Serological survey for Brucella antibodies in donkeys of north-eastern Nigeria

A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted to determine seroprevalence and risk factors influencing the presence of Brucella antibodies in donkeys of Borno State, north-eastern Nigeria. The study aimed at providing baseline information that may be used in planning a control policy against equine brucellosis. Blood samples were collected from 601 donkeys, comprised of 374 males and 227 females from the six agricultural zones of the state between March 2013 and September 2014. The sera obtained were tested for Brucella antibodies using Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). Of the 601 donkeys tested, 43 (7.2%) and 40 (6.7%) were seropositive by RBPT and cELISA, respectively. A seroprevalence of 8.6% was obtained in male and 3.5% in female donkeys. According to age, the highest seroprevalence of 9.6% was obtained from donkeys of age group 4-6 years. With respect to pregnancy status, a higher seroprevalence (6.8%) was obtained from pregnant donkeys compared to 3.8% obtained from the non-pregnant ones. There were statistically significant associations between the presence of antibodies and sex (p < 0.05) and the presence of antibodies and age (p < 0.05) of the studied donkeys. However, no statistically significant association (p > 0.05) was observed between the pregnancy status and presence of antibodies. The study concludes that Brucella infection is present in donkeys in all the agricultural zones of the state. The relatively high seroprevalence (7.2%) obtained is of public health concern because of the close interaction between donkeys, ruminants, and humans in the study area.

Evaluation of microbial contents of table eggs at retail outlets in Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria

This study was carried out to evaluate the microbial contents of chicken eggs, sold at retail outlets in Sokoto metropolis. A total of 160 eggs were collected from 16 randomly selected retail outlets, in Sokoto metropolis, for microbial evaluation. Samples were cultured and isolated using nutrient and McConkey agar for bacteria while Sabauroud dextrose agar was employed for fungus and identified using Harvey and Green Wood method. All the 160 (100%) samples were positive for bacteria (nine different genera); while 104 (65%) egg shells were positive for fungi isolation from the genus Aspergillus; however, evaluation of the egg contents revealed 95(59.4%) positive for bacteria isolations from seven different genera and 86(53.8%) positive for fungi isolations from only one genus Aspergillus. The bacterial genera include Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp, Shigella spp, Corynebacteria, Proteus spp Bacillus spp Staphylococcus spp Streptococcus spp and Klebsiella. The only fungal genus was Aspergillus, which were identified to be Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus. The eggs from these areas should therefore be taken with caution and the public should be educated on the dangers associated with consumption of raw and under cooked eggs and egg products, retailers should be encourage to store their eggs in refrigerators and practice good hygiene in order to prevent microbial growth on the eggs.Keywords: Bacterial isolation, Microbial contents, Retail outlets, Sokoto, Table eggs.