Erythrina abyssinica prevents meningoencephalitis in chronic Trypanosoma brucei brucei mouse model.

Human African trypanosomiasis is prevalent in Sub-sahara African countries that lie between 14° North and 29° south of the equator. Sixty million people are at risk of infection. Trypanosoma brucei gambesience occurs in West and Central Africa while Trypanosoma brucei rhodesience occurs in East and Southern Africa. The neurological stage of the disease is characterized by neuroinflammation. About 10% of patients treated with the recommended drug, melarsoprol develop post treatment reactive encephalopathy, which is fatal in 50% of these patients, thus melarsoprol is fatal in 5% of all treated patients. This study was aimed at establishing the potential activity of Erythrina abyssinica in reducing neuroinflammation following infection with Trypanosoma brucei brucei. Swiss white mice were divided into ten groups, two control groups and eight infected groups. Infected mice received either methanol or water extract of Erythrina abyssinica at 12.5, 25, 50 or 100 mg/kg body weight. Parasite counts were monitored in peripheral circulation from the third day post infection up to the end of the study. Brains were processed for histology, immunohistochemistry scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Following infection, trypanosomes were observed in circulation 3 days post-infection, with the parasitaemia occurring in waves. In the cerebrum, typical brain pathology of chronic trypanosomiasis was reproduced. This was exhibited as astrocytosis, perivascular cuffing and infiltration of inflammatory cells into the neuropil. However, mice treated with Erythrina abyssinica water extract exhibited significant reduction in perivascular cuffing, lymphocytic infiltration and astrocytosis in the cerebrum. The methanol extract did not have a significant difference compared to the non-treated group. This study provides evidence of anti-inflammatory properties of Erythrina abyssinica and may support its wide use as a medicinal plant by various communities in Kenya.

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of mastitis causing bacteria isolated from dairy goats in Mukurweini Sub-County, Nyeri County, Kenya.

BACKGROUND: Ruminant mastitis continues to be a cause of economic losses in the dairy industry and remains a major public health hazard globally. OBJECTIVES: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Mukurweini Sub-County of Nyeri County, Kenya, to investigate the prevalence of bacteria causing mastitis, risk factors associated with goat mastitis and the antibiotic resistance profiles of bacteria isolated from the goat milk. METHODS: Farm level data on risk factors for mastitis was obtained from 56 farmers using a semi structured questionnaire. A total of 189 goat milk samples were collected. The goat's udder was observed for signs of clinical mastitis and the California Mastitis Test (CMT) used to test the milk for sub-clinical mastitis. All samples were then cultured for morphological identification of bacteria and strain typing by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI)-Time of Flight (ToF) technique. Antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolated Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS), Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacter spp., Proteus vulgaris and Escherichia vulneris to eight commonly used antibiotics was done by the disc diffusion method and validated by determining the presence of antibiotic resistance genes (mecA and blaTEM) using polymerase chain reaction method. RESULTS: The prevalence of clinical mastitis was 1.1% (2/189) while that of sub-clinical mastitis was 84.7% (160/189). Higher (p < 0.05) prevalence of mastitis was observed in goats whose houses were cleaned fortnightly and in cases where farmers used same towel to dry different does' udders during the milking process. Thirteen different bacterial species were isolated from the milk samples and identified by MALDI-ToF, and these included S. aureus (22.0%), CoNS (20.3%), E. coli (18.1%), Pseudomonas spp. (14.3%), Enterobacter spp. (10.4%), K. oxytoca (6.0%), E. vulneris (1.7%), P. vulgaris (1.7%), Raoutella ornithinolytica (1.7%), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (1.1%), Pantoea agglomerans (1.1%), Serratia marcescens (1.1%) and Cedeceas spp. (0.6%). One hundred pathogenic bacterial isolates were randomly selected and tested for antibiotic sensitivity to eight antibiotics out of which S. aureus were 97.5% resistant to Oxacillin and 100% sensitive to Ciprofloxacin. The CoNSs were 100% resistant to Oxacillin and 100% sensitive to Ciprofloxacin. E. coli were 93.9% resistant to Oxacillin, 69.7% sensitive to Ciprofloxacin and 87.9% sensitive to both Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid and Meropenem. The antimicrobial resistant genes detected in S. aureus and E. coli were mecA [66.7%, 0%], and blaTEM [20% and 78.3%], respectively. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the study showed that most of the does were affected by subclinical mastitis with the main causative bacteria being Staphylococci spp. and coliforms. Farmers need to be trained on improved control of mastitis by adoption of good milking practices and use of CMT kit for early detection of mastitis. Occurrence of multidrug resistance by key mastitis causing pathogens was shown to be prevalent and therefore there is need for development of intervention strategies.

IL-6 is upregulated in late-stage disease in monkeys experimentally infected with Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense.

The management of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is constrained by lack of simple-to-use diagnostic, staging, and treatment tools. The search for novel biomarkers is, therefore, essential in the fight against HAT. The current study aimed at investigating the potential of IL-6 as an adjunct parameter for HAT stage determination in vervet monkey model. Four adult vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops) were experimentally infected with Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and treated subcuratively at 28 days after infection (dpi) to induce late stage disease. Three noninfected monkeys formed the control group. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood samples were obtained at weekly intervals and assessed for various biological parameters. A typical HAT-like infection was observed. The late stage was characterized by significant (P < 0.05) elevation of CSF IL-6, white blood cell count, and total protein starting 35 dpi with peak levels of these parameters coinciding with relapse parasitaemia. Brain immunohistochemical staining revealed an increase in brain glial fibrillary acidic protein expression indicative of reactive astrogliosis in infected animals which were euthanized in late-stage disease. The elevation of IL-6 in CSF which accompanied other HAT biomarkers indicates onset of parasite neuroinvasion and show potential for use as an adjunct late-stage disease biomarker in the Rhodesian sleeping sickness.

Prevalence and Potential Risk Factors for the Acquisition of Antibiotic-Resistant Staphylococcus spp. Bacteria Among Pastoralist Farmers in Kajiado Central Subcounty, Kenya.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing health problem globally. To address this challenge, there is a need to generate baseline data on the prevalence and AMR profile of the main disease-causing bacteria. Here, we interrogated the prevalence of bacteria in the nasal cavity of healthy pastoralists in Kajiado Central Subcounty, Kenya, and the occurrence of AMR in Staphylococcus isolates among the study subjects. Nasal swabs from 176 pastoralists were cultured, and the bacteria isolates identified using standard phenotypic and biochemical bacteriological methods. Among the obtained 195 isolates, the most prevalent isolates were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) (44.9%), followed by Enterococci spp. (43.2%) while Staphylococcus aureus prevalence was 8%. Antimicrobial sensitivity of the Staphylococcus spp. isolates to 14 antibiotics representing six antibiotic groups was undertaken using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Among the CoNS, the highest resistance was reported in amoxicillin (78.7%) and ceftazidime (76%), while the most resistance for S. aureus was reported in ceftazidime (100%), amoxicillin (71.4%), and streptomycin (71.4%). From an administered questionnaire looking at gender, animal contact frequency, history of hospital visitation and antibiotic usage, and habitual intake of raw milk, the study showed that male participants had a higher risk of carrying multiple drug resistant (MDR) bacteria than females (p = 0.02, OR = 1.3). Likewise, habitual intake of raw milk was significantly associated MDR acquisition (p = 0.02, OR = 1.82). This study reveals a high prevalence of AMR Staphylococcus isolates in the study area laying a foundation for further analysis of molecular characterization of the observed resistance as well as the development of interventions that can reduce the occurrence of AMR in the study area.

Prevalence of subclinical mastitis, associated risk factors and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacteria isolated from milk of dairy cattle in Kajiado Central sub-county, Kenya.

BACKGROUND: Literature is scarce on the occurrence of bovine mastitis and antimicrobial resistance among dairy animals kept by pastoralists in the Kenya. OBJECTIVES: A cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of subclinical mastitis (SCM) and evaluate the antibiotic sensitivity of bacteria isolated from dairy cattle kept by farmers in Kajiado Central sub-county, Kenya. METHODS: A total of 202 lactating cows from 40 farms were sampled. Milk from the cows was screened for SCM using the California mastitis test, and the bacteria present in the milk samples were determined using standard bacteriological methods. The sensitivity of the isolated coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) and Staphylococcus aureus against antibiotics was tested using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. RESULTS: The prevalence of SCM at quarter- and cow-level was 31.7% and 53%, respectively. The prevalence of SCM was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in exotic breeds of cattle and those kept under an extensive system of production. A total of 19 bacterial species were isolated with the majority being CNS (40.1%), S. aureus (15.8%) and Micrococcus spp. (10.4%). S. aureus isolates showed varied resistance to the tested antibiotics with the highest resistance being against ceftazidime (75%), amoxycillin (50%) and streptomycin (46.9%). Several S. aureus isolates were resistant to oxacillin (34.4%) and cefoxitin (12.5%). CNSs were more resistant against ceftazidime (79.1%), amoxycillin (34.6%) and oxacillin (32.1%). Majority (92%-100%) of the Staphylococcus spp. were highly sensitive to ciprofloxacin a fluoroquinolone and augmentin. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of SCM and bacteria resistant to antibiotics shows a need for animal health professionals and farmers to develop strategies for the management of mastitis and antibiotic resistance in dairy cows in the study area.

Risk factors associated with occurrence of nematodes in free range pigs in Busia District, Kenya.

Nematode infections are a serious constraint to pig production, especially where free range pig keeping is practiced. This study investigated the epidemiology of nematodes in free range pigs in Busia District, Kenya. Three hundred and six pigs from 135 farms were sampled for faeces that were analysed for nematode eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces using the McMaster technique. The nematode eggs were also identified to genus and species based on morphology. A questionnaire on risk factors was also administered to the pig owners. The overall prevalence and mean nematode EPG were 84.2% and 2,355, respectively. The nematode eggs were identified as those belonging to Oesophagostomum spp. (75%), Strongyloides ransomi (37%), Ascaris suum (18%), Metastrongylus spp. (11%), Trichuris suis (7%) and Physocephalus sexalatus (3%). The prevalence of nematodes was positively correlated (p < 0.05) with the amount of rainfall in the division of the pigs' origin (all nematodes except S. ransomi). The prevalence of nematodes was also associated with the age of the pigs. A lower burden of nematodes was associated (p < 0.05) with a history of deworming (A. suum) and the provision of night housing (S. ransomi and Metastrongylus spp.). In conclusion, this study has provided information on nematode infections and the associated risk factors for free range pigs in Busia District, which can be used when implementing integrated control measures.

Prevalence and Antibiogram of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus spp. Isolated from Cattle Milk Products Sold in Juja Sub-County, Kenya.

Dairy ruminant milk provides a conducive environment for bacterial proliferation. In animals, these bacteria are exposed to antibiotics, whose overuse has led to increased cases of drug resistance. A cross-sectional study was conducted on milk and milk products vended in Juja Sub-County, Kenya to determine the prevalence of bacteria and antibiogram of Staphylococcus spp. and Escherichia coli. A total of 169 milk samples were obtained from various outlets in the study area. Milk samples were cultured and isolated bacteria were identified using standard bacteriological procedures. Various bacteria (15 species) were isolated in different proportions. Staphylococcus spp. and E. coli were isolated from 25.4% and 11.8% of the collected samples, respectively. The highest number of Staphylococcus spp. were isolated from raw milk (n = 34) while the highest number of E. coli where isolated from fermented milk (n = 15). Staphylococcus spp. and E. coli isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility tests using CLSI guidelines. The Staphylococcus spp. isolates were highly resistant to penicillin G (93%) but susceptible to norfloxacin (100%), gentamicin (90.6%), and chloramphenicol (86%). The E. coli isolates were highly resistant to cephalexin (85%) and ceftazidime (60%) but susceptible to chloramphenicol (100%), norfloxacin (95%), gentamicin (95%), azithromycin (95%) and cefepime (80%). Furthermore, 44.3% of Staphylococcus spp. and 50% of E. coli isolates had a Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) Index greater than 0.2. This implies that these bacteria were high-risk bacteria whose treatment with current antibiotics would be challenging. The high prevalence and multidrug resistance patterns shown by the Staphylococcus spp. and E. coli isolated from milk products in Juja Sub-county highlights the importance of proper handling and processing of milk from the farm to consumers. This will in turn reduce the possibility of zoonotic transfer of multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Development of Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Combined with Lateral Flow Dipstick Assay for a Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Cystic Echinococcosis in Livestock in Kenya.

Background: Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the metacestode stage of Echinococcus granulosus and occurs worldwide, causing considerable economic losses and public health problems. The currently available methods for the diagnosis of animal hydatidosis are time-consuming and require well-equipped laboratories which make them incompatible with testing in resource-poor settings. This study developed and evaluated a rapid, more sensitive, and specific loop-mediated isothermal amplification combined with a lateral flow dipstick assay for the rapid and sensitive detection of cystic echinococcosis. Results: In this study, a specific primer set and FITC-labeled probe targeting the conserved region of the NADH-1 gene were designed. The LAMP reaction was performed at 60°C for 40 minutes, and the amplification products were successfully visualized by LFD strips. The analytical sensitivity of LAMP-LFD was determined using 10-fold serial dilutions of E. granulosus DNA. The minimal concentration detected was 10 fg/µl, and no cross-reactivity was observed with DNA extracted from Taenia solium, Taenia saginata, and Fasciola hepatica. The ability of the developed LAMP-LFD assay to detect cystic echinococcosis was further evaluated with 62 cyst samples from slaughtered cattle in Juja Abattoir, Kiambu County, Kenya. The LAMP-LFD was able to detect 59/62 (95.2%, 95% CI 0.87-0.98) as positive samples of E. granulosus compared to 53/62 (85.5%, 95% CI 0.75-0.92) by nested PCR assay. Conclusion: Our results indicated that the developed LAMP-LFD technique was more sensitive than the nested PCR assay, rapid, and easy to perform with a simple visual detection of products. Therefore, it could be an important point-of-care diagnostic tool for cystic echinococcosis.

In vitro anticoccidial activity of nanoencapsulated bromelain against Eimeria spp. oocysts isolated from goats in Kenya.

Background and Aim: The emergence of drug-resistant strains of Eimeria spp. calls for the development of novel anticoccidial drugs. Plant extracts provide a possible natural source for such drugs. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro anticoccidial activity of encapsulated bromelain (EB) in chitosan nanocarriers on Eimeria spp. oocysts isolated from goats kept by farmers in Kenya. Materials and Methods: Bromelain was extracted from the peel of ripe pineapples using standard methods. Eimeria spp. oocysts were isolated from the feces of goats using a flotation method. The inhibition of sporulation was assayed after exposing the oocysts to solutions of EB, non-EB (NEB), and diclazuril (positive control) at concentrations between 4 mg/mL and 0.125 mg/mL for 48 h. The oocysts were examined under a microscope (40x) to determine the effects of the drugs on the sporulation process. The percentage of sporulation inhibition was calculated after 48 h and the inhibition concentration 50% (IC50) was determined by probit analysis. Results: Bromelain manifested anticoccidial activity through the inhibition of the sporulation of coccidia oocysts. EB achieved inhibition with a lower dose compared with NEB. The IC50 values of diclazuril, EB, and NEB were 0.078 mg/mL, 0.225 mg/mL, and 0.575 mg/mL, respectively. There were significant differences (p<0.01) between the IC50 of EB and NEB compared with the standard treatment drug. Conclusion: This preliminary study showed that EB has anticoccidial activity supporting further evaluation at an in vivo level to develop a novel drug for the management of coccidiosis in goats.

Prevalence of Campylobacter Species on Cattle Breeding Farms in Zimbabwe.

Infertility remains a challenge in breeding herds in most developing countries. In the current study, 104 penile sheath washes were collected from bulls of different breeds and ages from different cattle breeding farms in Zimbabwe. The samples were submitted to the Central Veterinary Laboratory, Zimbabwe, for screening of Campylobacter species using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Based on the PCR results, the animal-level prevalence was 25.96% (range 0-73.98%) and all the positive samples came from four (57.14%) of the 7 herds tested. The current study shows that Campylobacter spp. could be a causative agent in infertility observed in a number of herds in Zimbabwe. Strategies for treatment and control of campylobacteriosis should be enhanced in the country. More research and surveillance are needed to determine the epidemiology of Campylobacter species in Zimbabwean cattle herds.

The pathogenicity of blood stream and central nervous system forms of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense trypanosomes in laboratory mice: a comparative study.

Background: Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) develops in two stages namely early stage when trypanosomes are found in the blood and late stage when trypanosomes are found in the central nervous system (CNS). The two environments are different with CNS environment reported as being hostile to the trypanosomes than the blood environment. The clinical symptoms manifested by the disease in the two environments are different. Information on whether blood stream are pathologically different from CNS trypanosomes is lacking. This study undertook to compare the inter-isolate pathological differences caused by bloodstream forms (BSF) and central nervous system (CNS) of five Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense ( Tbr) isolates in Swiss white mice. Methods: Donor mice infected with each of the five isolates were euthanized at 21 days post infection (DPI) for recovery of BSF trypanosomes in heart blood and CNS trypanosomes in brain supernatants. Groups of Swiss white mice (n = 10) were then infected with BSF or CNS forms of each isolate and monitored for parasitaemia, packed cell volume (PCV), body weight, survivorship, trypanosome length, gross and histopathology characteristics. Results: Amplification of SRA gene prior to trypanosome morphology and pathogenicity studies confirmed all isolates as T. b. rhodesiense. At 21 DPI, CNS trypanosomes were predominantly long slender (LS) while BSF were a mixture of short stumpy and intermediate forms. The density of BSF trypanosomes was on average 2-3 log-scales greater than that of CNS trypanosomes with isolate KETRI 2656 having the highest CNS trypanosome density. Conclusions: The pathogenicity study revealed clear differences in the virulence/pathogenicity of the five (5) isolates but no distinct and consistent differences between CNS and BSF forms of the same isolate. We also identified KETRI 2656 as a suitable isolate for acute menigo- encephalitic studies.

Characteristics of the smallholder free-range pig production system in western Kenya.

Free-range pig farming is common amongst the small-scale farmers in western Kenya. In order to determine the characteristics of this type of production system, a cross-sectional questionnaire survey on farm characteristics and management was collected from 182 farmers in Busia District. The mean farm size was one acre, while the mean number of pigs per farm was 3.6. Pigs were mainly kept as a source of income (98%) and majority were of cross breed variety (64%). The production systems included farrow to weaner (12%), porker to finisher (36%), and mixed (46%). Sixty five percent (65%) of the pigs were tethered and housing was not provided in 61% of the farms. Most of the feeds were sourced locally. Lack of castration and delayed weaning of pigs was observed on 49% and 30% of the farms, respectively. The main production constraints included pig diseases (81%) and high cost or lack of feed (81%). Haematopinus suis infestations and worm infections were considered to be the most important diseases by 71% and 55% of the farmers, respectively. Farmers had moderate knowledge on parasitic disease diagnosis with 31% and 62% not having a history of either deworming or spraying pigs with acaricides, respectively. Marketing constraints were common amongst the farmers and included poor prices and inadequate market information. In conclusion, the production system was characterized as low-input with an income objective. Future research and development approaches should focus on the integration of free-range farmers into the country's market chains through access to extension services.

Toxicity and anthelmintic efficacy of chitosan encapsulated bromelain against gastrointestinal strongyles in Small East African goats in Kenya.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The development of resistance to anthelmintic drugs has prompted research into alternative methods of controlling intestinal nematodes in ruminants. This study aimed at evaluating the in vitro and in vivo anthelmintic efficacy and toxicity of chitosan encapsulated bromelain in Small East African goats in Kenya. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult mortality assay was performed using live Haemonchus contortus worms treated with encapsulated bromelain solution ranging from 0.125 mg/ml to 2 mg/ml. Percentage mortality of worms was calculated after 24 h and the lethal concentration 50% (LC50) determined. For the in vivo study, 18 healthy male indigenous goats were divided into six groups of three goats each. The encapsulated bromelain was orally administered in increasing dosages (3-30 mg kg) once daily, for 14 days. The packed cell volume (PCV), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea, creatinine, and fecal egg count (FEC) were determined on a weekly basis. At the end of the study, the goats were sacrificed and gross pathology and histopathology of main organs assessed. RESULTS: Albendazole had the highest (p<0.05) anthelmintic effect on the worms. An LC50 of 0.05 mg/ml, 0.445 mg/ml, and 0.155 mg/ml was observed for albendazole, plain bromelain, and encapsulated bromelain, respectively. The PCV of treated and untreated goats did not show any significant difference (p>0.05), varied from 29.3% to 35.1%, and was within the normal range of the animal. Likewise, no significant differences (p>0.05) were observed between the AST, ALT, urea, and creatinine levels of treated and the control (non-treated) goats. No adverse clinical symptoms, toxicity of the main organs, and mortality in goats were associated with the chitosan encapsulated bromelain after administration of dose up to 30 mg/kg for 14 days. Therefore, the lethal dose 50 of encapsulated bromelain may be considered to be >30 mg/kg. On day 28 post-treatment, the encapsulated bromelain showed a higher in vivo FEC reduction (68.8%) as compared to the plain bromelain (32.4%). CONCLUSION: Our results show that bromelain encapsulated in chitosan may be safe and effective in reducing the burden of gastrointestinal tract strongyle nematodes in goats. However, there is a need for further studies to establish the dosage of the encapsulated bromelain to be administered in a single dose for the treatment of goats against gastrointestinal strongyles. In addition, species-specific studies on the efficacy of encapsulated bromelain on strongyles are necessary to evaluate its effectiveness against the entire Strongyloididae family.

ß-lactam resistance in bacteria associated with subclinical mastitis in goats in Thika Subcounty, Kenya.

AIM: This study determined the resistance pattern to ß-lactam antibiotics of bacteria isolated from goats with subclinical mastitis in Thika subcounty, Kenya. We also administered a questionnaire to assess the risk factors associated with the occurrence of resistance to commonly used antibiotics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected milk samples from 110 lactating dairy goats in Thika subcounty to screen for subclinical mastitis using the California mastitis test. Bacterial isolation and identification were performed according to colony morphology, the hemolytic pattern on sheep blood agar, lactose fermentation on MacConkey plates, Gram staining, and standard biochemical tests. The antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates was determined by the agar disk diffusion method using penicillin G, cephalexin, cefoxitin, and cefotaxime antibiotic disks. The double-disk synergy test using amoxicillin-clavulanic acid was employed as a confirmatory test for extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL) production. Fisher's exact test was used to determine the risk factors associated with the occurrence of antibiotic resistance (p≤0.05 was considered significant). RESULTS: Of the 110 dairy goats sampled, 72.7% (80) were positive for subclinical mastitis. Isolation and identification of the bacteria from the positive samples yielded 149 bacteria isolates, including Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter spp., Yersinia spp., coagulase-negative staphylococci, and Escherichia coli. A high percentage (76.5%, 114/149) of the bacterial isolates was resistant to at least one of the tested antibiotics. At least 56/106 isolates (52.8%) showing cross-resistance to the ß-lactam antibiotics were resistant to all four of the tested antibiotics, while only one isolate was resistant to three antibiotics (penicillin G, cephalexin, and cefoxitin). The double-disk synergy test confirmed that none of the isolates possessed ESBLs. Pre- and post-milking practices (p=0.0336) were found to be significantly associated with the occurrence of antibiotic resistance. CONCLUSION: A large proportion of the goats in our study cohort were infected with ß-lactam-resistant bacteria associated with subclinical mastitis. Because the identified bacteria are of zoonotic importance, further studies should be undertaken to determine the transmission dynamics between humans and livestock and to identify novel intervention strategies.

Effect of feed supplementation of Dacryodes edulis parts' powder as prebiotic on the growth traits, ceca microbiota and blood parameters of local chickens.

This study aimed at testing the efficacy and safety of Dacryodes edulis plant parts in diets fed to chicken. The plant has potential for use as a natural prebiotic to substitute the conventionally used antibiotic growth promoters in poultry production. Phytochemical analyses of the plant leaves, stem, and bark combination (stembark) and seed powders from the D. edulis were carried out. The powder from the three D. edulis plant parts were used as supplement in formulating six experimental diets tested in this study. The diets were TL0Ed (0.5% leaves powder), TL1Ed (1.0% leaves powder), TB0Ed (0.5% stembark powder), TB1Ed (1.0% stembark powder), TS0Ed (0.5% seeds powder), and TS1Ed (1.0% seeds powder). Besides, a positive (T+ positive control; 0.5-g oxytetracycline as recommended by the manufacturer) and a negative (T- negative control; having no commercial antibiotic and no plant supplement) diets were prepared for comparison purposes. The diets were fed to a total of 288 dual-purpose chicken for a period of 14 weeks. The chicken growth and body composition characteristics, blood chemistry, and microbiota count were collected and used as indicators of the plant parts efficacy and safety. The analysis of the D. edulis plant parts significantly differed (P ≤ 0.05) in their phytochemical contents. The initial body weight and feed conversion efficiency ratios were not significantly different (P ≥ 0.05) between and among treatment groups. However, significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) were detected in the feed intake and body weight gain at eighth week. Live weight at eighth week was significantly different (P ≤ 0.05) with its values ranging between 503.32 and 614.93 g for treatments TL1Ed and TNeg-, respectively. The dietary treatment of D. edulis leaves, stembark, and seed powder at the two inclusion levels significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased the colonies forming unit of Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. as compared with negative control treatment in the eighth week phase. The level of glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and the packed cell volume did not differ significantly (P ≥ 0.05) between and among dietary D. edulis treatments. The findings from this research provide crucial information on the efficacy and safety of D. edulis plant parts. This is an important step in testing the potential of the plant in use as a prebiotic in chicken feeds production.

DNA-Detection Based Diagnostics for Taenia solium Cysticercosis in Porcine.

Porcine cysticercosis is a neglected and underestimated disease caused by metacestode stage of the tapeworm, Taenia solium (T. solium). Pigs are the intermediate hosts of T. solium while human are the only known definitive host. The disease has an economic consequence because the affected farmers lose 50-100 percent of the value of pigs if they are infected. Lack of affordable, easy to use, sensitive, and specific molecular diagnostic tools for detection of infections at the farm level hinders the control of porcine cysticercosis in endemic areas. A number of DNA based diagnostic assays for the detection of T. solium infections in pigs have been developed and evaluated but none is applicable at low-resource areas where this disease is an endemic. This review focuses mainly on DNA based diagnostic methods, their sensitivity, specificity, and utilization at low-resource areas. We summarized data from 65 studies on the current DNA-detection based diagnostic techniques for T. solium cysticercosis in porcine, published in English between the years 2000-2018, identified through PubMed search engine. Of the different polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays developed for identification of T. solium, the most sensitive (97-100%) and specific (100%) one is nested PCR. One study utilized loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) as a diagnostic tool for the detection of T. solium infections though its field use was never determined. Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) has been evaluated as a diagnostic tool for a variety of diseases, but has never been exploited for the diagnosis of cysticercosis/taeniasis. In conclusion, several molecular methods have been developed and evaluated in lab settings. However, there is need to validate these methods as a diagnostic tool to diagnose porcine cysticercosis in low-resource areas.

A Review on the Present Advances on Studies of Toxoplasmosis in Eastern Africa.

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic infection caused by the protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. It was discovered over 100 years ago and is credited as the most successful parasitic organism worldwide, able to infect and multiply in all warm blooded animals including an estimated 2.3 billion people. Toxoplasmosis is asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals. Infection in the developing fetus and immunocompromised individuals can cause severe clinical disease. Toxoplasmosis is also a major cause of reproductive failure in livestock. The economic impact of toxoplasmosis is believed to be substantial. Factors associated with toxoplasmosis infection have been defined. Eastern Africa region is a high-risk area mainly due to the close association of humans and livestock as well as sociocultural practices, poor environmental hygiene, and poverty. The present paper provides a narrative review of published data on toxoplasmosis in Eastern Africa.

Prevalence and monetary loss due to cystic Echinococcosis in slaughter house livestock: A case study of Migori County, Kenya.

Cystic Echinococcosis (CE/Hydatidosis) is a parasitic zoonosis of public health importance that causes considerable economic loss worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess prevalence and monetary loss of CE in livestock slaughtered in Migori County, Kenya. The study was conducted by retrieving and analyzing secondary data over a ten year period (2007-2016) from annual meat inspection reports from sub-county veterinary offices within Migori County. The data included species/number of slaughtered animals and number of organs condemned due to presence of hydatid cyst(s) recorded. The results showed CE prevalence was highest in cattle (5.3%) followed by goats (2.0%), least affected were sheep (0.1%). The overall direct monetary loss was $152,003/year. The study results confirm occurrence of CE in Migori County and demonstrate an emerging new CE focus in Kenya with a significant direct monetary loss, a phenomenon that require serious attention to control the spread of CE in Kenya.

Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Antibiogram of Bacteria Isolated from Milk of Goats with Subclinical Mastitis in Thika East Subcounty, Kenya.

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence and risk factors of subclinical mastitis in dairy goats in Thika East Subcounty, Kenya. Further the bacterial pathogens and their antibiogram were investigated. Farm level data on risk factors were obtained from 41 farmers using questionnaires. Milk was obtained from 110 lactating dairy goats and tested for submastitis using California Mastitis Test (CMT). The prevalence of subclinical mastitis at goat level was estimated to be at 50.9% using CMT, out of which 86.5% yielded bacteria on culture. The significant risk factors associated with the occurrence of subclinical mastitis were cleaning schedule (p=0.022, OD=1.047) and parity of the goat (p=0048, OD=1.37). Higher prevalence of subclinical mastitis was observed for goats residing in houses cleaned at least once a fortnight. Does in the first parity were least affected. 169 bacterial isolates were obtained from culture, of which 52 isolates from major classes of isolated bacteria were tested for antibiotic sensitivity to six antibiotics. Fourteen different bacteria were isolated and identified from the milk samples. Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (20.7%), Serratia spp. (19.5%), Citrobacter spp. (16%), Klebsiella spp. (11%), Staphylococcus aureus (10.7%), Enterobacter spp. (6.5%), Escherichia coli (5.9%), Proteus spp. (3%), Corynebacterium spp. (1.8%), Morganella spp. (1.8%), Streptococcus spp. (1.2%), Providencia spp. (0.6%), Micrococcus spp. (0.6%), and Staphylococcus intermedius (0.6%) were isolated and identified from the samples. All the isolates were resistant to Penicillin G, while 98% of the isolates were sensitive to Streptomycin. In conclusion, the study showed that a large proportion of goats were affected by subclinical mastitis, with the main bacteria being Staphylococci spp. and coliforms, and that most of the tested antibiotics can be used in the treatment of mastitis. Farmers need to be trained on improved control of mastitis through adoption of good dairy husbandry and milking practices.

Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection and Its Risk Factors among Patients Attending Rwanda Military Hospital, Rwanda.

In Rwanda, the prevalence of viral hepatitis (HCV) is poorly understood. The current study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of HCV infection in Rwanda. A total of 324 patients attending Rwanda Military Hospital were randomly selected and a questionnaire was administered to determine the risk factors. Blood was collected and screened for anti-HCV antibodies and seropositive samples were subjected to polymerase chain reaction method. Hematology abnormalities in the HCV infected patients were also investigated. Anti-HCV antibody and active HCV infection were found in 16.0% and 9.6% of total participants, respectively. Prevalence was highest (28.4%; 19/67) among participants above 55 years and least (2.4%; 3/123) among younger participants (18-35 years). There was a significant (P = 0.031) relationship between place of residence and HCV infection with residents of Southern Province having significantly higher prevalence. The hematological abnormalities observed in the HCV infected patients included leukopenia (48.4%; 15/52), neutropenia (6.5%; 2/52), and thrombocytopenia (25.8%; 8/52). The HCV infection was significantly higher in the older population (>55 years) and exposure to injection from traditional practitioners was identified as a significant (P = 0.036) risk factor of infection. Further studies to determine the factors causing the high prevalence of HCV in Rwanda are recommended.