A case of racemiform trichoblastoma in a dog.

Trichoblastoma, which is common in dogs, is now occurring with other cellular changes outside the recognized forms to warrant their continuous evaluation for proper elucidation even as their causes largely remain unknown. A case at hand involved a 9-year-old Caucasian dog, which weighed 35 kg with chief complaint of a progressive bleeding mass on the scalp. The dog had an up-to-date vaccination record and all vital parameters were within optimum ranges. The surgical excision of the firm, solitary, and alopecic mass with traumatized upper surface revealed the presence of a well-demarcated and unencapsulated mass composed of grapes-like nests of basaloid epithelial cells within follicular stroma devoid of stromal necrosis, inflammatory cellular infiltration, and neoplastic epidermal connection. However, there was tissue necrosis, hemorrhages, and inflammatory cellular infiltrates on the exposed upper part of the traumatized growth. Immunohistochemical analysis showed positive reactivity to AE1/AE3, CK5/6, and p63 but negative immunoreactivity to CK7, CK20, CEA, and TTF-1. The histomorphological and immunohistochemical evaluation of the mass on the scalp of the dog suggested a solitary racemiform trichoblastoma with a traumatized exposed upper part despite basal cell carcinoma mimicry where histological diagnosis currently hold sway over immunohistochemical evaluation.

Histopathological and health risk assessment of heavy metals in the straw-colored fruit bat, Eidolon helvum, in Nigeria.

There is heightening concern regarding heavy metals environmental pollution requiring renewed global attention because of their bioaccumulation and toxicity at varying levels. The concern is most important in the highly migratory Eidolon helvum (E. helvum) that is very common and traverses wide geographical areas within the sub-Saharan Africa. The present study aimed to evaluate levels of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) bioaccumulation in 24 E. helvum of both sexes from Nigeria to assess their indirect health risks to the human consumers of the bats in addition to their direct bioaccumulation and toxic damages in the bats themselves based on standard procedures. Lead, Zn, and Cd bioaccumulation concentrations were 2.83 ± 0.35, 0.42 ± 0.03, and 0.05 ± 0.01 mg/kg, respectively, with significant (p < 0.05) Pb bioaccumulation compared to either Cd or Zn in the affected bats. However, only Pb (markedly) and Cd (marginally) bioaccumulated above small mammals' critical threshold levels as there are no existing established threshold levels for bats. Sex played no major role in their bioaccumulation levels. The bioaccumulation levels posed no life-long non-carcinogenic nor carcinogenic risks to the human consumers of the bats at detected concentrations. The observed lungs, liver, and kidney histopathological changes suggested the possible direct effects of the metals in the bats. Nevertheless, other anthropogenic factors might be responsible as no significant (p > 0.05) correlation existed between cellular changes and the bioaccumulation levels. The presence of the heavy metals and their bioaccumulations above critical threshold levels suggested some levels of environmental contamination and pollution, which might have direct and indirect health implications to the bats and their human consumers.

Survey of Animal Neoplastic Cases Diagnosed in Nigerian Veterinary Teaching Hospitals, 2000-2017.

Incidence data from 17-year veterinary neoplasm surveillance and registration were reviewed. Most of the neoplastic cases diagnosed in Nigerian veterinary teaching hospitals (VTHs) were in the avian (49%) and canine species (44%). Fewer cases were recorded in the equine (3.2%), bovine (2.4%), ovine (1.5%), caprine (0.3%) and porcine (0.15%) species. Marek's disease was the most prevalently diagnosed neoplastic disease of domestic animals in Nigerian VTHs from 2000-2017. Also, the Nigerian local breed had a higher mean distribution than any other dog breed and this was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Nearly all of the neoplastic cases diagnosed, were found in females (60.4%) and so the mean distribution of sex was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The digestive system, with 296 (46.25%) cases, was the anatomic location where the majority of the neoplastic cases were found. However, the mean distribution of different neoplastic anatomic sites was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In conclusion, little emphasis is given to the appropriate diagnosis and recording of neoplastic cases that are diagnosed. The study provides information regarding the prevalence and distribution of tumours in different animal species consulted in Nigeria veterinary teaching hospitals. To illustrate all of this, ArcGIS software was used. Veterinary clinicians, pathologists and epidemiologists from Nigeria may benefit from the results of this study by freely accessing some specific data regarding the breed, the age group or the gender of some animal species diagnosed with different tumours.

A case of chronic schistosomiasis in a Dongola stallion (Equus ferus caballus Linnaeus, 1758) from Nigeria.

Schistosomiasis is a worldwide snail-borne parasitic infestation of man and animals with acute or chronic phases having devastating sequelae. The present case report focused on post-mortem examination of a cachexic Dongola stallion (Equus ferus caballus Linnaeus, 1758) in Abuja, Nigeria, that failed to respond to treatment. Typical dense collagenous granulomatous lesions with marked inflammatory responses and fibrosis occurred in the liver and several visceral organs of the horse along with other lesions indicative of systemic collapse. Special Ziehl-Neelsen and Periodic Acid-Schiff staining as well as microbial culture returned negative results to rule out acid-fast bacilli, fungal, and other bacterial involvement. In addition, the presence of a yellowish-brown eggshell within fibrosing granulomatous lesions led to the diagnosis of chronic schistosomiasis. Prolonged malnutrition under harsh and changing increment weather conditions with lack of medical care following the infection might have predisposed the horse to the recorded systemic collapse in the present case. The dearth of information on the ante-mortem evaluation of acute equine schistosomiasis cases notwithstanding, the observed lesions/cellular changes reinforced  associated multi-organ damages and systemic collapse in chronic cases. Our findings highlighted the pathological presentations and prognosis of chronic schistosomiasis and its triggers, especially in endemic areas, and in horses that often do not present obvious clinical manifestations.

Detection of Alpha- and Betacoronaviruses in Frugivorous and Insectivorous Bats in Nigeria.

The rise of bat-associated zoonotic viruses necessitates a close monitoring of their natural hosts. Since the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), it is evident that bats are vital reservoirs of coronaviruses (CoVs). In this study, we investigated the presence of CoVs in multiple bat species in Nigeria to identify viruses in bats at high-risk human contact interfaces. Four hundred and nine bats comprising four bat species close to human habitats were individually sampled from five states in Nigeria between 2019 and 2021. Coronavirus detection was done using broadly reactive consensus PCR primers targeting the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene of CoVs. Coronavirus RNA was detected in 39 samples (9.5%, CI 95%: [7.0, 12.8]), of which 29 were successfully sequenced. The identified CoVs in Nigerian bats were from the unclassified African alphacoronavirus lineage and betacoronavirus lineage D (Nobecovirus), with one sample from Hipposideros ruber coinfected with alphacoronavirus and betacoronavirus. Different bat species roosting in similar or other places had CoVs from the same genetic lineage. The phylogenetic and evolutionary dynamics data indicated a high CoV diversity in Nigeria, while host switching may have contributed to CoV evolution. Robust sentinel surveillance is recommended to enhance our knowledge of emerging and re-emerging coronaviruses.

Important Mycoses of Wildlife: Emphasis on Etiology, Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Pathology-A Review: PART 1.

In the past few years, there has been a spurred tripling in the figures of fungal diseases leading to one of the most alarming rates of extinction ever reported in wild species. Some of these fungal diseases are capable of virulent infections and are now considered emerging diseases due to the extremely high number of cases diagnosed with fungal infections in the last few decades. Most of these mycotic diseases in wildlife are zoonotic, and with the emergence and re-emergence of viral and bacterial zoonotic diseases originating from wildlife, which are causing devastating effects on the human population, it is important to pay attention to these wildlife-borne mycotic diseases with zoonotic capabilities. Several diagnostic techniques such as fungal isolation, gross pathology, histopathology, histochemistry, cytology, immunohistochemistry, radiography, CT, and molecular methods such as PCR or ELISA have been invaluable in the diagnosis of wildlife mycoses. The most important data used in the diagnosis of these wildlife mycoses with a zoonotic potential have been re-emphasized. This will have implications for forestalling future epidemics of these potential zoonotic mycotic diseases originating from wildlife. In conclusion, this review will highlight the etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, pathogenesis, pathogenicity, pathology, and hematological/serum biochemical findings of five important mycoses found in wild animals.

Important Mycosis of Wildlife: Emphasis on Etiology, Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Pathology-A Review: PART 2.

Wild animals are an important component of the ecosystem, and play a major role in it. However, in recent years, there has been an astronomical increase in the incidence of wildlife mycotic diseases leading to wildlife extermination. It is important to note that most of these mycotic diseases are zoonotic, and since there is a lot of attention given to zoonosis of a bacterial or viral origin in recent times, it is important to look into the mycotic diseases which may have zoonotic potential. Previously, the authors expatiated on some major wildlife mycotic diseases. In this review, we shed light on the etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, pathogenesis, pathogenicity, macroscopic and microscopic pathology, and hematological and serum biochemical findings of dermatophytosis, coccidioidomycosis, blastomycosis, and sporotrichosis, which are very important mycoses of wildlife.

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.

Effects of Moringa oleifera leaves extract, vitamin C, and taurine co-exposures on calcium and metallothionein levels, oxidative stress, and gill histopathological changes in Clarias gariepinus exposed to sub-lethal cadmium.

Cadmium aquatic environmental pollution poses great threats to fish and their would-be consumers. The present work investigated the effects of ethyl acetate extract of Moringa oleifera leaves (EAEMOL), vitamin C, and taurine co-exposures on calcium and metallothionein levels, oxidative stress, and gill histopathological changes in Clarias gariepinus exposed to sub-lethal cadmium (CdCl2) for 28 days. Fish were exposed to CdCl2 only (1.048 mg/L) as well as co-exposed with EAEMOL (20 mg/L), vitamin C (5 mg/L), and taurine (5 mg/L) separately. There was significant (p < 0.05) deterioration in fish water quality with increasing exposure period but no significant (p > 0.05) changes occurred between the exposed groups. However, the co-exposure of EAEMOL, vitamin C, and taurine did not significantly (p > 0.05) improve the CdCl2-induced fish water quality deterioration. Sub-lethal exposure to CdCl2 only caused significant (p < 0.05) increase in the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and liver metallothionein (MT) levels with significant (p < 0.05) decrease in serum catalase activity only. However, EAEMOL, vitamin C, and taurine co-exposures did not significantly (p > 0.05) improve the MDA, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione activities, as well as MT and calcium (Ca2+) levels, condition factor (CF), hepatosomatic index (HSI), and gill histopathological changes induced by the CdCl2 exposure. Similarly, none of the present exposures, CdCl2 only or its co-exposures with EAEMOL, vitamin C, and taurine significantly (p > 0.05) altered the normal functioning of the gills despite the observed histopathological changes based on the degree of tissue change protocol. Therefore, EAEMOL, vitamin C, and taurine co-exposures, as administered in the present case, did not considerably alter the physicochemical parameters of the experimental fish water. However, outside significantly (p < 0.05) increasing MDA level, EAEMOL, vitamin C, and taurine co-exposures did not significantly (p > 0.05) improve the CdCl2-induced Ca2+, MT, CF, HSI, and gill histopathological alterations by sub-lethal CdCl2 exposure of C. gariepinus.

Individual and combined anti-trypanosomal effects of arteether and diminazene aceturate in the treatment of experimental Trypanosoma brucei brucei infection in rats.

AIM: Trypanosomosis is a vital protozoan disease of man and animals with devastating consequences in the tropical parts of the world, necessitating the investigation of the effects of diminazene aceturate (DA) and arteether (AR) on Trypanosoma brucei brucei experimental infection in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used a total of 98 rats, which were divided into 14 groups (A-N) of seven rats each over 36 days after acclimatizing them. We administered 1×106 trypanosomes to the infected groups (B-N) with Group A as the unexposed control rats. Groups C-F became the infected and treated rats with 3.5 mg/kg, 7.0 mg/kg, 10.5 mg/kg, and 14.0 mg/kg of DA while Groups G-J became the infected and treated rats with 0.01 ml/kg, 0.02 ml/kg, 0.03 ml/kg, and 0.04 ml/kg of AR. Groups K-N became infected and treated rats with DA and AR combinations at similar doses. RESULTS: Parasitemia suppression occurred in Groups G-J only but became cleared in Groups C-F and K-N. Survival time varied significantly (p<0.05) between Group B and the other infected groups. We recorded anemia in all the infected rats while significant (p<0.05) splenomegaly and hepatomegaly occurred in Groups G-J only compared to the other groups. CONCLUSION: AR did not inhibit or potentiate the anti-trypanosomal efficacy of DA, and therefore, it is comparatively less effective in combating T. brucei infection at the present doses and treatment regimen.

Heavy Metals Bioaccumulation and Health Risks with Associated Histopathological Changes in Clarias gariepinus from the Kado Fish Market, Abuja, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Aquatic pollution by heavy metals has become a global problem and is of great concern due to the detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems and possible human uptake. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate tissue bioaccumulations of heavy metals and possible human health risks in addition to associated cellular damages in fish for sale in a fish market in Abuja, Nigeria. METHODS: Clarias gariepinus sold at the Kado Fish Market in Abuja, Nigeria, in March-April 2017 and March-April 2018 were randomly purchased and sampled. The heavy metal contents of the sampled fish were assayed and used to assess the extent of potential health risks to human consumers. The extent of histopathological changes associated with the bioaccumulations in the sampled fish were also evaluated according to standard procedures. RESULTS: Levels of most heavy metals were above permissible limits, except for lower levels of zinc (Zn) in liver and muscle and higher levels of lead (Pb) in muscle in the sampled fish. Similarly, significant (p<0.05) liver bioaccumulation occurred for Zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) compared to their levels in muscle. The total hazard index (non-cancer risk across all metals) was 0.0415, which is very low and acceptable. The cancer risks ranged between the acceptable values of 1.98 × 10-5 - 3.71 × 10-6. Associated histopathological changes, which occurred in the sampled fish, differed between the various assayed tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the heavy metals were significantly bioaccumulated (p<0.05) and were above the permissible levels, particularly in liver samples. The levels of muscle heavy metal bioaccumulation in the sampled fish posed no apparent cancer or non-cancer health risks to human consumers. However, further efforts are needed to minimize heavy metal aquatic environmental pollution to safeguard the health of aquatic flora and fauna and human consumers because of the tendency of these pollutants to persist and bioaccumulate to toxic levels over time. COMPETING INTERESTS: The authors declare no competing financial interests.