Distribution and Prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in Animals, Humans, and Ticks in Nigeria: A Systematic Review.

'Query' (Q) fever is a neglected but emerging or re-emerging zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Coxiella (C.) burnetii. Several host species are considered or speculated to be the primary reservoir hosts for human infection. In the past, several research groups in Nigeria have evaluated the prevalence of C. burnetii in various vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. Currently, there is a paucity of knowledge regarding the epidemiology of the pathogen in Nigeria with limited or no attention to control and prevention programs. Therefore, this review was undertaken to comprehend the current situation of C. burnetii infection in human, domestic and peri-domestic animals, and some tick species in Nigeria since 1960 with the aim to help identify future research priorities for the country. A comprehensive literature search was performed using the PRISMA guidelines on five scientific databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, AJOL, Science Direct, and Scopus for articles published from Nigeria dealing with the screening of blood, milk, or tick DNA for evidence of C. burnetii using any standard diagnostic approach. Of the 33 published articles subjected to full-text evaluation, more than 48% of the articles met the inclusion criteria and were thus included in this review. We observed different ranges of prevalence for C. burnetii antibodies from four vertebrate hosts including cattle (2.5-23.5%), sheep (3.8-12.0%), goats (3.1-10.9%), and humans (12.0-61.3%). Additionally, the use of molecular diagnostics revealed that the DNA of C. burnetii has been amplified in eight tick species including Hyalomma (Hy) dromedarii, Hy. truncatum, Hy. impeltatum, Hy. rufipes, Hy. impressum, Amblyomma (Am.) variegatum, Rhipicephalus (Rh.) evertsi evertsi, and Rh. annulatus. Two rodent's species (Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus) in Nigeria were documented to show evidence of the bacterium with the detection of the DNA of C. burnetii in these two mammals. In conclusion, this review has provided more insight on the prevalence of C. burnetii and its associated host/vector in Nigeria. Domestic animals, peri-domestic animals, and ticks species harbor C. burnetii and could be a source of human infections. Due to the paucity of studies from southern Nigeria, we recommend that research groups with interest on vector-borne diseases need to consider more epidemiological studies in the future on C. burnetii prevalence in diverse hosts to help unravel their distribution and vector potentials in Nigeria as a whole.

Antimicrobial resistance of staphylococci and streptococci isolated from dogs.

A study was conducted for the examination of bacterial species isolated in dogs from Animal Clinics of Nanjing Agricultural University, China. Forty nasal swabs were taken from dogs having respiratory signs. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius was the most frequently isolated pathogen (37.50 %) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (18.75%), Streptococcus pluranimalium (10.93%), Streptococcus canis (9.37%), Staphylococcus schleiferi (9.37%), Staphylococcus intermedius (6.25%), Staphylococcus cohnii (4.71%) and Staphylococcus hominis (3.12%). S. pseudintermedius and S. pluranimalium were subjected to commonly used antibiotics for determination of resistant drugs. Antimicrobial resistance in S. pseudintermedius was common in gentamicin (70.83%) and tetracycline (50%) while in S. pluranimalium was common in enrofloxacin (71.42%) and gentamicin (57.14%).

Antimicrobial resistance of staphylococci and streptococci isolated from dogs

@#A study was conducted for the examination of bacterial species isolated in dogs from Animal Clinics of Nanjing Agricultural University, China. Forty nasal swabs were taken from dogs having respiratory signs. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius was the most frequently isolated pathogen (37.50 %) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (18.75%), Streptococcus pluranimalium (10.93%), Streptococcus canis (9.37%), Staphylococcus schleiferi (9.37%), Staphylococcus intermedius (6.25%), Staphylococcus cohnii (4.71%) and Staphylococcus hominis (3.12%). S. pseudintermedius and S. pluranimalium were subjected to commonly used antibiotics for determination of resistant drugs. Antimicrobial resistance in S. pseudintermedius was common in gentamicin (70.83%) and tetracycline (50%) while in S. pluranimalium was common in enrofloxacin (71.42%) and gentamicin (57.14%).

Does active hepatitis C virus infection increase the risk for infection due to Staphylococcus aureus?

Infections with Staphylococcus aureus may be more frequent in subjects with active hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In this retrospective dual-cohort study, we sought to determine whether persons with active HCV infection (positive HCV antibody, detectable blood HCV RNA) were at greater risk of S. aureus infection than those with spontaneously resolved HCV infection (positive HCV antibody, negative blood HCV RNA). Based on prestudy power calculation, we included 231 subjects with active HCV and 116 subjects with resolved HCV infection. The two groups were well matched at baseline, except that subjects with active HCV had a higher mean Charlson's comorbidity index (2.2 vs. 1.3; p < 0.0001). Cohorts were followed for a mean of 3.67 years. Thirty-one of the 231 (13%) subjects with active HCV infection developed ≥1 S. aureus infection(s) as compared to 4/116 (3.4%) subjects with resolved HCV (p = 0.004), with a trend towards more recurrent S. aureus infections in subjects with active HCV infection. The S. aureus infections were mostly serious, necessitating hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics. In the logistic regression, factors that independently predicted S. aureus infection were active HCV and Charlson's comorbidity index. Our regression models confirmed that the enhanced susceptibility to S. aureus infections was related to active HCV infection and not attributable solely to the increased number of comorbidities [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 3.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-9.8; p = 0.03]. This study shows that subjects with active HCV infection have a significantly higher incidence of serious S. aureus infections than those with spontaneously resolved HCV, even after adjustment for comorbidities.

Magnesium alloy transfected BMSCs-BMP-2 composite in repair of femoral head necrosis with assessment of visceral organs.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to investigate the effect of BMSCs transfected BMP-2 composite with magnesium alloy rod in the repair of the femoral head necrosis in New Zealand white rabbits. Multifactorial but mostly traumatic, osteonecrosis of the femoral head account for 10 % of the 250,000 total hip arthroplasties done annually in the United States while its prevalence in most countries in not known. However, early intervention prior to collapse is critical to successful outcomes in joint preserving procedures. METHODS: The pcDNA3.1 plasmid from cultured BMSCs was successfully transfected into BMSCs-BMP-2 by electroporation. Femoral head necrosis were established in 40 rabbits by liquid nitrogen freezing method. Animals were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10): Mg rod/BMSCs group, Mg rod group, BMSCs group, and blank control group. The composite of BMSCs-BMP-2 on Mg alloy rods were implanted respectively into the left femoral metaphysis of rabbits till the femoral head. Radiographic X-ray examination, histological hematoxilin and eosin (H&E) analysis and immunohistochemistry techniques were performed postoperatively; to observe and compare by the schedule; the newly formed bone and the degradation of the Mg rod at 6 and 12 weeks, sacrificing five animals at each time. RESULTS: Twelfth week histological and immunohistochemical examinations showed complete magnesium alloy absorption in experimental and control group. H&E staining and immunohistochemistry showed obvious differences, Mg rod/BMSCs group having the best recovery than the other groups. BPM-2 level of gene expression of experimental group was also higher than those of controlled group. CONCLUSION: BMP-2 coated Mg alloy promotes the expression of bone growth factors at the implant in marrow of rabbits thus delaying femoral head necrosis and improving repair.

Alpha-linolenic acid supplementation in tris extender can improve frozen-thawed bull semen quality.

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of α-linolenic acid (ALA) on frozen-thawed quality and fatty acid composition of bull sperm. For that, twenty-four ejaculates obtained from three bulls were diluted in a Tris extender containing 0 (control), 3, 5, 10 and 15 ng/ml of ALA. Extended semen was incubated at 37°C for 15 min, to allow absorption of ALA by sperm cell membrane. The sample was chilled for 2 h, packed into 0.25-ml straws and frozen in liquid nitrogen for 24 h. Subsequently, straws were thawed and evaluated for total sperm motility (computer-assisted semen analysis), membrane functional integrity (hypo-osmotic swelling test), viability (eosin-nigrosin), fatty acid composition (gas chromatography) and lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS)). A higher (p < 0.05) percentage of total sperm motility was observed in ALA groups 5 ng/ml (47.74 ± 07) and 10 ng/ml (44.90 ± 0.7) in comparison with control (34.53 ± 3.0), 3 ng/ml (34.40 ± 2.6) and 15 ng/ml (34.60 ± 2.9). Still, the 5 ng/ml ALA group presented a higher (p < 0.05) percentage of viable sperms (74.13 ± 0.8) and sperms with intact membrane (74.46 ± 09) than all other experimental groups. ALA concentration and lipid peroxidation in post-thawed sperm was higher in all treated groups when compared to the control group. As such, the addition of 5 ng/ml of ALA to Tris extender improved quality of frozen-thawed bull spermatozoa.

Pilot comparison between potassium titanyl phosphate laser and bipolar radiofrequency in paediatric tonsillectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the advantages and disadvantages of potassium titanyl phosphate laser with those of bipolar radiofrequency techniques, in paediatric tonsillectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomised, clinical study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From July 2004 to April 2006, 80 patients aged between 10 and 15 years, with tonsillectomy planned for chronic tonsillitis, were included in the study. Children were prospectively randomised into two equal groups: potassium titanyl phosphate laser tonsillectomy and bipolar radiofrequency tonsillectomy. Operative time and intra-operative blood loss were recorded. Patients were scheduled for follow up during the first, second and fourth post-operative weeks. They were asked to record their pain and discomfort on a standardised visual analogue scale, from zero (no pain) to 10 (severe pain). Post-operative complications were also recorded and managed. RESULTS: The potassium titanyl phosphate laser group showed a slightly longer operative time (mean 12 minutes) than the bipolar radiofrequency group (mean 10 minutes). Intra-operative blood loss was significantly less in the potassium titanyl phosphate laser group (mean 21 cm3) than in the bipolar radiofrequency group (mean 30 cm3). In the first week, post-operative pain scores were less in the potassium titanyl phosphate laser group than in the bipolar radiofrequency group (means 7.5 and 8.5, respectively). However, in the second week pain scores increased more in the potassium titanyl phosphate laser group than in the bipolar radiofrequency group (means 8.5 and 6, respectively). In the fourth week, both groups showed equal and nearly normal pain scores. No case of reactionary post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage was recorded in either group. Only one case of secondary post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage was recorded, in the potassium titanyl phosphate laser group (2.5 per cent), managed conservatively. CONCLUSION: Both the potassium titanyl phosphate and the bipolar radiofrequency techniques were safe and easy to use for tonsillectomy, with reduced operative time, blood loss and complication rates and better post-operative general patient condition. Potassium titanyl phosphate laser resulted in reduced operative bleeding and immediate post-operative pain, compared with the bipolar radiofrequency technique. However, potassium titanyl phosphate laser required slightly more operative time and caused more late post-operative pain than the bipolar radiofrequency technique. The low rate of recorded complications showed that both techniques cause little damage to the tonsillar bed during dissection, thus minimising complications.

Spinal and general anaesthesia for emergency caesarean section: effects on neonatal Apgar score and maternal haematocrit.

This is a prospective comparative study to determine the effect of the type of anaesthesia used for emergency Caesarean section on neonatal and maternal outcome. The patients were recruited into the study after being given either general or spinal anaesthesia. Neonatal outcome was assessed using Apgar scores and need for respiratory assistance at birth. Maternal outcome was assessed using the difference between pre- and post-operative packed cell volumes (PCV), need for blood transfusion and estimated blood loss. The groups were matched for pre-existing risk factors. Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes were found to be significantly lower for the general anaesthesia group (GA) than the spinal anaesthesia group (SA) and need for respiratory assistance was greater for the GA group. Difference between pre- and post-operative PCV and need for blood transfusion were also significantly greater in the GA group. This study confirms that the current practice of spinal anaesthesia for Caesarean section in the Lagos University Teaching Hospital is a good one, but further studies need to be done to assess other outcome variables.

Evidence that simulated microgravity may alter the vascular nonreceptor tyrosine kinase second messenger pathway.

Simulated microgravity (hind limb unweighting; HU) reduces maximal contractile capacity to norepinephrine (NE) but not 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the rat abdominal aorta of male Wistar rats. Our earlier study showed that voltage-operated calcium channels, the MAPK pathway [1], and vasoconstrictive prostaglandins contribute to the NE-induced contraction of control (C) but not HU, aorta rings. Genistein, a general tyrosine kinase inhibitor, caused a significant reduction in vascular contractility in C but not HU arteries. The present study explored the role of protein kinase C (PKC) and extracellular receptor-activated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) in the HU-induced vascular hyporesponsiveness to NE. Microgravity was simulated in Wistar rats by 20 day HU. The abdominal aorta was removed from control and HU rats, cut into 3 mm rings, and mounted in tissue baths to measure isometric contraction. Protein levels were determined using Western blot analysis. PD98059, a selective MAPKK inhibitor, caused a marked inhibition of NE-induced contraction in both C and HU arteries. Calphostin C, a PKC inhibitor, completely abolished the contractile response to NE in both C and HU tissues. Phosphorylated (activated) ERK1/2 protein mass was greater in C, compared to HU, aortas, and was reduced by genistein only in C tissues. MAPK total protein levels in the rat aorta were increased in the HU-treated, compared to C, animals. These results indicate that PKC represents an early transduction step in the contractile response to NE in the rat abdominal aorta. That inhibition of the step immediately before activation of MAPK reduced contraction in both C and HU tissues, while general tyrosine kinase inhibition with genistein blocked only the control responses, suggests that a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase may be involved in HU-induced vascular hyporesponsiveness to NE.