Effect of different levels of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) on performance, intestinal Escherichia coli colonization and jejunal morphology in laying hens.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of black cumin seeds (Nigella sativa L.) on performance, intestinal Escherichia coli count and morphology of jejunal epithelial cells in laying hens. A total of 100 Leghorn laying hens (Hy-Line W-36) of 49 weeks old were randomly distributed among five cage replicates of five birds each. Experimental diets consisted of different levels (0%, 1%, 2% and 3% of diet) of dietary black cumin inclusion. The experimental period lasted for a total of 10 weeks, and egg quality indexes and laying hens' performance were measured as two 35-day trial periods. At the final day, two hens per replicate were slaughtered to investigate the influence of dietary treatments on intestinal E. coli colonization and morphology of jejunal cells. Although dietary black cumin in all supplementation levels decreased (p < 0.05) the enumeration of ileal E. coli, the morphological and histological alterations in small intestine such as enhancement of villus height to crypt depth ratio, increased goblet cell numbers and proliferation of lamina propria lymphatic follicles were observed after dietary supplementation with at least 2% black cumin. Dietary treatments decreased (p < 0.05) the concentration of serum cholesterol and triglycerides and increased (p < 0.05) serum HDL concentration and relative weight of pancreas; however, the egg yolk cholesterol was not influenced by dietary treatments. In addition, dietary supplementation with black cumin improved (p < 0.05) eggshell quality and Haugh unit. The best feed conversion ratio was obtained when diets were supplemented with 2% black cumin. This improvement was due to the increase (p < 0.05) in egg mass and contemporaneous decrease (p < 0.01) in feed consumption. The present results indicated that regardless of supplementation level, dietary inclusion of black cumin decreased E. coli enumeration in ileal digesta and improved serum lipid profile and eggshell quality, whereas the best intestinal health indices and haying hens' performance were obtained by at least 2% black cumin seeds.

[Necrotizing external otitis: a case report from Abidjan]. / Otite nécrosante externe: à propos d'un cas à Abidjan.

Necrotizing external otitis is a serious infection of the external ear canal. It often occurs in older people with diabetes. We report here the case of an immunocompetent 2-year-old girl, infected by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The examination showed deep ulceration and necrosis of the left antihelix. The patient received systemic and local medical treatment. Stricture of the left external ear canal was treated surgically.

[African histoplasmosis with ganglionic localisation. Apropos of 1 case in an HIV negative patient]. / L'histoplasmose africaine à localisation ganglionnaire. A propos d'une observation chez un sujet VIH négatif.

This study concerns one case of ganglionary African histoplasmosis observed in a pregnant woman. The diagnosis of this histoplasmosis case has been based on histological presentation. This patient has a HIV negative serologic reaction. The histoplasmosis clinical presentation is like tuberculosis, so its diagnosis is difficult. The prevalence of this pathology is unknown in our region but it is increasing since the discovery of AIDS.