A longitudinal survey of African animal trypanosomiasis in domestic cattle on the Jos Plateau, Nigeria:prevalence, distribution and risk factors

BACKGROUND: Trypanosomiasis is a widespread disease of livestock in Nigeria and a major constraint to the rural economy. The Jos Plateau, Nigeria was free from tsetse flies and the trypanosomes they transmit due to its high altitude and the absence of animal trypanosomiasis attracted large numbers of cattle-keeping pastoralists to inhabit the plateau. The Jos Plateau now plays a significant role in the national cattle industry, accommodating approximately 7% of the national herd and supporting 300,000 pastoralists and over one million cattle. However, during the past two decades tsetse flies have invaded the Jos Plateau and animal trypanosomiasis has become a significant problem for livestock keepers. METHODS: In 2008 a longitudinal two-stage cluster survey on the Jos Plateau. Cattle were sampled in the dry, early wet and late wet seasons. Parasite identification was undertaken using species-specific polymerase chain reactions to determine the prevalence and distribution bovine trypanosomiasis. Logistic regression was performed to determine risk factors for disease. RESULTS: The prevalence of bovine trypanosomiasis (Trypanosoma brucei brucei, Trypanosoma congolense savannah, Trypanosoma vivax) across the Jos Plateau was found to be high at 46.8% (39.0 – 54.5%) and significant, seasonal variation was observed between the dry season and the end of the wet season. T. b. brucei was observed at a prevalence of 3.2% (1% – 5.5%); T. congolense at 27.7% (21.8% - 33.6%) and T. vivax at 26.7% (18.2% - 35.3%). High individual variation was observed in trypanosomiasis prevalence between individual villages on the Plateau, ranging from 8.8% to 95.6%. Altitude was found to be a significant risk factor for trypanosomiasis whilst migration also influenced risk for animal trypanosomiasis. CONCLUSIONS: Trypanosomiasis is now endemic on the Jos Plateau showing high prevalence in cattle and is influenced by seasonality, altitude and migration practices. Attempts to successfully control animal trypanosomiasis on the Plateau will need to take into account the large variability in trypanosomiasis infection rates between villages, the influence of land use, and husbandry and management practices of the pastoralists, all of which affect the epidemiology of the disease

Serum biochemical parameters and cytokine profiles associated with natural African trypanosome infections in cattle.

BACKGROUND: Animal African trypanosomiasis (AAT) greatly affects livestock production in sub-Saharan Africa. In Ghana prevalence of AAT is estimated to range between 5 and 50%. Studies have reported serum biochemical aberrations and variability in cytokine profiles in animals during infection. However, information regarding the biochemical parameters and cytokine profiles associated with natural infections are limited. This study was therefore aimed at investigating changes in the levels of serum biochemical parameters and inflammatory cytokines during a natural infection. METHODS: Nested internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-based PCR and sequencing were used to characterise trypanosome infection in cattle at two areas in Ghana (Adidome and Accra) of different endemicities. The cattle were sampled at four to five-week intervals over a period of six months. Levels of serum biochemical parameters, including creatinine, cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin and total protein and cytokines (interleukin 10, interleukin 4, interleukin 12, interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha) were measured in serum samples and then compared between infected cattle and uninfected controls. RESULTS: The predominant trypanosome species detected in Accra (non-endemic) and Adidome (endemic) were Trypanosoma theileri and Trypanosoma vivax, respectively. Serum biochemical parameters were similar between infected and uninfected cattle in Accra. Infected cattle at Adidome however, had significantly higher levels of ALP, creatinine, total protein and total bilirubin (P < 0.05) and significantly lower levels of cholesterol (P < 0.05) at specific time points. At basal levels and during infection, significantly higher pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory (Th1/Th2) cytokine ratios were observed in cattle at Adidome compared to Accra (P < 0.05), indicating a shift towards Th1 immune response in Adidome. Levels of IL-10 were, however, significantly elevated in infected cattle in Accra (P < 0.05), suggesting high anti-inflammatory cytokine response in Accra. CONCLUSION: These results suggests that cattle in an endemic area repeatedly infected with trypanosomes of different species or different antigenic types demonstrate high pro-inflammatory (Th1) immune response and biochemical alterations whereas cattle in a non-endemic area with predominantly chronic T. theileri infections demonstrate high anti-inflammatory response and no biochemical alterations

Comparative Study on Hematological and Plasma Biochemical Responses of Rabbits to Experimental Single and Mixed Infections of Trypanosoma Brucei And Trypanosoma Congolense

This study compared the effect of single and mixed infections of Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma congolense on hematological and biochemical parameters in 24 randomly selected male rabbits. Three groups (A, B, and C) of six rabbits each were challenged with 2 x 105 trypanosomes and fourth group (D) with 1ml normal saline without the parasite. Parasites were detected in the blood of the three infected groups at 3-10 days post infection (dpi). There were significant (p &lt; 0.05) differences between the mean PCV, WBC and HB of the infected groups and the non-infected group with the mean PCV of rabbits with mixed infections significantly highest. The developed anemia was normocytic normochromic while the leucopenia was characterized by neutropenia, eosinopenia and lymphocytosis. While no correlation was established between parasitaemia and the plasma biochemical in the three groups, the plasma protein and bilirubin levels were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) elevated, there was significant depletion of glucose levels in the three groups relative to non-infected group and only the rabbits infected with T.congolense had significant (p &lt; 0.05) cholesterol elevation. AST and ALP increased significantly (p &lt; 0.05) in the three groups (A, B and C) but no significant change in the level of ALT. Treatment with diminazene aceturate at 42 dpi effectively reduced the parasitemia to zero level at 49 dpi. In conclusion, hematological and biochemical alterations in single and mixed infections was significant (p &lt; 0.05) relative to non-infected group but not significant when compared within infections except the PCV and urea. This study revealed that single and mixed infections of T. brucei and T. congolense significantly altered some biochemical and hematological parameters of the infected rabbits. While most of these alterations were not significantly different between the single and mixed infections, the PCV and plasma urea levels of mixed infected rabbits were significantly depressed and elevated, respectively. Keywords: Rabbits. T. brucei, T. congolense, Hematological and biochemical parametersNigerian Veterinary Journal, VOL:33(2) 462-47

Mycoplasma haemocanis: Sub-clinical and haematological findings in a mongrel dog, Nigeria

We report the appearance of Mycoplasma haemocanis in a mongrel dog, which has been documented previously in different parts of the world, yet never in Nigeria. An apparently and clinically healthy mongrel was presented for Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvoviral enteritis, Parainfluenza (DHLPP) vaccination in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria, when pyrexia (40.30C) of unknown origin was discovered. Heamatological profile revealed marked responsive macrocytic, hypochromic anaemia and presence of erythrocytic abnormal morphologies such as anisocytosis, schistocytosis, polychromasia and spherocytosis, which suggest autoimmune haemolytic anemia. There was no leukocytosisdespite the presence of band neutrophils, although there was monocytosis with thrombocytopenia. In conclusion this report appears to be the first reported case of Mycoplasma haemocanis in dog in Nigeria. This will help clinicians in the management of haemoparasitic diseases and researchers will not find M. haemocanis as a confounding factor in experimental setup

Survey of disease status of chickens in some poultry farms in south-west Nigeria

A survey of health status of chickens in poultry farms in some local government areas (LGA) of Ogun State was carried out to determine the common chicken disease. Structured interview guides were administered through stratified and random sampling in six LGAs of Ogun state, viz. Odeda, Ewekoro, Ifo, Obafemi-Owode, Abeokuta South and Abeokuta North LGA, respectively. A total of 80 respondents who were the owners of the Poultry Farms were successfully interviewed and data collected were subjected to descriptive statistics to establish prevalent chicken diseases, and Chi-square analysis to determine associations between socio-economic characteristics of respondents and disease status of their flock. Coccidiosis was the major cause of ill-health in flocks. Significant relationships were established as follows: access to extension services and flock size (p=0.001), extension services and feeding of birds (p=0.001), extension services and shelter (p=0.003), extension services and healthcare (p=0.006), extension services and total sick (p=0.001), extension services and action on sick (p=0.044), access to veterinary services and flock size (p=0.003), veterinary services and feeding (p=&lt;0.001), veterinary services and sheltering (p&lt;0.001), veterinary services and healthcare (p&lt;0.001), veterinary services and action on sick birds (p&lt;0.001). It was concluded that socio-economic characteristics of farmers in the study area could influence health status of chickens.Key words: Disease surveillance, poultry management, socio-economic characteristics

ENDO AND ECTO PARASITE PREVALENCE AND ABUNDANCE IN SOME FISH SPECIES FROM AKOMOJE, OGUN RIVER SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA

Parasites are the second most abundant microorganisms that infect and cause disease in wild and cultured fish after bacteria. The study investigated the parasite prevalence, abundance, mean intensity and dominance in some fresh water fish from Akomoje, Ogun River, Nigeria from February to May, 2016. Eight fish species were collected and identified to the species level. Experimental fish were measured and weighed. Endo- and ecto-parasites were examined for; from Skin/scale, dorsal and caudal fins, gills, intestine and stomach of fish. Water sample was collected from shore, mid and extreme of the landing site and also analysed for parasite abundance. Prevalence of parasite in all fish species varied slightly with size. Myxozoan group revealed the highest dominance of ecto- and endo-parasites in virtually all fish species while mean intensity and abundance of Myxozoan spp. was highest in Oreochromis niloticus and Hemichromis fasciatus. Highest case of a single species of ecto- and endo-parasite in a fish sample was that of Nematode larva in Chrysicthys nigrodigitatus (41.43 %) and Trichocerca sp. (Rotifera) in Mormyrus rume (52.9 %).Water analysis revealed three parasite groups that were present in the sampled fish. Conclusively, Akomoje landing site of Ogun River has a rich burden of parasites

The prevalence and clinico-haematological changes of protozoan diseases in food animals in Alabata, Abeokuta

One hundred and fifty eight samples were collected from various species of food animals, namely bovine, ovine, porcine and caprine to investigate the prevalence of various natural haemoparasitic protozoan infections namely trypanosomosis, anaplasmosis, babesiosis and theileriosis. Most importantly, the bovine and ovine showed high susceptibility to haemoparasiticprotozoan infection with 13.6% and 15.18% respectively. The ovine also showed 16% prevalence with mixed infection of two or more of anaplasmosis, babesiosis and theileriosis respectively. Porcine is the least predisposed to haemoparasitic infections. The clinico-haematological picture shows that anaemia is common to all species, there was eosinophilia and lymphocytosis in sheep and goats with varying extent of neutrophilia in bovine and ovine, while the porcine manifested neutropaenia, but there was lymphocytosis. The haematological parameters of naturally infected animals improved after treatment in virtually all species

Canine trypanosomosis: Clinical observations and morphological pathology associated with natural infection of Trypanosoma congolense in exotic breeds of dog in Abeokuta, Nigeria

Clinical and pathological aspects of canine trypanosomosis were determined in naturally infected dogs presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, at different times between 2012 and 2013. The breeds, sexes, ages and body weights of the dogs were recorded.  Clinical signs were observed. Blood samples were collected to determine their packed cell volumes  (PCVs) and parasitaemia. Post-mortem examinations were carried out on 6 dogs that died of the disease and tissue samples were collected and fixed in 10% buffered formalin for histopathology. Trypanosoma species was characterized using polymerase chain reaction. Trypansoma species detected by microscopy was confirmed as T. congolense savannah sub-type by PCR. Clinically, the dogs were anorexic, lethargic and showed lymphadenopathy. Their body temperatures ranged from 40-41.6oC,  Respiratory rates were 28-34/minute, 4 out of 6 cases examined at post-mortem showed epistaxis. The gross lesions were pale mucous membranes, severe pulmonary congestions, haemorrhages and oedema (4/6), marked hydrothorax measuring 1-2 litres (5/6), misshapen heart with petechial and ecchymotic haemorrhages in the epicardium (4/6), severely enlarged and icteric livers and splenomegaly. The intestinal mucous membranes were haemorrhagic (2/6), the kidneys were pale and the testes were haemorrhagic (2/6). Microscopic lesions were severe pulmonary congestion, haemorrhages, oedema and infiltration by inflammatory cells, severe haemorrhagic myocarditis, hyperplastic lymphodenopathy, varying degree of degeneration and necrosis with inflammatory reactions in the lungs, hearts, livers,  spleens and kidneys. The liver sinusoids were dilated and the hepatocytes show varying degree of fatty change. In some cases, hepatocytes were atrophic. In all the six cases, Trypanosome species were characterized as T. congolense savannah type. The pathogenicity of trypanosomes in dogs was discussed.Keywords: trypanosomosis, clinical signs, parasitaemia, pathology, dogs. rhodesense

Diminazene-resistant Trypanosoma vivax in West African Dwarf lamb, south-west, Nigeria: A case report

A case of diminazene-resistant trypanosomosis in a West African Dwarf (WAD) lamb with no previous record of trypanocidal therapy is reported. Lamb was presented with clinical manifestations that included lethargy, blanched conjuntival mucous membrane, emaciation and exhaustion. Pre- and post-trypanocidal treatment evaluation of blood parasitologically by direct microscopy revealed parasitaemia of 31x106 and 15x 106/ml of blood respectively. Specie specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis of the PCR products revealed amplicons size of 400 bp, expected size of Tryopanosoma vivax. The trypanosomes isolated obtained from the lamb before treatment was passaged into a haemoparasite free sheep. Pre and post reinfection chemotherapy of isolated trypanosomes into haemoparasite free sheep showed parasitemia of 7.5 x 106 and 15x 106/ml of blood respectively. Epidemiological survey of sheep environment showed moderate infestation of Glossina palplispalplis precipitated by the incursion of different herd’s of Fulani cattle with the history of indiscriminate use of drugs; grazing their animals in the immediate vicinity of the flock. This report confirms the presence of diminazeneaceturate resistant T. vivaxstrain in the study area and also discussed the clinical implication of drug resistance trypanosomosis.Keywords: Dwarf lamb, T. vivax strain, drug resistanc