Articles, Conferences and Workshop Papers Collection

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A 12- year retrospective study on pattern and relative frequency of preventable canine diseases in Morogoro
(Tanzania Veterinary Journal, 2018) Raymond, R.; Matondo, A. B.
A retrospective study was undertaken to determine the occurrence and relative frequency of canine cases admitted at the University Animal Hospital located at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA). The study involved examination of canine cases recorded for the past 12 years starting from 2005 to 2016. A total of 2,288 canine cases were evaluated and grouped based on disease condition matching with the hospital records. The top five most frequently admitted cases were found to be worm infestation (19%), parvo viral diarrhoea (15%), wound (13%), canine distemper (7.7%) and bacterial diarrhoea (7.6%). Worm infestation showed a high and steady occurrence; parvo viral diarrhoea and canine distemper cases were on the increasing trend whereas rabies and canine transmissible venereal tumour were on the decreasing trend. Interestingly, majority of cases reported were those which can be prevented through adequate veterinary care such as vaccination, routine deworming, and sanitation. The findings in this study call for further follow-up studies and re-assessment of the current strategies used in disease control in order to have a comprehensive understanding in the existing gaps which limit progress in the control of some diseases identified in this study.
Bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis in livestock at the Greater Ruaha Ecosystem
(The Tropical Veterinarian, 2020) Medardus, J. J.
A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis (BTB) and the seroprevalence of brucellosis in livestock at the Greater Ruaha Ecosystem in Tanzania. The study further characterized the Mycobacterium spp. from the slaughtered livestock. Survey conducted to assess potential herd-level risk factors for BTB and brucellosis revealed that the respondents’ ethnicity and herd mixing were the significant risk factors. Twenty-eight percent of 102 cattle herds had at least one positive or suspect BTB reactor. The overall prevalence of BTB infection in the cattle was 1.32% (18/1368). Forty-two percent of 93 flocks of the small ruminants had at least one brucellosis seropositive animal. The overall seroprevalence of brucellosis in the cattle and small ruminants was 6.6%. Although the prevalence of both diseases was relatively low for individual animals, herd-level prevalence was high, suggesting that infection is widespread in the study area and a significant number of households are at risk. Mycobacterium bovis strain identified via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was confirmed by spoligotyping as spoligotype SB0133. This cattle strain of M. bovis was similar to previously reported involving wild animals in adjacent protected areas. Isolation of identical M. bovis from the wildlife and livestock and the demonstration of Brucella spp. seroprevalence in livestock in the same interface, strongly suggest livestock-wildlife interspecies sharing of these pathogens. Occurrence of the microorganisms poses a serious challenge to disease management strategies in pastoralist communities in the interface area.
Case report: Suspected Piscine Chlamydia like infection in Tanzania
(Tanzania Veterinary Journal, 2019) Matondo, A. B.; Mtalika, M. I.; Mdegela, R. H.
Ten moribund fish were received at pathology laboratory to establish the cause of sponteneous mortalities of farmed tilapia recorded in Kilosa District, Morogoro region. Post-mortem examination revealed macroscopic mucous bands connecting gills and operculum; and oval to round grey-white cysts on the gill lamella. Gill samples were collected for microscopic and bacteriological investigation. Histopathological investigation revealed gill epithelial hyperplasia and characteristic enlargement of epithelial cells infected with pale and basophilic cytoplasmic inclusions. The gross pathological changes coupled with histopathological findings recorded in this case are typical features of epitheliocystis. Furthermore, fish mortalities ceased in the farm after water replacement and reconnection of all fish ponds with direct supply of fresh water from the source. This is the first report in Tanzania describing characteristic epitheliocystis lesions. Furthermore, this report re-affirm previous findings that epitheliocystis can be managed through routine management of water quality.
Circulating Brucella species in wild animals of the Serengeti ecosystem, Tanzania
(Springer, 2021) Sambu, R. M; Mathew, C; Nonga, H. E; Lukambagire, A. S; Yapi, R. B; Akoko, J; Fokou, G; Keyyu, J. D; Bonfoh, B; Kazwala, R. R
Background: Brucellosis is a bacterial zoonosis of public health and economic importance worldwide. It affects a number of domestic animals, wild animals and humans. Human brucellosis originates from either livestock or wildlife. The species of Brucella circulating in wild animals in Tanzania is largely unknown due to insufficient surveillance. This study was carried out to identify Brucella species found in selected wildlife hosts in the Serengeti ecosystem. Methodology: The study used a total of 189 archived samples that were obtained from cross-sectional studies previously conducted between 2000 and 2017 in the Serengeti ecosystem in Tanzania. Whole blood, serum and amniotic fluid collected from buffalos, lions, wildebeest, impala, zebra and hyena were available for DNA extraction. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction for B. abortus, B. melitensis, B. ovis and B. suis (AMOS PCR) and quantitative real time PCR (qPCR) targeting the bcsp31 and IS711 genes for Brucella genus detection and the IS711 targets alkB for B. abortus and BMEI1162 for B. melitensis were used to detect Brucella strains. Results: Out of the 189 samples tested, 12 (6.35 %) and 22 (11.6 %) were positive to AMOS-PCR and qPCR, respectively. Most of the positive samples were from lions (52.6 %) and buffaloes (19.6 %). Other animals that were positive included: wildebeest (13.6 %), impala (13.6 %), zebra (4.5 %) and hyena (4.5 %). Out of 22 positive samples, 16 (66.7 %) were identified as B. abortus and the other six samples did not amplify for neither B. abortus nor B. melitensis. Conclusions: The detection of Brucella DNA in archived wild animal samples shows testing potential of samples collected from this population. The zoonotic species B. abortus and B. melitensis detected in wild animals have previously been reported in livestock and humans in the region. The findings suggest that, due to the contact network, some of the identified wild animal hosts in this study could be reservoirs for infections in domestic animals and humans within the Serengeti ecosystem while others are likely dead-end hosts. One Health control strategies and continuous surveillance programs in other wildlife reserved areas should be implemented to help predicting transmission in livestock and humans in the region.
Contribution of microbiota to innate and acquired gut immunity during health and disease
(Nova Science Publishers, Inc, 2014) Malago, J. J.
The contribution of intestinal epithelium to the innate immune system includes detecting luminal microbes, transducing signals, and activating inflammatory mediator release by epithelial and other cells of the immune system like the antigen presenting cells. Microbial antigens are detected by cells of the innate immune system through their pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). The PRRs recognize microbe-associated molecular patterns and generate signals that activate transcription pathways like nuclear factor kappa B and mitogen activated protein kinases. This activation leads to production of inflammatory and growth mediators that drive the immune system to elicit tolerance or immune response designated at maintaining immune homeostasis. Key to this signaling is the gut microbiota. Intestinal epithelial cell sensing of optimally balanced microbiota favors immune homeostasis whereas sensing under disrupted microbiota impairs immune function and predisposes to disease. Understanding the PRR-microbiota signaling would be useful in designing therapeutics for various immune-mediated disorders caused by imbalances of microbiota.
Contribution of microbiota to innate and acquired gut immunity during health and disease
(Nova Science Publishers, Inc, 2014) Malago, J. J.
The contribution of intestinal epithelium to the innate immune system includes detecting luminal microbes, transducing signals, and activating inflammatory mediator release by epithelial and other cells of the immune system like the antigen presenting cells. Microbial antigens are detected by cells of the innate immune system through their pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). The PRRs recognize microbe-associated molecular patterns and generate signals that activate transcription pathways like nuclear factor kappa B and mitogen activated protein kinases. This activation leads to production of inflammatory and growth mediators that drive the immune system to elicit tolerance or immune response designated at maintaining immune homeostasis. Key to this signaling is the gut microbiota. Intestinal epithelial cell sensing of optimally balanced microbiota favors immune homeostasis whereas sensing under disrupted microbiota impairs immune function and predisposes to disease. Understanding the PRR-microbiota signaling would be useful in designing therapeutics for various immune-mediated disorders caused by imbalances of microbiota.
Contribution of microbiota to the innate and acquired gut immunity during health and disease
(Nova Science Publishers, Inc., 2015) Malago, J. J.
The large number of microbials in the intestine that overrides the total human cells by ten folds alludes to significant contribution of the microbiota to human health. This is vivid in enteric and some systemic diseases emanating from disruption of the microbiota. The microbiota influences the development and functioning of both, innate and acquired immune systems for gut health. The effect of microbiota spills throughout the various components of the gut immune systems from “primitive” non specific pattern recognition receptors (PRR) to most specific adaptive T cell responses. To induce immune responses, commensal microbes are recognized by PRRs, which in turn regulate mucosal innate immunity and inflammatory responses. PRRs detect microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs or "infectious non-self") or endogenous "danger signals" derived from stressed, damaged or infected tissue to stimulate the intestinal innate immunity that initiates adaptive immune responses. MAMPs include peptidoglycans, lipoproteins, lipopolysaccharides, teichoic acids, CpG DNA motif, double strand RNA and flagellin. In a balanced microbiota profile, PRR signaling ensures immune homeostasis and protects the host against enteral pathogens. Chapter one of this book will discuss the influence of the microbiota to PRR signaling during health and disease for intestinal immunity. Chapter two of the book focuses on a second level of innate immune system. This involves cells of the innate immune system that are responsible for driving non-specific innate immunity. They include natural killer cells, mast cells, eosinophils, basophils and the phagocytic cells including macrophages, neutrophils and dendritic cells. However, owing to the great commitment of macrophages and dendritic cells, a separate chapter for these two phagocytic cell types is allocated. Thus chapter two discusses the influence of microbiota on innate cells engendering intestinal immunity under health and disease. It concludes the innate immune system of the intestine. Macrophages and dendritic cells are professional antigen presenting cells. They sample antigens from the intestinal lumen, process, and present them to cells of the adaptive immune system. Despite of enormous types of enteral antigens ranging from harmful to beneficial, the antigen presenting cells are capable of efficiently discriminating them and driving respective responses to effector cells of the adaptive immune system. While dendritic cells are capable of priming T cell responses, macrophages do polarize the responses. As to how the microbiota influences the functioning of these cells, chapter three is devoted to discuss that phenomenon. The chapter links innate and adaptive intestinal immune systems since macrophages and dendritic cells lie in the interface between innate and adaptive immune systems. The acquired or adaptive immunity of the gut is split in humoral and cellular components. The humoral immune system is mainly geared by gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) whose components include effector (i.e. epithelial lymphocytes and lamina propria) and inductive (i.e. mesenteric lymph nodes, Peyer’s patches, isolated lymphoid follicles, and cryptopatches) sites. It is interesting to note that microbiota influences GALT development and functioning during health and diseases. In germ free animals and those with disrupted microbita, GALT functioning is heavily compromised leading to diseases. Restoration of normal microbiotal profile to such individuals cures the disorders. Chapter four of this book will describe how the microbiota interacts with GALT and other components of the humoral immune system to maintain intestinal immunity under health and disease. The last chapter, chapter 5, focuses on the second part of the adaptive immune system which is cellular immune system. This system is dominated by several CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes that drive the cellular adaptive immune system. The main components are CD4+ cells which include T helper and regulatory T cells. Other T cells include cytotoxic T, memory, natural killer, and mucosa associated invariant T cells. While T helper cells drive most of the inflammatory responses, regulatory T cells downregulate these responses. As such, they are considered potential therapeutic agents of the future. Current knowledge indicates that the functioning of most, if not all, T cells is influenced by the microbiota. Chapter 5 is therefore devoted to discuss how the microbiota interacts with T cells during health and disease to foster intestinal immunity. In the past few years we have encountered mounting evidence showing that the microbiota plays essential role in regulating and maintaining host’s intestinal immunity. This is done through various ways including; regulation of mucin gene expression by goblet cells, modification of glycosylation of mucus to interfere with bacterial adhesion, colonization and invasion, induction of secretion of antimicrobial peptides by intestinal Paneth cells, regulation of alterations of intestinal permeability caused by infection, stress, and inflammation, and influences on development of mucosal and systemic immunity. It is becoming well comprehended that microbiota is pivotal to the intestinal immunity through crosstalk with the epithelium, immune cells and the immune system in general. Disruption of microbiota balance often leads to disease. This book explores recent findings on how microbiota influences the intestinal immune responses, both innate and adaptive, to foster the intestinal mucosal immunity. The insight gained could contribute to designing approaches suitable for treating gastrointestinal diseases caused by disruption of the microbiota.
Contribution of microbiota to the intestinal physicochemical barrier
(Beneficial Microbes, 2015) Malago, J.J.
The large number of intestinal microorganisms, which exceeds the total number of human cells by ten folds, alludes to a significant contribution to human health. This is vivid in enteric and some systemic diseases emanating from disruption of the microbiota. As life style keeps shifting towards disruption of the microbiota in most societies worldwide, interest in the contribution of the microbiota to gut health has grown enormously. Many studies have been conducted to elucidate the exact contribution of the microbiota to human health. The knowledge gained from these studies indicates that the microbiota interacts with the intestinal milieu to maintain gut health. In this review, the crosstalk of microbiota with the intestinal physicochemical barrier pivotal to the gut innate immunity is highlighted. In particular, the review focuses on the role of the microbiota on competitive exclusion of pathogens, intestinal pH, epithelial mechanical barrier integrity, apical actin cytoskeleton, antimicrobial peptides, and the mucus layer. Understanding this microbe-host relationship will provide useful insight into overcoming some diseases related to the disruption of the host microbiota.
Correlation between type of adaptive immune response against porcine circovirus type 2 and level of virus replication
(Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., 2005-06-01) Meerts, Peter; Gucht, Van S; Cox, Eric; Vandebosch, A; Nauwynck, H. J
Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) replication is characterized by high variation among infected pigs. This study investigated the role of immunologic responses in causing this variation. Twelve gnotobiotic pigs were inoculated with PCV2. Four of these pigs were treated with cyclosporin A (CysA) to monitor the effect of the adaptive immunity on the development of the PCV2 infection. Through lymph node biopsies at 10, 15, and 21 days postinoculation (DPI), PCV2 replication in lymphoid tissues was monitored. The production of total PCV2-specific and PCV2-neutralizing antibodies was followed, together with interferon-γ (IFN-γ) mRNA expression levels in peripheral blood monocytes as a marker for cellular immunity. In general, the CysA-treated pigs showed the highest PCV2 titers, indicating that the adaptive immunity is necessary to restrain PCV2 replication. Three different PCV2 replication patterns were observed in …
Detection of Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia in condemned cattle lungs at Morogoro municipal abattoir in Tanzania
(Tanzania Veterinary Journal, 2013) Malago, J. J.; Mlay, J. D.
Control of re-emerged Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in Tanzania in 1990s left spots of unvaccinated animals in various areas. Some of these animals were carriers of CBPP and have presumably continued to be sources of infection to other animals. We made an abattoir follow-up of slaughtered animals to understand whether the disease is still present in Tanzania. A total of 13 condemned lungs due to CBPP-like lesions at Morogoro municipal abattoir were collected from November 2011 to April 2012 and examined grossly, histologically and bacteriologically. Typical gross lesions of CBPP including expanded interlobular septa, sequestration, coalescing lungs, and fibrinonecrotic exudation were observed. Histologically, we observed fibrinonecrotic exudates filling and expanding the alveoli, desquamation of alveolar epithelial cells, lymphoplasmacytic infiltration in the interalveolar septa and around bronchi, bronchioles, and blood vessels, and vasculitis with subsequent vascular rupture and hemorrhage. Mycoplama cultures in two samples isolated Mycoplasma organisms with “fried egg appearance”, typical of Mycoplasma mycoides mycoides small colony type, the causative agent of CBPP. We conclude that CBPP is still prevalent in Tanzania and continues to pose a potential impending epidemic in the future.
Detection of Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia in condemned cattle lungs at Morogoro municipal abattoir in Tanzania
(Tanzania Veterinary Journal, 2013) Malago, J. J.; Mlay, J. D.
Control of re-emerged Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in Tanzania in 1990s left spots of unvaccinated animals in various areas. Some of these animals were carriers of CBPP and have presumably continued to be sources of infection to other animals. We made an abattoir follow-up of slaughtered animals to understand whether the disease is still present in Tanzania. A total of 13 condemned lungs due to CBPP-like lesions at Morogoro municipal abattoir were collected from November 2011 to April 2012 and examined grossly, histologically and bacteriologically. Typical gross lesions of CBPP including expanded interlobular septa, sequestration, coalescing lungs, and fibrinonecrotic exudation were observed. Histologically, we observed fibrinonecrotic exudates filling and expanding the alveoli, desquamation of alveolar epithelial cells, lymphoplasmacytic infiltration in the interalveolar septa and around bronchi, bronchioles, and blood vessels, and vasculitis with subsequent vascular rupture and hemorrhage. Mycoplama cultures in two samples isolated Mycoplasma organisms with “fried egg appearance”, typical of Mycoplasma mycoides mycoides small colony type, the causative agent of CBPP. We conclude that CBPP is still prevalent in Tanzania and continues to pose a potential impending epidemic in the future.
Detection of serum neutralizing antibodies to Simbu sero-group viruses in cattle in Tanzania.
(BMC Veterinary Research, 2015) Mathew, C; Klevar, S; Elbers, A; van der Poel, W; Kirkland, P; Godfroid, J; Mdegela, R; Mwamengele, G; Stokstad, M
Background: Orthobunyaviruses belonging to the Simbu sero-group occur worldwide, including the newly recognized Schmallenberg virus (SBV) in Europe. These viruses cause congenital malformations and reproductive losses in ruminants. Information on the presence of these viruses in Africa is scarce and the origin of SBV is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of antibodies against SBV and closely related viruses in cattle in Tanzania, and their possible association with reproductive disorders. Results: In a cross-sectional study, serum from 659 cattle from 202 herds collected in 2012/2013 were analyzed using a commercial kit for SBV ELISA, and 61 % were positive. Univariable logistic regression revealed significant association between ELISA seropositivity and reproductive disorders (OR = 1.9). Sera from the same area collected in 2008/2009, before the SBV epidemic in Europe, were also tested and 71 (54.6 %) of 130 were positive. To interpret the ELISA results, SBV virus neutralization test (VNT) was performed on 110 sera collected in 2012/2013, of which 51 % were positive. Of 71 sera from 2008/2009, 21 % were positive. To investigate potential cross reactivity with related viruses, 45 sera from 2012/2013 that were positive in SBV ELISA were analyzed in VNTs for Aino, Akabane, Douglas, Peaton, Sabo, SBV, Sathuperi, Shamonda, Simbu and Tinaroo viruses. All 45 sera were positive for one or more of these viruses. Twenty-nine sera (64.4 %) were positive for SBV, and one had the highest titer for this virus. Conclusions: This is the first indication that Aino, Akabane, Douglas, Peaton, Sabo, SBV, Sathuperi, Shamonda and Tinaroo viruses circulate and cause negative effect on reproductive performance in cattle in Tanzania. SBV or a closely related virus was present before the European epidemic. However, potential cross reactivity complicates the interpretation of serological studies in areas where several related viruses may circulate. Virus isolation and molecular characterization in cattle and/or vectors is recommended to further identify the viruses circulating in this region. However, isolation in cattle is difficult due to short viremic period of 2 to 6 days, and isolation in vectors does not necessarily reflect the situation in cattle.
Effect of pond management on prevalence of intestinal parasites in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) under small scale fish farming systems in Morogoro, Tanzania
(Livestock Research for Rural Development, 2011) Mdegela, R H; Omary, AN; Mathew, C; Nonga, HE
A cross-sectional study was conducted in small scale fish farming systems in Morogoro urban and rural area between December 2007 and February 2008 to determine the effect of pond management on prevalence of intestinal parasites in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Water physicochemical parameters in fish ponds and the risk factors for intestinal parasites were determined. Information on pond type and cleanness, feeding and general pond management was also gathered through questionnaires and participant observations during the sample collection. One fifty three adult O. niloticus from 13 ponds were examined. It was found that most ponds (69%) were small and of earthen type, 77% were clean and were using river water. Up to 92% of farmers changed pond water regularly and almost all farmers reported to use maize bran as the main feed for fish. Farmers used different types of animal manure to fertilize the ponds. The observed water physicochemical levels were within the normal range for fish water ponds as recommended by FAO. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 16.3%. Specifically, 15% of fish had Eimeria oocysts while 1.3% had unidentified flukes. Prevalence of parasites was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in ponds located in rural (18.7%) than in urban areas (6.7%). Significantly (P<0.05) higher prevalence of parasites was observed in fish ponds using river water (18.8%) than in ponds using rain water (0%). Pond type was also a risk factor as there was a significantly (P < 0.05) higher parasite infection rates in earthen ponds (20.9%) than in fish reared in concrete ponds (4.7%). It is concluded that earthen fishponds, keeping fish in rural areas and using river water in ponds predisposes fish to intestinal parasites. Good water quality management and proper fish husbandry techniques will eliminate most parasitic infection and improve fish production.
Evaluation of baobab seed cake based diets for growth performance and carcass quality of pig in central zone, Tanzania
(AJOL, 2021) Magonka, J. M.; Komwihangilo, D. M.; Malago, J.
This study was carried out in Central Tanzania and aimed at evaluating the effect of Baobab seed cake (BSC) on growth performance and carcass quality of pigs. Twenty-four (24) weaners of both sexes were involved in the study which lasted for 84 days. Four diets were formulated with BSC replacing sunflower seed cake at four levels of 0, 7, 14 and 21% and allotted to four dietary treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively, in a completely randomized design. Results showed that the four levels of replacement had no significant effect on body weight gains although T2 outperformed the others in terms of weight gain with 23.19kg whereby T1 (20.54kg) and T3 (20.21kg) had almost similar weights and T4 had the lowest weight gain (15.52kg). The cost of production, carcass weights, and dressing percentages varied significantly (P≤ 0.05) whereby costs of production (in Tshs) were 151,643.28, 162,965.52, 150,820.03 and 117,646.74 for T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. Carcass weight and dressing percentages were 23kg, 20.5kg, 18.50kg, 9.50kgs and 55.4, 53.9, 51.4 and 48.7% for T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. Histopathology analyses of the carcasses indicated that there were no any detrimental changes resulting from an inclusion of BSC in pig diets thus the pork was fit for human consumption.
Evidences of declining rabies: A retrospective study of cumulative clinical data at Sokoine University Animal Hospital, Tanzania
(Tanzania Veterinary Journal, 2019) Matondo, A. B.
Rabies remains one of the public health threats with annual deaths approximated to be up to 1500 in Tanzania and 59000 globally. Despite of its importance, there is a significant gap in surveillance especially for Canine rabies partly due to insufficient reporting system. The aim of this study was to analyze pre-existing clinical data on Canine rabies for the past 21 years starting from 1995 to 2015 and investigate the dynamics of suspected and confirmed Canine rabies recorded during the studied period. The study discovered that over 91% of all rabies suspects registered at Animal Hospital and Pathology Laboratory, Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) originated from Morogoro district partly because the Hospital and Laboratory are located within the district. The remaining cases came from Mvomero, Iringa, Kilosa, Kilombero, Mpwapwa and Gairo districts respectively in the decreasing order. Interestingly only 7.4% of the 87 confirmed rabid dogs had vaccination history against rabies. Furthermore, the study revealed gradual decrease in number of suspected and confirmed cases of rabies from early 2000s onwards. Finally, the higher number of rabid dogs with no vaccination history underscores the importance of vaccination in rabies control. The overall decreasing number of rabid dogs should serve as a motivation for continued concerted rabies control efforts towards total elimination.
Gastrointestinal disorders: symptoms, treatment and prevention
(Nova Science Publishers, Inc, 2012) Malago, J. J.
The digestive system, which extends from the mouth to the anus, is responsible for receiving food, breaking it down into nutrients (digestion), absorbing the nutrients into the bloodstream, and eliminating the undigestible parts of food from the body. It consists of the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and the anus. In addition, the digestive system consists of accessory digestive glands namely the liver, exocrine pancreas, and the biliary system consisting of the gallbladder and the bile duct. Disorders of the gastrointestinal system can be divided into: 1. Upper gastrointestinal disorders which involve diseases of the oral cavity, esophagus, and the stomach. Disorders of the oral cavity include those in the mouth, parotid and other salivary glands, and the pharynx. 2. Intestinal disorders which include disorders of the small intestine, large intestine, those involving both small and large intestine, rectum, and the anus. Conditions affecting the small intestine include conditions like enteritis (duodenitis, jejunitis, ileitis), duodenal (peptic) ulcer, and malabsorption. Those affecting the large intestine include appendicitis, colitis, functional colonic disease (e.g. irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal pseudoobstruction), megacolon, and diverticular disease. Examples of conditions occurring in both large and small intestines are enterocolitis and Crohn’s disease. Conditions affecting the rectum and the anus include proctitis, rectal prolapsed, anorectal fistula/fissure, and hemorrhoids. 3. Accessory digestive gland disorders are disorders of the liver, exocrine pancreas, gallbladder and bile duct. Examples of conditions affecting the liver include disorders of the liver parenchyma such as acute viral hepatitis (hepatitis A,B,C,D,E), yellow fever, cirrhosis, haemochromatosis and tumors like hepatocellular carcinoma. The biliary system could suffer from cholecystitis, gallstones, and cholesterolosis whereas the exocrine pancreas may have developmental abnormalities, pancreatitis, and pancreatic insufficiency. Owing to the nature and location of the condition, symptoms and subsequent treatment and prevention vary significantly. In general terms, congenital disorders may need surgical correction while infectious cases need antimicrobial therapy following identification of specific causative agents. Most of the gastrointestinal disorders are treated symptomatically. In this case, therapy is instituted to correct effects of symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea (antiemetics, oral rehydration salts, intravenous fluid infusion) or muscular disorders like esophageal spasms where long acting anticholinergics or calcium blockers such as nifedipine relief the symptoms. Thus use of antimicrobials, surgery, and symptomatic therapy are major approaches to treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Apart from congenital and inherited disorders, many gastrointestinal conditions can be prevented by proper and safe nutrition as well as drinking of safe water. Some specific conditions, such as gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, inflammatory bowel diseases, cirrhosis, liver failure, and pancreatitis may need very special attention for treatment. In this book chapter, current findings on research and medical practice on symptoms, treatment and prevention of specific gastrointestinal disorders will be described in detail.
Immunohistochemical detection of Mycoplasma mucoid mucoid small colony type in lungs of slaughtered cattle at Morogoro slaughterhouse, Tanzania
(Tanzania Veterinary Journal, 2015) Malago, J. J.; Mlay, J. D.
Diagnosis of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in carrier animals remains to be a challenge in developing countries partly because of lack of diagnostic tools that can detect asymptomatic animals. As a result many apparently healthy animals pose a potential impending epidemic in periods of stress. We examined condemned lungs with CBPP-like lesions from apparently healthy slaughtered animals to confirm presence of the disease in these animals. A total of 13 lungs collected at abattoir were examined immunohistochemically using 3H12 and 6E3 monoclonal antibodies against Mycoplasma mycoides mycoides (MmmSC), the causative agent of CBPP. Both 3H12 and 6E3 antibodies detected the MmmSC antigens in all the 13 lungs in bronchial, bronchiolar and alveolar epithelia, bronchial glands, bronchial cartilage, and in alveoli. We conclude that CBPP is still present in various places of Tanzania, posing a threat to livestock production and that immunohistochemistry can be an efficient diagnostic method to confirm presence of the disease in asymptomatic healthy animals passed for slaughter.
Intraperitoneal administration of butyrate prevents the severity of acetic acid colitis in rats
(Journal of Zhejiang University-SCIENCE B (Biomedicine & Biotechnology), 2015) Malago, J. J.; Sangu, C. L.
Intrarectal infusion of butyrate improves colorectal disorders including ulcerative colitis (UC). However, it is not established whether systemically administered butyrate benefits such patients. The current study aimed at exploring and comparing the potential of intraperitoneally, intrarectally, and orally administered butyrate against acetic acid (AA)-induced UC in rats. Intrarectal administration of 2 ml of 50% AA was done after or without prior treatment of rats for 7 consecutive days with 100 mg/kg sodium butyrate (SB) intraperitoneally, intrarectally, or orally. Rats were sacrificed after 48 h of AA-treatment. Subsequently, colon sections were processed routinely for histopathological examination. We clinically observed diarrhea, loose stools, and hemoccult-positive stools, and histologically, epithelial loss and ulceration, crypt damage, goblet cell depletion, hemorrhage, and mucosal infiltration of inflammatory cells. The changes were significantly reduced by intraperitoneal, intrarectal, or oral butyrate, with intraperitoneal butyrate exhibiting the highest potency. It is concluded that intraperitoneal administration of butyrate abrogates the lesions of AA-induced UC and its potency surpasses that of intrarectal or oral butyrate.
Molecular epidemiology of Brucella species in mixed livestock-human ecosystems in Kenya
(Nature scientific Report, 2021) Akoko, JM; Pelle, R; Lukambagire, AS; Machuka, EM; Nthiw, D; Mathew, C; Fèvre, EM; Bett, B; Cook, EAJ; Othero, D; Bonfoh, B; Kazwala, R; Shirima, G; Schelling, E; Halliday, JEB; Ouma, C
Brucellosis, caused by several species of the genus Brucella, is a zoonotic disease that affects humans and animal species worldwide. Information on the Brucella species circulating in different hosts in Kenya is largely unknown, thus limiting the adoption of targeted control strategies. This study was conducted in multi-host livestock populations in Kenya to detect the circulating Brucella species and assess evidence of host–pathogen associations. Serum samples were collected from 228 cattle, 162 goats, 158 sheep, 49 camels, and 257 humans from Narok and Marsabit counties in Kenya. Information on age, location and history of abortion or retained placenta were obtained for sampled livestock. Data on age, gender and location of residence were also collected for human participants. All samples were tested using genus level real-time PCR assays with primers specific for IS711 and bcsp31 targets for the detection of Brucella. All genus positive samples (positive for both targets) were further tested with a speciation assay for AlkB and BMEI1162 targets, specific for B. abortus and B. melitensis, respectively. Samples with adequate quantities aggregating to 577 were also tested with the Rose Bengal Test (RBT). A total of 199 (33.3%) livestock and 99 (38.5%) human samples tested positive for genus Brucella. Animal Brucella PCR positive status was positively predicted by RBT positive results (OR = 8.3, 95% CI 4.0–17.1). Humans aged 21–40 years had higher odds (OR = 2.8, 95% CI 1.2–6.6) of being Brucella PCR positive compared to the other age categories. The data on detection of different Brucella species indicates that B. abortus was detected more often in cattle (OR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.1–4.6) and camels (OR = 2.9, 95% CI 1.3–6.3), while B. melitensis was detected more in sheep (OR = 3.6, 95% CI 2.0–6.7) and goats (OR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.0–3.1). Both B. abortus and B. melitensis DNA were detected in humans and in multiple livestock host species, suggesting cross-transmission of these species among the different hosts. The detection of these two zoonotic Brucella species in humans further underpins the importance of One Health prevention strategies that target multiple host species, especially in the multi-host livestock populations.
Over-expression of heat shock protein 90 reduces the severity of carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity in rats
(International Journal of Sciences: Basic and Applied Research, 2018) Malago, J. J.
Cellular response to stress leads to production of heat shock proteins (Hsps) that are protective against various perturbations including stress, infection and inflammation. The liver is a victim to many body disturbances including intoxications and systemic diseases. Stemming on the ability of Hsps to protect an array of perturbations in various body systems, it is justifiable to explore their protective potency to the rat model of carbon tetrachloride (CTC)-induced hepatic toxicity. The current study therefore aimed at testing whether prior induction of Hsp90 could protect the liver against CTC. Rats were exposed to zinc sulphate (ZS) to induce Hsp90 then CTC for 8, 24, 48 or 72 hr. At the end of treatment, rats were sacrificed, autopsied, liver samples taken and fixed in formalin and routinely processed. Sectioned tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin or anti-Hsp90 monoclonal antibodies to assess morphological changes and Hsp90 expression respectively. CTC induced damage to the liver that was reduced by ZS. The ZS-mediated reduction of CTC-induced hepatic damage matched with ZS-induced over-expression of Hsp90. It is concluded that over-expression of Hsp90 is beneficial against CTC-induced hepatotoxicity.

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