Genetic Characterization of Lumpy Skin Disease Viruses Circulating in Lesotho Cattle.

Lumpy skin disease is one of the fast-spreading viral diseases of cattle and buffalo that can potentially cause severe economic impact. Lesotho experienced LSD for the first time in 1947 and episodes of outbreaks occurred throughout the decades. In this study, eighteen specimens were collected from LSD-clinically diseased cattle between 2020 and 2022 from Mafeteng, Leribe, Maseru, Berea, and Mohales' Hoek districts of Lesotho. A total of 11 DNA samples were analyzed by PCR and sequencing of the extracellular enveloped virus (EEV) glycoprotein, G-protein-coupled chemokine receptor (GPCR), 30 kDa RNA polymerase subunit (RPO30), and B22R genes. All nucleotide sequences of the above-mentioned genes confirmed that the PCR amplicons of clinical samples are truly LSDV, as they were identical to respective LSDV isolates on the NCBI GenBank. Two of the elevem samples were further characterized by whole-genome sequencing. The analysis, based on both CaPV marker genes and complete genome sequences, revealed that the LSDV isolates from Lesotho cluster with the NW-like LSDVs, which includes the commonly circulating LSDV field isolates from Africa, the Middle East, the Balkans, Turkey, and Eastern Europe.

Parasitic contamination and public health risk of commonly consumed vegetables in Ibadan-Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: vegetables form a major component of the human diet. However, poor agronomic practices may put consumers at risk of parasitic infections. This study evaluated the parasitic contamination of vegetables grown in selected farms in Ibadan, Nigeria. METHODS: Two hundred and eighty vegetable species: African eggplant (Solanum macrocarpon), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), cucumber (Brassica oleracea), spinach (Amaranthus cruentus), white jute (Corchorus olitorius), pumpkin (Telfaria occidentalis), green pepper (Capsicum sp.), okro (Abelmoschus esculentus), quill grass (Celosia argenta L), tomato (Lycopersicum sativus) were collected from farms within Ibadan. Samples were washed in water, and the resulting washing solution was filtered and centrifuged to concentrate the parasitic stages. Sediments were examined by iodine and modified Ziehl-Neelsen stained smears technique. RESULTS: parasites were detected in 14 (5.0%, 95% CI 32.6%-67.3%) of samples. The highest contaminated vegetable was white jute 32.1 (95% CI 17.9%-50.6%), followed by pumpkin 7.1(95% CI 1.9-22.6), quill grass 7.1% (95% CI 1.9-22.6) and lettuce 3.5 (95% CI 0.6-17.7). The commonest parasites were Strongyloides stercoralis larvae 42.9 (95% CI 21.3-67.4), Entamoeba histolytica/E.dipaar 21.4 (95% CI 7.5-47.5), Trichostrongylus spp 21.4 (95% CI 21.3-67.4), and Ascaris sp. 14.3 (95% CI 4.0-39.9). CONCLUSION: these findings provide evidence of contamination of vegetables from farms in Ibadan with parasites of public health importance. Information on best practices should be designed, packaged and disseminated through appropriate channels to enhance positive behavior change among farmers.

Seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in cattle and pigs in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Toxoplasmosis is an important food borne parasitic zoonoses. However, data on Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic animals mostly used for human consumption in Nigeria are scarce. We thus conducted a survey on the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in a representative sample of cattle and pigs in farms and the abattoirs between June and December 2012. Sera from 210 cattle (both sexes) and 302 pigs (both sexes), were examined for T. gondii specific IgG antibodies by indirect Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The seroprevalences determined were 13.91 % in cattle and 29.14 % in pigs. The antibody levels ranged from 0.499 to 2.103 in cattle, and 0.544 to 3.020 in pigs. The prevalence of IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies was positively correlated with the age. The seroprevalences (26.23 %) and (36.54 %) for adult cattle and pigs respectively, were higher compared to younger groups. However the difference was not significant (P > 0.05) in cattle but significant (P < 0.05) in pigs. In Nigeria, exposure to raw or undercooked foods is a risk factor for T. gondii infection. Knowledge of the prevalence of toxoplasmosis will help to target prevention efforts.