Objective: The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus in cockroaches (Periplaneta americana), and to assess the antimicrobial resistance profiles of the isolated bacteria.Materials and methods: A total of 150 cockroaches (P. americana) were randomly captured from three households and four restaurants in Chittagong City Corporation, Bangladesh during July to December 2014. The cockroaches were transported to the bacteriology laboratory at the Poultry Research and Training Centre (PRTC), Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University. The isolation and identification of Staphylococcus spp. from the external surface wash and gut homogenates by pooling cockroaches were done by following conventional bacteriological examinations followed by biochemical characterization. The antibiotic susceptibility profiles of the isolates were determined using disc diffusion method. Results: In this study, the overall prevalence of S. aureus was 38% (n=57/150). Higher prevalence of Staphylococcus spp. was observed among the cockroaches from restaurant (49.3%; n=37/75) as compared to those of households (26.7%; n=20/75) having a significant difference (P<0.05). Highest level of resistance by the Staphylococcus spp. was found to Penicillin (68%) followed by Erythromycin (60%), Oxacillin (46%) and Clindamycin (31%). On the other hand, the Staphylococci isolates were highly sensitive to Cephalothin (84%) and Kanamycin (65%).Conclusion: The rational use of antibiotics needs to be adopted in both human and animal medicine practices to prevent the emergence of drug resistant Staphylococcus spp.http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2016.c153

Objective: The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus in cockroaches (Periplaneta americana), and to assess the antimicrobial resistance profiles of the isolated bacteria. Materials and methods: A total of 150 cockroaches (P. americana) were randomly captured from three households and four restaurants in Chittagong City Corporation, Bangladesh during July to December 2014. The cockroaches were transported to the bacteriology laboratory at the Poultry Research and Training Centre (PRTC), Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University. The isolation and identification of Staphylococcus spp. from the external surface wash and gut homogenates by pooling cockroaches were done by following conventional bacteriological examinations followed by biochemical characterization. The antibiotic susceptibility profiles of the isolates were determined using disc diffusion method. Results: In this study, the overall prevalence of S. aureus was 38% (n=57/150). Higher prevalence of Staphylococcus spp. was observed among the cockroaches from restaurant (49.3%; n=37/75) as compared to those of households (26.7%; n=20/75) having a significant difference (P<0.05). Highest level of resistance by the Staphylococcus spp. was found to Penicillin (68%) followed by Erythromycin (60%), Oxacillin (46%) and Clindamycin (31%). On the other hand, the Staphylococci isolates were highly sensitive to Cephalothin (84%) and Kanamycin (65%). Conclusion: The rational use of antibiotics needs to be adopted in both human and animal medicine practices to prevent the emergence of drug resistant Staphylococcus spp. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(3.000): 221-228]

Objective: This study was carried out to assess the pathogenicity of local isolates of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae  and M. arginini in West African dwarf goats (kids) in Nigeria.Materials and methods: A total of 22 goats aged less than 1-year were purchased from markets. The goats were divided into six groups comprising of four experimental groups (EG; 4 in each) and two control groups (CG; 3 in each). The goats were fed ad libitum with standard diets and safe water. Groups EG1 and EG2 were infected with M. ovipneumoniae through trans-tracheal (TT) and intravenous (IV) routes, respectively, while those in groups EG3 and EG4 were infected with M. arginini through the same routes. Goats in groups CG1 and CG2 were inoculated with sterile Mycoplasma broth through TT and IV routes, respectively. In all cases, the amount of bacteria inoculated was 1.5x108 cells/mL. After the onset of the disease in goats, re-isolation of Mycoplasma was performed by culturing on mycoplasma agar supplemented with mycoplasma supplement G. The goats were monitored for 14 days post-infection (PI) to observe respiratory signs and mortality. Post-mortem (PM) examination was performed on each animal that died, while one surviving goat from each of the groups was sacrificed at 14 days PI for PM. After PM, histopathology was performed to observe the changes in tissues.  Results: Cough and nasal discharges were observed in all the experimentally infected goats seven days PI. Mortalities were recorded in goats in EG1 (two goats), EG2 (one goats), EG3 (two goats) and EG4 (one goat). At PM, pneumonic lesions were observed in the lungs of all the experimentally infected goats.Conclusion: This study provides evidence that the local isolates of M. ovipneumoniae  and M. arginini strains are pathogenic for goats in Nigeria.http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2016.c161

Objective: This study was carried out to assess the pathogenicity of local isolates of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae and M. arginini in West African dwarf goats (kids) in Nigeria. Materials and methods: A total of 22 goats aged less than 1-year were purchased from markets. The goats were divided into six groups comprising of four experimental groups (EG; 4 in each) and two control groups (CG; 3 in each). The goats were fed ad libitum with standard diets and safe water. Groups EG1 and EG2 were infected with M. ovipneumoniae through trans-tracheal (TT) and intravenous (IV) routes, respectively, while those in groups EG3 and EG4 were infected with M. arginini through the same routes. Goats in groups CG1 and CG2 were inoculated with sterile Mycoplasma broth through TT and IV routes, respectively. In all cases, the amount of bacteria inoculated was 1.5x108 cells/mL. After the onset of the disease in goats, re-isolation of Mycoplasma was performed by culturing on mycoplasma agar supplemented with mycoplasma supplement G. The goats were monitored for 14 days post-infection (PI) to observe respiratory signs and mortality. Post-mortem (PM) examination was performed on each animal that died, while one surviving goat from each of the groups was sacrificed at 14 days PI for PM. After PM, histopathology was performed to observe the changes in tissues. Results: Cough and nasal discharges were observed in all the experimentally infected goats seven days PI. Mortalities were recorded in goats in EG1 (two goats), EG2 (one goats), EG3 (two goats) and EG4 (one goat). At PM, pneumonic lesions were observed in the lungs of all the experimentally infected goats. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that the local isolates of M. ovipneumoniae and M. arginini strains are pathogenic for goats in Nigeria. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(3.000): 242-251]

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and typing of brucellosis in lactating cows in some dairy farms in Kuwait.Materials and methods: A total of 4671 serum samples were collected from 4671 apparently healthy lactating cows comprising of 486 from Al-Wafra, 348 from Al-Kabed and 3837 from Al-Salebia areas. The sera were tested by Buffered Acidified Plate Antigen Test (BAPAT), Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and Complement Fixation Test (CFT) for the presence of brucellosis. Besides, Milk Ring Test (MRT) was done with 60 milk samples collected from 60 lactating cows comprising 18 from Al-Wafra, 5 from Al-Kabed and 37 from Al-Salebia areas. The stomach content of aborted feti were tested for typing of Brucella organism by using specific antisera.Results: The results showed that the overall seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis was 339 (7.25%) by BAPAT, 332 (7.1%) by RBPT, and 329 (7.04%) by CFT. The results revealed that, 42 (8.6%), 5 (1.4%) and 292 (7.6%) sera were positive for brucellosis by BAPAT in the cows of Al-Wafra, Al-Kabed and Al-Salebia areas, respectively. Whereas, their respective number and seroreactive cases by RBPT were 39 (8.02%), 5 (1.4%) and 288 (7.4%). Similarly, as confirmatory test by CFT, the number and seroreactive cases in these areas were 39 (8.02%), 5 (1.4%) and 285 (7.46%). MRT revealed that the average positive case was 61.67% (59.46% in Al-Wafra; 60% in Al-Kabed and 66.6% in Al-Salebia). Two Brucella isolates could be recovered from the stomach content of the two aborted feti and typed as Brucella melitensis biovar 2.Conclusion: Brucellosis is prevalent among lactating cows in Kuwait. This indicates the potential role of these dairy animals in disseminating and spread of such zoonosis to human. Considering public health significance, appropriate preventive measures are suggestive for combating brucellosis in Kuwait.http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2016.c159

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and typing of brucellosis in lactating cows in some dairy farms in Kuwait. Materials and methods: A total of 4671 serum samples were collected from 4671 apparently healthy lactating cows comprising of 486 from Al-Wafra, 348 from Al-Kabed and 3837 from Al-Salebia areas. The sera were tested by Buffered Acidified Plate Antigen Test (BAPAT), Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and Complement Fixation Test (CFT) for the presence of brucellosis. Besides, Milk Ring Test (MRT) was done with 60 milk samples collected from 60 lactating cows comprising 18 from Al-Wafra, 5 from Al-Kabed and 37 from Al-Salebia areas. The stomach content of aborted feti were tested for typing of Brucella organism by using specific antisera. Results: The results showed that the overall seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis was 339 (7.25%) by BAPAT, 332 (7.1%) by RBPT, and 329 (7.04%) by CFT. The results revealed that, 42 (8.6%), 5 (1.4%) and 292 (7.6%) sera were positive for brucellosis by BAPAT in the cows of Al-Wafra, Al-Kabed and Al-Salebia areas, respectively. Whereas, their respective number and seroreactive cases by RBPT were 39 (8.02%), 5 (1.4%) and 288 (7.4%). Similarly, as confirmatory test by CFT, the number and seroreactive cases in these areas were 39 (8.02%), 5 (1.4%) and 285 (7.46%). MRT revealed that the average positive case was 61.67% (59.46% in Al-Wafra; 60% in Al-Kabed and 66.6% in Al-Salebia). Two Brucella isolates could be recovered from the stomach content of the two aborted feti and typed as Brucella melitensis biovar 2. Conclusion: Brucellosis is prevalent among lactating cows in Kuwait. This indicates the potential role of these dairy animals in disseminating and spread of such zoonosis to human. Considering public health significance, appropriate preventive measures are suggestive for combating brucellosis in Kuwait. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(3.000): 229-235]

Objectives: Bovine anaplasmosis is an arthropod-borne hemolytic disease of cattle  which  is caused by a rickettsia; Anaplasma marginale. Anaplasmosis is also called "Yellow bag" or yellow fever, where the affected animals usually develop a jaundiced appearance. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical findings, treatment and gross pathology of a severe anaplasmosis in a dairy cow.  Materials and methods: In this report, a rare case of fatal anaplasmosis in a 4 year old Jersey-Friesian cow, weighing about 200 kg was reported. Diagnosis was done based on clinical symptoms, blood examination for the presence of A. marginale, and biochemical analyses of blood. Leishman staining was done to check the A. marginale at the margin of erythrocytes. Treatment was instituted with blood transfusion and Oxytetracyline dosed at 20 mg/kg body weight and iron supplement containing 20 mL Cobaphos (containing Phosphorus 125mg + Cyanocobalamine 0.05 mg) and 20 mL Fercobsang containing Iron (as ammonium citrate) 1.75 mg, Cyanocobalamine (Vitamin B12) 0.025 mg, Nicotinamide (vitamin PP) 20 mg, Cobalt (as digluconate) 0.0067 mg, Benzyl Alcohol (E1519) 20.8 mg) were given intramuscularly.Results: The cow did not survive the infection as it eventually died of the disease. Post mortem examination showed gross evidence of splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, distended bile duct and generalized jaundice.Conclusion: Based on the consequence of this case report, preventive vector control,  prompt and appropriate treatment and improved management practices are recommended in order to prevent clinical anaplasmosis cases among cattle.http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2016.c150

Objectives: Bovine anaplasmosis is an arthropod-borne hemolytic disease of cattle which is caused by a rickettsia; Anaplasma marginale. Anaplasmosis is also called "Yellow bag" or yellow fever, where the affected animals usually develop a jaundiced appearance. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical findings, treatment and gross pathology of a severe anaplasmosis in a dairy cow. Materials and methods: In this report, a rare case of fatal anaplasmosis in a 4 year old Jersey-Friesian cow, weighing about 200 kg was reported. Diagnosis was done based on clinical symptoms, blood examination for the presence of A. marginale, and biochemical analyses of blood. Leishman staining was done to check the A. marginale at the margin of erythrocytes. Treatment was instituted with blood transfusion and Oxytetracyline dosed at 20 mg/kg body weight and iron supplement containing 20 mL Cobaphos (containing Phosphorus 125mg + Cyanocobalamine 0.05 mg) and 20 mL Fercobsang containing Iron (as ammonium citrate) 1.75 mg, Cyanocobalamine (Vitamin B12) 0.025 mg, Nicotinamide (vitamin PP) 20 mg, Cobalt (as digluconate) 0.0067 mg, Benzyl Alcohol (E1519) 20.8 mg) were given intramuscularly. Results: The cow did not survive the infection as it eventually died of the disease. Post mortem examination showed gross evidence of splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, distended bile duct and generalized jaundice. Conclusion: Based on the consequence of this case report, preventive vector control, prompt and appropriate treatment and improved management practices are recommended in order to prevent clinical anaplasmosis cases among cattle. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(2.000): 195-199]

Objective: This case report describes the management of a clinical case of trypanosomosis in an adult Friesian Sahiwal cow.Materials and methods: An adult cow aging 3 years was presented with a complain of wound infection, weakness and inappetence. Physical examination was carried out and samples were collected for laboratory investigations.Results: The clinical history revealed generalised enlargements of the pre-scapular and pre-femoral lymph nodes, pale mucous membrane and weight loss. Laboratory investigation showed that the cow had normocytic normochromic anemia with hyperproteinemia. Thin blood smear examination revealed the presence of Trypanosoma evansi. Treatment was instituted with Diminazene aceturate dosed at 3.5 mg/kg bwt through intramuscular (IM) route for 3 days, 20 mL of Fercobsang for 3 days, IM, Flunixin meglumine dosed at 1.1 mg/kg bwt, IM, and Oxytetracycline dosed at 20 mg/kg bwt, IM once. The wounds were cleaned daily for one week. Examination of the blood film after therapy showed no parasite.Conclusion: The findings of this case report demonstrate the importance of an effective treatment regimen in managing bovine trypanosomosis in an endemic farm.http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2016.c164

Objective: This case report describes the management of a clinical case of trypanosomosis in an adult Friesian Sahiwal cow. Materials and methods: An adult cow aging 3 years was presented with a complain of wound infection, weakness and inappetence. Physical examination was carried out and samples were collected for laboratory investigations. Results: The clinical history revealed generalised enlargements of the pre-scapular and pre-femoral lymph nodes, pale mucous membrane and weight loss. Laboratory investigation showed that the cow had normocytic normochromic anemia with hyperproteinemia. Thin blood smear examination revealed the presence of Trypanosoma evansi. Treatment was instituted with Diminazene aceturate dosed at 3.5 mg/kg bwt through intramuscular (IM) route for 3 days, 20 mL of Fercobsang for 3 days, IM, Flunixin meglumine dosed at 1.1 mg/kg bwt, IM, and Oxytetracycline dosed at 20 mg/kg bwt, IM once. The wounds were cleaned daily for one week. Examination of the blood film after therapy showed no parasite. Conclusion: The findings of this case report demonstrate the importance of an effective treatment regimen in managing bovine trypanosomosis in an endemic farm. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(3.000): 286-291]

An unpredicted outbreak of African animal trypanosomosis or nagana in 1990 in north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal necessitated an emergency control programme, utilising the extensive cattledipping system in the area, as well as a reassessment of the tsetse and trypanosomosis problem in the province. Since 1990, sporadic blood sampling of cattle at the dip tanks in the naganainfested areas were undertaken to identify trypanosome species involved and to determine the infection prevalence in cattle. The distribution and species composition of the tsetse populations in the area were also investigated. From November 2005 to November 2007 selected dip tanks were surveyed for trypanosome infection prevalence. During April 2005 to August 2009 the distribution and abundance of tsetse populations were assessed with odour-baited H traps. The tsetse and trypanosome distribution maps were updated and potential correlations between tsetse apparent densities (ADs) and the prevalence of trypanosomosis were assessed. Glossina brevipalpis Newstead and Glossina austeni Newstead were recorded in locations where they have not previously been collected. No significant correlation between tsetse relative abundance and nagana prevalence was found, which indicated complex interactions between tsetse fly presence and disease prevalence. This was epitomised by data that indicated that despite large differences in the ADs of G. austeni and G. brevipalpis, trypanosome infection prevalence was similar in all three districts in the area. This study clearly indicated that both tsetse species play significant roles in trypanosome transmission and that it will be essential that any control strategy, which aims at sustainable management of the disease, should target both species.Keywords: Tsetse distribution; Glossina brevipalpis; Glossina austeni; trypanosome infection prevalence

An unpredicted outbreak of African animal trypanosomosis or nagana in 1990 in north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal necessitated an emergency control programme, utilising the extensive cattledipping system in the area, as well as a reassessment of the tsetse and trypanosomosis problem in the province. Since 1990, sporadic blood sampling of cattle at the dip tanks in the naganainfested areas were undertaken to identify trypanosome species involved and to determine the infection prevalence in cattle. The distribution and species composition of the tsetse populations in the area were also investigated. From November 2005 to November 2007 selected dip tanks were surveyed for trypanosome infection prevalence. During April 2005 to August 2009 the distribution and abundance of tsetse populations were assessed with odour-baited H traps. The tsetse and trypanosome distribution maps were updated and potential correlations between tsetse apparent densities (ADs) and the prevalence of trypanosomosis were assessed. Glossina brevipalpis Newstead and Glossina austeni Newstead were recorded in locations where they have not previously been collected. No significant correlation between tsetse relative abundance and nagana prevalence was found, which indicated complex interactions between tsetse fly presence and disease prevalence. This was epitomised by data that indicated that despite large differences in the ADs of G. austeni and G. brevipalpis, trypanosome infection prevalence was similar in all three districts in the area. This study clearly indicated that both tsetse species play significant roles in trypanosome transmission and that it will be essential that any control strategy, which aims at sustainable management of the disease, should target both species. Keywords: Tsetse distribution; Glossina brevipalpis; Glossina austeni; trypanosome infection prevalence

Little is known about latent infection and molecular characterisation of Neospora caninum in sheep (Ovis aries). In this study, 330 sheep samples (180 hearts and 150 brains) were analysed for N. caninum DNA by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the Nc-5 gene. Neospora caninum DNA was detected in 3.9% (13/330) of sheep samples. The parasite’s DNA was detected in 6.7% of heart samples (12/180) and 0.7% (1/150) of brain samples. No clinical signs were recorded from infected or uninfected animals. Sequencing of the genomic DNA revealed 96% – 99% similarity with each other and 95.15% – 100% similarity with N. caninum sequences deposited in GenBank. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the use of PCR to identify latent neosporosis in sheep in Iran. The results of this study have the potential to contribute to our understanding of the role of N. caninum-infected sheep in the epidemiology of neosporosis.

Little is known about latent infection and molecular characterisation of Neospora caninum in sheep (Ovis aries). In this study, 330 sheep samples (180 hearts and 150 brains) were analysed for N. caninum DNA by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the Nc-5 gene. Neospora caninum DNA was detected in 3.9% (13/330) of sheep samples. The parasite’s DNA was detected in 6.7% of heart samples (12/180) and 0.7% (1/150) of brain samples. No clinical signs were recorded from infected or uninfected animals. Sequencing of the genomic DNA revealed 96% – 99% similarity with each other and 95.15% – 100% similarity with N. caninum sequences deposited in GenBank. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the use of PCR to identify latent neosporosis in sheep in Iran. The results of this study have the potential to contribute to our understanding of the role of N. caninum-infected sheep in the epidemiology of neosporosis.

This study was conducted to determine the efficiency of different tsetse traps in 28 sites across Tanzania. The traps used were biconical, H, NGU, NZI, pyramidal, S3, mobile, and sticky panels. Stationary traps were deployed at a distance of 200 m apart and examined 72 h after deployment. The results showed that 117 (52.2%) out of the 224 traps deployed captured at least one Glossina species. A total of five Glossina species were captured, namely Glossina brevipalpis, Glossina pallidipes, Glossina swynnertoni, Glossina morsitans, and Glossina fuscipes martinii. Biconical traps caught tsetse flies in 27 sites, pyramidal in 26, sticky panel in 20, mobile in 19, S3 in 15, NGU in 7, H in 2 and NZI in 1. A total of 21 107 tsetse flies were trapped, with the most abundant species being G. swynnertoni (55.9%), followed by G. pallidipes (31.1%), G. fuscipes martinii (6.9%) and G. morsitans (6.0%). The least caught was G. brevipalpis (0.2%). The highest number of flies were caught by NGU traps (32.5%), followed by sticky panel (16%), mobile (15.4%), pyramidal (13.0%), biconical (11.3%) and S3 (10.2%). NZI traps managed to catch 0.9% of the total flies and H traps 0.7%. From this study, it can be concluded that the most efficient trap was NGU, followed by sticky panel and mobile, in that order. Therefore, for tsetse fly control programmes, NGU traps could be the better choice. Conversely, of the stationary traps, pyramidal and biconical traps captured tsetse flies in the majority of sites, covering all three ecosystems better than any other traps; therefore, they would be suitable for scouting for tsetse infestation in any given area, thus sparing the costs of making traps for each specific Glossina species.Keywords: tseste; traps; densties; Glossina; mobile; stationary; Tanzania

This study was conducted to determine the efficiency of different tsetse traps in 28 sites across Tanzania. The traps used were biconical, H, NGU, NZI, pyramidal, S3, mobile, and sticky panels. Stationary traps were deployed at a distance of 200 m apart and examined 72 h after deployment. The results showed that 117 (52.2%) out of the 224 traps deployed captured at least one Glossina species. A total of five Glossina species were captured, namely Glossina brevipalpis, Glossina pallidipes, Glossina swynnertoni, Glossina morsitans, and Glossina fuscipes martinii. Biconical traps caught tsetse flies in 27 sites, pyramidal in 26, sticky panel in 20, mobile in 19, S3 in 15, NGU in 7, H in 2 and NZI in 1. A total of 21 107 tsetse flies were trapped, with the most abundant species being G. swynnertoni (55.9%), followed by G. pallidipes (31.1%), G. fuscipes martinii (6.9%) and G. morsitans (6.0%). The least caught was G. brevipalpis (0.2%). The highest number of flies were caught by NGU traps (32.5%), followed by sticky panel (16%), mobile (15.4%), pyramidal (13.0%), biconical (11.3%) and S3 (10.2%). NZI traps managed to catch 0.9% of the total flies and H traps 0.7%. From this study, it can be concluded that the most efficient trap was NGU, followed by sticky panel and mobile, in that order. Therefore, for tsetse fly control programmes, NGU traps could be the better choice. Conversely, of the stationary traps, pyramidal and biconical traps captured tsetse flies in the majority of sites, covering all three ecosystems better than any other traps; therefore, they would be suitable for scouting for tsetse infestation in any given area, thus sparing the costs of making traps for each specific Glossina species. Keywords: tseste; traps; densties; Glossina; mobile; stationary; Tanzania

Secreted proteins are reported to induce cell-mediated immunity characterised by the production of interferon-gamma (IFN)-γ. In this study three open reading frames (ORFs) (Erum8060, Erum7760, Erum5000) encoding secreted proteins were selected from the Ehrlichia ruminantium (Welgevonden) genome sequence using bioinformatics tools to determine whether they induce a cellular immune response in vitro with mononuclear cells from needle and tick infected animals. The whole recombinant protein of the three ORFs as well as four adjacent fragments of the Erum5000 protein (Erum5000A, Erum5000B, Erum5000C, Erum5000D) were successfully expressed in a bacterial expression system which was confirmed by immunoblots using anti-His antibodies and sheep sera. These recombinant proteins were assayed with immune sheep and cattle peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), spleen and lymph node (LN) cells to determine whether they induce recall cellular immune responses in vitro. Significant proliferative responses and IFN-γ production were evident for all recombinant proteins, especially Erum5000A, in both ruminant species tested. Thus overlapping peptides spanning Erum5000A were synthesised and peptides that induce proliferation of memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and production of IFN-γ were identified. These results illustrate that a Th1 type immune response was elicited and these recombinant proteins and peptides may therefore be promising candidates for development of a heartwater vaccine.

Secreted proteins are reported to induce cell-mediated immunity characterised by the production of interferon-gamma (IFN)-γ. In this study three open reading frames (ORFs) (Erum8060, Erum7760, Erum5000) encoding secreted proteins were selected from the Ehrlichia ruminantium (Welgevonden) genome sequence using bioinformatics tools to determine whether they induce a cellular immune response in vitro with mononuclear cells from needle and tick infected animals. The whole recombinant protein of the three ORFs as well as four adjacent fragments of the Erum5000 protein (Erum5000A, Erum5000B, Erum5000C, Erum5000D) were successfully expressed in a bacterial expression system which was confirmed by immunoblots using anti-His antibodies and sheep sera. These recombinant proteins were assayed with immune sheep and cattle peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), spleen and lymph node (LN) cells to determine whether they induce recall cellular immune responses in vitro. Significant proliferative responses and IFN-γ production were evident for all recombinant proteins, especially Erum5000A, in both ruminant species tested. Thus overlapping peptides spanning Erum5000A were synthesised and peptides that induce proliferation of memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and production of IFN-γ were identified. These results illustrate that a Th1 type immune response was elicited and these recombinant proteins and peptides may therefore be promising candidates for development of a heartwater vaccine.

Peste des petits ruminants, caused by the peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV), is a highly contagious and economically important transboundary viral disease of domestic and wild small ruminants and a major hindrance to small-ruminant production in Nigeria. The seroprevalence and distribution of PPRV antibodies in small ruminants in rural households, farms, live animal markets and slaughter slabs across the six different agro-ecological zones of Nigeria were determined. A total of 4548 serum samples from 3489 goats and 1059 sheep were collected in 12 states. A PPRV competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to test the samples and the data analysed with R statistical software version 3.0.1. The study animals included all ages and both sexes. The overall prevalence estimate of sera positive for PPRV antibodies was 23.16% (n = 1018 positive samples per 4548 total samples, 95% confidence interval: 21.79% – 24.57%). There were significant differences in the seroprevalence between the states (p = 0.001). Taraba State had the highest seroprevalence of 29.51%, whilst the lowest seroprevalence of 14.52% was observed in Cross River State. There were no significant differences in the PPRV seroprevalence between male and female animals (p = 0.571), age (p = 0.323) and between species (p = 0.639). These data indicate the current seroprevalence to PPRV in the small-ruminant population in Nigeria.

Peste des petits ruminants, caused by the peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV), is a highly contagious and economically important transboundary viral disease of domestic and wild small ruminants and a major hindrance to small-ruminant production in Nigeria. The seroprevalence and distribution of PPRV antibodies in small ruminants in rural households, farms, live animal markets and slaughter slabs across the six different agro-ecological zones of Nigeria were determined. A total of 4548 serum samples from 3489 goats and 1059 sheep were collected in 12 states. A PPRV competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to test the samples and the data analysed with R statistical software version 3.0.1. The study animals included all ages and both sexes. The overall prevalence estimate of sera positive for PPRV antibodies was 23.16% (n = 1018 positive samples per 4548 total samples, 95% confidence interval: 21.79% – 24.57%). There were significant differences in the seroprevalence between the states (p = 0.001). Taraba State had the highest seroprevalence of 29.51%, whilst the lowest seroprevalence of 14.52% was observed in Cross River State. There were no significant differences in the PPRV seroprevalence between male and female animals (p = 0.571), age (p = 0.323) and between species (p = 0.639). These data indicate the current seroprevalence to PPRV in the small-ruminant population in Nigeria.