Phytochemical composition and toxicity of the aqueous extract of Parkia biglobosa pods in adult Clarias gariepinus

The phytochemical composition and toxicological evaluation of the aqueous extract of Parkia biglobosa pods in adult Clarias gariepinus was investigated over a 96-h exposure period. The aqueous extract of the pods was freeze-dried and screened for its phytochemical constituents. This revealed the presence of glycosides, alkaloids, saponins, steroids and triterpenes, tannins, carbohydrates and flavonoids but no anthraquinones and fixed oils. The fish were exposed to varying concentrations of the extract in a static acute toxicity bioassay. The exposed fish showed initial signs of agitated and erratic movements followed by signs of respiratory distress and abnormal nervous compromise, including mortality in some of the exposed fish. No such obvious signs of toxicity were recorded in the unexposed control fish. The appearance and intensity of the signs were both concentrations and exposure period-dependent. Mean mortality was significantly (p<0.05) related to extract concentrations and exposure period. The median lethal concentration of the extract in exposed fish over the 96-h exposure period was calculated to be 115.38 mg/l. Parkia biglobosa pods contained some toxicologically active constituents that can be meaningfully exploited to harvest fish from water bodies. However, this should be done with great care as the abusive use (higher concentrations) of this extract could result in extract residues in the exposed fish that might pose a risk to the consumers of such fish.Keywords: Clarias gariepinus, Parkia biglobosa pods, phytochemical constituents, toxicity

A review on diagnostic techniques for brucellosis

Brucellosis presents with many clinical manifestation that make its diagnosis a difficult task. Ever since the report of the first serologic test for brucellosis, a definitive diagnostic technique has been actively pursued. The most widely used methods of diagnosis are based on serology, which measures the ability of the serum (antibody) to agglutinate a standardised amount of killed Brucella abortus (antigen) containing O-side chain. These tests are most commonly used because they are safe. However, they are prone to false-positive results due to other cross-reacting bacteria, and also, they are not useful in the detection of Brucella canis and Brucella ovis which lack the O-side chain. Other useful tests include the direct smear examination which is a presumptive method that involves making smears from vaginal swabs, placentas or aborted foetuses, stained with the stamp modification of the Ziehl-Neelsen method. Morphologically related micro-organisms such as Chlamydia psittasi, Chlamydophila abortus or Coxiella burnetti can mislead the diagnosis, therefore, confirmation on appropriate culture and selective media is recommended. Culture and isolation of the organism from blood or tissue samples has remained the only “unequivocal” method but lacks sensitivity, and its outcome depends on individual laboratory practices, and how actively the obtaining of cultures is pursued. Laboratory animal inoculation has also been a useful tool, but is also subject to interference with gastric acids. More recently, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been found to be a useful and more sensitive test, but has not been validated for standard laboratory use. This paper highlights useful samples and, especially the different conventional to more sophisticated molecular techniques for the diagnosis of brucellosis.Keywords: Brucellosis, diagnosis, techniquesAfrican Journal of Biotechnology, Vol. 13(1), pp. 1-10, 1 January, 201

Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from birds affected by natural outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in Nigeria

A study was undertaken to examine the isolation rate of Klebsiella pneumoniae from birds affected by natural outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) that occurred in Nigeria between December, 2006 and July, 2007. A total of 100 birds from 114 commercial, backyard and free range flocks infected with H5N1 virus within the study period were sampled. A total of 600 tissues (heart, lung, spleen, liver, trachea and intestine), 100 each from the 100 birds were collected for bacteriology. Data generated was entered into Microsoft excel, while descriptive statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS (Version 12.01). Klebsiella pneumoniae was isolated from 9 (1.5%) samples. The organism was isolated from the liver, lungs and trachea of commercial layers and turkeys. During the HPAI outbreaks, Klebsiella pneumoniae was isolated from 9 different flocks with a total of 21,805 birds, mortality rate of (7.3%) and proportionate mortality rate of (2.5%). The bacterium was not isolated from H5N1 free flocks which served as control. The result of this study indicated that Klebsiella pneumoniae may have acted as a secondary pathogen to aggravate the clinical signs during H5N1 outbreaks that occurred in Nigeria

Salmonella Gallinarum Infection in Poultry Affected by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus H5N1 in Nigeria

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a viral disease affecting almost all domestic and wild birds (Easterday et al., 1997; Alexander, 1999). The species of animals affected by avian influenza include birds, seal,whales, humans, horses and swine (Websters et al., 1992). Avian influenza virus belongs to the Family Orthomyxoviridae which include the genera influenza A, B and C. Avian influenza virus codes for 10 proteinsincluding haemagglutinin (H), neuraminidase (N), protein matrix, RNP among others (Alexander, 1999; Swayne, 2003). There are 16 H and 9 N subtypes (Fouchier et al., 2005). Avian influenza depresses thehost immune system thereby paving ways for opportunistic microbes to invade and exert an exacerbative effect resulting in high mortality in affected flocks (Aleksandr et al., 2004). Salmonella gallinarum isa Gram negative rod, non lactose fermenting organism of the Family Enterobacteriaceae. It is the etiologic agent of fowl typhoid which causes a serious threat to poultry industry particularly in tropical Latin America and many parts of Africa (Hall, 1977). The disease affects a variety of birds such as ducks, pheasants, quails, chickens, guinea fowls, turkeys and ostriches and it is a common problem in Nigeria (Oboegbulem et al., 1980). This study was aimed at isolating Salmonella gallinarum as well ashighlighting the possible complicating role of the organism in natural outbreaks of HPAI (H5N1) that occurred in Nigeria

Molecular screening and isolation of Newcastle disease virus from live poultry markets and chickens from commercial poultry farms in Zaria, Kaduna state, Nigeria

Newcastle disease is one of the major economic threats to poultry population  because of its high morbidity and mortality varying from 90-100%. It is caused by Avian Paramyxovirus-1 (APMV-1). This research work was carried out to identify Newcastle disease virus (NDV) by using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay and further isolate the virus in embryonated chicken eggs. A total of 127 cloacal swabs were collected from local chickens in live bird market and exotic chickens in commercial poultry farms in Zaria and environs, Nigeria between November, 2014 and January, 2015. Five commercial poultry farms and four live bird markets were purposively sampled. Molecular screening of NDV Matrix-gene (M-gene) was performed on all the samples using Reverse  Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Newcastle disease positive samples were further inoculated into embryonated chicken eggs for isolation of Newcastle disease virus. Isolates were confirmed as Newcastle disease virus by haemaggulitination inhibition (HI) test. Newcastle disease virus Matrix-gene was detected in 16 (12.5%) out of 127 cloacal swabs; 13 (10.2%) from live bird markets and 3 (2.3%) from commercial poultry farms. However, only 10 Newcastle disease viruses were isolated in embryonated chicken eggs as confirmed by Haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. Due to the higher detection rate recorded by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), it is therefore important that molecular technique be made easily accessible so that samples from each suspected outbreaks of NDV be screened so that rapid and confirmatory diagnosis can be achieved.Keywords: Embryonated chicken eggs, Haemagglutination inhibition test, Newcastle disease virus, RT-PC

EVALUATION OF DOG SLAUGHTER AND CONSUMPTION PRACTICES RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF RABIES IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT The trade, slaughter and consumption of dog meats are some common attitudes and practices in subSaharan West African countries. These factors may represent a source of human rabies exposures and infections in the population of these countries and may be because of these only, still rabies remain endemic disease in Nigeria. Therefore, a survey was conducted during January, 2012 to July, 2012 for finding out the rational of dog meat consumption in Niger state, Nigeria. One hundred and fifty five volunteers (146 males and 9 females), consisting of dog butchers, consumers and those who leave around the slaughter points answered a questionnaire at five dog slaughter locations across the state. Information on the dogs slaughtered was also collected. The results revealed that 125 (80.6%) of the respondents consumed dog meat (4 females and 121 males). Only 12 (9.6%) were actually engaged in dog butchering who also identified that they purchased their dogs for slaughter from households within and outside their territories, not by personal breeding. None of the butchers were vaccinated against rabies. Regarding reasons for dog meat consumption, 80 (64%) respondents indicated that the meat was delicious, 23 (18.4%) claimed medicinal purposes, and 1 (0.8%) respondent believed that its consumption protected against the witches. Overall, 471 dogs were recorded to be slaughtered for human consumption during the study period. Despite their rational, the practices of dog trade, slaughter and consumption were detrimental to dogs as well as the control of rabies, particularly when evidence indicated that up to 28% of dogs slaughtered for human consumption in Nigeria may harbor the rabies virus. KEYWORDS Dog slaughter Dog consumption Rabies Nigeri

Incidence of foot and mouth disease outbreaks in Ilesha Baruba, Kwara State-Nigeria

Sero-diagnostic assay using NS-Blocking ELISA kit (PRIOCHECKR) was conducted to ascertain the incidence of Bovine Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreaks in three Fulani camps located at Bode/ Babanne and Sinawu/Tumbunya wards in Ilesha baruba district of kwara state. This study identified 842 FMD infected cattle based on history and clinical sign from a total of 4,248 cattle. Randomly obtained sera from ninety blood samples collected across the herds were screened. This study revealed overall incidence of 18.9% with 19.8% morbidity and 0.92% mortality especially in calves. Sero-positivity amongst representative screened cattle showed 71.1% occurrence. However, demographic factors (age, breed and sex) indicated more young (54.7%) white Fulani (46.9%) cows (62.5%) were positive to FMD, although not significant (P>0.05) by chi square analysis. Outbreak re-occurrence within the three herds demonstrated characteristic absence of immunity between infections of FMD virus serotypes which enhances cattle susceptibility to another serotype while or having recovered from an existing infection due to another serotype. NSP-ELISA confirmed these infected cattle as non-vaccinated which have being exposed to infection <40> days especially amongst young white Fulani cows as observed. This reported incidence confirmed increasing FMD outbreaks as the serotypes responsible for this sero-positivity is needed to be ascertained if effective control effort is to be instituted.Keywords: Incidence, FMD, outbreaks, Ilesha Baruba LG

Prevalence of Besnoitia besnoiti antibodies as related to skin lesions among indigenous and exotic cattle in northern Nigeria

A total of 400 cattle which comprised of 6 indigenous and 1 exotic breeds were examined for gross skin lesions in northern Nigeria. It was observed that 126 (31.5%) of the cattle had various gross skin lesions. The frequency of these skin lesions was highest (34.3%) among the White Fulani and lowest (2.8%) among the Friesian breed of cattle. Indirect immunofluorescence antibody technique (IFAT) used to analyse 64 milk and 336 sera samples for antibodies against Besnoitia besnoiti revealed 321 (80.3%) of the cattle positive to the test. The Association of antibodies against the parasite was high and varied (x2 = 0.6, p > 0.5) from 75.45% to 88.37% among the breeds. Cattle with apparently normal skin also higher (86.67%) prevalence of the antibodies, compared to 70.0% observed among those with gross skin lesions. It was concluded that breed and presence of skin lesions may not influence the seroprevalence of Bovine besnoitiosis in northern Nigeria.Keywords: Exotic breeds, Skin lesions, besnoitia besnoiti, immunofluorescence antibody technique, Friesian breedNigerian Journal of Parasitology, Vol. 32 [1] March 2011, pp. 31-3

Prevalence of Besnoitia besnoiti antibodies in bovine sera and milk in Northern Nigeria

Besnoitia besnoiti, a re-emergent parasite of cattle in Europe, occurs in many countries of Africa and other parts of the world. Clinical observations and incidental findings of B. besnoiti in cattle have been reported in the Southern and Northern regions of Nigeria, but the prevalence of antibodies against this parasite is not yet known. This investigation was designed to determine the seroprevalence of bovine besnoitiosis in Northern Nigeria. A total of 400 cattle were selected at random through cluster sampling of herds from two Local Government Areas (LGA) each, of 5 States in the region (Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto and Borno States), between May, 2008 and November, 2009. Sera samples obtained from cows, bulls and calves, and milk from lactating cows with suckling calves were screened with indirect immunofluorescent antibody technique (IFAT) for antibodies to B. besnoiti. Out of the 400 samples 321 (80.3%) were positive for antibodies to B. besnoiti. Cattle sampled in Borno had the highest (87.5%) prevalence of antibodies to B. besnoiti, while those sampled from Katsina State had the least prevalence (62.3%). Wamako LGA of Sokoto State had the highest prevalence of the antibodies (100.0%), while Dan Musa LGA in Katsina had the least prevalence (53.0%) among the ten LGA sampled, however, these differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Similarly, the overall prevalence of antibodies to B. besnoiti did not vary significantly between bulls (84.0%) and cows (79.0%), or in the dry (83.6%) and wet (77.1%) seasons (p > 0.05). The high prevalence of antibodies to B. besnoiti in cattle in Northern Nigeria indicates an endemic state of the disease in this region.Keywords: Antibodies, Besnoitia, Cattle, Northern Nigeria, Prevalenc

Aerobic bacteria isolated from dead-in-shell chicken embryos in Kaduna state, Nigeria

No Abstract.Bulletin of Animal Health and Production in Africa Vol. 56 (2) 2008: pp. 158-16