Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cellular and haematological changes in different types of caprine pneumonia

Goats in the tropics are often reared under the traditional extensive and semi-intensive management systems. These and other factors influence the pattern of pneumonia complex in goats. We investigated the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALf) cellular changes and haematological response in different types of caprine pneumonia in Nigeria. Haematological indices and BALf cells were analysed from 300 goats randomly selected from 700 goats comprising different breed, age and body scores. The pneumonia status was well characterised using standard pathological tools. Data is summarized as Mean ± SEM and compared using non-parametric statistics at 5% significance. There was leukocytosis in the pneumonic animals. The overall lavage recovery rate was 55.5%. The differences in Haemoglobin concentration, and Lymphocyte-Neutrophil ratio were significant (p<0.05). BALf changes in the neutrophil, macrophage and eosinophil counts were significantly different (p<0.05). The diagnostic features including increased percentage neutrophils, Macrophage-Neutrophil ratio and eosinophils observed in BAL were reliable and also correlated positively to the pathological findings. BAL should be considered a component of the diagnostic approach to caprine pneumonia complex, as it may accurately aid diagnosis and identification of the causal organisms.Keywords: Bronchoalveolar lavage, Haematology, Pneumonia, Comparative, Caprin

Examination of the lung and liver for pathological changes in hunted grasscutters (Thryonomis swinderianus) in southwest Nigeria

This study investigated the pathological changes in the lungs and liver of some hunted grasscutters in order to reduce mortality and enhance their domestication. The grasscutters were sourced from hunters from low rain forest to rich savanna ecological zones in southwestern Nigeria. The sampling period was from May to October 2016. A total of thirty carcasses were used for this study. The lungs and liver were examined grossly and microscopically using standard technique. Pneumonia was present in 17 (56%), consisting of Pulmonary congestion in 4 (13%), Interstitial pneumonia in 13 (43%), and Bronchopneumonia in 4 (13%), while 9 (30%) lungs were apparently normal. The hepatic lesions included centrilobular hepatocellular degeneration, and severe multifocal necrotizing hepatitis. In conclusion, pneumonia is a major disease present in grasscutters, with interstitial pneumonia being the most prevalent pneumonia. Adequate housing and management of grasscutter should ensure minimal stressors that may hinder pulmonary clearance mechanisms.Keywords: Cane rats, Diseases, Domestication, Nigeri

Haematology, bronchoalveolar cellular changes and pathology of swine pneumonia in Nigeria

Respiratory diseases are of considerable economic importance in pigs, and less emphasis is on the diagnostic approaches in porcine health in our environment. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of haematology, gross, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and histopathological changes of pneumonia in  pigs. The study was conducted at a municipal abattoir for over  three months. A total of 146 finished pigs were clinically  examined. Blood samples were taken, while the plucks were  examined for lung lesions. Lavage samples and lung sections were taken for BAL and histological examinations. Six breeds were  slaughtered comprising Large White 112 (76.7%), Mixed Breed 15 (10.3%), Duroc 7 (4.8%), Local 6 (4.1%), Hampshire 4 (2.7%), and Large Black 2 (1.4%). Based on sex, 71 (48.6%) were males while, 75 (51.4%) were female. Grossly, there was pneumonia in 92 (63.0%) of the pigs and the mean pulmonary consolidation score was 9.6±1.2. The large white breed had the highest  consolidation score. Also, the right and left caudal lobes had the highest consolidation scores. Clinically, there was mild anaemia and leukocytosis, and BAL fluid cellular differential showed increased lymphocytic and neutrophilic counts in the pigs with pneumonia (p<0.05). Histologically, 91 (62.2%) of samples were normal, bronchointerstitial pneumonia was 31 (21.4%), bronchopneumonia was 18 (12.4%), granulomatous pneumonia was 1 (0.7%), bronchiolitis was 4 (2.7%), and verminous  pneumonia was 1 (0.7%). Bronchointerstitial pneumonia was the most prevalent pattern. Porcine pneumonia is still important in our environment; the roles of different causal agents need to be elucidated for production of vaccines and control in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa.Keywords: Bronchoalveolar lavage, Cytology, Swine,   Pneumonia, Diagnostics

Fatal Outbreak of Eimeriosis in a Rabbitry In Ibadan, Nigeria

This report investigates an outbreak of coccidiosis in a rabbitry in Ibadan, Nigeria. The rabbits were raised in a commercial breeder rabbitry with a total stock of 700 rabbits. The duration of mortality was 5 days, with an average of 140 rabbits per day giving a total of 635 (85%) mortalities. Clinical signs, necropsy findings, cytological, Histopathological and confirmatory diagnosis were reported and discussed. This case report further showed that coccidiosis in rabbitry is still a serious problem which should be monitored and controlled

Field Evaluation of Some Selected Medicinal Plants for the Treatment of Piglet Diarrhoea In Ghana

Piglet diarrhea is one of the major causes of huge losses facing the pig industry in West Africa. The problem of limited access to veterinary services and drugs by low-income farmers, coupled with a global rise in antibiotic resistance has necessitated research into identifying comparably efficacious, economical and readily available phytogenic extracts which could serve as alternatives to antibiotics. In this study, a field evaluation of extracts of three medicinal plants: Picralima nitida, Ficus exasperata, and Khaya senegalensis were investigated for their individual antidiarrheal activities in management of piglet scours in Ashanti Region of Ghana. Aqueous decoctions of the stem barks of F. exasperata and K. senegalensis, and seeds of P. nitida were extracted and concentrated into 5% and 10% w/v preparations. Piglets with non-induced diarrhea were recruited and divided into groups which were treated with extracts of specific concentrations and monitored till cessation of the diarrhea. The study revealed that extracts of all three medicinal plants, in the concentrations administered, portrayed clear evidence of efficacy; and significantly inhibited the diarrheal course in the piglets. More than 70% of the subjects achieved complete cessation of the diarrhea following treatment with P. nitida 10% at 30-35 hrs; P. nitida 5% at 49-54 hrs; F. exasperata 10% at 54-59 hrs; F. exasperata 5% at 54-59 hrs; and K. senegalensis 10% at 49-54 hours. Comparatively, the different extracts showed varying degrees of efficiency in the treatment of diarrhoea in piglets; and the highest efficiency and potency was with P. nitida 10

Hunting practices and heavy metals concentrations in fresh and smoked wildmeats in Kumasi, Ghana

The consumption of bush meat is currently a common practice in sub-urban and urban communities of Africa. The study investigates hunting practices and heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Fe, Pb, Cd and Mn) concentrations in fresh and smoked bush meats in Kumasi, Ghana. The animal samples were obtained from Sekyere Dumase, Atwemunom and Central Markets. A total of 32 samples from various game animals were used for the study. The samples were wet digested and analyzed using the Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The use of guns (68%) was the most applied method of capture followed by cutlasses (10%), dogs (4%), traps (2%) and baits (2%). In the fresh meat, the concentration of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb was 12.72±2.56mg⁻kg 5.16±2.65mg⁻kg, 0.96±0.29mg⁻kg, 7.40±0.68 mg ⁻kg, 0.10±0.00 mg ⁻kg and 4.31±3.46 mg ⁻kg respectively while in smoked meats, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb were 15.28±2.29 mg ⁻kg, 5.33±0.98 mg ⁻kg, 0.94±0.98 mg⁻kg, 7.39±0.57 mg ⁻kg, 0.1±0.00 mg ⁻kg, 0.07±0.00 mg ⁻kg respectively. Higher amount of Lead (Pb) was found in the fresh wild meat than in the processed. The levels of Zinc in both the fresh and smoked bush meat were high while Mn, Cu, Fe and Cd in both fresh and smoked meats were in the acceptable range recommended for human consumption. However, there is need to monitor the levels of heavy metals in bush meat in relation to the hunting practices so as to avoid any possibility of poisoning to human health.Keywords: Heavy metals, Bush meat, Hunting, Ghana, Healt

Evaluation of oxidative stress in caprine bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of pneumonic and normal lungs

Research in the area of oxidative stress in pneumonic pathology still requires attention in small ruminants especially with the use of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) which may be a more sensitive indicator of respiratory diseases than blood. This investigation evaluates the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of caprine pneumonia using BAL fluid (BALf) from healthy and pneumonic goats. A BALf from 192 goats (whose pneumonic histopathology had been characterized using standard techniques) was biochemically assayed for anti-oxidants and pro-oxidants. Malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide generation (H2O2), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and reduced glutathione (GSH) contents were measured to assess free radical activity in the BALf. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione transferase (GST) and Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were also determined colourimetrically. There were significant increases in the BALf supernatant of MDA, H2O2 and MPO with decreases in GSH level and SOD activity in the pneumonic goats (P < 0.05). There was also significant correlation of BALf oxidative assay to the type and severity of pneumonia. The levels of MDA, H2O2, and MPO increased significantly (P < 0.05) in bronchopneumonia and bronchointerstitial pneumonia than other pneumonic conditions and normal lungs. The management of caprine pneumonia should often incorporate antioxidant supplementation to correct the imbalance in pro-oxidant and anti-oxidant levels. Keywords: Anti-oxidants, Pro-oxidants, Pneumonia, Myeloperoxidase, Malondialdehyde, Glutathione transferas

Point prevalence and pathology associated with gastrointestinal parasites in local chickens and guinea fowls in Kumasi, Ghana

This study determines the gastrointestinal parasite species and their associated gross lesions in local chickens and guinea fowls in the Kumasi Metropolis in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. A total of 213 intestinal tracts (178 from guinea fowls and 35 from local chickens) were obtained from two slaughter points within the Kumasi Metropolis. Faecal samples were analyzed using the  McMaster technique to estimate the parasite burden. Adult worms were identified and gross lesions within the intestinal tract were also evaluated. In this study, 21 helminth parasites were identified in the guinea fowls and 19 were identified in the local chickens.  Trematodes were rarely encountered in the study and coccidian parasites were not differentiated. Overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 98.8% in the guinea fowls and 91.4% in the local chickens. Ascaridia sp. was the most prevalent helminth in both animals (79.2% and 54.3% respectively). Gross lesions occurred more in the small intestines and in various combinations of haemorrhage,  thickening, nodules and necrosis were characteristics of the parasites identified in the study. Histologically, there was villous atrophy and necrotising enteritis. Given the economic and immunological cost of  endo-parasitism, tackling the problem of gastrointestinal parasitism can significantly reduce the productivity losses in the family poultry sector.Keywords: Diagnosis; gastrointestinal parasites; poultry; Ghana

Point prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of game and captive wildlife in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana

The ability to understand the ecological dynamics of parasites allows for a more wholistic insight into the application of the one health concept in wildlife medicine. Using this method, the ecological dynamics of shared gastrointestinal parasites of wildlife, humans and domestic animals in the Kumasi metropolis was determined. The study analyzed 102 faecal samples (59 from game and 43 from captive animals) from Kumasi Metropolis using the flotation and Mcmaster techniques. From the study, the pattern of prevalence for helminth parasites was same for both game and captive animals with Trichostrongyles being the most prevalent (49.2% in game animals and 44.2% in captive animals) followed by Ascarids, Stongyloides spp., and Trichuris spp. Capillaria spp. was least prevalent in captive animals at 23.3% and just a bit more prevalent in game animals (8.5%) than Trichuris spp. (5.1%). Protozoan parasite prevalence pattern differed between game and captive animals with Coccidia (45.8%) more prevalent in game animals than Entamoeba spp. (6.8%). In captive animals Entamoeba spp. (20.9%) was most prevalent followed by Coccidia (13.9%) and then Giardia spp. (11.6%). This confirmed the existence of shared gastrointestinal parasites between wildlife, humans and domestic animals with the potential to be spilled over into wildlife or spilled back to humans and domestic animals, emphasizing the need for more extensive studies in wildlife parasitology and ways in which to reduce the risks posed to humans, wildlife and our domestic animals.Keywords: Parasites; helminths; protozoan; wildlife; Ghana

Retrospective study of swine respiratory diseases in Ogun and Oyo States, Nigeria: Immunohistochemical detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae

Swine respiratory diseases particularly enzootic pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhyo) constitutes a significant health problem to pig production in many countries. However, the impact has been underestimated in Nigeria. This study therefore, retrospectively analyzed swine respiratory diseases and the associated pulmonary histopathology. Postmortem records and archival lung samples were obtained from the Departments of Veterinary Pathology University of Ibadan, Ibadan and Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. A total of 98 pig carcasses were presented for necropsy during the period between 2005 and 2017. The diseases presumptively diagnosed using gross morphological criteria were extracted from the postmortem records while, 21 formalin-fixed archival lung samples were used for histopathology and immunohistochemistry using standard techniques. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics while Chi Square was used to test for association between different variables and pulmonary lesions at α0.05. In this study, respiratory diseases had a prevalence of 56.1% with enzootic pneumonia as the most frequently diagnosed at postmortem (49%, 48/98). Only age was identified to be a significant (P = 0.019) predisposing factor in the development of respiratory diseases. Microscopically, hyperplasia of bronchus associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) with formation of lymphoid nodules and thickening of alveolar septa were the most significant changes (38.1%, 8/21). Immunohistochemically, M. hyopneumoniae antigen was detected in 13/21 (61.9%) of the lung samples and were immunolabelled as granular brown reactions on the luminal surfaces of bronchial and bronchiolar epithelial cells and intraluminal cellular exudates within the airways. The histopathological findings and the detection of M. hyopneumoniae antigen indicated that the organism is primarily involved in the development of enzootic pneumonia in naturally infected pigs and may be central in the pathogenesis. It is concluded that enzootic pneumonia is a serious health issue in pigs in the study area and needs urgent attention. Keywords: Archival lung samples, Histopathology, Pigs, Pneumonia, Retrospective analysis &nbsp