Assessment of glyphosate and its metabolites' residue concentrations in cultured African Catfish offered for sale in selected markets in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Introduction: Glyphosate is a non-targeted organophosphate insecticide whose solubility and mobility in hydrophilic solvents enable its rapid leaching into the soil and subsequent contamination of ground and surface water and possible build-up in the aquatic food chain. Based on the public health importance of glyphosate in fish through consumption, it is crucial to determine the current residue concentration in culture Clarias gariepinus species. The aim of the present study is to evaluate glyphosate's residue concentrations and its metabolites in cultured African Catfish offered for sale in selected markets in Ibadan. Methods: A total of twenty-five (25) adult Clarias gariepinus (300 ± 50 g) were sourced from five (5) selected active fish markets (Ojoo, Iwo road, Eleyele, Challenge, and Apata) within the Ibadan metropolis. The collected fish tissue samples (liver, kidney, and spleen) were prepared for glyphosate residue concentration analysis using Liquid Chromatography (LC). Results: The results showed that glyphosate residues were recorded in all the seventy-five (75) fish tissue samples obtained from the selected fish markets in the Ibadan metropolis and all residue concentrations were above both the recommended Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 1.0 mg/kg (1 × 10-3 mg/L) and Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) of 0.01 mg/kg (1 × 10-5 mg/L). Isopropylamine has the highest residue concentration followed by N-Phosphonomethyl and Aminomethylphosphonic Acid (AMPA), while N-Acetyl Glyphosate has the least residue concentration across the sampled markets. Discussion: The presence of residues of glyphosate and its metabolites in ready-to-eat fish calls for holistic, systematic, and effective risk management strategies towards monitoring pesticide/herbicide usage in aquaculture production and ensuring the provision of wholesome fish and fish products for the consumers.

Epidemiology and Transmission Dynamics of Viral Encephalitides in West Africa.

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain, often caused by an autoimmune reaction, or in most cases because of a direct viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection. Viral encephalitides (VE) presents a significant public health concern globally, especially in West Africa. There are more than five hundred known arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses), with over a hundred of them identified to cause encephalitic diseases in humans and animals, giving rise to a tremendous burden of the diseases and socioeconomic strains in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Despite their importance, few effective preventive and control measures in the form of vaccines and therapies are available, and when they are, their use is limited. These limitations are largely hinged on the paucity of information about the molecular epidemiology and transmission patterns of VE in West Africa. Here, we reviewed the transmission dynamics, molecular epidemiology, and the ecological drivers of VE in West Africa. Collectively, timely and accurate interventions are essential for encephalitic viral disease control. Moreover, the integrated health system approach, combining surveillance, vaccination, vector control, and community engagement, could be effective in preventing viral encephalitis globally.

The effect of micronutrient supplementation on bioavailability, antioxidants activity, and weight gain in response to Infectious Bursal Disease vaccination in commercial broilers.

The effect of supplementing organic selenium and zinc on bioavailability, oxidative stress, weight gain in commercial broilers was studied. A total of 180-day-old chicks were divided into six groups: NSUV (Not supplemented, unvaccinated), NSV (Not supplemented, vaccinated), VS (vaccinated, supplemented selenium), VZ (vaccinated supplemented zinc), VSZ (vaccinated supplemented selenium and zinc), UVSZ (unvaccinated supplemented selenium and zinc). 1 mg/kg selenium and 60 mg/kg zinc were added to the feed of supplemented groups. The concentration of selenium (0.05 ± 0.00 mg/L) in VS and zinc (0.66 ± 0.13 mg/L) in VZ were lower on day 27 post-vaccination compared to day 10 (VS= 0.07 ± 0.01 mg/L; VZ= 1.46 ± 0.30 mg/L). Glutathione peroxidase and catalase concentrations were highest in the supplemented groups compared to unsupplemented groups on day 27 post vaccination, expressing a similar trend with the micronutrients. There was no difference (P ≥ 0.05) in the glutathione concentration between all groups except on day 27 post vaccination where SZV group was significantly higher (P=0.02) compared to the NSV group. Catalase concentration was significantly decreased in the NSV group compared to SZV (P=0.04) on day 27 post vaccination. The NSV group (1.64 ± 0.13 kg) weighed significantly lower (P=0.02) than the VSZ (2.00 ± 0.12 kg) in the fifth week, while on the sixth week, the SZV group gained the highest weight (2.04 ± 0.18 kg). The supplementation of organic selenium and zinc in broilers increased the serum micronutrients bioavailability, decreased oxidative stress, increased weight gain, thus, enhancing immunity in the broilers.