Search

The global terror instigated by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cannot be underestimated and the need for drastic measures towards its control cannot be overemphasized. Coronavirus disease 2019 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) following attachment of the virus to specific receptors in the body. The distribution of these specialized receptors in various organs and tissues of the body is responsible for the various clinical presentations associated with the disease after infection. Despite the higher risk of spread of the infection, autopsies have been carried out though with maximum precautionary measures and information provided to further elucidate the extent of damages caused by the disease. Pathologic mechanisms leading to death from COVID-19 include respiratory failure due to surfactant deficiency and consequent alveolar collapse, cardiac syncope from direct damage to cardiac muscles, peripheral paralysis, cytokine storm and excessive haemorrhage from impaired coagulation. In patients that recover, potential outcomes which could be short- and/or long-term have been recognized. As a means to develop effective control, eradication and prevention strategies, a proper understanding of the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection will fully ensure a positive breakthrough. Hence, in this article, the pathologic basis of COVID-19 are provided based on extensive literature searches, and proposed mechanisms of pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, autopsy findings and sequelae are being described.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an endemic disease of small ruminants globally and, the disease controlled primarily by vaccination. The aim of this study was to determine the changes in haematological parameters of pregnant goats vaccinated against PPR. Ten pregnant female goats were obtained for the purpose of this study. The pregnant goats were at about the same stage of pregnancy, confirmed by ultrasonography. Vaccination using the Nigeria 75/1 PPR virus vaccine was done at first trimester of pregnancy. Protective antibodies against PPR were detected one week post-vaccination using competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA). Blood samples were collected in sample bottles containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) before vaccination and at two weeks interval post-vaccination for ten weeks. Microhaematocrit and thin blood smear techniques were used for the haematological analyses. Haemoglobin concentration (Hb) was determined using the cyanmethaemoglobin method. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were calculated. There was no statistically significant difference in all the haematological parameters before and after vaccination against PPR. In conclusion, the vaccination of apparently healthy pregnant goats against PPR produced no alteration in the haemogram.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an endemic disease of small ruminants in Nigeria and routine vaccination is the mainstay for its prevention and control. This study was aimed to assess PPR antibodies in vaccinated pregnant does and subsequent maternal immunity in their kids post parturition (PP). Twelve apparently healthy pregnant Kano brown does were used for this study. Pregnancy (third trimester) was confirmed by ultrasonography. Does were vaccinated using Nigerian 75/1 PPR strain vaccine produced by the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) Vom, Nigeria. Blood was collected from does and sera harvested pre-vaccination (PrV), one week post vaccination (PV) and at two weeks interval for up to 12 weeks PP. Sera were collected from kids at two weeks of age and at two weeks interval for up to 12 weeks PP. Sera were tested for PPR antibodies using competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA). Results showed that 100% of vaccinated does had and maintained protective PPR antibodies PV. There was significant difference (P

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious, trans-boundary viral disease of sheep and goats that have hindered successful small ruminant farming. Its current status in South East Nigeria with respect to its prevalence and farmers’ awareness was studied. Three states, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu, were randomly selected for the study. Sera samples from 113 goats and 172 sheep (collected from December 2017 to June 2018) were randomly collected and analysed for the presence of PPRV antibodies, while structured interview schedules were conducted to elicit information on farmers’ awareness of the disease and PPR vaccination and use of veterinary services. An overall seroprevalence of 42.5% (121/285) was recorded. The seroprevalence in decreasing order was 62.2% (Enugu), 34.8% (Anambra) and 20.3% (Ebonyi). There was a significant association (X2 = 36.08, df = 2, p = 0.0001) between seroprevalence and the state sampled. Lack of awareness of PPR vaccination among small ruminant farmers, their limited use of veterinary services (38% consult veterinarians) and non-availability of the vaccine at veterinary establishments in the sampled states are potential risk factors of PPR prevalence in South East Nigeria. Consequently, an effective control measure like mass vaccination is recommended for the study area. Also, there is a need for an extension program for stakeholders and farmers in the study area and country on the grave importance and economic benefits of PPR vaccination and the use of veterinary services.

Since its emergence in Nigeria, canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) infection has posed problems to dog breeding and requires constant awareness and monitoring. In this study, the status, the assessment of extrinsic risk factors of parvoviral infection in dog kennels in North Central Nigeria, and isolation of the CPV-2 were carried out. Potential risk factors were considered during sampling: age, breed, sex, location, vaccination and health status, using well-structured questionnaires on dog owners with experience of CPV-2 infection. There was high prevalence which depended on age, breed, location, clinical status of the dog while vaccination status of the dogs did not influence the prevalence. CPV-2 vaccination compliance by the breeders and management system of the kennels were also observed as risk factors. Isolation of CPV-2a and -2c strains from Nigeria for further study has been reported. The spread of CPV-2 in Nigeria is increasing, hence needs for continual epidemiological monitoring and review.