Effect of Cow Parity and Calf Characteristics on Milk Production and Reproduction of Friesian Dairy Cows

Viability and profitability of livestock enterprise is evaluated by the percentage of pregnant females over a period of time after exposure to bulls and amount of milk yield per lactation.  This attribute was tested using 20 seven-month in calf Friesian dairy cows. Effect of parity on; gestation period, calf birth weight, milk production, lactation length, and postpartum heat were tested in this study. Effect of calf sex and calf birth weight on milk production and postpartum heat of the dam was also studied. Parity highly influenced gestation period with Cows at parity 4 taking significantly the least number of days (269.5 days). The cows at parity 4 delivered calves that recorded the highest calf birth weight mean (39.0 kg). Milk production per day was significantly higher in the cows at parity 4 (17.0 L). There was significant positive correlation (r2=0.86, P<0.001) between milk production and time to taken to exhibit postpartum heat Calf birth weight highly influenced milk production with dams of heavier calves producing significantly more milk than dams of lighter calves. Dams of heavier calves had significantly delayed postpartum heat. Calf sex significantly influenced milk production and postpartum heat. There was significant (r2=0.79, P<0.001) positive correlation between calf birth weight and time to postpartum heat. Adoption and use of these findings will improve dairy industry through reducing calving intervals.  Calf Birth weight should be used as important traits in performance testing of dairy cattle. Keywords: parity, Friesian cow, milk production DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/9-10-06 Publication date:May 31st 201

Determination of the Existence and Distribution of HIV-I Chemokine Co-Receptor 5 Polymorphism in a Sampled Population from Kenya

Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a major public health problem, socio-economic burden and a serious threat to development. Entry of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) into target cells requires the binding of the external envelope glycoprotein gp 120 to both the CD4 molecule and one of several chemokine receptors, recently discovered to function as co-receptors. T –cell line tropic HIV-1 strains utilize the a-chemokine receptor CXCR4, whereas the b-chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5), which is expressed on monocytes/macrophages, T cells and granulocyte precursors, is the key co-factor for macrophage-tropic HIV-1 strains, which predominate during the asymptomatic phase of infection. A thirty two–base pair (bp) deletion mutation (? 32) within the second extra cellular loop-encoding region of the CCR5 gene, which results in a truncated, non-functional protein, has been associated with relative resistance to HIV -1 infection and slower progression to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Specifically, ?32/?32 homozygotes are protected against acquisition of HIV-1 by the mucosal route despite high risk exposure, whereas disease progression among CCR5/?32 heterozygote occurs more slowly. In this study, the status of the CCR5 gene polymorphism in Kenyan population was investigated in an attempt to explain the differences in HIV prevalence in different parts of the country. To determine this, 200 samples were collected from the 8 provinces of Kenya, that is, 25 samples per province, some of which were positive for HIV-1. Twenty-five samples were randomly selected from a batch of 250 per province, that is, every tenth sample. The samples were collected from HIV screening centers, district and provincial hospitals. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were extracted from whole blood. Genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was then extracted from PBMC. A targeted region of the CCR5 gene flanking the 32bp deletion was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using CCR5 specific primers. All the PCR amplicons were then analyzed by gel electrophoresis. The results showed that CCR5-D 32 mutations do not exist in the Kenyan population. Samples were then randomly selected 4 samples per province and sequenced. This was done to determine the genotype of the PCR products that were amplified. After ClustalW analysis of the sequences generated, it was seen that CCR5 gene is not highly conserved in the Kenyan population, as there were amino acid differences between the sequences analyzed suggesting that CCR5 gene in Kenyan population is highly polymorphic. From this study, it was concluded that CCR5-D 32 mutations do not play any role in HIV-1 susceptibility in the Kenyan population. This is because this mutation does not exist in the Kenyan population as per the samples analyzed. The differences in prevalence of HIV in different parts of the country may be due to cultural practices, religious backgrounds, socio-economic status and other intrinsic genetic factors. Keywords: HIV/AIDS, chemokine receptor

CIRCULATORY CYTOKINES AND HEMATOLOGICAL PROFILES: POSSIBLE BIOMARKERS OF HIV/AIDS DISEASE PROGRESSION

Introduction: This study sought to identify circulatory cytokines and hematological profiles measureable in blood plasma in newly diagnosed HIV patients as possible biomarkers that could predict the progression of HIV and AIDS disease in the course of acute HIV infection.Methodology: A prospective cross sectional study design was used to recruit the participants at the Nakuru Provincial General hospital in Kenya.  The study group included those who were HIV positive before and after commencing therapy and those who were HIV negative. The study group composed of male and female of different ages ranging from 7-72 years.  Hematology auto analyzer system was used to analyze hematological parameters and indices.  Types and concentrations of cytokines were determined using multiplex cytokine immunoassay by flow cytometry using Becton and Dickinsonfluorescence activated cell sorter (BD FACS) count.  Descriptive statistics were applied and a p- value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: This study found a significant difference in mean Interleukin 12p70 (p<0.001), Tumor Necrosis Factor (p<0.05), Interleukin 10 (p<0.05), Interleukin 6 (p<0.005) and interleukin 1β (p<0.05) between HIV negative patients, treatment naïve HIV patients and HIV patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Among the treatment naïve HIV patients, significant associations were observed between IL-12p70 and HGB (p<0.05); between TNF and MPV (p<0.001); between IL-10 and PDW (p<0.005); between IL-6 and Gran# (p-0.05); between IL-1β and PDW (p<0.005).Conclusion: The early period of infection with HIV is characterized by high circulatory cytokines levels and could be useful biomarkers and indicators of early immune activation of HIV infection. The results from this study also showed that acute HIV infection induces several hematological changes, involving all the blood parameters and indices, some of which may act as indicators of HIV/AIDS disease progression

The Performance of Rapid Diagnostic Test for Malaria Parasite Diagnosis Compared to Microscopic Test in Meru South Sub-County, Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya

Despite intensive worldwide attempt to control malaria, it remains one of the most fatal and widespread protozoan infection of mankind. About 2.4 billon people inhabit malaria prone regions which is about forty percentage of the world population in over 90 countries of Sub-Saharan Africa are affected. Prompt accurate, diagnosis and treatment is important to avert suffering of patients and malaria infection is a serious global challenge in the affected countries. The rapid diagnosis test of malaria is a recent diagnostic technique whose performance has not been evaluated in Meru South Sub-County. The main purpose of this research study was to perform immunosurveillance and evaluate performance rapid diagnosis test for malaria parasites in Meru South Sub-County, Tharaka-Nithi County. The study design was hospital based cross-sectional study in the laboratory at Chuka Level Five Hospital. Three hundred and eighty four blood specimens were used from febrile patients with clinical manifestation of malaria infection. The blood specimens were used for thin, thick smear and rapid diagnosis test. The results were analyzed by t-test to compare the mean of the two methods. A P –value of 0.953 was obtained which is greater than 0.05, therefore we accept the null hypothesis that there is no difference in performance between the Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) and microscopic test. The results indicated that RDT had similar performance with microscopy for both positive and negative cases of malaria infection. In conclusion RDT is appropriate for malaria diagnosis since the incidence rate of malaria was found to be high and the predominant Plasmodium falciparum was high in the study area.  The researcher recommends the use of RDTs in mass screening for malaria infection, adopt or intensify protective measures during dry seasons and monitoring antimalaria drug resistance or tolerance in all counties in Kenya

Effects Of HIV and Intestinal Parasites Co-Infection On Hematological Parameters Among Pregnant Women Attending Selected Health Facilities In Nyeri County, Kenya

 Introduction: Prevalence of HIV among women in Nyeri County increased from 2.5% in 2007 to 5.5 % in 2009 and 6.3% in 2013. The study aimed to determine effect of co-infection of HIV and intestinal parasites on hemogram among pregnant women attending health facilities in the County. Methodology: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 130 participants. Interview schedule was used to collect data. Stool and blood samples were processed using standard procedures. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Results among 130 respondents 34% had intestinal protozoans infection. Results: Among 65 HIV positive respondents, 25% had Entamoeba Coli infection and 2% Iodamoeba butschlii. Among 65 HIV negative respondents, 38% had Entamoeba Coli, and 6% Iodamoeba butschlii infection. One HIV negative respondent had Hymenolepis nana infection. Co-infection of HIV and intestinal parasites had significant effect on WBC (p < 0.05), RBC (p < 0.05), Haemoglobin (p < 0.05) and haematocrit (p < 0.05). Conclusion: (i) Prevalence of co-infection of intestinal protozoan parasites and HIV was high(ii) Co-infection of HIV and intestinal protozoan parasites decreased WBC, RBC, haemoglobin and haematocrit. Recommendation: Routine screening for intestinal parasites during antenatal healthcare and more research to verify pathogenicity of Entamoeba Coli. Key words: HIV, Intestinal parasites, co-infection, pregnant women, hemogram

Protection against Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Outbred Vervet Monkeys, Using a Recombinant Histone H1 Antigen

Infection with Leishmania major parasites results in the development of cutaneous ulcerative lesions on the skin. We investigated the protective potential of a single, recombinant histone H1 antigen against cutaneous leishmaniasis in an outbred population of vervet monkeys, using Montanide adjuvant. Protection was assessed by challenging the animals with a mixture of vector sand fly salivary-gland lysate and a low dose of in vitro-derived parasites, thus more closely mimicking natural infection induced by L. major. The course of infection in immunized monkeys was compared with that of animals that had healed from a primary infection and were immune. The monkeys immunized with recombinant histone H1 showed a reduced development of lesion size, compared with controls. Our study therefore illustrates the potential use of histone H1 as a vaccine candidate against cutaneous leishmaniasis in human

Segurança e reação de hipersensibilidade tardia na pele de macacos vervet imunizados com antígeno sonicado de Leishmania donovani junto com adjuvantes

In this study, we report on the safety and skin delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), responses of the Leishmania donovani whole cell sonicate antigen delivered in conjunction with alum-BCG (AlBCG), Montanide ISA 720 (MISA) or Monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) in groups of vervet monkeys. Following three intradermal injections of the inoculums on days 0, 28 and 42, safety and DTH responses were assessed. Preliminary tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-&#945;) and interferon gamma (IFN-&#947;) levels were also measured and these were compared with DTH. Only those animals immunized with alum-BCG reacted adversely to the inoculum by producing ulcerative erythematous skin indurations. Non-parametric analysis of variance followed by a post-test showed significantly higher DTH responses in the MISA+Ag group compared with other immunized groups (p < 0.001). The MPLA+Ag group indicated significantly lower DTH responses to the sonicate antigen compared with the AlBCG+Ag group. There was a significant correlation between the DTH and cytokine responses (p < 0.0001). Based on this study we conclude that Leishmania donovani sonicate antigen containing MISA 720 is safe and is associated with a strong DTH reaction following immunization.Neste estudo reportamos segurança e resposta de hipersensibilidade tardia (DTH) do antígeno sonicado de células totais de Leishmania donovani introduzidos juntamente com alume-BCG (AIBCG) Montanide ISA 720 (MISA) ou lípide A monofosforilado (MPLA) em grupos de macacos vervet. Depois de três injeções intradérmicas do inóculo nos dias 0, 28 e 42 segurança e resposta DTH foram avaliados. Preliminarmente níveis de fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNF-&#945;) e interferon gama (IFN-&#947;) foram também medidos e comparados com o DTH. Somente os animais imunizados com alume-BCG reagiram de maneira diversa ao inóculo produzindo indurações ulceradas e eritematosas na pele. Análise não paramétrica de variação seguida por um teste posterior mostraram resposta significantemente mais alta do DTH no grupo MISA + Ag quando comparado com outros grupos imunizados (p < 0.001). O grupo MPLA + Ag demonstrou resposta DTH significantemente menor do antígeno sonicado comparado com o grupo AIBCG + Ag. Houve correlação significante entre o DTH e a resposta às citocinas (p < 0.0001). Baseados neste estudo concluímos que o antígeno sonicado de Leishmania donovani contendo MISA 720 é seguro e está associado com forte reação DTH após imunização

Estudo in vitro e in vivo da eficácia anti leishmaniótica de terapêutica combinada de Diminazene e Artesunate contra Leishmania donovani em camundongos Balb/c

The in vitro and in vivo activity of diminazene (Dim), artesunate (Art) and combination of Dim and Art (Dim-Art) against Leishmania donovani was compared to reference drug; amphotericin B. IC50 of Dim-Art was found to be 2.28 ± 0.24 µg/mL while those of Dim and Art were 9.16 ± 0.3 µg/mL and 4.64 ± 0.48 µg/mL respectively. The IC50 for Amphot B was 0.16 ± 0.32 µg/mL against stationary-phase promastigotes. In vivo evaluation in the L. donovani BALB/c mice model indicated that treatments with the combined drug therapy at doses of 12.5 mg/kg for 28 consecutive days significantly (p < 0.001) reduced parasite burden in the spleen as compared to the single drug treatments given at the same dosages. Although parasite burden was slightly lower (p < 0.05) in the Amphot B group than in the Dim-Art treatment group, the present study demonstrates the positive advantage and the potential use of the combined therapy of Dim-Art over the constituent drugs, Dim or Art when used alone. Further evaluation is recommended to determine the most efficacious combination ratio of the two compounds.A atividade in vitro e in vivo de Diminazene (Dim), Artezunate (Art) e a combinação Dim e Art (Dim-Art) contra Leishmania donovani foi comparada com a droga de referência Anfotericina B. IC50 da Dim-Art foi 2,28 ± 0,24 µg/mL enquanto aquelas de Dim e Art foram 9,16 ± 0,3 µg/mL e 4,64 ± 0,48 µg/mL respectivamente. O IC50 da Anfotericina B foi 0,16 ± 0,32 µg/mL contra a fase estacionária de promastigotas. A avaliação in vivo do modelo de L. donovani em camundongos Balb/c indicou que os tratamentos com a terapêutica de drogas combinadas em doses de 12,5 mg/kg por 28 dias consecutivos significantemente (p < 0,001) reduziu a carga parasitária no baço quando comparada a tratamentos com uma única droga dada nas mesmas dosagens. Embora a carga parasitária tenha sido levemente mais baixa (p < 0.05) no grupo Anfotericina B quando comparada com o grupo tratado Dim-Art, o estudo presente demonstra a vantagem positiva do uso potencial da terapêutica combinada Dim-Art sobre drogas como Dim ou Art quando usadas isoladamente. Posterior avaliação é recomendada para determinar a média de combinação mais eficaz dos dois compostos