Standardized experimental model for cement dust exposure; tissue heavy metal bioaccumulation and pulmonary pathological changes in rats.

A controlled experimental model of exposure to aerosols particularly for cement dust was recently invented in a study from the laboratory that found high serum levels of heavy metals, decrease gastrointestinal motility, and altered hematological variables in cement dust exposed rats. However, reproducibility was not considered. This work aims at standardizing the model and investigating preliminary toxicological indicators. Thirty male rats used in this study were divided into 3 groups (n = 10). Group 1; control, while groups 2 and 3 were exposed to cement dust for 14 days and 28 days respectively. We assessed clinical signs of toxicity, tissue heavy metal concentration, histopathological, and body weight (BW) changes. We observed poor movement coordination, abnormal posture, cephalic fur loss. Evidence of ischemia and fibrotic pneumoconiosis were grossly observed in the lungs of the exposed groups. There was a significant increase in tissue level of heavy metals with pulmonary and gastric heavy metal content showing a trendy relationship during the period of the exposure as the value of Lead, Chromium, Cadmium, Iron, Calcium, and Nickel increased by nearly similar percentages in both tissues. Organs weights increased; the 14-day exposed (198 ±â€¯31; 168 ±â€¯22) and 28-day exposed (198 ±â€¯22; 187 ±â€¯26) groups had significantly reduced body weight at the first and second weeks of exposure compared to the control group (265 ±â€¯26; 357 ±â€¯40) respectively. Exposure to cement dust induced low bone density in the exposed rats (p < 0.05). Histopathological alterations include necrosis, inflammatory cellular infiltration, and alveolar hyperplasia suggestive of the proliferative response of pulmonary tissue to the dust. The operation of the standardized apparatus mimics a typical occupational exposure and the findings show that cement dust induces systemic toxicity via respiratory perturbation and body/organ weight discordance mediated by heavy metal bioaccumulation.

Clinicopathological Studies on Rats Exposed to Municipal Landfill Gaseous and Particulate Emissions

The study assessed the Clinicopathological changes of Wistar rats exposed to municipal landfill gaseous particulate emissions. Four groups of Wistar rats were exposed to the different sites of landfill emission with use of filters for filtering landfill gaseous emission while the control group was not exposed. Performance of the animals was evaluated weekly, blood and lung, liver, kidney and heart tissues were taken for haematological and histopatholgical examinations. At the end of six weeks exposure, the peak weight was recorded as 108.96±0.45 of Group B as compared to 126.352±0.88 of the Control Group, as well as the decrease in the body weight of Group A-D compared to the Control Group. There was leucocytosis, lymphocytosis and neutrophilia in the rats that were exposed to landfill emission. There were pulmonary, hepatic, and renal lesions while the heart was spared. Changes were observed on the use of filters for filtering landfill gaseous emission. The 3M 6001 CN Gas Mask Carnister Cartridge which filters 50% of landfill emission together with black polythene nylon restricting external air into the filtered cage was not sufficient to reduce the effect of landfill gaseous emission at the end of the exposure period. The screening with PM2.5 material which filters 100% of PM2.5 emission was only able to screen PM2.5 emission but could not screen other landfill gaseous emission. This indicates that landfill gaseous emission is capable of inducing respiratory problems and tissue damage on dumpsite workers if there is sufficient and continuous exposure to landfill gaseous emissions. To prevent the hazard that may arose from dumpsite activities; gas nose mask respirator is recommended for an individual who works as scavengers and landfill workers before entering the dumpsite environment..

The morphometrics and typology of the skull in the Ghanaian local dog of non-descript breed (Canis lupus familiaris) / Morfometría y tipología del cráneo en el perro local de Ghana de raza no definida (Canis lupus familiaris)

The shape of the head is considered the most important criterion in determining the standard breeds of dogs. It is of much significance to study the skull typology of the Ghanaian local dog in order to establish a template of its identification as a breed and to generate data which could be useful in the comparative anatomy of the skulls of dogs. A total of twenty skulls of adult dogs of two age groups were used in this study. 31 parameters were measured and 6 skull indices were calculated on their basis. The group of skulls from older fully grown dogs showed higher values in all parameters. Results of the current study will provide baseline reference data on skull parameters of local dolichocephalic dogs. More importantly, results obtained could be useful in veterinary applied anatomy and clinical practice in areas including forensic medicine, plastic or cosmetic maxillofacial surgery, neurosurgery of the cranium, acupuncture, nerve block and other clinical manipulations involving the head.

La forma de la cabeza se considera el criterio más importante para determinar las razas estándar de perros. Es relevante estudiar la tipología del cráneo del perro local de Ghana para establecer una plantilla de su identificación como raza y generar datos que puedan ser útiles en la anatomía comparativa de los cráneos de perros. En este estudio se utilizaron un total de veinte cráneos de perros adultos de dos grupos de edad. Se midieron 31 parámetros y se calcularon 6 índices de cráneo sobre la base de ellos. El grupo de cráneos de perros mayores completamente desarrollados mostró valores más altos en todos los parámetros. Los resultados del estudio actual proporcionarán datos de referencia sobre los parámetros del cráneo de los perros dolicocefálicos locales. Más importante aún, los resultados obtenidos podrían ser útiles en la anatomía veterinaria aplicada y la práctica clínica en áreas que incluyen medicina forense, cirugía plástica o cosmética maxilofacial, neurocirugía del cráneo, acupuntura, bloqueo nervioso y otras manipulaciones clínicas que involucran la cabeza.

Outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Ghana, 2015: degree of losses and outcomes of time-course outbreak management.

This retrospective study highlights the degree of losses and time-course through which the 2015 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in Ghana were managed. A total of 102 760 birds from 35 farms across five regions in Ghana included in this study were affected. Out of this, 89.3% was from the Greater Accra region. Majority of the birds were culled (94.2%). Adult layers were most affected and destroyed (64.0%), followed by broilers (13.7%). Event initiation to reporting averaged 7.7 ± 1.3 days (range: 1-30 days). Laboratory confirmation to depopulation of birds averaged 2.2 ± 0.5 (0-15) days while depopulation to disinfection took 2.2 ± 0.7 (0-20) days. Overall, some farms took as long as 30 days to report the outbreak to the authorities, 15 days from confirmation to depopulation and 20 days from depopulation to disinfection. On average, outbreak management lasted 12.3 (2-43) days from event initiation to depopulation. The study reveals a significant number of avian losses and delays in HPAI reporting and management by the authorities in Ghana during the 2015 outbreak. This poses a high risk of spread to other farms and a threat to public health. Awareness creation for poultry farmers is necessary for early reporting, while further study is required to set thresholds for the management of such outbreaks by veterinary departments.

Regional skin histomorphology in adult greater cane rats (Thryonomys swinderianus): A pilot study.

The greater cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus) demonstrated numerous dermal architectural peculiarities hitherto unreported. This investigation assessed and evaluated certain histologic features of skin samples from the fore and hind limbs, the neck, head, proximal to the ear and oro-nasal regions for follicular evaluations and micro anatomic assessments in the adult species. Twenty wild taken animals of equal gender distribution were used for histologic assessments of structural elements and histo-morphometric evaluations. Hair follicular density, size, distribution and orientations as well as sexual dimorphisms observed in the body regions studied with Motic Image Plus software analysis were also reported. Statistical analysis revealed sexual dimorphism in this feature as females demonstrated significantly higher (P < .05) follicular density and epidermal thickness at about twice the recorded values for males at similar sites evaluated, but half (P < .05) of follicular diameter of values of males. Mean follicular density for oro-nasal area, head, neck, fore and hind limbs were 50 ±â€¯3.55 and 70 ±â€¯3.34n/µm2, 16.24 ±â€¯3.02 and 12 ±â€¯4.00, 8.00 ±â€¯2.68 and 83.66 ±â€¯4.08, 8.02 ±â€¯4.00 and 3.23 ±â€¯3.85, 4.32 ±â€¯3.02 and 2.05 ±â€¯2.04 for females and males respectively. Follicular area decreased proportionally with density increase but it was inversely proportional with epidermal thickness in all evaluated regions. This investigation suggests that the peculiarities observed in dermal structures adapt this species to environmental forces, defense and self-preservation including thermoregulation, foraging and predator evasion, whereas histo-morphometric evaluation result suggests that thermoregulation and other skin sensory modalities may differ between genders in the greater cane rat.

DETECTION OF CANINE PARVOVIRUS ANTIGEN IN DOGS IN KUMASI, GHANA.

BACKGROUND: Canine Parvovirus (CPV) in dogs has been documented in many countries. However, evidence of the infection is scanty in Ghana. This study was conducted to detect canine parvovirus antigen in dogs presented with diarrhoea to the Government Veterinary Clinic in Kumasi, Ghana. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Faecal samples from 72 dogs presented with diarrhoea were tested for the presence of canine parvovirus antigen using commercially available rapid test kit (BIT® Rapid Colour Canine Parvovirus Ag Test Kit, BIOINDIST Co. Ltd, Korea) based on the principle of immunochromatography. Influence of breed, sex, age, vaccination history and the nature of diarrhoea were assessed. Data obtained was analysed with SPSS and subjected to the chi-square test. Significance was at α0.05. RESULTS: We found 61.11% tested positive (44/72) for CPV. Based on sex, 61.54% of males (20/33) and 60.61% of females tested positive (24/39). A total of 65.67% of samples from puppies below 6 months were positive. 56.25% of CPV vaccinated dogs and 70.83% of unvaccinated dogs were positive respectively. 69.05% of samples from haemorrhagic diarrhoeic dogs and 50.00% from non-haemorrhagic diarrhoeic dogs were positive of CPV. CONCLUSION: The study is the first documented evidence of the existence of CPV in Ghana. It also revealed that absence of bloody diarrhoea does not necessarily rule out CPV infection.

Molecular detection of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses with M genes from human pandemic strains among Nigerian pigs, 2013-2015: implications and associated risk factors.

In the post-pandemic period, influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus has been detected in swine populations in different parts of the world. This study was conducted to determine the presence and spatial patterns of this human pandemic virus among Nigerian pigs and identify associated risk factors. Using a two-stage stratified random sampling method, nasal swab specimens were obtained from pigs in Ibadan, Nigeria during the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 influenza seasons, and the virus was detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Purified RT-PCR products were sequenced in both directions, and sequences were aligned using MUSCLE. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted in MEGA6. Purely spatial scan statistics and a spatial lag regression model were used to identify spatial clusters and associated risk factors. The virus was detected in both seasons, with an overall prevalence of 8·7%. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the M genes were similar to those of pandemic strains which circulated in humans prior to and during the study. Cluster analysis revealed a significant primary spatial cluster (RR = 4·71, LLR = 5·66, P = 0·0046), while 'hours spent with pigs (R 2 = 0·90, P = 0·0018)' and 'hours spent with pigs from different farms (R 2 = 0·91, P = 0·0001)' were identified as significant risk factors (P < 0·05). These findings reveal that there is considerable risk of transmission of the pandemic virus, either directly from pig handlers or through fomites, to swine herds in Ibadan, Nigeria. Active circulation of the virus among Nigerian pigs could enhance its reassortment with endemic swine influenza viruses. Campaigns for adoption of biosecurity measures in West African piggeries and abattoirs should be introduced and sustained in order to prevent the emergence of a new influenza epicentre in the sub-region.

Evaluation of immune response in challenged chickens vaccinated with Newcastle disease vaccine using gums from Cedrela odorata and Khaya senegalensis as delivery agents.

Immune response of challenged chickens following previous vaccinations with Newcastle disease vaccine using gums from Cedrela odorata and Khaya senegalensis as delivery agent were evaluated. Two hundred and fifty-two one-day old chickens were divided into vaccine-gum oral (GVOR), vaccine-gum ocular (GVOC), vaccine oral (VOR), vaccine ocular (VOC), gum oral (GOR), gum ocular (GOC), No-gum-no-vaccine/challenged (NGNV/C), and No-gum-no-vaccine/unchallenged (NGNV/U) groups. They were vaccinated at days 21 & 42 and challenged at day 84. Trachea and intestinal washings were collected at intervals as well as weekly serum samples. These were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test for mucosal and systemic IgG response (MA and SA). Statistical analysis was done using Omnibus one-way ANOVA. MA and SA were not different (P > 0.05) post first and second vaccination although gum-vaccine groups were marginally higher post second vaccination. Post Infection (PI), there was an early and sustained spike in both MA and SA for the GV groups especially GVOR (P < 0.05). MA and SA for the Gum alone (especially GOR) groups also spiked PI (P < 0.05). Therefore, phytogenic polymers used could be said to possess immunopotentiating property with a possible induction of immunologic memory mechanism.

Evaluation of oxidative stress in caprine bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of pneumonic and normal lungs.

Research in the area of oxidative stress in pneumonic pathology still requires attention in small ruminants especially with the use of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) which may be a more sensitive indicator of respiratory diseases than blood. This investigation evaluates the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of caprine pneumonia using BAL fluid (BALf) from healthy and pneumonic goats. A BALf from 192 goats (whose pneumonic histopathology had been characterized using standard techniques) was biochemically assayed for anti-oxidants and pro-oxidants. Malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide generation (H2O2), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and reduced glutathione (GSH) contents were measured to assess free radical activity in the BALf. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione transferase (GST) and Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were also determined colourimetrically. There were significant increases in the BALf supernatant of MDA, H2O2 and MPO with decreases in GSH level and SOD activity in the pneumonic goats (P < 0.05). There was also significant correlation of BALf oxidative assay to the type and severity of pneumonia. The levels of MDA, H2O2, and MPO increased significantly (P < 0.05) in bronchopneumonia and bronchointerstitial pneumonia than other pneumonic conditions and normal lungs. The management of caprine pneumonia should often incorporate antioxidant supplementation to correct the imbalance in pro-oxidant and anti-oxidant levels.

THE PREVALENCE OF BRUCELLOSIS IN CATTLE AND THEIR HANDLERS IN NORTH TONGU DISTRICT OF VOLTA REGION, GHANA.

BACKGROUND: Brucellosis is a zoonotic pathogen responsible for great economic losses in most sub-Saharan nations. Although Ghana has successfully implemented the "One Health" initiative for the control of some emerging infectious zoonotic diseases with pandemic potential like Avian Influenza, there is very limited data available on brucellosis especially human brucellosis prevalence. He objective of his study is to determine the seroprevalence of human and bovine brucellosis as well as the predisposing factors at the community level in the North Tongu District of Ghana. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rose Bengal Plate test (RBPT) was used to analyze blood samples from 178 cattle farmers, and 315 cattle. The positive samples were further confirmed with cELISA. Predisposing factors were determined by questionnaires administered to cattle farmers. All sample sites were geo-referenced. RESULTS: Human and bovine brucellosis seroprevalence using RBPT were 10.1% and 22.9% respectively. Eighty six percent (62/72) of bovine cases were confirmed with ELISA. Delivery assistants were more likely to be infected (p=0.043) with odds ratio of 2.7. Out of the human cases (18), males constituted 88.9%. Ages 11-20 years recorded 77.7% seropositivity whilst cattle drovers represented 44.5% (8/18) of positives. Significant risk factors in cattle were herd size (p=0.037), history of retained placenta (0.000) and abortion (0.005). CONCLUSION: Bovine and human brucellosis is prevalent in North Tongu district, Ghana. Close contact with parturient cows was a major predisposing factor for human infection. Early referral of positive persons to the Hospital for confirmation and treatment is required to comply with the "One Health" initiative on brucellosis and other zoonoses.

THE EVALUATION OF DOMESTIC DUCKS AS POTENTIAL RESERVOIR OF AVIAN INFLUENZA VIRUS IN POST HPAI H5N1 OUTBREAK AREA, SUNYANI MUNICIPALITY, BRONG AHAFO REGION OF GHANA.

BACKGROUND: Avian influenza (AI) is an important zoonotic disease responsible for significant losses in most sub-Saharan countries. However, the role of poultry other than chicken in the epidemiology of the disease, especially after the first AI outbreak in Ghana, has not been fully elucidated. The obiective of this study is to determine whether the AI virus infection that was reported in the area in May 2007 was circulating silently in ducks in nine randomly selected farms in the Sunyani Municipality, Ghana. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample size was calculated using Epi info version 3.4.1 at 95% confidence level, absolute precision of 5% and assuming 0.5 prevalence of Avian Influenza A virus in ducks. Samples collection was done simultaneously with questionnaire administration to farmers. A total of 526 samples made up of 384 cloacal swabs and 142 feather tissues from ducks from a commercial duck farm, seven backyard holdings and one live birds market in six randomly selected communities in the Sunyani Municipality, Brong Ahafo region of Ghana. The samples were processed and subjected to Influenza Type A Matrix Gene analysis using RRT-PCR. RESULTS: All the 526 samples subiected to Influenza Type A Matrix Gene analysis using RRT-PCR were negative for Influenza Type A viruses. However, it was observed that bio-security practices which are keys to reintroduction of the virus in the area were not adhered to in 89 % of the sites investigated. Our finding also revealed that only the commercial farm investigated in this study complied with fifteen (78.9%) of the nineteen different farm practices observed. CONCLUSION: Though AI was not detected in the ducks sampled, there is the need for continuous surveillance and education of stakeholders on standard bio-security and farm management practices in the area.

Antigenic Detection of Human Strain of Influenza Virus A (H3N2) in Swine Populations at Three Locations in Nigeria and Ghana during the Dry Early Months of 2014.

Since the first detection of human H3N2 influenza virus in Taiwanese pigs in 1970, infection of pigs with wholly human viruses has been known to occur in other parts of the world. These viruses, referred to as human-like H3N2 viruses, have been known to cause clinical and subclinical infections of swine populations. Due to the paucity and complete unavailability of information on transmission of influenza viruses from other species, especially humans, to swine in Nigeria and Ghana, respectively, this study was designed to investigate the presence and prevalence of a human strain of influenza A (H3N2) in swine populations at three locations in two cities within these two West African countries in January and February, 2014. Using stratified random technique, nasal swab specimens were collected from seventy-five (75) pigs at two locations in Ibadan, Nigeria and from fifty (50) pigs in Kumasi, Ghana. These specimens were tested directly by a sensitive Quantitative Solid Phase Antigen-detection Sandwich ELISA using anti-A/Brisbane/10/2007 haemagglutinin monoclonal antibody. Influenza virus A/Brisbane/10/2007 (H3N2) was detected among pigs at the three study locations, with an aggregate prevalence of 4.0% for the two locations in Ibadan, Nigeria and also 4.0% for Kumasi, Ghana. Transmission of influenza viruses from other species to swine portends serious sinister prospects for genetic reassortment and evolvement of novel viruses. We therefore recommend that further studies should be carried out to investigate the presence of other circulating human and avian influenza viruses in swine populations in West Africa and also determine the extent of genetic reassortment of strains circulating among these pigs. This would provide an early warning system for detection of novel influenza viruses, which could have pandemic potentials.

Compliance with infection control practices by Veterinarians in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: There is a global increase in morbidity and mortality due to zoonotic diseases hence there is a need to identify possible sources of infections to human population. This study assessed veterinarians' compliance with standard infection control practices (ICPs) for prevention of zoonosis in Nigeria. METHODOLOGY: A cross sectional survey of 320 veterinarians participating in the National Annual Conference of the Nigerian Veterinary Me ic Association was done in November, 2011 Characteristics related to compliance with standard infection control practices were assessed. Chi-square and logistic regression tests were done at 0.05 significant levels. More veterinarians (51.1% and 61.2%) did not comply with appropriate ICPs while carrying out medical procedures of necropsy and assisting in parturition. Those with longer years of practice (OR=0.42,95% CI=0.23-0.75) and with long working hours (OR=0.52, 95% CI=0.28-0.97) were less likely to comply with ICPS. Private practice veterinarians' were less likely than public practitioners to comply (OR=0.67, 95% CI = 0.15-0.69). Also veterinarians who had workplace IC policy were more likely than those without to be compliant with ICPs (OR=3.71, 95% CI = 1.87-7.37). CONCLUSION: Future conferences can be used to advise veterinarians on the importance of implementing appropriate IC measures. Also infection prevention practices laws and policies should be enacted to encourage compliance by veterinarians.

Baseline Haematology and Erythrocyte Morphological Changes of Apparently Normal Dogs Raised in Ibadan, Oyo State.

This study evaluates the haematological parameters and the observed erythrocytes morphological changesin dogs raised in Ibadan, Oyo State in the south western part of Nigeria. Blood samples were collected from sixty-four apparently healthy dogs. The haematological parameters of the blood samples collected were evaluated with the quantification of the percentage erythrocyte morphological abnormalities. The result of the quantitative count of the erythrocyte morphological abnormalities were also converted using reference guide to give the numerical/descriptive clinical grade of the associated morphological abnormalities. There was a significant difference between the haematological parameters reported in this study and the commonly used dog haematological reference ranges from temperate regions used in laboratories in Nigeria. Some of the morphological abnormalities observed in this study include echinocyte (4.12±0.35%), macrocyte (2.61±0.22%) and spherocyte (2.17±0.29%) and eccentrocyte (0.39±0.06%) while other such as acanthocyte (1.39±0.19), leptocyte (0.71±0.13), schizocyte (0.703±0.104) and codocyte (0.50±0.11) were also seen. These study findings show that the associated morphological changes were all not significant and fall within the acceptable range using the reference guide for erythrocyte morphological abnormalities even when the haematological values differ significantly fromthe reference value. This study provides baseline information on the haematological parameters and the novel correlation ofthe associated erythrocyte abnormalities seen as a corresponding proof of the apparently healthy status of the dogs raised in Ibadan used for this study. The study while serving as an important means of verification of the reference range of haematological parameters also shows that clinical case interpretation using haematological baseline data from the temperate region should be used with caution in our tropical environment. This thus necessitates the need for an advocacy to build a reference range of haematological parameters that can be used as a working baseline value for the tropical environment.

Physicochemical properties and biological evaluation of Yoyo bitters.

BACKGROUND: The current widespread distribution and use of Yoyo bitters; an herbal bitters made in Nigeria calls for an assessment of its content, efficacy and extent to which this product achieves the labelled claim of being an herbal cleanser. METHODS: The pH, analysis for trace metal and preliminary phytochemicals screening were assessed. In addition, the total phenolic acid content, antioxidant activity using DPPH inhibition and microbiological assay were evaluated using standard procedures. The biological effect of different doses on weight, blood glucose, haematological parameters, liver function and tissues pathology were investigated in healthy Wistar rats over a 28-day period. RESULTS: Yoyo bitters is a slightly acidic liquid (pH 5.46), containing 0.110 µg/L of zinc, little quantities of saponins, alkaloids, anthraquinones and cardenolides. Low total phenolic acid content (537.7 ± 22.38 mgGAE/mL), poor radical scavenging activity; DPPH IC50 of 855.27 ± 85.8 mg/mL compared with 1.27 ± 0.03 and 1.24 ± 0.02 mg/nL for gallic acid and ascorbic acid respectively. There was lack of antibacterial activity. The weight, blood glucose level and liver function were not affected, while only WBC and platelet levels were increased significantly (p = 0.003). Gut associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) was observed in the intestine as well as hepatic lesions with some of the treated groups. CONCLUSION: Yoyo bitters has a weak antioxidant activity, thus may not possess significant effect on the enhancement of general body health. It has immune-potentiating effect with the risk of development of hepatic degeneration.

Arcobacter, an emerging opportunistic food borne pathogen--A review.

BACKGROUND: Arcobacters, emerging aetiologic agents of food-borne diarrhoeal illness in humans and animals are more frequently isolated in meat, especially poultry meat, pork and beef. Though human infection may exist, it has not been documented in Nigeria. AIM: This review presents an update of scientific information in Nigeria on arcobacters as an emerging food-borne pathogen of public health significance in Nigeria. METHODS: A comprehensive reviews of literatures was adopted to give an update on scientific findings on the disease in Nigeria. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The review revealed scientific evidences attributing the cause of human and animal illness to Arcobacter spp. It also highlights efforts towards the development of animal models where in virulence and pathogenicity of primarily A. butzleri and A. cryaerophilus isolated from human diarrhoeal stool samples were tested. This in turn elucidated the public health significance of this emerging food-borne pathogen. The review canvases for more investigation as to the role of arcobacters in food contamination and unrecognised food-borne disease in Nigeria.

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology School of Veterinary Medicine (KNUST SVM) A Model of "One-Health Concept" Application to Veterinary Education in West Africa.

BACKGROUND: Veterinary education in West Africa had been skewed over decades with Nigeria and Senegal leading in the training of veterinarians in the subregion. Most nationals from Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia as well as francophone countries within the subregion were trained in East Africa, Europe and South America. AIM: The aim of this paper is to provide an insight into the need for veterinary education in other West African countries including Ghana METHODS: Information was sourced from individuals, literatures and other relevant archives on the history, current state and future approaches to veterinary education in Ghana. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The advantages, challenges and coping strategies for application of the Principles of "The One World One Health concept" to veterinary education with the use of the medical professionals in the delivery were presented. This approach to veterinary education by Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology School of Veterinary Medicine showcases a means to meet the health challenges of the twenty first century which demand pragmatic innovation to solve disease challenges.

Cellular responses in the respiratory tract following intranasal administration of peste des petits ruminant vaccine in goats / Respuestas celulares en el tracto respiratorio después de la administración intranasal de la vacuna contra la peste de pequeños rumiantes en cabras

A trial was conducted to compare the cellular responses in the respiratory tract in intranasal vaccination against caprine Peste des petits ruminant lineage 1 variant virus infection with intramuscular and subcutaneous vaccinations in order to elucidate the mechanism of the protection. Twenty four goats were divided into four equal groups. Group 1 was vaccinated intranasaly, group 2 was vaccinated subcutaneously, and group 3 intramuscularly, while Group 4 was the unvaccinated control group. In each group the vaccinations were carried out once. All goats were challenged intratrachealy with PPR virus at a concentration of 106.5 TCID50 two weeks after vaccination and were euthanised 21 days after the challenge. The bronchoalveolar lavage differential count, bronchial associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) responses were measured using standard techniques. Descriptive Statistics and ANOVA was employed and significance was at p < 0.05. The exposure also resulted into significant increase in the number and size of BALT as well as the number of lymphocytes in BALT. This study showed the mechanism of the protective effect of intranasal vaccination of PPR vaccine observed with the strong mucosal and defensive cellular responses in the respiratory tract observed than the subcutaneous and intramuscular routes.

Se realizó un ensayo para comparar las respuestas celulares en las vías respiratorias después de la vacunación intranasal contra la variante caprina de la infección del virus peste de pequeños rumiantes linaje 1 con vacunas intramusculares y subcutáneas con el fin de dilucidar el mecanismo de protección. Veinticuatro cabras fueron divididas en cuatro grupos iguales. El Grupo 1 fue vacunado por vía intranasal, el grupo 2 vía subcutánea, el grupo 3 vía intramuscular y el grupo 4 control no vacunado. En cada grupo se vacunó sólo una vez. Todas las cabras fueron expuestas al virus peste de pequeños rumiantes por vía intratraqueal a una concentración de 106.5 TCID50 2 semanas después de la vacunación, y fueron sometidos a eutanasia 21 días después. Se midieron el recuento diferencial del lavado broncoalveolar y las respuestas de los tejidos linfoides asociados bronquios (BALT) utilizando técnicas estándar. Los resultados se evaluaron por estadística descriptiva y ANOVA, con una significación p<0,05. La exposición también mostró un aumento significativo en el número y tamaño del BALT, así como el número de linfocitos en este. El estudio mostró que el mecanismo del efecto protector de la vacunación intranasal contra el virus peste de pequeños rumiantes posee una respuesta mucosa y celular defensiva en el tracto respiratorio mayor que la observada por vacunación vía subcutánea e intramuscular.

Cellular and mucosal immune responses in the respiratory tract of Nigerian goats following intranasal administration of inactivated Recombinant Mannheimia hemolytica bacterine.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the cellular and mucosal responses in the respiratory tract of Nigerian goats vaccinated intranasally with recombinant Mannheimia hemolytica bacterine. Twenty one goats were divided into five groups, five goats each in three vaccinated groups while three goats each in two other groups serve as positive and negative control. Group A was vaccinated once; group B was vaccinated twice at one week interval, and group D at twice at two weeks interval. Group C1 were the unvaccinated and challenged, while group C2 were unvaccinated and unchallenged. The bronchoalveolar lavage differential counts and bronchial associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) responses were measured using Giemsa stained thin smear of the cell fraction of the lavage and histomorphometry. ANOVA were employed and significance was at p>0.05. The post-challenge macrophage to neutrophil (M:N) ratio values of group B goats was the highest and the ratio differed from other groups which had much lower M:N values. The exposure in group B resulted in significant increase in number and size of BALTs as well as the number of lymphocytes in BALT than those of the other groups. This study showed that intranasal vaccination of the recombinant Mannheimia hemolytica bacterine twice at a week interval was more efficient in inducing strong mucosal and defensive cellular responses in the respiratory tract.

Synergistic effect of aqueous extract of Telfaria occidentalis on the biological activities of artesunate in Plasmodium berghei infected mice.

BACKGROUND: Resistance to most antimalarial drugs has encouraged the use of herbal preparations along with prescribed orthodox drugs. OBJECTIVE: To investigate effect of co-administration of aqueous extract of T. occidentalis leaves; commonly used as antimalarial and haematinic agent in Nigeria and artesunate using P. berghei animal model. METHODS: In vivo curative antiplasmodial effect of T. occidentalis (200mg/kg) alone and combination with artesunate (2mg/kg) were evaluated using albino mice infected with 10(6) parasitized erythrocytes of P. berghei intraperitoneally. The haematological parameters: haemoglobin level, red blood cells and white blood cells and packed cell volume were monitored using standard methods. RESULTS: Aqueous extract of T. occidentalis, artesunate and the combination gave 72.17±4.07%, 70.43± 4.27% and 85.43±3.65% reduction in parasitaemia after 48hours respectively. A significant enhancement of the PCV was obtained with the coadministration of artesunate and aqueous extract (p< 0.01). Similar trends were also observed with heamatological parameters at 72hours of administration. CONCLUSION: This study revealed a synergistic effect of the co-administration on parasite clearance rate of P. berghei infection in mice, with a significant enhancement of haematological parameters within 48 hours of administration. This indicates a rapid rate of recovery from plasmodial infections with the co-administration.