Detection and molecular characterization of a first isolate of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus in Nigeria.

Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) was recovered from necropsied rabbits that died during an outbreak characterized by epistaxis, incoordination, paralysis, and multi-organ haemorrhages in Ilorin, Nigeria. The haemagglutination test (HA) and RT-PCR assay targeted against a fragment of the RHDV VP60 gene were performed on liver, spleen, and kidney homogenates; faeces; and urine obtained from the rabbits. Amplicons were purified, sequenced, and phylogenetically analysed. The liver homogenates yielded the highest HA titres while RT-PCR of liver, spleen, and kidneys yielded the expected 1252 bp band. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses revealed that the Nigerian RHDV strain (RHDV/NGR/ILN/001) was 98.57%, 97.95%, and 96.70% homologous with RHDV2 (RHDVGI.2) strains from the Netherlands, Germany, and France, respectively. RHDV/NGR/ILN/001 induced tracheal, intestinal, and mediastinal lymph node haemorrhages, pulmonary oedema and congestion, and enlarged, necrotic liver in experimentally inoculated rabbits. The implications of this study, which is the first report of RHDV in Nigeria, are discussed.

Surveillance for avian influenza virus in captive wild birds and indigenous chickens in Nigeria.

Several reports of avian influenza virus (AIV) have been made on commercial chickens and wild birds in sub-Saharan Africa, but there is paucity of information of AIV among captive wild birds and indigenous chickens. Blood samples were obtained randomly from captive wild birds and chickens. AIV nucleoprotein antibody detection involved the use of enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) and subsequent subtyping with H5 and H7 AIV antigens (haemagglutination inhibition). Four hundred birds belonging to nine families and 14 species were sampled, and overall prevalence of 23% (92/400) was obtained (captive wild birds (10.4%, 5/48), indigenous birds (47.3%, 87/184) and exotic commercial birds (0.0%, 0/168)). Twelve ELISA-positive birds (13.04%) were positive to H7 antigen. Univariate analysis indicated statistical significance of AIV prevalence in captive wild birds (p < 0.0001) and exotic birds (p < 0.0001) using indigenous chickens as reference. This study gave an evidence of exposure of captive wild birds and indigenous chickens to AIV in Nigeria. Scavenging activities common among indigenously raised chickens, unrestricted movement of nonflying wild birds within the captive complex and free access by migrating wild birds to captive wild birds and local chickens were likely factors observed to promote AIV transmission. Continuous surveillance can further highlight the roles played by these birds in the epidemiology of AIV.

Cystadenocarcinoma arising from ovary in a three year old doberman bitch / Cistoadenocarcinoma derivado del ovario en una perra doberman de tres años

A three- year- old Doberman was presented with complaint of lethargy and weight- loss. Physical examination revealed a mass in the right abdomen. Laboratory abnormalities included anaemia, azotaemia and metabolic acidosis. Sonogram of the mass was an anaechoic area surrounded by hypoechoic tissue. The mass was located between the right kidney and ovary and showed papillary and tubular pattern of cystadenocarcinoma. Nephroureterectomy and ovariohysterectomy was performed; however bitch was euthanized owing to poor improvement, while necropsy of the left kidney revealed an end-stage kidney. It was concluded that the cystadenocarcinoma must have arisen secondary to a primary ovarian adenocarcinoma through stromal invasion.

Se presentó una perra doberman de tres años de edad aquejada de letargo y pérdida de peso. El examen físico reveló una masa en el abdomen derecho. El examen de laboratorio mostró anormalidades que incluyeron anemia, azotemia y acidosis metabólica. La ecografía de la masa mostró un área anecoica rodeada por tejido hipoecoico. La masa se localizó entre el riñón derecho y ovario y mostró el patrón papilar y tubular del cistoadenocarcinoma. Se realizó la nefroureterectomía y ovariohisterectomía, sin embargo la perra fue sacrificada debido a la falta de mejoría, donde la autopsia del riñón izquierdo reveló un riñón en etapa terminal. Se concluyó que el cistoadenocarcinoma debió haber surgido secundario a un adenocarcinoma primario de ovario a través de la invasión del estroma.

Human immunodeficiency virus associated with haemophagocytic syndrome in pregnancy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Haemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) is a rare condition that has been documented in association with viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections as well as a wide spectrum of malignant neoplasms and autoimmune diseases. Whereas HPS is a known cause of anaemia in HIV infection, its occurrence is uncommon. Its occurrence in pregnancy is even rarer and very few such cases have been reported. METHODS: Full clinical evaluation and investigations including bone marrow aspiration cytology were done to elucidate the cause of the anaemia. RESULTS: Evaluation revealed severe anaemia, increased serum bilirubin HIV positivity and a low CD4 count. The final diagnosis confirmed the case to be haemophagocytic syndrome in pregnancy. A 31-year-old primigravida presented at 21 weeks of gestation with a two-week history of fever, jaundice and abdominal pain. She responded to treatment. CONCLUSION: Although a rare condition, this case highlights the importance of a high index of suspicion for the syndrome in HIV positive pregnant women with persistent Coombs negative haemolytic anaemia. Full recovery could be expected following prompt institution of HAART and delivery.

Ureteric injuries following pelvic operations.

BACKGROUND: Iatrogenic injuries to the ureter are hazardous complications of pelvic operations, causing severe morbidity and even mortality. OBJECTIVE: To present our 10 years experience in the management of such ureteric injuries. DESIGN: A retrospective study carried out between January 1990 and December 1999. SETTING: Two busy health institutions, namely Ife State hospital and Wesley Guild Hospital, both of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. RESULTS: The incidence of iatrogenic injury was 0.4%. Ureteral transection was the commonest lesion (58%). Ureteroneocystostomy was performed in 70% of the operated cases. Those diagnosed at the time of injury and treated with end-to-end anastomosis had the best results. CONCLUSION: The proper identification and, when necessary, isolation of the ureter during operations in which there is a risk is crucial in reducing the incidence of ureteral injuries.