Comparative performance evaluation of blood film microscopy for the diagnosis of bovine trypanosomosis by some laboratories in North-central Nigeria.

Background: Due to its affordability in disease-affected communities and suitability for field application, microscopy has historically been considered the gold standard for field diagnosis of trypanosomosis in rural settings. Aim: This works aims to compare the performance of microscopists on bovine trypanosome microscopy by organizing the first comparative assessment on a correct reading of slides by laboratory professionals using the read slide results and a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire in North-central Nigeria. Methods: Ten participants were addressed, as they were sent a panel of two slides (Slide 1: No Trypanosome present; Slide 2: Trypanosome present) and a questionnaire. Results: All participants greater than 41 years old reported correctly the presence and absence of parasites on slides. Only 3/8 of microscopists from routine diagnostic laboratories reported correctly the presence of the parasite. Conclusion: Our study confirmed errors in reading slides. Therefore, training of microscopists besides a nationwide quality assessment is recommended.

Azanza garckeana ameliorates Bisphenol A-induced reproductive toxicities in rabbit bucks.

This study evaluated the ameliorative properties of Azanza garckeana in Bisphenol A-induced reproductive toxicities on weight, spermiogram, serum hormonal profile, sperm DNA integrity, histopathology of testes and brain tissues of rabbit bucks. Twenty-eight rabbit bucks, with live weight of 1.20-2.00 kg and aged 10-18 months. They were randomly divided into four groups of seven bucks each, group A was administered distilled water (1.5 mL) daily for 12 weeks, group B was administered Bisphenol A (100 mg/kg) for 5 consecutive days in a week for a period of 12 weeks, group C was administered Azanza garckeana (500 mg/kg) daily for 12 weeks and group D was pre-dosed with Bisphenol A (100 mg/kg) for 5 consecutive days in a week over 6 weeks period followed by Azanza garckeana (500 mg/kg) daily for another 6 weeks. Mean testicular weights differed significantly (p < 0.05) between group B (4.4 ± 0.23) when compared with groups A (8.0 ± 0.06), C (8.7 ± 0.19) and D (7.1 ± 0.18). There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the mean reaction time, spermiogram, testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone and sperm DNA fragmentation index between Bisphenol A-exposed groups and treatment groups. On histopathology, there was testicular vacuolization, interstitial hemorrhage, reduction in spermatogenic cells following Bisphenol A exposure. There were layers of dense basophilic cells in the pineal and pituitary parenchymas. In conclusion, Bisphenol A has negative effects on reproduction but administration of Azanza garckeana may possess some therapeutic properties that can ameliorate such adverse effects.

Identification of Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides from slaughtered cattle in two transboundary states of North­eastern Nigeria.

This study aimed to perform molecular typing of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides from slaughtered cattle in Adamawa and Taraba States, north­eastern Nigeria. A total of four hundred and eighty (480) samples of lung tissues, nasal swabs, ear swabs and pleural fluids were collected from cattle at slaughter and processed according to standard laboratory protocols. Identification and confirmation were achieved with specific PCR and PCR­RFLP. An overall M. mycoides subsp. mycoides isolation rate of 6.87% (33/480) was obtained. In Adamawa State, 12 (10.91%) isolates of M. mycoides subsp. mycoides came from both, lung tissues and pleural fluids. While in Taraba State, 5 (7.14%) and 4 (5.71%) isolates of M. mycoides subsp. mycoides came from lung tissues and pleural fluids, respectively. The samples from nasal and ear swabs from the study states were negative for M. mycoides subsp. mycoides. Thirty­three out of the 37 culture positive isolates were confirmed to be Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides with the production of a band equivalent to 574­bp. Molecular typing with restriction endonuclease Vsp1 results in the two bands of 180­bp and 380­bp. In conclusion, the study has established an isolation rate of 6.87% for M. mycoides subsp. mycoides. Measures to strengthen movement control in order to minimise the spread of this dreaded disease of cattle were recommended.

Genital lesions in cows naturally infected with trypanosomes in Abuja, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Different species of trypanosomes have been reported to cause varying degrees of reproductive disorders in pregnant and non-pregnant animals under experimental infections. Information on reproductive disorders and losses in animals naturally infected with trypanosome species are few. This study was carried out to assess the abnormalities in the genital organs (ovaries, oviduct, uterus, cervix, and vagina) of female cattle naturally infected with trypanosomes in and around Abuja, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cows showing signs such as emaciation, weakness, or anemia were selected and examined at Gwagwalada and Karu abattoirs, respectively. Venous blood samples were taken from 108 of such animals and screened using standard trypanosome detection methods. The genital organs were also collected and inspected for gross and histopathological lesions in the laboratory. RESULTS: Six (5.55%) out of the 108 animals were positive for trypanosomes; 4 (66.7%) were infected with Trypanosoma vivax and 2 (33.3%) were infected with Trypanosoma congolense. The mean packed cell volume of the infected animals was 22.83%. Grossly, congestion and ecchymotic hemorrhages were observed in the endometrium, myometrium, and cervical submucosa. Mucometra, hydrometra, and pyometra were also seen in the uterus. Histologically, necrosis of the epithelium and endometrial glands accompanied by mononuclear cellular infiltration was observed in the uterus. There was also sloughing of the endometrial epithelium, vascular congestion, and hypertrophy of serosa of the uterus. There was atropy of the granulosa cells, increased numbers of degenerating tertiary follicles, and absence of corpora lutea in the ovary. No gross or histopathological lesions were observed in the fallopian tube and vagina. CONCLUSION: The lesions observed were restricted to the uterus and ovary of the animals and were less severe when compared to lesions observed under experimental conditions as reported by previous authors.

Tuberculin screening of some selected Fulani lactating cows in North-Central Nigeria.

The prevalence of mycobacterial infection among lactating Fulani cows was investigated in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and Kaduna State of Nigeria. Tuberculin testing using single comparative intradermal tuberculin test showed a 14.6 % positive, 4 % doubtful, and 81.4 % negative reactors. Mycobacterial infection was found to be present in the nomadic (constantly moving) and seminomadic (limited movement) management systems studied but management showed no significant effect on the prevalence of the disease. However, the prevalence was significantly higher in older age groups than the younger ones (P < 0.05).