Baseline and recurrent exposure to the standard dose of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) induces oxidative stress and liver damage in mice (BALB/c)

Background In malaria-endemic countries, repeated intake of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) is rampant and driven by drug resistance, improper usage, and easy accessibility. Stress effects and potential liver tox- icity due to the frequent therapeutic use of ACTs have not been extensively studied. Here, we investigated the effects of repeated treatment with standard doses of the commonly used ACTs artemether/lumefantrine (A/L) and artesu- nate-amodiaquine (A/A) on oxidative stress and liver function markers in male mice (BALB/c). Methods Forty Five mice were divided into three groups: control, A/L, and A/A. The drugs were administered three days in a row per week, and the regimen was repeated every two weeks for a total of six cycles. The levels of oxidative stress and liver function markers were measured in both plasma and liver tissue after initial (baseline) and repeated exposures for the second, third, and sixth cycles. Results Exposure to A/L or A/A caused a significant (p < 0.001) increase in plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) lev- els after the first and repeated exposure periods. However, Hepatic MDA levels increased significantly (p < 0.01) only after the sixth exposure to A/A. Following either single or repeated exposure to A/L or A/A, plasma and liver glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) activities, plasma aspartate and alanine transaminase, alkaline phos- phatase activity, and bilirubin levels increased, whereas total plasma protein levels decreased significantly (p < 0.001). Varying degrees of hepatocyte degeneration and blood vessel congestion were observed in liver tissues after a single or repeated treatment period. Conclusion Irrespective of single or repeated exposure to therapeutic doses of A/L or A/A, plasma oxidative stress and liver damage were observed. However, long-term repeated A/A exposure can led to hepatic stress. Compensa- tory processes involving GPx and CAT activities may help reduce the observed stress

Retrospective studies on the prevalence, morphological pathology and aetiology of renal failure of dog in Lagos and Abeokuta, Nigeria

No AbstractKeywords: postmortem, renal failure, nephritis, pathology, do

Reliability of Some Clinical Parameters for Field Diagnosis of African Animal Trypanosomosis in Cattle

Presumptive and inaccurate diagnosis of cattle trypanosomosis among field veterinarians has led to misuse of trypanocides, development of drug resistance, toxicities and huge economic losses. This study assessed the reliability, specificity and sensitivity of some identified trypanosomosis associated signalments (anaemia using FAMACHA® guide, body condition score (BCS), superficial lymph nodes enlargement and jugular pulsation) as field diagnostic parameters. Blood and faecal samples were collected from 273 subjectively selected cattle for the determination of packed cell volume (PCV) and screening for trypanosome, and for helminth egg using McMaster technique, respectively. Data obtained from assessment of packed cell volume based on BCS, FAMANCHA score, superficial lymph nodes enlargement and jugular pulsation were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi square, while comparison of data using independent student ttest and one-way ANOVA was similarly conducted. Of the screened cattle, 16.5% (45/273) were positive for trypanosome. Single infection due to Trypanosoma spp. was found in 13.5% (37/273) cattle, while 2.9% (8/273) had trypanosome concurrently with Babesia spp. or helminth infections. The prevalence of Trypanosoma infection was higher in animals with mild or moderately pale mucous membrane, slight emaciation, palpable superficial lymph nodes and pulsating jugular vein. The mean PCV of Trypanosoma infected cattle (27.65±0.056) was lower than in non-infected cattle (31.30±0.36) (p&lt;0.05). Based on the jugular pulsation status, enlargement of the superficial lymph nodes, trypanosomosis state and Famancha category, there was no significant (p&lt;0.05) variation in the PCV of the examined cattle. A negative and low correlation (r = -0.054) existed between BCS and FAMACHA® anaemia score. Each of the clinical diagnostic parameters showed poor sensitivity when employed separately, but the sensitivity improved when applied together and showed 80% specificity to Trypanosoma infection. The results of the present study showed that Trypanosoma infected cattle were associated with anaemia, emaciation, weight loss, jugular pulsation and lymphadenophathy. Key Words: Trypanosomosis, Diagnosis, Cattle, Anaemia, Treatmen

Severe Bilateral Testicular Atrophy Among Sahel Goats In Maiduguri, Nigeria

Among 6653 Nigerian Sahel bucks examined over a period of 6 months (March - April, 2007) in the abattoir in Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria, 5 cases (0.08%) of severe bilateral testicular atrophy were diagnosed. The atrophic testes were shrunken, firm to touch and irregular in shape and the seminiferous tubules were replaced by fibrous connective tissues. This is the first report of the condition in this region.Key words: Atrophic testis, prevalence, pathology, Sahel goat

A pilot study of acute phase proteins as indicators of bovine mastitis caused by different pathogens

This study analysed three acute phase proteins in milk from natural cases of bovine mastitis and compared their profiles across different pathogens causing the infection. Their ability to differentiate subclinical and clinical mastitis from normal (uninfected) milk samples was also examined. Samples from various dairy farms across Scotland submitted to the Veterinary Diagnostic Services unit of the University of Glasgow were used for this study. They were subjected to microbiological examination for mastitis pathogens, evaluation of somatic cell counts and analyses by ELISAs for haptoglobin, C-reactive protein and mammary associated serum amyloid A3. Each acute phase protein (APP) was compared across pathogens and form of mastitis. Significant differences (P = 0.000) were observed for each APP between causative pathogen and form of mastitis. There were significant correlations between the pathogen and the form of mastitis and the 3 APP showed similar profile for the different pathogen type and forms of mastitis. It can be concluded that the aetiological pathogen of mastitis to a large extent influences the clinical form of the disease, this, ultimately being reflected in the degree and course of secretions of the acute phase proteins; Hp, M-SAA3 and CRP into milk during mastitis. Variations of which, show correspondent patterns with related pathogen/form-of-mastitis. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparative study on the sensitivity of bacteriology and immunohistochemical technique in the diagnosis of natural salmonellosis in chickens

Bacteriological and immunohistochemical diagnoses of natural salmonellosis in chickens were carried out on 36 cases, in order to compare the sensitivities of the two techniques. Samples of the lungs, heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, proventriculus, intestine and caecum were collected at postmortem for bacterial isolation and separately fixed in 10% formalin for immunohistochemistry. The frequencies of Salmonella isolation by bacteriology and antigen detection by immunohistochemical technique were determined from the tissue samples and overall percentages between the two were compared. Out of 36 cases of natural salmonellosis, 53 Salmonella isolates were obtained from different organs in 31 (86.1%) cases; 48 isolates from 28 (77.8%) cases tested biochemically positive; PCR confirmed 41 isolates from 25 (89.3%) cases. Immunohistochemical test was positive in all the 36 (100%) cases. In the present study, immunohistochemical technique was more sensitive than isolation and identification and can be used as an adjunct to bacteriology in the diagnosis of avian salmonellosis.Keywords: Salmonellosis, Diagnosis, Bacteriology, Immunohistochemistry, Postmortem, Chicke

Effect of common salt (NaCl) on reproductive tract dimension, haemolymph haemocyte count and biochemical parameters of Giant African Land snail (A. marginata) during dry season

A study was conducted on the effect of common salt (NaCl) on reproductive tract dimension, haemolymph haemocyte count and biochemical parameters of Giant African Land snail (GALs), Archachatina marginata during the dry season. Forty (40) snails with a weight range of 150 g–180 g were used for this study. Four (4) treatment with each consisting of ten (10) replicates were assigned as follows: T1 (Control: concentrate +0 g of salt (NaCl)), T2 (concentrate +0.05 g of salt (NaCl)), T3 (concentrate+0.15 g of salt (NaCl) and T4 (concentrate + 0.25 of salt (NaCl)). The experiment lasted 13 weeks. Haemolymph was collected at the end of 13 weeks to assess haemocyte count, total protein, albumin, globulin, alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST). The haemocyte count was determined using a Neubeur haemocytometer, while haemolymph biochemical parameters were determined using spectrophotometric methods with the appropriate kit. The snails were also dissected for complete isolation of the reproductive tract for morphometric measurements. Key organs concerned were: Ovo-testis, albumen, little hermaphrodite duct and hepatopancreas. The weight and length of each of these organs were taken together with complete tract weight. Ovo-testis from each treatment was also harvested for histology. A mortality record was taken as the experiment progresses. The result showed that serum biochemical parameters were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by a various inclusion level of salt used. But it had a significant effect on ovotesis length, albumen weight, little hermaphrodite weight and reproductive tract weight. However, no significant effect was seen in ovotestis weight, albumen length, little hermaphrodite length and hepatopancreas weight and length. It was also discovered that common salt (NaCl) significantly affected (P < 0.01) haemocyte count and mortality record of GALS. Snails fed 0.25 g NaCl had the highest haemocyte count, followed by those fed 0.15 g, while snails fed 0 g and 0.05 g recorded the least value. It was also discovered that 0 g NaCl inclusion into the diet of snail (A. marginata) recorded the highest mortality (60 %) followed by 0.05 g NaCl inclusion level which gave 30 % mortality. However, the inclusion level of 0.15 g and 0.25 g NaCl into snail feed recorded no mortality. Histological evaluation of the ovotestis revealed that snail given 0.25 g inclusion into the concentrate diet had active acini with spermatogonium and well-formed oocyte, followed by those group with 0.15 g with active acini with several ova. It is obvious from this study that NaCl had an immune-modulatory influence on GAS during the dry season via mitigation of mortality without negatively affecting the haemolymph biochemical parameter. Inclusion used in this study also boost reproductive apparatus functions which are usually not active during this period. It is therefore recommended that both 0.15 g and 0.25 g/kg be included into the diet of A. marginata during the dry season to mitigate challenges that confront snail farming during the period to boost production and reduce economic losses due to mortality during this season

Preliminary studies on pathogenic Leptospira spp. In slaughtered pigs in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

This study was undertaken to investigate the occurrence of pathogenic Leptospira spp. and the associated renal morphological changes in pigs slaughtered in slaughter slabs within Abeokuta metropolis, Nigeria. A total of 42 pigs’ kidney samples were randomly collected for the study. The samples were examined using Ellinghausen McCullough Johnson Harris (EMJH) medium, microscopic agglutination test (MAT), Warthin Starry silver stain (WSss) and immunohistochemistry (IH). Thirty (71.43%) of the 42 kidneys showed visible macroscopic lesions. Interstitial nephritis and tubular nephrosis were the most prominent histopathological changes. Leptospira organisms were isolated from 35 (83.3%) of 42 kidneys. The occurrence of Leptospira species from 23 uncontaminated isolates using MAT was 95.7% (22/23). The reactant serovars and respective detection rate were  Icterohaemorrhagiae (8/23, 34.8%), Pomona (4/23, 17.4%), Gripptotyphosa (3/23, 13%) Hardjo (3/23, 13%), Bratislava (2/23, 8.7%), Canicola (2/23, 8.7%), and 1 undetermined isolate (4.4%). Leptospira organisms were detected in 20 (87%) and 8 (34.8%) of the 23 renal tissues examined using WSss and IH respectively. Comparison of level of agreement among diagnostic methods [using kappa statistics (ki)] showed very low level of agreement between MAT and IH, and between WSss and IH. However, there was significant  P&lt;0.005) measure of agreement between MAT and WSss. The significance of these Leptospira serovars in pig industry and their public health implications were discussed. This is the first investigative study on swine leptospirosis in Nigeria.Keywords: immunohistochemistry, Leptospirosis, microscopic agglutination test, Pigs, renal pathology, Serovars

Concurrent Hepatozoonosis and Transmissible Venereal Tumour in a 10-Year Old German Shepherd Dog In Abeokuta, Nigeria

In this study, a case of hepatozoonosis with concurrent TVT unresponsive to chemotherapy in a 10-year old female German shepherd dog treated with Vincristine for 10 weeks at the State Veterinary Clinic, Abeokuta, was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria. Adiagnosis of hepatozoonosis and TVTwere made based on clinical presentations including protruding mass from the vulva, parasitological technique and cytological evaluation of the tumour mass and bone marrow using optical fine needle aspirate. Pathological changes observed in various organs at post-mortem, following euthanasia were cachexia, pale and icteric ocular and oral mucous membranes, enlarged and oedematous lymph nodes. Histopatholgical lesions were round to oval neoplastic cells from the growth observed in the vagina. There were different developmental stages of the merogony of Hepatozoon canisin the bone marrow. We concluded that concurrent hepatozoonosis and TVT and, possibly, the geriatric state of the patient contributed largely to the problem of unresponsiveness to treatment. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of concurrent infection of canine hepatozoonosis and TVTin Nigeria Keywords: Dog, hepatozoonosis, TVT, unresponsive to chemotherap

Lethal Doses and Histopathological Changes in Liver and Kidney of Healthy Clarias gariepinus Sub-adult Exposed to Red Allium cepa Linn. Bulb

Adverse effects of Allium cepa bulb has been well overlooked because it is natural and assumed safe. This study investigated the lethal doses and histopathological changes in liver and kidney of healthy Clarias gariepinus sub-adult exposed to red Allium cepa bulb at varying concentrations (200, 150, 100, 50 and 25 g/kg) of A. cepa via diet and bath (5, 3, 1.5, 0.7 and 0.4 g/L) for two weeks. Specimens were sacrificed, liver and kidneys collected, processed and examined for histopathological changes. Proximate analysis, qualitative and quantitative phytochemistry was determined using standard methods. Brine Shrimp lethality assay (BSLA), LD50 and LC50 of the onion on experimental fish were investigated. Saponins, tannins, phenols, flavonoids and alkaloids were present. LC50 of the onion extract was between 0. 51 mg and 0.64 mg in the BSLA while mean LD50 and LC50 for dietary and bath treatments were 447.1 g/kg and 12.2 g/L. Liver histopathology showed vacuolar degeneration of the hepatocytes and congestion of central vein, while necrosis of the epithelial cells and haemosiderosis were observed in the kidney at high concentrations. Allium cepa is safe in fish when administered in lower dose either through diet or bath exposure but was toxic at high dose