Methanolic leaf extract of Moringa oleifera improves the survivability rate, weight gain and histopathological changes of Wister rats infected with Trypanosoma brucei.

Trypanosomosis is a major disease of Man and animals. This study investigated the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on the survivability rate, weight gain and histopathological changes of Wister rats experimentally infected with Trypanosoma brucei. A total of thirty (30) rats randomly divided into six groups (A-F). Rats in group A remain untreated and uninfected while rates in group F were infected and untreated. Rats in groups B and C were treated with Moringa oleifera leave extract orally at 200 mg/kg for 14 days pre-infection and the treatment continued in B but not in C. Rats in groups D and E were treated with the extract orally for ninety days at 200 mg/kg (pre-infection) and the treatment continued in D but not in E. The weight changes in all rats were monitored weekly. Rats in B-F groups were infected with 3 × 106 of Trypanosoma brucei per mL of blood. The results showed that all the infected rats died but the treated group survived extra two days when compared with the untreated group. The percentage weight gain of rats in groups B and C was high (23.9% and 21.1%) respectively as against negative control (17.2%). The groups with chronic administration of the extract (D and E) had a lower percentage weight gains (64.3% and 60.3% respectively) when compared with negative control (71.8%). The histopathology results showed that the extract was a potent ameliorative agent that reduced neuronal degeneration and congestion in the brain and the spleen of the infected rats respectively. In conclusion, Moringa Oleifera leave extract has mitigative effects on the pathogenesis of trypanosomosis.

Aflatoxicosis in African greater cane rats (Thryonomys swinderianus).

AIM: Aflatoxicosis is a widespread problem in captive animals fed on stored food and has been reported in various animals both domestic and wild. This report documents the clinicopathologic, microbial diagnostic findings and therapeutic regime for a study on the presentation, management, and outcome of aflatoxicosis in greater cane rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 65 greater cane rats suspected to be exposed to the toxin were examined clinically along with their environment. Feed samples, recently deceased carcasses and some moribund carcasses were collected for the study. Carcasses were subjected to gross and histopathologic investigations while feed and organs were subjected to microbiological investigations. RESULTS: Gross lesions included hepatic lipidosis with ecchymotic hemorrhages, distended gallbladder, and renomegaly with ecchymosis among others. Histopathology revealed loss of hepatocellular architecture with massive centrilobular hepatocyte necrosis and diffuse steatotic damage characterized by macrovacuoles. Other histologic findings included pulmonary congestion, moderate renal tubular degeneration, and necrosis of epithelial tubular cells. Aspergillus flavus was isolated from the feed and ingesta. Total aflatoxin detected in feed sample was found to be over 400 ppm. Klebsiella species, Staphylococcus species, and Bacillus species were isolated from the liver and intestinal content. Management was attempted using Fungizal® (Avico, Jordan) (which contains Thymol, benzoic acid, sorbic acid, and kaolin) and Orego-Stim® (Saife, USA) (which contains carvacrol and thymol) which were instituted in feed and Superliv® (Ayurvet, India) (polyherbal) liquid was instituted in water for 5 days at manufacturers' dosage. All clinical signs disappeared, and no more deaths were recorded following management. CONCLUSION: This report concludes that aflatoxicosis causes severe mortality in greater cane rats and can be prevented and managed successfully.

Use of goat interleukin-6, cortisol, and some biomarkers to evaluate clinical suitability of two routes of ascorbic acid administration in transportation stress.

AIM: The study determined the effect of ascorbic acid (administered orally and intramuscularly) in short-term transportation stress. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four apparently healthy Kalahari goats were grouped into four groups (A, B, C, and D) of 6 animals each: Group A - untreated and unexposed to stress; Group B - treated with 200 mg/kg Vitamin C orally and exposed to 2 h transportation stress; Group C - treated with Vitamin C 200 mg/kg intramuscularly and exposed to 2 h transportation stress; and Group D - untreated and exposed to 2 h transportation stress. The animals were stocked using standards stipulated by the Nigerian Animal Disease Control Act and transported at 40 km/h. Cortisol and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were assayed using quantitative sandwich ELISA. Classical stress hematological parameters and antioxidative stress markers such as glutathione s-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde were determined. Heart rate variability (HRV) was also assessed. RESULTS: The route of ascorbic acid administration did not influence the expression of IL-6, and changes in cortisol surge, antioxidative stress markers, and other hematological parameters in Kalahari goats though Group C goats showed higher HRV values (p<0.05) than others. This gives credence to the enhanced cardiac responsiveness and stress survivability in Kalahari goats. CONCLUSION: Both routes could be used in the administration of ascorbic acid. Kalahari goats exposed to short-term stress; however, the intramuscular route had better heart variability and thus improved the survivability of the animals.