Co-circulation of multiple genotypes of African swine fever viruses among domestic pigs in Zambia (2013-2015)

During 2013-2015, several and severe outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) affected domestic pigs in six provinces of Zambia. Genetic characterization of ASF viruses (ASFVs) using standardized genotyping procedures revealed that genotypes I, II and XIV were associated with these outbreaks. Molecular and epidemiological data suggest that genotype II ASFV (Georgia 2007/1-like) detected in Northern Province of Zambia may have been introduced from neighbouring Tanzania. Also, a genotype II virus detected in Eastern Province of Zambia showed a p54 phylogenetic relationship that was inconsistent with that of p72, underscoring the genetic variability of ASFVs. While it appears genotype II viruses detected in Zambia arose from a domestic pig cycle, genotypes I and XIV possibly emerged from a sylvatic cycle. Overall, this study demonstrates the co-circulation of multiple genotypes of ASFVs, involvement of both the sylvatic and domestic pig cycle in ASF outbreaks in Zambia and possible trans-boundary spread of the disease in south-eastern Africa. Indeed, while there is need for regional or international concerted efforts in the control of ASF, understanding pig marketing practices, pig population dynamics, pig housing and rearing systems and community engagement will be important considerations when designing future prevention and control strategies of this disease in Zambia.

Design and in vivo evaluation of carvedilol buccal mucoadhesive patches

The buccal region offers an attractive route of administration for systemic drug delivery. Carvedilol (dose, 3.125-25 mg) is beta-adrenergic antagonist. Its oral bioavailability is 25-35% because of first pass metabolism. Buccal absorption studies of a carvedilol solution in human volunteers showed 32.86% drug absorption. FTIR and UV spectroscopic methods revealed that there was no interaction between carvedilol and polymers. Carvedilol patches were prepared using HPMC, carbopol 934, eudragit RS 100, and ethylcellulose. The patches were evaluated for their thickness uniformity, folding endurance, weight uniformity, content uniformity, swelling behaviour, tensile strength, and surface pH. In vitro release studies were conducted for carvedilol-loaded patches in phosphate buffer (pH, 6.6) solution. Patches exhibited drug release in the range of 86.26 to 98.32% in 90 min. Data of in vitro release from patches were fit to different equations and kinetic models to explain release profiles. Kinetic models used were zero and first-order equations, Hixon-Crowell, Higuchi, and Korsmeyer-Peppas models. In vivo drug release studies in rabbits showed 90.85% of drug release from HPMC-carbopol patch while it was 74.63 to 88.02% within 90 min in human volunteers. Good correlation among in vitro release and in vivo release of carvedilol was observed.

The prevalence of bovine herpesvirus-1 in traditional cattle in Southern Province, Zambia

A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1), which causes infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, in cattle destined for market in Southern Province, Zambia. A total of 116 nasal secretion samples were tested using the direct fluorescent antibody test, while blood samples from the same cattle were examined by a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The prevalence of the BHV-1 antigens in cattle was 23.28% (27/116), while the mean prevalence of the BHV-1 antibodies was 48.28% (56/116). This study showed that cattle in transit to markets could easily spread the virus, which was reactivated by the stress of trekking for long distances under unfavourable conditions, to the other cattle with which they came into contact. Thus, these transit cattle posed a serious threat to other bovines. Systems of cattle trading where cattle must be transported a long wayto market should be reviewed by the authorities to minimise the conditions that may exacerbate the spread of infection.

Re-evaluation of reading frame-shift hypothesis in Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy

The reading frame hypothesis has been proposed to explain the molecular basis of two allelic forms of muscular dystrophies, Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy (D/BMD). To evaluate the hypothesis in Indian D/BMD patients, we analyzed deletion of dystrophin exons in 147 DMD and 19 BMD patients. Our studies showed deviation of more than 30% from the reading frame hypothesis in DMD patients (47/147). The present results implicate a need to reevaluate the reading frame hypothesis.

Fighting cancer in the information age: the role of Internet

Cancer is a major health problem worldwide which is likely to assume alarming proportions in the next two decades. Communication and information have increasingly been considered important in helping people to cope with cancer. The arrival of Internet offers the opportunity to fundamentally reinvent medicine and health care delivery. Medical professionals can now use the Internet for continuing medical education, access latest medical information, for fast confirmation of diagnosis, exchange opinion on treatment strategies and in palliative care. Internet can provide cost-effective and timely ways to deliver a complex mix of interesting and high-quality information and expertise to cancer patients. Patients can also independently search the Internet to know about their illness and treatment options. However, of concern is the quality of information that is available in the 'Net'. Some Internet sites may contain erroneous information on cancer and can pose serious problems. There are also many good sites, which provide quality information on cancer for medical professionals, researchers and patients. This article focuses on how the Internet will aid us in fight against cancer.

Molecular diagnosis in haemophilia A

Haemophilia A is the commonest cause of X-linked inherited bleeding disorder. Due to inadequate medical facility for management of the disease, the DNA based genetic diagnosis has assumed great importance. Ideally, the direct detection of mutations is the most accurate and reliable approach for carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis. However, mutation detection is possible only in limited number of cases. In majority of haemophiliacs, no common mutation is easily identifiable. The limitation has been over come by the use of linkage-based analysis using polymorphic DNA markers in the factor VIII gene. Some of these markers can be identified by restriction enzymes and are called RFLP markers. Other markers are a class of short tandem repeats sequences which result in differences in the number of CA repeats in different individuals. The combined use of these markers has made it possible to identify carriers and provide prenatal diagnosis in upto 95% of families having affected individuals. Therefore, the recurrence of the disease can be prevented to a great extent in the haemophilia A affected families.

Internet resources for the human geneticist

The Internet is a massive expanding body of information, which is likely to play a significant role for clinicians and researchers across the world. Since its inception in December 1969 the Internet has grown rapidly and is anticipated to expand 1,000% in the coming next few years. Various useful databases on human genetics are already in 'the Net' and many more are being added constantly. The future of human geneticist is in handling of information. In this review of Internet and compilation of important web site addresses we expect to stimulate and instruct human geneticists in navigating the Net. The list of web sites provided in this article is expected to facilitate their search.

Tuberculosis in Kafue lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis) and in a bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) on a game ranch in central province, Zambia

Mycobacteriosis was diagnosed for the first time outside a national park in free-ranging wild animals on a game ranch in Zambia. A Kafue lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis) was found dead with tuberculous lesions on a ranch near Lusaka. Acid-fast bacilli were found in the affected organs. Mycobacteria were isolated from these tissues. A bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) was found dead on the same ranch with multiple superficial abscesses in the neck region, extensive granulomatous lesions in the lung, the bronchial and mediastinal lymph nodes and several nodular lesions in the spleen. Few acid-fast bacilli were found in the exudate from the abscesses and lesions in the affected organs. Histologically the lesions resembled those of tuberculosis, but mycobacteria could not be isolated. In addition, 1 Kafue lechwe among 37 wild ungulates of 13 species shot on the ranch showed typical tuberculous lesions in the lungs, but the diagnosis was not confirmed by bacterial isolation. The role of the Kafue lechwe as maintenance host for tuberculosis as well as in the possible spread of this disease to other wildlife are discussed.

Cutaneous staphylococcal granuloma in a free living zebra (Equus burchelli) in Zambia

An outgrowth on the left anteriothoracic region behind the elbow joint was seen in a free living Zebra at the time of postmortem examination. The covering skin was ulcerated, nodular, hard with multiple fistula containing yellowish pus. A pure culture of coagulase positive Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from the deep tissue. Histopathology revealed pyogranulomatous dermatitis characterized by eosinophilic amorphous grains including bacterial colonies. This is the first report of cutaneous staphylococcal granuloma in Zebra in Zambia.

Veterinary ethics in the liberalized market: the Zambian environment

The Zambian veterinary delivery system is responding to changes in the socio-economic environment and in the structural organisation and functions of the delivery system itself. Privatisation and liberalization are now being actively pursued as official Government policy with free competition being encouraged. As a profession, veterinarians must safeguard their interests by, among other actions, self-regulating their activities so as to enhance their standing in society and to develop or maintain standards worthy of the profession. This will be achieved largely through the Veterinary Association of Zambia. It is also imperative for the Government to ensure that governmental policy succeeds by providing an appropriate environment and by protecting the public and animals from undesirable actions by agents of the delivery system (veterinarians and para-professionals). There is also the need to maintain harmony among these agents and to resolve any differences which develop between colleagues and subordinates. Such objectives call for laws and codes of ethics appropriate to the environment of Zambia to be established to guide practitioners, the Veterinary Association, the public and any statutory body which is established to enforce these laws and codes of conduct. The authors explore the meanings of ethics and laws, the principles which will guide stakeholders to develop such ethics and the roles of veterinary associations, statutory bodies, e.g. Veterinary Boards or Councils, veterinary schools and other stakeholders, such as para-professionals, including auxiliaries. The authors also examine the implications of certain rules, such as free competition in service delivery. The establishment of regulations and quality control methods are discussed briefly.

Status of Salmonella gallinarum-pullorum infections in poultry in Zambia

Ten outbreaks of Salmonella gallinarum-pullorum infections on poultry farms in Zambia were investigated. Three cases were seen in day-old broiler chickens and were diagnosed by culture as S. gallinarum-pullorum and characterized as pullorum disease because the mortality was only in the first few weeks. Another case was diagnosed by culture from broiler parent stock. Day-old chicks from two of the three cases were supplied by a hatchery. Five cases in 5-to-18-month-old layer chickens were diagnosed by culture as S. gallinarum-pullorum and characterized as fowl typhoid because of the clinical disease appearing after 5 months of age and the typical lesions of fowl typhoid. The last case was in 5-month-old village-bred fowls and was diagnosed by culture and clinical manifestation as fowl typhoid. Outbreaks of S. gallinarum-pullorum are still manifest in Zambia. Clinically, both pullorum disease and fowl typhoid were observed, and it was indicated that hatchery infection plays an important role in the transmission of S. gallinarum-pullorum.

Detection of Salmonella DNA in chicken embryos and environmental samples by polymerase chain reaction

By polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a pair of primers specific for Salmonella phoE gene a 365-bp specific gene fragment could be amplified from yolk of infertile eggs and dead-in-shell chicken embryos, and from environmental samples. Out of 45 dead-in-shell embryo samples, 20 (44.4%) were found positive for Salmonella DNA by PCR compared to 11 (24.4%) by bacteria isolation. Salmonella DNA could also be detected from infertile eggs, chicken faeces, floor litter and chick fluff, which incidence was higher than that by bacteria isolation.

Viral diseases of livestock in Zambia

This review is to provide information on viral diseases of livestock in Zambia. The distribution of the diseases as well as the control measures and limited research that has been done, are described. Foot and mouth disease (FMD) causes serious economic losses in the cattle industry. So far five serotypes (SAT1, SAT2, SAT3, O and At of FMD virus have been isolated in Zambia. Other notifiable viral diseases are rabies, Rift Valley fever, Lumpy skin disease, African horse sickness, bluetongue, African swine fever, Newcastle disease, Marek's disease, fowlpox and infectious bursal disease. Based on the reports of clinical and/or serological diagnoses, these are widespread in the country, although their precise incidence rates are not known. With the establishment of a veterinary school equipped with modern diagnostic facilities and the increasing number of qualified veterinary personnel, this review would stimulate surveillance study on the viral diseases for the ultimate goal of achieving effective disease control measures.

Human and bovine tuberculosis in the Monze District of Zambia--a cross-sectional study

One hundred and seventy-six randomly selected rural households in the Monze District of Zambia were interviewed; 103 of these presented cattle for tuberculin testing. Of the 2226 cattle tested, 165 (7.4%) were positive reactors; 33% of herds contained positive animals. Risk of a positive reaction varied with an animal's age and body condition. Cattle in larger herds were more likely to give positive reactions. Ten households reported a human case of tuberculosis (TB) during the preceding 12 months; the herds or these households were six times more likely to have a tuberculin-positive animal than herds in households without a reported human TB case.

Bronchial contamination with toxic metals in mineral-based industrial areas of India

Selected toxic metals (Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr, Co, Cd, Ni and Mn) were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in 55 samples of bronchial washouts obtained from patients with respiratory ailments. These subjects either worked or lived in industrial locations which have mineral-based industries such as steel plants, thermal power plants, cement plants, limestone mines and iron ore mines. Half of the samples analysed were from the plant workers and the other half from the non-workers living in the respective industrial areas. Samples from subjects living outside the industrial areas were also collected and analysed. The highest occurrence of toxic metals was found in the subjects living in the steel plant area. The occurrence was of the order: steel plant > thermal power plant > cement plant > iron ore mines > limestone mines > non industrial areas. Plant workers showed a higher presence of metals in their respiratory tracts compared to the non-workers in each industrial area. Higher depositions were noticed in areas of coal-fired industries compared to non-coal-fired industries. Zn, Cu and Pb were more likely to reach the respiratory tracts. The occurrences were found to increase with the age of the subjects. A slightly higher susceptibility to bronchial contamination was noticed in females.

Dermatophilosis (Cutaneous streptothricosis) in Kafue lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis)

Extensive dermatitis caused by Dermatophilus congolensis was identified in two kafue lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis) in Lochinvar National Park of Zambia. The lesions were characterized by thickening of the skin, crusts, and nodfule formation. Almost all parts of the body were affected. Histologically there was an exudative dermatitis with acanthosis, parakeratosis, hyperkeratosis, and an exudate rich in neutrophils. This is the first known report of dermatophilosis in lechwe.

Toxic metals status in kidneys and gallstones of workers in a steel plant environment

Samples of kidney stones and gallstones obtained from patients who were workers at a steel plant, or residents of the steel plant township area and those unrelated to the steel plant and steel plant township area were analysed for the presence of toxic metals (Zn, Cr, Ni, Co, Cu, Pb, Hg, Cd and Mn) by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Other constituents (moisture, organic matter, oxalate, phosphate, fluoride and calcium) were also determined in each sample. In most of the samples the highest occurrence of toxic metals was found in the samples obtained from workers of the steel plant who were also residents of the steel plant township area. In samples obtained from patients who were non-workers of the plant but residents of the steel plant township area, the concentrations of the toxic metals were smaller, but higher than in those cases who were unrelated to the steel plant environment.

Bilateral duplication of the ceca in a domestic chicken

Bilateral duplication of the ceca in an adult chicken was observed. One characteristic in addition to the duplication was excessive enlargement of one cecum, which contained 336 grams of cecal contents. Undeveloped and developed eggs were also retained in the oviduct because of oviductal atresia. There are few reports of anomalies in domestic fowl (1,2,3,5). Most studies of the incidence of abnormalities in domestic fowl have been assessments of case collections. This paper reports a rare congenital abnormality of the ceca in a domestic chicken, unreported before in the literature, together with atresia of the oviduct and retention of undeveloped and developed eggs in the oviduct.

Oxidisability of environmental sulphur under different catalytic conditions

The oxidation of elemental sulphur in the catalytic presence of selected metal ions [Cr(III), Ce(III), Cu(II), Hg(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Mo(VI), Cd(II), Zn(II), Ti(IV), and V(V)], and hydrocarbons (benzene, gasoline, and kerosene) was studied in an alkaline medium buffered by marble powder. The catalytic efficiencies of metal ions were: Cr(III) > Ce(III) > Cu(II) > Hg(II) > Ni(II). The oxidation process was inhibited in the presence of other ions, and the inhibitive effect was in the following order: Co(II) < Mo(VI) < Cd(II) < Zn(II) < Ti(IV) < V(V). In the case of hydrocarbons, the efficiencies were as follows: gasoline > benzene > kerosene. The oxidation of sulphur in sulphur-loaded soils obtained from near a textile mill and a distillery were also carried out in the c both cases was significantly enhanced.

Rate evaluation of marble damage by SO2-acidity in the vicinity of stacks

A laboratory modelling for the assessment of damage to marble by the SO2-acidity in the vicinity of stacks has been devised. The modelling is based on the role of metal oxide particulates (also emitted by smoke-stacks) which catalytically convert SO2 to SO3 forming H2SO4 (in presence of water), which has an excessively high selectivity, compared with HNO3, for corroding marble. The requisites of the modelling are: (1) determination of composition of the marble, (2) immersion of samples of marble blocks (after measurement of surface areas) in H2SO4 solutions of known concentrations, maintaining pH and temperature at their initial values, (3) determination of concentrations of Ca and Mg (major components of marble) in the leachate, and thereby evaluating the mass loss of the marble, in terms of mg marble cm(-2) day(-1), for each level of H2S04 concentration, (4) application of derived data for evaluation of duration (in years) for the decay of 1 cm thickness of marble block by the process of surface corrosion. From the modelling, it was found that the duration for the damage of 1 cm thickness of the marble sample used here by SO2 acidities of 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100 ppm are 83.01, 69.02, 31.24, 8.19 and 4.31 years respectively.

Solubilisation effect of spent wash on oxide-ores of manganese and iron

Samples of iron ore (haematite) and manganese ore (pyrolusite) of known compositions were equilibrated with aliquots of analysed sample of spent wash. The concentrations of iron(II), iron(III), complexed iron, manganese(II) ions and complexed Mn-ions were determined after increasing durations. One litre of the spent wash was found to extract out 141 mg of total iron and 161 mg of total manganese. In case of iron, the predominance was of iron(II) (92%), whereas in case of manganese it was of the complexed form (95%).

Poxvirus infection in Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus)

An outbreak was encountered of numerous yellowish cutaneous nodules in one- to two-year-old farmed Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) in Kasaba Bay Crocodile Farm at Lake Tanganyika in Zambia during 1988. Out of 4000 crocodiles of different age groups, 300 yearlings were affected and 82 of those affected died. The lesions were prominent on the head, especially around the eyelids, the nostrils, both sides of the mouth, ventral neck, ventral pale belly, limbs and the root of the tail. Histologically, the epidermal lesions revealed large focal areas of marked acanthosis accompanied by hyperkeratosis and parakeratosis. In the prickle cells, there were multiple small neutrophilic granular inclusions and large eosinophilic homogeneous cytoplasmic inclusions. Electron microscopically, there were numerous poxvirus particles and matrices in the cytoplasm of many prickle cells. Dark blue homogeneous cytoplasmic inclusions in toluidine blue sections consisted of an electron opaque matrix with mature viral particles (160 x 200 x 230 nm). Furthermore, there were clumps of granular matrix containing immature viral particles (200 x 399 nm) in the cytoplasm. Various features of viral developing processes were observed.