International journal of zoonoses最新文献

Experimentally, two hydatid cyst fluid (HCF) antigens (antigens 4 and 5) were found to be the most immunogenic antigens in HCF. The two antigens were precipitated together from HCF. This was done by adding 2M phosphotungstic acid and 2M magnesium chloride solutions to clarified HCF while continuously stirring the mixture. The precipitate formed was suspended in physiological saline (P.S.). This antigens' solution was used to coat microtitre plates for indirect ELISA. Indirect ELISA was performed on 180 randomly selected bovine sera. The sensitivity of the test was found to be 98% while the specificity was 70%. The predictive value was 89%. Although the specificity of the test was relatively low, the test using these partially purified antigens was found to be useful because of its high sensitivity.

Some cases of human cerebro-spinal meningitis associated with swine streptococcal infections were reported. Five piggery workers were involved. A 23 year old nursing mother and four male attendants suffered persistent headaches followed by stiffneck and what a physician diagnosed as meningitis and was treated in a hospital. Typical clinical signs of cold, mucopurulent catarrh with diarrhea and other symptoms were seen. Precautionary measures to be taken when swine encephalitis is suspected were also discussed.

211 sera obtained from domestic animals generally used for human consumption in this area, were tested for Toxoplasma antibodies by the Indirect Haemagglutination Test (IHA). Goat (34.4%) and pig sera (26.6%) showed a higher prevalence as compared to cattle (16.6%) and sheep (7.4%). Obviously, proper precautions at every stage of the preparation of a meat dish are necessary to avoid Toxoplasma infection.

Retrospective study was carried out on the incidence of Trichomoniasis vaginalis infection in Nigeria. Data were obtained from two main hospitals in Ibadan (Adeoyo State Hospital and the University Teaching Hospital) and compared the data were classified and analysed statistically using the chi-square test. The study showed a high yearly incidence of I. vaginalis infection in Nigeria and in particular with people of low socio-economic status. The incidence was also higher in females than males.

Veterinary public health and animal health activities are said to be a good entry point to get the community interested in their own health. Because of the pastoral traditions of veterinary medicine and the accompanying privilege of an intimate link with agricultural community life, veterinary public health and animal health workers are in and ideal strategic position to spearhead community organization and education across a much broader spectrum of health issues. A preliminary study on community participation in veterinary public health (VPH) and animal health (AH) in the Caribbean is herein presented. This study was conducted to pre-test two questionnaires which were developed to determine the extent to which the community is participating in VPH and AH programs in the Caribbean, and to identify ways and means to strengthen intersectoral collaboration between the Ministries of Agriculture, Health and Local Governments. Two questionnaires were designed to collect primary data. Eighty-two staff profile questionnaires were completed by staff belonging to six categories from 12 Caribbean countries and political units. The categories included Animal Health Assistants, Veterinary Public Health Assistants, Veterinarians, Extension Officers, Public Health Inspectors, and Artificial Insemination Officers. This questionnaire sought to obtain basic information on services provided, participation of staff in farmers organization, coordination between agencies, and training. Eighty-seven (87) farm profiles were completed by livestock farmers from eleven Caribbean countries and political units. This questionnaire sought to obtain basic information as to number and types of animals raised, role and services of Government staff, and farmers participation. Analysis of the different responses between the two groups demonstrated the potential value and application of the information that could be obtained from such a study. The results are discussed.

Present study was undertaken to determine the association of brucellosis with abortions occurring naturally in sheep at an organized local sheep breeding farm. A total of 15 strains of Brucella melitensis biovar I were isolated from the abortion material. Serologically the aborted ewes were positive for brucellosis by one or more tests. During acute infection (abortion), standard tube agglutination test (SAT) detected more positive reactors (70.7%) while counter immunoelectrophoresis (CIE) detected more positive reactors (33.9%) in chronic infection (in-contact and apparently healthy sheep). Personnel handling the abortion material at the farm were found positive clinically as well as serologically for brucellosis. These observations suggest the zoonotic importance of brucellosis.

Investigations were conducted into the prevalence rates of Entamoeba histolytica over a five year period in Ibadan, Qyo State of Nigeria. Between 1979 and 1983, 1465 (17.23%) patients out of 8499 people examined at the University of Ibadan Teaching Hospital were positive for the infection. Within the same period only 37 (0.88%) out of 4196 people examined at the Adeoyo State Hospital were infected. Both male and female were affected. There is also no influence of age on the prevalence rates as both adult and children were infected with amoebiasis.

In vitro cultivation was carried out on an initial strain of Entamoeba histolytica from human source. Dysphasic medium was used and concentrations of horse serum and antibiotic varied in response to developments. Experimental infection of dogs, rabbits and mice was carried. Except for the controls, all animals were orally infected and monitored until the experiment was terminated. Parasitaemia became evident as from the 6th day in dogs experimentally infected and until about the 20th day when lower parasitaemia were obtained. Characteristic erosions were observed at autopsy. The tests in rabbits and mice showed that the strain used in this experiment was virulent. This paper highlights both the virulent nature of this parasite on other animals and its zoonotic potential.

Prolonged oral or parenteral administration of antibiotics has led to the development of resistant strains of microorganisms. Bacteria acquire drug resistance by mutation, conjugation and transduction. Oral antibiotics by a process of selection pressure facilitate the proliferation of resistant population of bacteria. Drug resistant bacteria are capable of transferring their resistance to drugs to other bacteria by the process of transferable drug resistance (TDR). This can lead to multiple resistance to a vast number of therapeutically useful antibiotics which will, therefore, become ineffective for treatment. TDR can occur between pathogenic organism, between organism of different species, such as E. coli, Salmonella and Shigella; and also between pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms. Faecal contamination of meat during slaughter may result in the transfer of antibiotic resistant E. coli to the meat. In the human gut this E. coli could transfer resistance to other gut flora, namely E. coli or Salmonella. Antibiotic-resistant coliforms have been isolated from carcases, fresh and cooked meat, raw meat handlers and livestock handlers. Handling of raw market meat by buyers in Nigeria could also lead to contamination of meat with resistant microorganisms. Veterinary drugs are sold and used without much control in Nigeria. This practice may have created a population of resistant bacteria in the meat animals. The presence of antibiotic residues in meat, milk and their products pose potential health hazards for man. Allergic skin conditions, nausea, vomiting, anaphylactic shock and even death have resulted from the ingestion of residues. Cooking and freezing have minimal effect on residues. Resistance to antibiotics have been detected in food poisoning bacteria, namely Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium perfringens. Some epidemiological link has been established between S. typhimurium of calves and food poisoning in man. Judicious use of antibiotics, public education on the health risks of the promiscuous use of drugs in livestock production; and hygienic slaughter at the slaughter houses, will help to reduce bacterial drug resistance in man and animals.

In the course of a survey of urine samples collected over a period of 12 months from male and female patients of different socio-economic backgrounds in Ibadan, Esch. coli, Klebsiella spp. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus spp., Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans were the most common pathogens isolated. The bacteria were commonly sensitive to the cephalosporins, kanamycin, ampicillin and cotrimoxazole in decreasing order of sensitivity.