Spectrophotometric determination of proteins associated with virulence in Nigerian strains of aeromonas species

Twenty six Aeromonas isolates from fishes, poultry and humans in Zaria were quantified for total soluble proteins (enzymes) profiles in January, 2007 by spectrophotometric (Biuret) method. Isolates were grown on Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) broth, they were incubated at 370C and centrifuged at 1,000 g/dl using harous labofuge. The results indicated in poultry, virulent proteins were: A. hydrophila (3.58 g/dl) A. caviae (4.00 g/dl), A. salmonicida, (3.82 g/dl) and A. sobria (0.00 g/dl). In fish, the virulent proteins were: A. hydrophila (3.11 g/dl), A. sobria (4.63 g/dl), A. caviae (2.95 g/dl) and A. salmonicida (2.74 g). In humans, the virulent proteins were: A. hydrophila (4.07 g/dl), A. sobria (3.58 g/dl) and A. caviae (3.99 g/dl). These strains of Aeromonas species were known to produce pathogenic factors which could be involved in aeromoniasis. Key words: Quantification, Soluble proteins, Aeromona

Problems and prospects of rabbit production in Nigeria - a review

Population growth in the developed countries is stabilizing while that of developing countries including Nigeria is still increasing rapidly. This calls for increasing the production of livestock to meet the protein demand of the populace. Rabbits are characterized by small body size, short gestation period, high reproductive potential, rapid growth rate, genetic diversity, and their ability to utilize forages. Their by-products serve as major diet components and are devoid of fat thus making them suitable important source of protein. Rabbit meat is of high quality, being high in protein and low in fat content. Rabbit production can be integrated into small farming systems, with the rabbits being fed on crop residues, weeds, waste fruits, vegetables and poultry droppings. The manure can be used as fertilizer for crops and gardens. The housing systems and equipment examined were cages, feeders and other equipment for rabbits can be made using readily available materials such as split bamboo and raffia palm. Limitations to rabbit production in developing countries include the susceptibility of the animals to heat stress, and the degree of management skill necessary to raise rabbits successfully. This study further suggests areas of research needed on the nutritional value of tropical forages and by-products for rabbits. It is apparent that in many areas in developing countries, rabbit production could be an effective means of converting forages and by-products into high quality animal protein for human consumption. The study provides a benchmark for the understanding of prospects of rabbit production in Nigeria. Keywords: Rabbit, Production, Problems, Prospects, Animal protein

African swine fever outbreak in Kumo, Nigeria: A case report

No Abstract

Foetal Wastage and Some Diseased Conditions in Sheep Slaughtered at Gwagwalada Abattoir, Abuja, Nigeria

The study was conducted on 1,573 pregnant ewes slaughtered in Gwagwalada abattoir between September 1st to October 30th,2008. The study was conducted to investigate foetal wastages associated with the slaughter of pregnant ewes and to detect some diseases or lesions associated with slaughtered sheep at the abattoir. The results obtained from the investigation revealed overall average foetal recovery rate of about 388 foetuses (24.7 %). The slaughtering of pregnant animals was significantly high in September (26.4%) than in October (23.3). Pathological lesions and diseased conditions found to be associated with slaughtered sheep at the abattoir included: Abscesses 6.5 % cirrhosis of the liver 54.0 %, helminthiasis 5.0 %, mastitis 0.1 %, pneumonia 10.0 % and tuberculosis 0.57 %. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (p>0.05) between the number of foetusesencountered. It is evident from the results of this study that the slaughter of pregnant ewes adversely effected the economics of sheep production in the areas covered by this study. It is therefore required that appropriate government legislation and policy efforts are required for effective monitoring and dissemination of information relevant to prevent unwholesome practices and prevent certain diseases which could be of enormous economic and public health significance in Nigeria

Quantification of total soluble protein concentration in aeromonaspecies by spectrophotometric methods

No Abstract

Occurrence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Aeromonas hydrophila Isolates among Diarrhoeic Patients From University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

The present study is the first to be conducted in order to determine the occurrence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Aeromonas hydrophila strains from diarrheic patients attending University of Abuja Teaching Hospital in Nigeria. A total of 153 stool samples were collected from out patients attending University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH). The diarrhoeic patients were screened for the presence of Aeromonas hydrophila using routine cultural methods and biochemical characterization. Our results did show that the overall isolation rate is (3. 92%). The prevalence per age group is presented showed that age group 26-30 years having the highest rate of (1.31%) of the total sample analysed. Age groups 11-15 and 16-20 years having the same prevalence rate of (0.65%) each, while the age groups d”5, 6-10 and >30 had no prevalence for Aeromonas hydrophila. The distribution of A. hydrophila infection among different sexes has shown that (2.22%) out of the six A.hydrophila were isolated from diarrheic stools collected from males, while (6.35%) were isolated from females. Statistical analysis showed that X2 yates corrected)= 0.05 P= 0.596, OR=1.10 (0.50<OR<2.80).This indicated the level of association between age and rate of Aeromonas infection. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of A. hydrophila showed that the isolates were extremely (100%) resistant to Ampicillin, Cephalothin, Gentamicin, Streptomycin, Sulphatriazone, Tetracyclin and Cotrimoxazole. All the isolates are highly susceptible to Colistin and Ceftazidime (100%) followed by Augmentin (83%). They are moderately susceptible to Cefutoxime 50%). Earlier studies revealed resistance to Tetracycline and Cotrimoxazole. Our study confirmed that Aeromonas hydrophila as an important enteropathogen responsible for diarrhoea in humans in Gwagwalada. Diagnostic regime should involve screening of this organism alongside other microorganisms responsible for diarrhoeic symptoms in man and animals. This is the first report to involve Aeromonas hydrophila in human diarrhoea and sought regime for choice of antibiotics for the management of the infection

Evaluation of Microbial Contaminants and Antibiogram of Nigerian Paper Currency Notes (Naira) Circulation in Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria

A total of 160 mutilated Naira notes of 8 different denominations were randomly sampled from different occupational groups in Gwagwalada and analyzed for the presence of pathogenic microorganisms, which were subsequently screened for their antibiotic resistance status. The results revealed highest prevalence for Bacillus species (27.1%), Streptococcus species was seconded with prevalence of (18.8%), Staphylococcus species was (5.1%), and Clostridium species (1.9%) while E. coli was least (1.4%).  Contamination based on the occupational groups was higher for the meat and fish sellers than the other groups.  Bacterial counts for the different denominations revealed highest counts for N5 notes (1.59 x 105) and lowest count was for N1000 notes (1.43 x 102). Statistical findings indicated the level of association between naira notes and contamination of microorganisms. Susceptibility studies revealed that Staphylococcus and Streptococcus isolates were all resistant to all the six antimicrobial agents used; while Bacillus species and E. coli were susceptible to tetracycline and penicillin but were resistant to Ampicillin, Streptomycin, Gentamicin and Erythromycin. The Clostridium species were susceptible to Erythromycin but resistant to other drugs used. Our study suggested that the Nigerian paper currency is contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms which could be involved in the transmission of diseases such as meningitis, diarrhea, respiratory syndromes and skin infections. It is important to routinely screen our currency notes for microorganisms and determine their susceptibility to commonly used antimicrobial agents. This is necessary to safeguard public health and control the likelihood of spread of disease to man.Key words: Contaminants, Antibiogram, Naira, Evaluation

A Ten-year Retrospective Study on The Prevalence of Ruminant Diseases Encountered at the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory Veterinary Clinic Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria

This study was conducted at the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory (MFCT) Veterinary clinic, Gwagwalada, Abuja to document the diseases of ruminants that prevailed between January, 1999 and December, 2008. A total of 703 cases were recorded for the various animals during this period. The specie of ruminants and their percentages presented at the clinic includes Cattle (17.5%), Sheep (35.6%) and Goats (46.9%). The diseases diagnosed were Peste des Petit Ruminants (PPR) which was 40.1%, Contagious Bovine Pleuro Pneumonia (CBPP) 1.4%, Dermatophilosis 2%, Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) 0.6%, Helminthosis 20.2%, Brucellosis 3.3% and  Trypanosomosis 5%. PPR was the most prevalent disease with an infection rate of 40.1% followed by helminthosis (20.2%); the least was FMD with a prevalent rate of 0.6%. It was recommended that livestock farmers in Gwagwalada should plan their disease control strategies by consulting the MFCT Veterinary clinic and the University of Abuja Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada for information on disease epidemiology to keep themselves abreast with management strategies of diseases in the locality