No abstract

Seroprevalence of the antibodies of Brucella canis and Brucella abortus in dogs was assessed using a cross-sectional survey in Anambra and Enugu States, Nigeria. A total of 123 Companion dogs made up of 65 clinic dogs, 34 slaughter dogs and 24 household dogs were screened. For B. abortus antibody assay, the collected serum was used for Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), Serum agglutination test (SAT) and Solid Phase Immunoassay technique with Immunocomb® Canine Brucellosis Antibody Test Kit was used. Out of the 123 dogs screened, none was positive for Brucella abortus antibodies while 34 (27.7%) of the dogs screened were positive for B. canis antibodies. There was a significant association (P0.05) between infection and sex, the infection was significantly higher (P0.05) in female than male dogs. Prevalence was significantly higher (P0.05) in Exotic breeds than in mixed and local dog breeds. There was no association (P0.05) between infection and antibody titre levels in the different categories of dogs. However, there was significant association (P0.05) between the presence of Brucella canis antibodies and free roaming of dogs. This study provides the first serological evidence of B. canis infection in dogs in Enugu and Anambra States. This shows that B. canis is endemic in both states, underscoring the need for further studies. Female dogs, exotic breeds and freely roaming dogs are at a higher risk of Brucella infection in the study area; therefore, preventive and control measures are strongly recommended

This study was undertaken to determine the epidemiology and antibiogram of Listeria species isolated from raw frozen Atlantic Mackerel (Scomber  Scombrus) fish sold in Enugu State Southeastern Nigeria. Twentyfive grams each of raw fish gut and skin were collected from 800 raw fish sold in 8 major  markets randomly selected from the study area. Isolation of Listeria was done using half and full fraser broths, and polymyxin acriflavine lithium chloride  ceftazidime aesculin mannitol (PALCAM) agar. Confirmation of the genus Listeria was done by a polymerase chain reaction. Identification of species was  done using an analytic profile index (API) kit specific for Listeria. The antibiotic resistance of the isolates was determined using disc diffusion method. Out  of the 800 fish samples, 38 (4.75%) were positive for Listeria species. Enugu North (6.50%) had significantly (P<0.05) higher prevalence than Enugu  East (3.0%). Five Listeria species were identified. Listeria innocua (71.1%) predominated, followed by Listeria welshimeri (10.5%), Listeria ivanovii (7.9%),  Listeria grayi (5.3%) and Listeria monocytogenes (5.3%). All the isolates were susceptible to the tested antibacterial agents. The occurrence of Listeria  species in raw frozen Atlantic mackerel fish, poses a threat, when consumed raw or lightly cooked, to people especially the immunocomprormised persons whose population is increasing as a result of improvement in medical technology. Also, the possibility of cross contamination in the kitchen or  food service establishments is also a concern. Since all the Listeria species got in this study showed 100% susceptibility to all the antimicrobials tested,  therefore, there is no fear of acquiring and transferring antibiotic resistance genes from raw frozen Atlantic mackerel fish to the general human    population.