Rabies unending malady--Nigeria in perspective.

Rabies has been eradicated from many countries in the developed world. However, an upsurge in the incidence of rabies has been observed in recent times in areas earlier thought to be free. A wide range of animal reservoirs of rabies exist in Africa, partly due to the favorable climate and ecology. Inability to vaccinate a significant number of dogs has led to increased rabies related human deaths from dog bites with attendant socioeconomic and public health impacts. We highlighted the burden of rabies in Nigeria and indeed Africa, the monitoring strategies adopted, steps taken to tackle the problem and diagnosis as an effective prevention and control option.

Complete genome sequencing of H1N1pdm09 swine influenza isolates from Nigeria reveals likely reverse zoonotic transmission at the human-animal interface in intensive piggery.

Prevailing agro-ecological conditions and intermingling of human and animals in intensive farms in urban and peri-urban areas in Africa favour cross species transmission of pathogens at the human-animal interface. However, molecular epidemiology studies of zoonotic swine influenza viruses in this region are limited. In this study, isolates of pandemic influenza virus (H1N1pdm09) obtained from pigs in Nigeria were fully sequenced. BLAST of swine influenza virus genes from Nigeria was carried out in GenBank and gene alignment was done using MEGA version 7. Maximum likelihood method (PhyML program) was used to determine gene evolutionary relationships with other viruses and phylogenetic trees were constructed to infer genomic clusters and relationship. Swine influenza viruses isolated and sequenced in this study were monophyletic and 99% congenetic with human isolates from Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana and USA suggesting reverse zoonotic transmission from humans to pigs in intensive husbandry. A Q240R and S31N substitution among others were detected in the haemagglutinin and matrix genes, respectively, indicating potentials for mutations during interspecies co-mingling and transmission. The A/H1N1pdm09 viruses circulating in pigs that are also exposed to avian influenza in the same epidemiological zones could engender emergence of novel viruses with zoonotic or pandemic potential requiring enhanced surveillance and monitoring.

Serologic and virologic surveillance of avian influenza in Nigeria, 2006-7.

Since January 2006, H5N1 avian influenza has affected Nigeria's poultry population causing enormous loss of resources. The current circulating virus is a potential candidate for pandemic influenza which may severely affect the human and animal population worldwide especially in the resource-poor countries. In this study, we report on our field and laboratory surveillance efforts in Nigeria. A total of 1,821 tissue samples, 8,638 tracheal swabs, 7,976 cloacal swabs and 7,328 avian sera were analysed over a period of two years, with 312 positive results [corrected] We recovered 299 isolates of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 mainly from the diagnostic samples of poultry kept in backyard, small scale and free range farms. This finding emphasised the role played by these farming systems in the dissemination of avian influenza in Nigeria and highlights the need for a continued surveillance in humans since human-animal interaction is a key feature in Africa. Furthermore, there is a need for the strengthening of border controls. Since October 2007, there has been no reported and confirmed outbreak of avian influenza in Nigeria.

Detection and isolation of 2009 pandemic influenza A/H1N1 virus in commercial piggery, Lagos Nigeria.

WHO declared pandemic of A/H1N1 influenza in 2009 following global spread of the newly emerged strain of the virus from swine. Presently there is a dearth of data on the ecology of pandemic influenza H1N1 required for planning of intervention measures in sub Saharan Africa. Herein we report isolation of 2009 pandemic influenza A/H1N1 in an intensive mega piggery farms operation in South West Nigeria. Sentinel surveillance was carried out in a cohort of intensively reared pigs over a period of two years. Nasal swab specimens were collected at monthly interval from observed clinical cases of influenza like illness in pigs and pig handlers. Samples were analyzed by real time RT-PCR and isolation in chicken embryonated eggs. A total of 227 clinical cases of influenza like illness were observed among pigs out of which 31 (13.7%) were positive for influenza A matrix gene by real time RT-PCR. Virus isolation yielded 29 (12%) isolates out of which 18 (18%) were identified as influenza A/H1N1 by Heamaglutination Inhibition test using H1 antisera. RT-PCR positive samples were subtyped as 2009 pandemic A/H1N1 with subtype specific primers and probes. This is the first report of detection and isolation of pandemic influenza H1N1 from pigs in Nigeria. Continuous circulation of this virus in pigs may cause reassortments with seasonal influenza or mutations and substitutions in the gene that may result in the emergence of novel or pandemic influenza virus of economic and public health importance. Nigeria is considered a geographical hotspot of zoonotic diseases, which necessitate active surveillance and monitoring of emerging pandemic threats.

Prevalence of Newcastle Disease Antibodies in Local Chicken in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria.

Newcastle disease is a contagious disease of birds and is the greatest constraint to the development of rural poultry production in Nigeria and most developing countries. The only effective means of control is vaccination which is not properly carried out in Nigeria. Therefore, this project determined the prevalence rate of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in local chicken in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. About 5 mL of blood was collected from each of 200 chickens at the point of sale by exsanguination and sera obtained were analyzed using Haemagglutination Inhibition (HI) test to determine the prevalence of NDV. Of the 200 samples screened 34 were positive for HI antibody to NDV giving a prevalence rate of 17%. The prevalence rate obtained in this study is significant (P < 0.05) and indicates endemicity of the disease. There was no statistically significant (P > 0.05) difference in the seroprevalence of NDV antibodies among the four markets studied. Further studies are required to determine the strains circulating for appropriate preventive and control measures.

Ebola virus disease control in West Africa: an ecological, one health approach

The 2013-2015 Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in West Africa had similar nuances with the 1976 outbreaks in Central Africa; both were caused by the Zaire Ebola Virus strain and originated from rural forested communities. The definitive reservoir host of Ebola virus still remains unknown till date. However; from ecological perspective; it is known that the virus first emerged from forest ecotypes interfacing with human activities. As at March 2015; the outbreak has claimed over 9000 lives; which is unprecedented. Though it remains unproved; the primary sources of infection for past and present outbreaks are forest dwelling; human-hunted fauna. Understanding the ecological factors at play in these forest ecotypes where wild fauna interface with human and causing pathogen spill over is important. A broad based One Health approach incorporating these ecological concepts in the control of Ebola Virus Disease caneffectively ameliorate or forestall infection now and in the future