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C. N. Uchendu , I. O. Nwankwo

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the role of calcium [Ca²⁺] on uterine muscle contraction induced by butanolic leaf extract of Spondias mombin (Anacardiaceae). Materials and methods: Dried leaves of S.mombin were exhausively extracted with n-hexane and 80% ethanol. The 80% ethanol extract was partitioned in dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, butanol, and water. The butanolic extract was tested for spasmogenicity on isolated uterine muscle strips of the rat using conventional methods. Results: The extract contracted the uterine muscle concentration-dependently (EC₅₀, 0.08 mg/ml). The responses to the extract (0.14 mg/ ml) were abolished in Ca²⁺-free media with or without EGTA and by verapamil (0.18 μg/ml). The contractions were similarly abolished by LaCl₃ but significantly (P<0.05) attenuated by amiloride ( 72 μmol). The extract altered the pattern of contraction induced by high K⁺ depolarization (20 mmol) from fast phasic to a tonic contracture. Both isoprenaline (0.1 μmol) and salbutamol (0.1 μmol) inhibited the extract induced contractions which were reversed by propranolol (0.03 μmol). Conclusion: Butanolic leaf extract of S. mombin contracts uterine muscle of the rat primarily through voltage-dependent extracellular Ca²⁺ entry channel.

Keywords

Calcium, Contraction, Extract, Spondias mombin, Uterus

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I. O. Nwankwo ¹, O. O. Faleke ¹, M. D. Salihu ¹, A. A. Magaji ¹, U. Musa ², J. Garba ³, E. B. Ibitoye ⁴

Affiliations
1 Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, NG
2 Department of Veterinary Pathology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, NG
3 Veterinary Council of Nigeria, North Central Zonal Office, Vom, Plateau State, NG
4 Department of Theriogenology and Animal Production, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, NG

Abstract

Aim: The study was conducted to determine the prevalence and viability of Campylobacter species isolates from different species of poultry and humans in Sokoto State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in the live birds markets, humans on admission and at outpatient clinics in the randomly selected hospitals in Sokoto State. Isolation and characterization of Campylobacter species were performed using standard culture isolation techniques and biochemical characterization. A total of 798 (506 cloacal and 292 fecal) swabs from poultry and humans, respectively, were collected and analyzed. The viability of 307 isolates stored in 15% glycerol and 85% tryptone broth at −20°C was determined after 7-13 months.

Results: A total of 312 (39%) were positive for Campylobacter species which comprises 119 (30%), 20 (30%), 3 (14%), 9 (56%), 1 (50%), and 160 (55%) in chicken, guinea fowls, pigeons, ducks, turkey, and humans, respectively. The total of 38 (24%), 63 (39%), and 59 (37%) humans and 29 (19%), 79 (52%), and 44 (29%) poultry isolates were positive for Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter Coli, and Campylobacter Lari, respectively. A total of 261 (85%) of the stored isolates were still viable on re-isolation with the viability rates of 41 (95%), 67 (85%), and 17 (59%) at 7, 9, and 13 months of storage, respectively. There was a negative correlation between months of storage and viability rates. However, there was no significant statistical association (p>0.05) between prevalence rate and species of poultry.

Conclusion: Campylobacter species have been detected with varying degree of prevalence in both poultry and humans and their ability to survive freezing at −20°C (95%) for up to 7 months has been revealed in the study. This is not only a concern to food and livestock industries but also a concern to the public health at large, especially, in view of the study area being considered one of the largest livestock producers in Nigeria. Campylobacteriosis is known to be associated with the cost of gastroenteritis management, antimicrobial resistance, food contamination, and complications such as a paralytic condition called Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Keywords

Campylobacter Species, Humans, Poultry, Sokoto, Nigeria.

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P. B. Gwimi ¹, O. O. Faleke ², M. D. Salihu ², A. A. Magaji ², M. B. Abubakar ³, I. O. Nwankwo ², E. B. Ibitoye ⁴

Affiliations
1 Kebbi State Veterinary Clinic, Zuru, Kebbi State, NG
2 Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, NG
3 Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, NG
4 Department of Theriogenology and Animal Production, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, NG

Abstract

Aim: The study was carried out to survey and determine the prevalence of Campylobacter species among pigs and humans within the pig rearing areas of Zuru Kebbi State, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among household pigs and humans between September, 2013 and February, 2014. Isolation and characterization of Campylobacter species were performed using standard culture isolation techniques and biochemical characterization. A total of 450 fecal samples comprised of 300 from pigs and 150 from humans was collected and analyzed.

Results: Prevalence of Campylobacter were 278 (92.67%) and 94 (62.67%) for pigs and humans respectively. The most encountered Campylobacter species in both cases was Campylobacter coli (276 [74.19]) followed by Campylobacter jejuni (62 [16.66]). The least isolated species in pigs was Campylobacter hyointestinalis 5 (1.8%) while Campylobacter lari 2 (2.13%) was least isolated in humans. C. lari was not found in pigs. No significant association (p>0.05) existed between Campylobacter isolates and the age and sex of both pigs and humans in this study.

Conclusion: Both pigs and humans within the pig rearing areas of Zuru have been shown to harbor Campylobacter species and this might be due to extensive system of pig farming with indiscriminate defecation by pigs coupled with unhygienic disposal of human wastes in the environment and poor personal hygiene.

Keywords

Campylobacter Species, Humans, Pigs, Zuru.

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