Cross-species surveillance and risk factors associated with Avian Coronavirus in North-Central and South West Regions of Nigeria.

Infectious bronchitis viral (IBV) (Avian coronavirus) diseases is among the major reproductive diseases affecting the avian production in Africa. There is scanty information on its current status and vaccination compliance among captive wild birds (CWB) and indigenous chickens (LC) in Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the exposure and the risk factors associated with IBV in CWB and LC from North-central and South west regions of Nigeria. Sera samples from 218 LC and 43 CWB were examined for IBV IgG using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Also, owners of LC and managers of CWB were interviewed using a pre-tested structured checklist. An overall IBV prevalence of 42.9% (112/261) was obtained. Captive wild birds and indigenous chickens had 11.6% (5/43) and 49.1% (107/218) prevalence respectively with a significant difference (p< 0.0001, OR= 7.3, 95% CI= 2.8-19.3). Also, geo-location indicated significant difference in IBV exposure among birds (p<=0.034). Furthermore, the study showed that there had never been laboratory screening on all acquired wild birds for exposure to infectious agents in the study location while none of these birds (LB/CWB) had history of vaccination. Since IBV is endemic in Nigeria, the use of vaccine for prophylactic measure should be advocated among LC and CWB owners in order to avoid unnecessary losses. Also, the essence of screening for infectious agents in newly acquired wild birds should be considered crucial for health sustenance and public safety.

Salmonella Serovars, Antibiotic Resistance, and Virulence Factors Isolated from Intestinal Content of Slaughtered Chickens and Ready-to-Eat Chicken Gizzards in the Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria.

Salmonellosis is one of the most common and widely distributed food-borne diseases, and the presence of antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella in poultry and poultry products is a global public health problem. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2016 to July 2017 with an aim of determining the isolation rates of Salmonella species from the intestinal contents of slaughtered chickens, the most common serotypes that invade and colonize the tissues of chickens in Ilorin, and the susceptibilities of the isolated species to commonly used antibiotics. Four hundred samples of intestinal contents from apparently healthy slaughtered chickens and one hundred ready-to-eat chicken gizzards in Ilorin, Kwara State, were examined for the presence of Salmonella and their serotypes. Salmonellae were isolated and identified according to the techniques recommended by the World Health Organization: preenrichment, selective plating, biochemical testing, and serotyping. A total number of forty-three (43) Salmonella isolates consisting of 33 from intestinal contents and 10 from ready-to-eat chicken gizzards were isolated and identified. There was an overall Salmonella prevalence rate of 8.6% (43/500), and the isolates were distributed as follows: gizzard, 2% (n = 10) and intestinal contents, 6.6% (n = 33). The predominant serovars were Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar 45: d: 1, 7 (16) and S. Haifa (5). All ready-to-eat chicken gizzards were associated with Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar 45: d: 1, 7 (5). The Salmonella from intestinal contents belong to Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovars 45: d: 1, 7 (11) and S. Haifa (5). Salmonella species isolated were 100% resistant to ciprofloxacin, ampicillin, and ceftazidime. This is followed by cloxacillin (81%), tetracycline (75%), and sulfamethoxazole (67%). The Salmonella isolates were, however, 100% sensitive to enrofloxacin, 74% to streptomycin, and 72% to gentamycin antibiotics. The most common serotype was S. enterica subsp. enterica serovar 45: d: 1, 7. All the twenty five Salmonella serovars consisting of twenty-one serotypes (n = 21), two of the Salmonella that could not be cultured after enrichment, and the two that were contaminated with Proteus possessed the virulence genes of invA and stn. The Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar 45: d: 1, 7 and S. Haifa possess virulence genes so they are potentially virulent for humans in this area. The national and local health authorities in Nigeria should improve hygiene measures especially at retail slaughter markets to reduce salmonellosis which is one of the most important food-borne diseases in humans.

Comorbidities and the COVID-19 pandemic dynamics in Africa.

The debate around the COVID-19 response in Africa has mostly focused on effects and implications of public health measures, in light of the socio-economic peculiarities of the continent. However, there has been limited exploration of the impact of differences in epidemiology of key comorbidities, and related healthcare factors, on the course and parameters of the pandemic. We summarise what is known about (a) the pathophysiological processes underlying the interaction of coinfections and comorbidities in shaping prognosis of COVID-19 patients, (b) the epidemiology of key coinfections and comorbidities, and the state of related healthcare infrastructure that might shape the course of the pandemic, and (c) implications of (a) and (b) for pandemic management and post-pandemic priorities. There is a critical need to generate empirical data on clinical profiles and the predictors of morbidity and mortality from COVID-19. Improved protocols for acute febrile illness and access to diagnostic facilities, not just for SARS-CoV-2 but also other viral infections, are of urgent importance. The role of malaria, HIV/TB and chronic malnutrition on pandemic dynamics should be further investigated. Although chronic non-communicable diseases account for a relatively lighter burden, they have a significant effect on COVID-19 prognosis, and the fragility of care delivery systems implies that adjustments to clinical procedures and re-organisation of care delivery that have been useful in other regions are unlikely to be feasible. Africa is a large region with local variations in factors that can shape pandemic dynamics. A one-size-fits-all response is not optimal, but there are broad lessons relating to differences in epidemiology and healthcare delivery factors, that should be considered as part of a regional COVID-19 response framework.

Cross-species surveillance and risk factors associated with Avian Coronavirus in North-Central and South West Regions of Nigeria

@#Infectious bronchitis viral (IBV) (Avian coronavirus) diseases is among the major reproductive diseases affecting the avian production in Africa. There is scanty information on its current status and vaccination compliance among captive wild birds (CWB) and indigenous chickens (LC) in Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the exposure and the risk factors associated with IBV in CWB and LC from North-central and South west regions of Nigeria. Sera samples from 218 LC and 43 CWB were examined for IBV IgG using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Also, owners of LC and managers of CWB were interviewed using a pre-tested structured checklist. An overall IBV prevalence of 42.9% (112/261) was obtained. Captive wild birds and indigenous chickens had 11.6% (5/43) and 49.1% (107/218) prevalence respectively with a significant difference (p< 0.0001, OR= 7.3, 95% CI= 2.8-19.3). Also, geo-location indicated significant difference in IBV exposure among birds (p<0.034). Furthermore, the study showed that there had never been laboratory screening on all acquired wild birds for exposure to infectious agents in the study location while none of these birds (LB/CWB) had history of vaccination. Since IBV is endemic in Nigeria, the use of vaccine for prophylactic measure should be advocated among LC and CWB owners in order to avoid unnecessary losses. Also, the essence of screening for infectious agents in newly acquired wild birds should be considered crucial for health sustenance and public safety.

Seroprevalence of brucellosis and Q fever (Coxiellosis) in cattle herds in Maigana and Birnin Gwari agro-ecological zone of Kaduna State, Nigeria.

A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of brucellosis and Q fever in cattle in Maigana and Birnin Gwari agro-ecological zone of Kaduna State, Nigeria. This study aimed at determining the significance of Brucella spp. and Coxiella burnetti infections in cattle. A total of 400 sera samples (139 from males and 261 from females cattle) were collected and screened for brucellosis using Rose Bengal Plate test (RBPT) and competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) for brucellosis and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) for Q fever. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the sampled animals from the study population. Data were analyzed to determine association and risk factors. Sera analysis revealed that, 18.5 and 6.8% were seropositive by RBPT and cELISA for brucellosis, while 6.2% was seropositive by iELISA for Q fever. A significant association was detected between cattle sex and sensitivity of RBPT for detecting Brucella. Meanwhile, a non-significant association was found between cattle age and breed with sensitivity of RBPT, cELISA, and iELISA. The study indicates that brucellosis and Q ever exist with high prevalence particularly among female cattle. This presents a serious public health problem, calling for greater awareness among stakeholders and for co-ordinated surveillance for the diseases among cattle populations in Nigeria.

Prevalence and direct economic losses from bovine tuberculosis in makurdi, Nigeria.

A retrospective study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis and direct economic losses (DEL) from tuberculosis in cattle slaughtered in Makurdi abattoirs from 2008 to 2012, using abattoir records obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Out of 61654 cattle slaughtered during the study period 1172 (1.90%) were positive for tuberculosis lesions. The annual prevalence of bovine tuberculosis ranges from 0.90% in 2008 to 4.04% in 2012. There was significant (P < 0.05) difference in annual prevalence of bovine tuberculosis. It was also observed that there was no seasonal difference in the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis. A total of 1935 affected organs by BTB weighing 3046.50 kg, amounting to 2.91 × 10(6) Naira (1.82 × 10(4) USD), were condemned within the study period. Seasonal variation in organ condemnation due to bovine tuberculosis was significantly different (Mann-Whitney U statistics = 774 × 10(3), P = 0.034). It was concluded that bovine tuberculosis is prevalent in Makurdi and accounts for heavy economic losses due to condemnation of edible organs.

Assessment of carcass contamination with E. coli O157 before and after washing with water at abattoirs in Nigeria.

The study was carried out to assess the level of beef carcass contamination with Escherichia coli including O157 strains before and after washing with water. Samples of water used for washing carcasses were collected and thirty beef carcasses were swabbed within a period of one month in each of three abattoirs located in North-Western states of Nigeria. E. coli were enumerated as indicator organisms. Using conventional biochemical tests, the isolation rate of E. coli in the 120 swab samples collected in each abattoir from external and internal surfaces of the carcasses was 58.3% at Kano abattoir, 70.8% at Sokoto abattoir, while 76.7% was recorded at Zango abattoir. E. coli counts from external and internal surfaces of the carcasses were enumerated as mean log and ranged between 4.3 Log(10) and 4.6 Log(10) cfu/cm(2) before washing, while the values were 4.6 Log(10) and 4.9 Log(10) cfu/cm(2) after washing. Data analysis revealed that the increase in E. coli counts after washing carcasses with water was statistically significant (P<0.05) in all the abattoirs. However, there was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) between the 3 abattoirs in mean log of E. coli counts from external surfaces of carcass after washing. E. coli O157 was identified from both the water and surfaces of carcasses using Latex agglutination kit. A prevalence of 2.8% of E. coli O157 was detected in 360 swab samples from 90 beef carcasses examined. E. coli counts from water used in washing carcasses were between 22 and 120 cfu/100 ml. Of the 72 water samples, 3(4.2%) were positive for E. coli O157. In conclusion, there was increased contamination of carcasses during processing and water used in washing carcasses might have contributed to carcass contamination in all the abattoirs studied due to use of non-potable water.

Using multivariate statistical methods to model the electrospray ionization response of GXG tripeptides based on multiple physicochemical parameters.

Response factors were determined for twelve GXG peptides (where G stands for glycine and X is any of alanine [A], arginine [R], asparagine [N], aspartic acid [D], glycine [G], histidine [H], leucine [L], lysine [K], phenylalanine [F], serine [S], tyrosine [Y], valine [V]) by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The response factors were measured using a novel flow injection method. This new method is based on the Gaussian distribution of analyte concentration resulting from band-broadening dispersion experienced by the analyte upon passage through an extended volume of PEEK tubing. This method removes the need for preparing a discrete series of standard solutions to assess concentration-dependent response. Relative response factors were calculated for each peptide with reference to GGG. The observed trends in the relative response factors were correlated with several analyte physicochemical parameters, chosen based on current understanding of ion release from charged droplets during the ESI process. These include analyte properties: nonpolar surface area; polar surface area; gas-phase basicity; proton affinity; and Log D. Multivariate statistical analysis using multiple linear regression, decision tree, and support vector regression models were investigated to assess their potential for predicting ESI response based on the analyte properties. The support vector regression model was more versatile and produced the least predictive error following 12-fold cross-validation. The effect of variation in solution pH on the relative response factors is highlighted, as evidenced by the different predictive models obtained for peptide response at two pH values (pH = 6.0 and 9.0). The relationship between physicochemical parameters and associated ionization efficiencies for GXG tripeptides is discussed based on the equilibrium partitioning model.

Prevalence and Characterization of Verotocytoxin Producing Escherichia coli O157 from Diarrhoea Patients in Morogoro; Tanzania

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is an important agent of haemorrhagic colitis and haemolytic uraemic syndrome in children less than five years old and elderly people. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of verotocytoxin producing E. coli 0157 (VTEC O157) among human patients with diarrhoea in Morogoro; Tanzania. Faecal samples originating from 275 human patients with diarrhoea were screened for presence of E. coli O157:H7. A total of 96 E.coli isolate were identified. Of these; 10 isolates were grouped into sorbitol non-fermenting and glucuronide negative and 49 isolates were sorbitol positive and glucuronide positive. The remaining 37 were sorbitol negative and glucuronide positive. Using the polymerase chain reaction techniques; a total of ten verotocytocin producing E. coli isolated in this study were used. The overall two (15) and one (7) of the isolated of E. coli possessed both attaching and effacing (eae A) and enterohemolysin (ehly) A genes respectively. Other enterobacterial agents including Pseudomonas spp; Proteus spp and coliforms were also isolated. The VTEC O157 isolates were 100resistant to oxytetracycline; chloramphenicol; streptomycin; and amoxyclav. In conclusion; the isolation of diarrhoeaogenic E. coli O157:H7 in this region suggests that the pathogen is an important aetiology of acute gastroenteritis in Tanzania. There is therefore; need to improve sewage and refuse disposal system; the provision of safe potable water; sanitation; personal hygiene and health education in order to reduce infection with this and other enteric pathogens

Escherichia coli 0157: H7 reservoir, transmission, diagnosis and the African situation: a review.

OBJECTIVES: To provide an overview of the current understanding of verotoxigenic Escherichia coli 0157:H7 (VTEC) and to describe clinical picture, reservoir, transmission and diagnosis and African situations of VTEC. DATA SOURCE: A literature review was performed of major published series between 1980 and 2001 inclusive, using the PUB MED and MEDLINE search. Some earlier published series were also reviewed in instances where they directly led to the understanding of current review. STUDY SELECTION: Data from laboratory studies on cultural and isolation, serological and molecular techniques are summarised in this review. RESULTS: Verotoxigenic Escherichia coli 0157:H7 (VTEC) is an important cause of uncomplicated diarrhoea, bloody diarrhoea (BD) and haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in developed countries. The incidence and importance of 0157: H7 (VTEC) infections in most developing countries are not known; however, 0157: H7 (VTEC) cases have been isolated from many sporadic cases of diarrhoea, BD and HUS, while several cases have also been associated with diarrhoeal disease outbreaks in Africa. CONCLUSION: The morbidity and mortality associated with several recent outbreaks of VTEC disease have highlighted the threat these organisms pose to public health. For this reason, there is an increasing demand for improved diagnostic procedures for detection of VTEC in clinical specimen and in particular, in foods such as meat and dairy products in developing countries.

Mirtazapine for treatment of depression and comorbidities in Alzheimer disease.

BACKGROUND: Depression in patients with Alzheimer disease is a treatable cause of functional decline, caregiver burden, and mortality. It is often associated with severe weight loss, insomnia, and anxiety. These symptoms independently and collaboratively further worsen the prognosis of these vulnerable patients. An antidepressant medication with good adverse effect profile and salutary effects on these comorbid symptoms may be of significant therapeutic value in these patients. OBJECTIVE: To describe the role of mirtazapine in the treatment of depressed Alzheimer patients with comorbid weight loss, insomnia, and anxiety. CASE SUMMARY: Three patients with dementia and depression complicated by weight loss, insomnia, and anxiety were treated with mirtazapine at an outpatient memory loss clinic of a university hospital. DISCUSSION: Despite the persistence of memory loss, the patients experienced a prompt and sustained response to mirtazapine. There was a complete remission of poor appetite, weight loss, sleep disturbances, and anxiety. Other depression symptoms, including sad mood, anhedonia, and energy level, were also substantially improved. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical response of our patients underscores the usefulness of mirtazapine in the treatment of the comorbid symptoms of weight loss, insomnia, and anxiety. The effectiveness of mirtazapine in depressed Alzheimer patents may be a reflection of its enhancement of brain serotonergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission. The usefulness of mirtazapine in depressed Alzheimer patients merits further study in a large randomized, controlled, clinically comparative trial.

Acute cardiovascular effects of the concurrent administration of enalapril, prazosin or amlodipine in healthy Nigerians.

The acute circulatory effects of the combination of prazosin 1 mg, enalapril 10 mg or amlodipine 5 mg were evaluated and compared in a placebo controlled, randomised, double blind, latin-square, cross-over study in 8 normotensive healthy Nigerians. Supine and erect blood pressure were reduced by the active treatment combinations (F = 8.8, P = 0.0006, analysis of variance). In all, the onset of blood pressure fall was within 2 h, with a peak reduction at 4-6 h and persisting for at least 12 h. The combination of converting enzyme inhibitor and alpha blocker, however, caused a significantly greater hypotensive action than the other combinations (P < 0.05, analysis of variance). There was a modest reflex tachycardia in the erect position on all treatments (P = 0.008). Cardiac autonomic reflexes or left ventricular echocardiographic indices were unaffected by the drug combinations. The haemodynamic effect of enalapril plus prazosin combination, which separately cause little hypotensive effect in Africans, may reflect an important pharmacodynamic interaction between alpha 1 and angiotensin II vascular receptors. All combinations lower blood pressure and warrant further study in Nigerian hypertensives. However, the enalapril plus prazosin combination caused the greatest blood pressure fall, and caution is indicated during their concurrent use, owing to enhanced first dose hypotension.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma in a case of dyskeratosis congenita.

Oral manifestations of dyskeratosis congenita (DCG) have received little attention in dental literature. This report is a case of dyskeratosis congenita in a 17-year-old female which was associated with oral lesions such as leukoplakia, superimposed candidal infection, desquamative gingivitis, and severe periodontitis. Histopathologic examination of the granular lesion on the right lateral border of the dorsum of the tongue showed well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Etiopathogenesis, clinical features, and laboratory findings of this disease are discussed.

Fracture of tooth by internal resorption: case report.

A case of extensive internal resorption of the left mandibular first premolar in a 24 year old man is reported. The case presented with slight discolouration and mobility of the tooth. On radiological examination extensive internal resorption and a fracture line at the cemento enamel region was observed, separating the crown and root. The case was treated endodontically after surgical removal of the fractured fragment of the crown.

Dentinogenesis Inperfecta. Report of three cases in an Indian family.

An Indian family with Type II Dentinogenesis Imperfecta is reported in which the pedigree was traced through four generations. Clinical and radiological examination was done in three individuals in the family studied, which showed variation in expression of colour and attrition. No clinical evidence of Osteogenesis Imperfecta was noted in any of the family members. Theoretical considerations regarding the development of this disorder and its clinical features are presented.