BackgroundHuman and animal influenza are inextricably linked. In particular, the pig is uniquely important as a mixing vessel for genetic reassortment of influenza viruses, leading to emergence of novel strains which may cause human pandemics. Significant reduction in transmission of influenza viruses from humans, and other animals, to swine may therefore be crucial for preventing future influenza pandemics. This study investigated the presence of the 2009 pandemic influenza A/H1N1 virus, A(H1N1)pdm09, in Nigerian and Ghanaian pigs, and also determined levels of acceptance of preventive measures which could significantly reduce the transmission of this virus from humans to pigs.MethodsNasal swab specimens from 125 pigs in Ibadan, Nigeria, and Kumasi, Ghana, were tested for the presence of influenza A/California/04/2009 (H1N1) by quantitative antigen-detection ELISA. A semi-structured questionnaire was also administered to pig handlers in the two study areas and responses were analyzed to evaluate their compliance with seven measures for preventing human-to-swine transmission of influenza viruses.ResultsThe virus was detected among pigs in the two cities, with prevalence of 8% in Ibadan and 10% in Kumasi. Levels of compliance of pig handlers with relevant preventive measures were also found to be mostly below 25 and 40% in Ibadan and Kumasi, respectively.ConclusionDetection of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 among pigs tested suggests the possibility of human-to-swine transmission, which may proceed even more rapidly, considering the very poor acceptance of basic preventive measures observed in this study. This is also the first report on detection of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 in Ghanaian pigs. We recommend improvement on personal hygiene among pig handlers, enforcement of sick leave particularly during the first few days of influenza-like illnesses, and training of pig handlers on recognition of influenza-like signs in humans and pigs. These could be crucial for prevention of future influenza pandemics.

The development of antibiotic-resistant pathogens due to the indiscriminate use of antibiotics has led to advocacy for the use of natural products in the treatment of fish diseases. The antimicrobial activity of methanolic and ethanolic extracts of walnut leaves and onion bulbs were evaluated against six pathogenic bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphyloccocus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Escherichia coli, Samonella typhi) using the cupplate method. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was determined using standard methods. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Onion bulbs and walnut leaves were also screened for secondary metabolites and this indicated the presence of saponins, tannin, alkaloids, cyanogenic glycosides and flavonoids; while anthraquinones were not detected in both plants. The zone of inhibition varied with the bacteria and type of extract. The average diameter of inhibition zones was 10 ± 0.00 and 9 ± 0.02 mm for methanolic and ethanolic extracts of walnut leaves and onion bulbs, respectively. Staphylococcus aureus, B. subtilis and P. aeruginosa were most sensitive to the extracts. However, S. aureus was more sensitive to the extracts of walnut leaves and S. typhi was the least sensitive. Bacillus subtilis was more sensitive to the extracts of onion compared to E. coli which was the least sensitive. Minimum inhibitory concentration of walnut leaves and onion bulbs extracts on the bacteria tested were both 500 µg/ml. The results indicated that walnut leaves and onion bulbs had antibacterial activity on the tested organisms and showed their prospects for their use in the treatment of fish diseases.

Vanadium is a contaminant of crude oil that released into the atmosphere through burning of fossil fuels. The mechanism by which it exerts toxic influences had not been fully elucidated in African giant rat (AGR). This study investigates the mechanisms of sodium metavanadate (SMV) induced oxidative stress in AGR. A total of 24 adult male AGR weighing 600–850 g were used. Animals were randomly divided into six groups. Groups 1, 3 and 5 served as control while groups 2, 4 and 6 were treated with intraperitoneal 3 mg/kg body weight of SMV for 3, 7 and 14 days, respectively. Serum, brain, liver, testes, kidneys, spleen and lungs were harvested for biochemical assays. SMV induced significant increase in malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, sulfhydryl (total thiol) and protein carbonyl levels but decreased non-protein thiol levels in tissues accessed. A significant decrease was observed in glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels in SMV treated rats compared to controls. Serum myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidase and Advanced Oxidative Protein Products (AOPP) were markedly increased while nitrous oxide levels were significantly decreased in all treated groups. SMV exposure to AGR induced oxidative stress through generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and depletion of the antioxidant defence system. These conditions could become severe with prolonged exposure.

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