numerous, few studies have focused on the recovery rate following transportation, especially in the hot, humid tropical environment. This study investigated the haematological parameters and oxidative stress response of goats subjected to 7 h of road transportation in the hot, humid tropical environment and the possible recovery period. Thirty-five healthy Boer goats, aged 2–3, weighing 20–25 kg, were divided into two groups, designated A and B, of 30 and 5 animals, respectively. Group A was transported for 7 h, and blood samples were collected before, 3.5 h on transit, after transport, and on days 3, 7, 16 and 26 post-transport, while five goats served as control. Plasma and haemolysate were prepared and used to assay malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and glutathione alongside haematological parameters. The differential leukocyte counts of group A were altered following transportation as neutrophils, monocytes and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratios increased significantly (P < 0.01) during transport compared to group B. Malondialdehyde value increased significantly (P < 0.01) following transportation through day 3 post-transport, while superoxide dismutase and glutathione activities decreased simultaneously following transportation and increased from day 3 through day 7 post-transportation. This study revealed that goats subjected to 7 h of transportation in the hot humid tropical condition experience haematological derangements and oxidative stress which take an average period of 3 to 16 days for recovery