Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and molecular identification of beta-tubulin mutations associated with benzimidazole resistance in Haemonchus contortus in goats from selected districts of Uganda.

Gastrointestinal parasites are among the most economically important pathogens of small ruminants causing serious economic losses and animal welfare problems for the livestock industry worldwide. The emergence of anthelmintic resistant H. contortus in small ruminants is a serious problem because it undermines effective helminth control and results in reduced productivity. Little is known about resistance to benzimidazoles (BZ) in Haemonchus in goats and sheep in Uganda. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and to identify the presence of benzimidazole resistance associated mutations in the ß-tubulin isotype 1 gene of Haemonchus contortus in goats from selected districts of Uganda. A total of 200 goats from 10 districts of Uganda slaughtered at Kalerwe abattoir in Kampala were sampled for H. contortus adult worms. Faecal samples were also collected to detect other intestinal parasites. Faecal microscopy and analysis were performed using flotation and sedimentation techniques. DNA was extracted from adult worms and PCR and sequencing of the ITS- 2 region and ß-tubulin isotype 1 gene performed to identify H. contortus species and to determine the presence of mutations associated with anthelmintic resistance respectively. Faecal microscopy showed that the most prevalent intestinal parasites were coccidia (98%), strongyles (97.5%), Strongyloides (82%), Paramphistomum (74.5%), Moniezia (46%), Fasciola (1.5%) and Trichuris (1%). Most goats had a high intestinal burden of coccidia (≥ 5000 oocyst per gram) and strongyles (≥ 1000 egg per gram), 65% and 67.5%, respectively. The prevalence of H. contortus adult worms was 63% (126/200). Sequencing of the partial ß-tubulin isotype 1 gene of 54 Haemonchus contortus adult male isolates revealed the presence of mutations associated with anthelmintic resistance. The F200Y mutation was the most common mutation (13% of samples with good beta-tubulin sequences) followed by the E198A and E198K mutations, both found in 9% of sequenced samples. Mutation F167Y was not identified in any of the samples and there were no heterozygous individuals for any of the SNPS associated with BZ resistance that were identified in this study. These findings highlight the need for controlled use of anthelmintics especially benzimidazoles, to enable sustainable control of H. contortus in Uganda, and a need for further investigation to understand the resistance of other parasites identified in this study.

Barriers to vaccine use in small ruminants and poultry in Tanzania.

Vaccination is an important disease prevention and control measure; however, vaccine adoption by livestock farmers in Tanzania is still low. This cross-sectional study examined the challenges to vaccine use faced by livestock owners and animal health professionals (AHPs) in Tanzania. A questionnaire was administered to 216 households that kept small ruminants and poultry and 19 AHPs' data were collected electronically via the survey platform Qualtrics, and descriptive statistics were performed. Households with poultry reported vaccinating mostly against Newcastle disease (91.7%), fowl pox (48.1%) and Gumboro disease (37.0%), whilst households with small ruminants reported contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (62.2%), sheep and goat pox (17.1%), foot-and-mouth disease (7.3%) and peste des petits ruminants (7.3%). The households' decision to vaccinate was mostly influenced by knowledge of diseases (82.4%), disease history on the farm (69.4%) and vaccine price (63.4%). Most households (54.6%) experienced challenges when purchasing vaccines, including high vaccine cost (78.0%), long distance from vaccine source (61.0%) and vaccine unavailability (21.2%). The findings suggest that improving the knowledge of livestock owners regarding the priority diseases and the benefits of vaccination, establishing more vaccine suppliers, improving vaccine distribution and access and training AHPs and households on appropriate vaccine storage and handling are necessary to improve vaccine adoption and ensure vaccine quality and effectiveness.

Training needs assessment of veterinary practitioners in Ethiopia.

Pastoral and agro-pastoral farming are extensively practised in Ethiopia, and the main livestock kept are cattle, goats, sheep, poultry, and camels. The livestock sector is faced with complex challenges including limited availability of well-trained and skilled animal health professionals. The objective of this study was to identify and prioritise areas for training with the goal of providing evidence to guide strategies to improve the skills, delivery, and governance of veterinary services across Ethiopia. A cross-sectional survey was developed and administered electronically to veterinary professionals in Ethiopia using the Qualtrics platform. Data were collected on select parameters including demographics, diseases of economic significance, diagnosis, disease prevention, biosecurity, disease control, treatment, epidemiology, One Health, disease reporting, and the participants' opinions about training. The survey data was downloaded in Microsoft Excel and descriptive statistics performed. A total of 234 veterinary professionals completed the survey. Most participants were male (89.7%) and aged between 26 and 35 years (81.2%). Of the total respondents, 56.4% worked in government and 8.5% in private practice. Most participants perceived training on laboratory diagnostic testing, disease prevention, antimicrobial resistance, antibiotic sensitivity testing, basic epidemiology, and clinical procedures, as most beneficial. In addition, most respondents would like to receive training on diseases affecting cattle, poultry, and small ruminants. The findings from this study provide baseline information on priority training areas for veterinary professionals and could potentially contribute to national efforts to develop and implement a continuing professional development programme in the veterinary domain, in view of improving veterinary service delivery.

Continuing Education of Animal Health Professionals in Uganda: A Training Needs Assessment.

In Uganda, delivery of veterinary services is vital to animal health and productivity, and is heavily dependent on well-trained and skilled animal health professionals. The purpose of this study was to identify and prioritize areas for refresher training and continuous professional development of animal health professionals (veterinarians and veterinary paraprofessionals), with the overarching aim of improving veterinary service delivery in Uganda. A survey was administered electronically to 311 animal health professionals during the period November 14-30, 2019. Data were collected on relevant parameters including demographics, knowledge on preventive medicine, diagnostics, disease control and treatment, epidemiology, and One Health, as well as participants' opinions on training priorities, challenges faced, and constraints to veterinary service delivery. Most respondents were veterinarians 26-35 years old, were male, and worked in clinical practice. Lowest perceived knowledge was reported on subjects relating to laboratory diagnostics, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and nutrition. Training topics considered to be of most benefit to respondents included laboratory diagnostics, treatment of common livestock diseases, AMR, and practical clinical skills in reproductive and preventive medicine. Participants preferred to receive training in the form of practical workshops, in-practice training, and external training. This study highlights the need to prioritize training in practical clinical skills, laboratory diagnostics, and AMR. Wet labs and hands-on practical clinical and laboratory skills should be incorporated to enhance training. Provision of targeted and successful trainings will be dependent on the allocation of adequate resources and support by relevant public and private stakeholders across the veterinary sector.

Baseline Assessment of Poultry Production, Pharmaceutical Product Use, and Related Challenges on Commercial Poultry Flocks in Kano and Oyo States of Nigeria.

Poultry production is a major component of the livestock sector in Nigeria and continues to expand rapidly; however, it is still constrained by low productivity. A farm survey was conducted to provide a baseline assessment of poultry production (products generated, farm costs, and revenue), pharmaceutical use, and related challenges faced by farmers on 44 commercial poultry farms in Oyo and Kano states of Nigeria. Live spent layers, eggs, and used beddings were the most frequently sold products for revenue. Antibiotic products were widely used, the most reported were Doxygen, Tylosin, and Conflox. Overall, 40% of farms used feed additives (including toxin binders, minerals, and vitamins) and 12% used coccidiostats. Access to pharmaceutical products was a key challenge and appeared to disproportionally affect farmers in the northern part (Kano) of Nigeria. Other challenges included perceived antibiotic ineffectiveness, high cost of drugs, and long distances to pharmaceutical suppliers. Challenges related to vaccine use were unavailability, distance to the supplier, and health issues interfering with the vaccination schedule. Study findings highlight the need for improved access to veterinary pharmaceuticals, particularly in the northern states. Further investigations into the causes of antibiotic ineffectiveness and strategies for distribution of high-quality, effective pharmaceuticals are also necessary.

A Survey of Priority Livestock Diseases and Laboratory Diagnostic Needs of Animal Health Professionals and Farmers in Uganda.

Background: Despite the investments made in veterinary diagnostic laboratory service delivery in Uganda, the scope and level of utilization remains low. This study aimed to determine the priority livestock diseases for which farmers and animal health professionals require veterinary diagnostic laboratory services, document the perceptions and opinions of key stakeholders on veterinary diagnostic laboratory services, and determine the factors that influence the delivery and utilization of animal disease diagnostic services in Uganda. Methods: A qualitative study approach involving a survey and key informant interviews was used to collect relevant data from four stakeholder groups: animal health workers, laboratory technologists and technicians, farmers, and key informants. The survey data were exported to excel, and descriptive statistics performed. The key informant interview recordings were transcribed, and thematic analysis performed. Results: The most reported diseases and conditions for which diagnostic services were needed were hemoparasites (including East Coast fever, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and trypanosomosis), viral (including Foot and mouth disease, lumpy skin disease, rift valley fever, and papillomatosis), bacteria (including brucellosis, colibacillosis, anthrax, leptospirosis, and paratuberculosis) and protozoa diseases (coccidiosis), endoparasites (helminths), and mastitis. The most common diagnostic laboratory tests requested by clients, but laboratories were unable to provide included: rapid tests for contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, Foot and mouth disease, Newcastle disease, acaricide analysis, culture and antimicrobial sensitivity test, serology, and complete blood count. The most frequently reported challenges to providing diagnostic laboratory services were poor or lack of relevant equipment, insufficient or lack of supplies and reagents, high cost of reagents, inadequate or lack of laboratory staff to perform tests, and inadequate training of laboratory staff. Conclusions: This study highlighted the need to improve provision of laboratory diagnostic services to meet the prioritized diagnostic needs of farmers and animal health professionals. Increased intersectoral engagement and funding support from the private, industry, and government sectors is necessary to help address the observed challenges to provision of diagnostic laboratory services, including equipping of the laboratories, provision of supplies, and hiring and training of laboratory staff. Finally, the findings also suggest that the education of farmers and animal health workers on the value and benefits of laboratory diagnostic services may contribute to increase in sample submission and subsequent demand for diagnostic laboratory services.

Evaluating Disease Threats to Sustainable Poultry Production in Africa: Newcastle Disease, Infectious Bursal Disease, and Avian Infectious Bronchitis in Commercial Poultry Flocks in Kano and Oyo States, Nigeria.

The growth of the poultry industry in Nigeria is constrained by major poultry diseases, despite the implementation of vaccination programs. This study aimed to assess the level of protection against Newcastle disease (ND), infectious bursal disease (IBD), and avian infectious bronchitis (IB) afforded by current vaccination schedules and characterize the circulating virus strains in commercial poultry flocks in Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 44 commercial poultry farms in Oyo and Kano states of Nigeria. Serum and tissue samples and data on flock, clinical and vaccination records were collected on each farm. Farms were classified as being protected or not protected against ND, IBD and IB based on a defined criterion. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) testing was performed for each target virus on tissue samples and positive samples were sequenced. A total of 15/44 (34.1%), 35/44 (79.5%), and 1/44 (2.3%) farms were considered to be protected against ND, IBD, and IB, respectively, at the time of sampling. NDV RNA was detected on 7/44 (15.9%) farms and sequences obtained from 3/7 farms were characterized as the lentogenic strain. Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) RNA was detected on 16/44 (36.4%) farms tested; very virulent (vv) IBDV and non-virulent (nv) IBDV strains were both detected in 3/16 (18.8%) positive samples. Sequences of IBDV isolates were either clustered with a group of genotype 3 virulent IBDV strains or were related to vaccine strains MB and D78 strains. IBV RNA was detected on 36/44 (81.8%) farms, with variant02, Massachusetts, 4/91, and Q1 variants detected. Sequences of IBV isolates were either clustered with the vaccines strains Massachusetts M41 and H120 or were most closely related to the D274-like strains or a clade of sequences reported in Nigeria and Niger in 2006 and 2007. This study revealed that most study farms in Oyo and Kano states did not have adequate protective antibody titers against IBV and NDV and were therefore at risk of field challenge. Infectious bursal disease virus and IBV RNA were detected on farms with a history of vaccination suggesting potential vaccination failure, or that the vaccine strains used mismatch with the circulating strains and are therefore not protective.

Short-term Outcomes of Water Vapor Therapy (Rezum) for BPH/LUTS in the First Czech Cohort.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the short-term results of water vapor therapy (Rezum) for BPH/LUTS in the first cohort of Czech patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with BPH and moderate to severe LUTS (N = 76) who underwent Rezum treatment from December 2019 to July 2020 were included in the prospective study. Prior to the procedure, they completed the IPSS and OABv8 questionnaires and underwent uroflowmetry, transrectal ultrasound of the prostate, and PSA sampling. The parameters before and 3 months after the procedure were compared and statistically evaluated. RESULTS: The study protocol was completed by 92% of patients (N = 70). We observed a significant increase in Qmax (median 17.7 vs. 8.8 mL/s, P < .001), Qave (9 vs. 4.5 mL/s, P = .001) and voided volume (241 vs. 171 mL, P < .001) and a significant reduction in post-void residual (average 17.5 vs. 67.7 mL), prostate volume (39.3 vs. 62.3 mL) and total PSA (median 1.9 vs. 2.5 ng/mL, resp. P values < .001). There was also a significant decrease in OABv8 score (average 7.6 vs. 16.6, P < .001) and IPSS QoL (1.6 vs. 4.0, P = .037). The improvement in the IPSS score was apparent, yet statistically insignificant (6.8 vs. 16, P = .079). CONCLUSION: Water vapor therapy is an effective and safe method of BPH/LUTS treatment in the short-term.

A Review of the Current Status of Peste des Petits Ruminants Epidemiology in Small Ruminants in Tanzania.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease of sheep and goats with high mortality. The disease is of considerable economic importance in countries such as Tanzania, where small ruminant products are important for sustainable livelihoods. This review assesses current knowledge regarding the epidemiology of PPRV in Tanzania, highlighting the challenges with respect to control and suggesting possible interventions. Thirty-three articles were identified after literature searches using Google Scholar and PubMed. Studies revealed that PPRV is endemic in sheep and goats in Tanzania, although seropositivity has also been reported in cattle, camels, buffalo, Grant's gazelle, wildebeest and impala, but with no clinical manifestation. Three lineages (lineage II to IV) of PPRV have been identified in Tanzania, implying at least two separate introductions of the virus. Diagnosis of PPR in Tanzania is mostly by observation of clinical signs and lesions at post mortem. Risk factors in Tanzania include age, sex, species, and close contact of animals from different farms/localities. Although there is an efficacious vaccine available for PPR, poor disease surveillance, low vaccine coverage, and uncontrolled animal movements have been the bane of control efforts for PPR in Tanzania. There is need for collaborative efforts to develop interventions to control and eradicate the disease. The establishment of a national reference laboratory for PPR, conduct of surveillance, the development of high-quality DIVA vaccines, as well as execution of a carefully planned national vaccination campaign may be key to the control and subsequent eradication of PPR in Tanzania and achieving the global goal of eradicating PPR by 2030.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Veterinarians Towards Antimicrobial Resistance and Stewardship in Nigeria.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health concern and the inappropriate use of antibiotics in animals and humans is considered a contributing factor. A cross-sectional survey to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of veterinarians regarding AMR and antimicrobial stewardship was conducted in Nigeria. A total of 241 respondents completed an online survey. Only 21% of respondents correctly defined the term antimicrobial stewardship and 59.8% were unaware of the guidelines provided by the Nigeria AMR National Action Plan. Over half (51%) of the respondents indicated that prophylactic antibiotic use was appropriate when farm biosecurity was poor. Only 20% of the respondents conducted antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) frequently, and the unavailability of veterinary laboratory services (82%) and the owner's inability to pay (72%) were reported as key barriers to conducting AST. The study findings suggest strategies focusing on the following areas may be useful in improving appropriate antibiotic use and antimicrobial stewardship among veterinarians in Nigeria: increased awareness of responsible antimicrobial use among practicing and newly graduated veterinarians, increased dissemination of regularly updated antibiotic use guidelines, increased understanding of the role of good biosecurity and vaccination practices in disease prevention, and increased provision of laboratory services and AST at affordable costs.

Two-year results after convective radiofrequency water vapor thermal therapy of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of convective radiofrequency (RF) water vapor thermal therapy in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH); a pilot study design with 2-year follow-up evaluations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Men aged ≥45 years with an International Prostate Symptom Score ≥13, a maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) ≤15 mL/s, and prostate volume 20-120 cc were enrolled in a prospective, open-label pilot study using convective RF water vapor energy with the Rezum System. Patients were followed up for 2 years after transurethral thermal treatment at 3 international centers in the Dominican Republic, Czech Republic, and Sweden. The transurethral thermal therapy utilizes radiofrequency to generate wet thermal energy in the form of water vapor injected through a rigid endoscope into the lateral lobes and median lobe as needed. Urinary symptom relief, urinary flow, quality of life (QOL) impact, sexual function, and adverse events (AEs) were assessed at 1 week, 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. RESULTS: LUTS, flow rate, and QOL showed significant improvements from baseline; prostate volumes were appreciably reduced. Sexual function was maintained and no de novo erectile dysfunction occurred. The responses evident as early as 1 month after treatment remained consistent and durable over the 24 months of study. Early AEs were typically transient and mild to moderate; most were related to endoscopic instrumentation. No procedure related to late AEs were seen. CONCLUSION: The Rezum System convective RF thermal therapy is a minimally invasive treatment for BPH/LUTS which can be performed in the office or as an outpatient procedure with minimal associated perioperative AEs. It has no discernable effect on sexual function and provides significant improvement of LUTS that remain durable at 2 years.

MicroRNAs in the pathogenesis of renal cell carcinoma and their diagnostic and prognostic utility as cancer biomarkers.

PURPOSE: To provide information about the role of microRNAs in the pathogenesis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and their diagnostic and prognostic utility as cancer biomarkers. METHODS: A literature search was performed in the PubMed and Web of Science databases using the keywords "renal cancer/renal cell carcinoma/kidney cancer" and "miR*/miRNA*/microRNA*". Articles dealing with the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of RCC, diagnostic miRNAs and prognostic miRNAs were separated. RESULTS: MiRNAs act both as oncogenes and tumor suppressors. They regulate apoptosis, cell growth, migration, invasion, proliferation, colony formation and angiogenesis through target proteins involved in several signaling pathways, and they are involved in key pathogenetic mechanisms such as hypoxia (HIF/VHL dependent) and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Differentially expressed miRNAs can discriminate either tumor tissue from healthy renal tissue or different RCC subtypes. Circulating miRNAs are promissing as diagnostic biomarkers of RCC. Information about urinary miRNAs associated with RCC is sparse. Detection of a relapse is another implication of diagnostic miRNAs. The expression profiles of several miRNAs correlate with the prognosis of RCC patients. Comparison between primary tumor tissue and metastasis may help identify high-risk primary tumors. Finally, response to target therapy can be estimated thanks to differences in miRNA expression in tissue and serum of therapy-resistant versus therapy-sensitive patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our understanding of the role of microRNAs in RCC pathogenesis has been increasing dramatically. Identification and validation of their gene targets may have direct impact on developing microRNA-based anticancer therapy. Several microRNAs can serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.

Giving something back.

Gabriel Varga leads the team that developed AFSCAN--the African Small Companion Animal Network, which aims to 'transform the veterinary landscape across Africa'. Dr Varga's veterinary journey began in Kosice, which at the time was part of Czechoslovakia; he is now director of business operations for Zoetis north Europe.

Efficacy and Safety of Rezum System Water Vapor Treatment for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Secondary to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess 1-year efficacy and safety data from pilot trials of the Rezum System water vapor to treat lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 65 men with symptoms of moderate to severe BPH were enrolled in pilot studies at centers in the Dominican Republic, the Czech Republic, and Sweden. Each patient was treated with transurethral delivery of sterile water vapor (steam). International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), peak urinary flow (Qmax), quality of life (QoL), postvoid residual, International Index of Erectile Function, and prostate-specific antigen were evaluated at 1 week and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment. Safety was also assessed. RESULTS: Statistically significant clinical improvements at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months were reported for IPSS (decreased by 6.8, 13.4, 13.1, and 12.5 points, respectively) and Qmax (increased by 2.0, 4.7, 4.3, and 4.6 mL/sec, respectively). At 12 months, these results equated to a 56% improvement in IPSS (P <.001) and an 87% improvement in Qmax (P <.001). QoL also improved at 12 months with a 61% improvement. Sexual function was maintained. Most of the adverse events (AEs) were related to endoscopic instrumentation and were of short duration. One case of urinary retention was classified as a procedure/device-related serious AE. CONCLUSION: The Rezum System provides effective relief of LUTS associated with BPH at 1 year. The procedure is safe with an acceptable side effect profile.

Rezum System Water Vapor Treatment for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms/Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Validation of Convective Thermal Energy Transfer and Characterization With Magnetic Resonance Imaging and 3-Dimensional Renderings.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate by magnetic resonance imaging the physical effects of convective thermal energy transfer with water vapor as a means of treating lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. METHODS: Sixty-five men with lower urinary tract symptoms were treated with the Rezum System by transurethral intraprostatic injection of water vapor. A group of 45 of these men consented to undergo a series of gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imagings of the prostate after treatment to monitor the size and location of ablative lesions, their time course of resolution, and the corresponding change in prostate tissue volume. Visualization was conducted at 1 week, 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. RESULTS: Outcomes were available for 44 patients. Convective thermal lesions were limited to the transition zone and correlated with targeted treatment locations. At 1 week after treatment, the mean volume of ablative lesions was 8.2 cm(3) (0.5-24.0 cm(3)). At 6 months, whole prostate volume was reduced by a mean of 28.9% and transition zone volume by 38.0% as compared with baseline 1-week images. At 3 and 6 months after treatment, the lesion volumes had reduced by 91.5% and 95.1%, respectively. Lesions remained within the targeted treatment zone without compromising integrity of the bladder, rectum, or striated urinary sphincter. CONCLUSION: This imaging study confirms the delivery of convective water vapor technology to create thermal lesions in the prostate tissue. Lesions generated underwent near complete resolution by 3 and 6 months after treatment with a concomitant one-third reduction in overall prostate and transition zone volumes.

Preliminary clinical experience with the preparation and therapeutic use of autologous osteoblasts and chondrocytes.

Particular results of autologous osteoblasts preparation from patient's bone marrow and autologous chondrocytes from cartilage, both for therapeutic application are given. Osteoblastic cells were cultivated from fresh bone marrow in the presence of dexamethasone in alpha MEM medium containing 10% of patient's and 10% of fetal bovine sera and other necessary additives without any cytokine stimuli. Alkaline phosphatase cell surface activity was used as a marker for quick osteoblastic phenotype confirmation. Autologous chondrocytes were enzymatically separated from fresh knee cartilage. Pieces of cartilage, 2 mm(3) in volume, were sufficient for live cellular graft preparation. Viability of chondrocytes obtained by this approach was more than 90%. In both cases, in osteoblasts as well as in chondrocytes, the amount of cells obtained during the 4 week culture, was sufficient for clinical use.