Search

Background This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of anti-West Nile virus (WNV) neutralizing antibodies in donkeys from two areas in northern Nigeria. Methods Serology was determined by a virus neutralization test in samples collected from 205 healthy adult donkeys. Results Fifty-seven donkeys (27.8%) tested seropositive for WNV. Donkeys from Zaria were 2.6 times more likely to have been exposed to WNV (p Conclusion The results of this study demonstrate that this zoonotic pathogen is prevalent in these areas and that measures should be implemented to reduce the risk for both humans and equids.

A 9-month old male Boerboel was presented at the University of Abuja Small Animal Clinic with a primary complaint of inappetence and micturition with brownish-yellow urine. Physical examination revealed pale mucous membranes, enlarged pre-scapular lymph nodes, bilateral ocular discharges, pyrexia (41.2 °C), depression and the presence of ticks of the genus Rhipicephalus sanguineus on the body of the animal. History revealed that the dog was recently vaccinated against canine distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus (DHLPP) and rabies six days prior to the onset of clinical signs, and had been anorexic. Following clinical examination, blood and faecal samples were collected for biochemical and parasitological analyses, and the results revealed the presence of intraerythrocytic Babesia parasites, normocytic and normochromic anaemia with extensive cellular damage. However, during the course of the investigation, the dog died. With appropriate consent, a post-mortem examination was carried out. Diffuse oedema with interstitial pneumonia in the lung, focal haemorrhage with cellular infiltration in the heart and progressive necrosis of epithelial cells within the seminiferous tubules of the testicles were observed. Many of the observed clinicopathological alterations were consistent with complicated babesiosis. However, in the current case, some unique systemic complications such as testicular degeneration, which has not been previously observed in the Boerboel are discussed. Keywords: Canine babesiosis, Boerboel, Testes, Lungs, Heart

A study was conducted to examine and compare the hematological changes associated with single or mixed infection of Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma congolense in Landrace pigs. 20 gilts between 3-5 months and with an average weight of 18.26kg were divided into 4 groups (Group 1 - Trypanosoma brucei infected; Group 2 - Trypanosoma congolense infected; Group 3 – mixed Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma congolense infected; Group 4 - Uninfected control). Onset of parasitaemia was 8, 9 and 12 days post infection (pi) for groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively. During the course of infection, there was a statistically significant (P < 0.05) increase in body temperature between group 2 and 3 and group 4, and decrease in body weight between the infected groups and control. Significant decrease (P

Trypanosomosis has been associated with immunosuppression, anemia and oxidative damage while selenium possesses both immunostimulatory and antioxidative effects. This study was designed to assess the effect of dietary selenium supplementation on parasitemia, anemia, survival pattern and serum protein profiles of trypanosome-infected rats. Twenty five rats, divided into five groups (A-E) of 5 each, were treated as follows: 4, 8 and 16 ppm (ppm) of selenium in their feed, respectively throughout the experimental period and were infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei on day 14 post supplementation, infected not supplemented and the negative control. Supplementation at 4 and 8 ppm increased the packed cell volume (PCV) and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration on day 7 of supplementation (PS) when compared with the unsupplemented groups. Following infection on day 14 PS, the PCV, Hb of 16 ppm and infected not supplemented groups were significantly (P0.05) lower than other groups on days 28 and 35 PS. Supplementation did not lead to significant (P0.05) changes on the total protein, albumin and globulin by day 14 PS. Infection, however, caused significant (P0.05) decrease in the total protein and albumin from day 28. The supplementation did not significantly (P0.05) increase the pre-patent period but caused a significant reduction in the parasitemia levels and increased survival intervals. Dietary selenium supplementation, from the results, may show promise in the management of African trypanosomosis as the supplementation was able to: reduce anemia and parasitemia and increase survival intervals of trypanosome infected rats.