Pigs In Nigeria Research Articles

Prediction of body weight of mixed breeds of pigs in Nigeria through morpho-biometric traits using classification and regression tree models

Prediction of body weight of mixed breeds of pigs in Nigeria through morpho-biometric traits using classification and regression tree models

Effects of Repeatability and Heritability Growth Traits on Indigenous Guinea Pigs in Nigeria

Effects of Repeatability and Heritability Growth Traits on Indigenous Guinea Pigs in Nigeria

Influenza A virus antibodies in horses and pigs in Nigeria: The need for One Health approach

Influenza A viruses are a great threat to human health because of their heterogeneity in its host range and the propensity of reassortment to novel viruses with pandemic potential. There is risk of zoonotic transmission of influenza A between humans and livestock due to close interactions. Due to the paucity of data on influenza A viruses among domesticated animals, we investigated the presence of nucleocapsid of influenza A virus antibodies using ID screen® influenza A antibody competitive multi-species enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. A total of 184 pigs were sampled from Benue state, and 92 horses were sampled from three local government areas of Kaduna state, Nigeria. Of the animals sampled, an estimated 25% (95% CI: 18.92, 31.90) of pigs and 93.48% (95% CI: 86.34, 97.57) of horses tested positive for influenza A virus IgG. The results indicate exposure of domestic animals to influenza A virus, thereby raising concern of potential epidemics in both animals and humans. There is need for increased surveillance in both domestic animals and humans who are in close interaction.

Serological Investigation of Japanese Encephalitis Virus Infection in Commercially Reared Pigs, Southwestern Nigeria.

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a zoonotic arbovirus that causes abortion, stillbirth, and congenital defects in pigs, and epidemic encephalitis in humans. Currently, there is scarcity of information on JEV infection in pigs in Nigeria. Since the Culex tritaeniorhynchus vector of JEV is present in Nigeria and considering recent anecdotal reports of abortions and birth of weak piglets in some pig farms in southwestern Nigeria, there is a need for studies on the presence of the virus and its true burden among pig populations in the country. Serum samples (n=368) obtained from farm-reared pigs in four States of southwestern Nigeria were screened for JEV-specific IgG antibodies using a commercial ELISA kit. An overall JEV seropositivity of 35.1% (95% CI: 30.18 - 39.93%) was obtained, with detectable antibodies in pigs of all age groups, breeds, sex, and locations. Our results suggest natural exposure of these unvaccinated intensively reared pigs to JEV circulating silently in the swine population with significant association of the seropositivity with location (state/community in which the pig farms exist) and breed of the pigs studied. This first report of detection of anti-JEV antibodies in pigs in Nigeria indicates that JEV circulated among these pigs and underscores the need for active surveillance for JEV in humans, pigs, and mosquitoes to provide valuable epidemiological data for the design of effective control strategies against the virus, thus forestalling potential future outbreaks of the infection.

Diversity and emergence of new variants of African swine fever virus Genotype I circulating in domestic pigs in Nigeria (2016-2018).

African swine fever (ASF) is the most lethal disease of pigs caused by ASF virus (ASFV) with severe economic implications and threat to the swine industry in endemic countries. Between 2016 and 2018, several ASF outbreaks were reported throughout pig producing states in Nigeria. Thereafter, this study was designed to identify the ASFV genotypes responsible for these outbreaks within the study period (2016-2018). Twenty-two ASFV-positive samples by polymerase chain reaction were selected. The samples were collected during passive surveillance in eight states of Nigeria were characterised using 3 partial genes sequences of the virus namely, p72 capsid protein of the B646L, p54 envelope protein of E183L and the central variable region (CVR) within B602L of ASFV. Phylogenetic and sequences analysis based on p72 and p54 revealed ASFV genotype I as the circulating virus. Sequence analysis of the CVR of B602L revealed genetic variations with six ASFV tandem repeat sequence (TRS) variants namely, Tet-15, Tet-20a, Tet-21b, Tet-27, Tet-31 and Tet-34, thus increasing the overall genetic diversity of ASFV in Nigeria. Three of the TRS variants, Tet-21b, Tet-31 and Tet-34, were identified for the first time in Nigeria. The new TRS variants of ASFV genotype I were identified in Enugu, Imo, Plateau and Taraba states, while co-circulation of multiple variants of ASFV genotype I was recorded in Plateau and Benue states. The high genetic diversity, emergence and increasing recovery of new variants of genotype I in Nigeria should be a concern given that ASFV is a relatively stable DNA virus. The epidemiological implications of these findings require further investigation.

Coinfections of African swine fever virus, porcine circovirus 2 and 3, and porcine parvovirus 1 in swine in Nigeria.

As pig production increases in Africa, it is essential to identify the pathogens that are circulating in the swine population to assess pig welfare and implement targeted control measures. For this reason, DNA samples collected from pigs in Nigeria in the context of African swine fever monitoring were further screened by PCR for porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2), porcine circovirus 3 (PCV-3), and porcine parvovirus 1 (PPV1). Forty-seven (45%) pigs were positive for two or more pathogens. Sequence analysis identified PCV-2 genotypes a, b, and d, while limited genetic heterogenicity was observed among PCV-3 strains. All except one of the PPV1 sequences were genetically distinct from those previously identified in other countries.

Dental pathologies in the nigerian local pigs (Sus scrofa)

Background: Dental pathologies are noticeable alterations or deviations from normal dental architecture and can be influenced by genetic or environmental factors. This present study aimed to identify and report the dental pathologies in the Nigerian local pig. Materials and methods: The cleaned skulls of 47 local pigs, aged between 3-51 months were assessed for observable dental abnormalities such as missing teeth, fractured teeth, persistent deciduous teeth, dental caries, dental calculus, and tooth rotation. Results: The study revealed that 98% of the skulls had dental attrition while 96% had stained teeth. About 66% had a least a missing tooth while 78% of adult skulls had at least one persistent deciduous tooth. Fractured tooth, dental calculus, dental caries, and tooth rotation were observed in 46.8%, 74.4%, 34% and 21.3%, respectively. The most common persistent deciduous tooth was the second maxillary incisor, whereas the most commonly missed tooth was the first mandibular premolar, which was bilateral in 75% of affected skulls. Dental calculus was not observed on skulls below 6 months, while the incisor tooth was the most affected tooth by dental attrition. Conclusions: The Nigerian local pig, like other breeds, is susceptible to and has dental pathologies. The data obtained from this study will be beneficial to farmers, as early detection of dental abnormalities will promote productivity and reduces economic losses in pig husbandry. It will also be useful to researchers, especially those using pigs in Nigeria as a model for translation research and comparative dental studies.

Live pig markets are hotspots for spread of African swine fever virus in Nigeria.

Livestock trading through live animal markets are potential pathways for the introduction and spread of economically important pathogens like the African swine fever virus (ASFV) to new areas in several countries. Due to the high demand for live pigs in Nigeria both for restocking and slaughter, live pigs are sold at designated live pig markets (LPM) in the country. This involves movement of pigs over long distances. Despite, reports of ASF outbreaks following restocking of pigs bought from LPMs, there is paucity of information on the role of LPMs in the epidemiology of ASF. In this study, data and pig samples (whole blood, sera, tissue) were collected from 4 selected LPMs in Nigeria (Dawaki, Katsit, Numan and Pandam) between 2019 and 2020. Samples were analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Four genes of ASFV positive samples were characterized to identify the circulating genotypes. Results revealed trade activities involving transportation of pigs from these selected markets to 42 major cities and towns in thirteen (13) States of Nigeria. PCR results revealed an overall ASF prevalence of 10.77% (66/613). ASFV was confirmed by PCR in all the selected LPMs with a prevalence rate of 3.13%-23.81%. The phylogeny revealed genotype I and serogroup 4 based on the p72 protein that encodes the B646L gene and the EP402R gene encoding the CD2V. While sequence analysis of CVR of B602L gene revealed 8 tetrameric repeats variants, six of which have never been reported in Nigeria. Analysis of sera samples recorded a seroprevalence of 6.9% (16/217) within the study period. Findings from this study show that LPM are hotspots and channels for transmission and continuous spread of ASFV in Nigeria. Therefore, for ASF to be controlled in Nigeria, disease surveillance and regulation at LPMs are critical.

Multivariate analysis of body weight, morphometric and thermo-physiological traits of indigenous pigs under tropical conditions

The study aimed at describing objectively the interdependence among the morphological and heat tolerance traits of Nigerian indigenous pigs and to predict body weight from conformation traits. Data on body weight, eight linear body measurements (BL, CG, CD, WH, RH, EL, SL and TL) and three thermo-physiological parameters were measured on 150 randomly selected pigs of three growth stages (piglets, growers and finishers) from February to December, 2020. The animals were managed in an extensive system in Plateau State, north central Nigeria. General linear model was used to study growth stage and sex effects including their interaction. Multivariate principal component analysis was used for the size, shape and heat tolerance determination while the animals were classified using canonical discriminant analysis. The stepwise regression was used for body weight prediction. The results showed that finishers had significantly higher (P<0.05) body weight, body length, chest girth, chest depth, withers height, rump height, ear length, snout length and tail length, followed by growers while the least values were recorded in piglets. Pulse rate was not significantly different (P>0.05) between piglets and finishers, although the latter had higher respiratory rate (39.48±0.53 vs. 39.90±0.53 vs. 36.77±0.75). However, rectal temperature was similar (P>0.05) among the three pig categories. With the exception of tail length, sexual dimorphism was observed in all the morphometric traits with higher values recorded for males. However, the three thermo-physiological traits were not affected by sex (P>0.05). BW was highly and positively correlated with most biometric traits (r = 0.80-0.93, 0.66-0.80 and 0.83-0.93; P<0.01 for piglets, growers and finishers, respectively). Three principal components (PC1, PC2 and PC3) were extracted for optimal balance of the animals. Withers height, ear length and body weight were found to be the most discriminating variables to separate the pig categories. Classification results showed that 100% of piglets, 96.7% of growers and 96.7% of finishers were correctly assigned to their distinct populations. The present Information could be exploited in devising appropriate management and breeding programs for tropically adapted pigs in Nigeria.

Molecular Identification of Trypanosoma evansi Isolated from Arabian Camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Riyadh and Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia.

Simple SummaryWe investigated the occurrence of the parasite Trypanosoma evansi in camels in Saudi Arabia. Despite being undetectable in thin blood smears obtained from the camels, polymerase chain reaction findings show that nearly half the camels were infected with parasites. Infection causes a significant financial burden to camel breeders and owners. Detection of the parasite reduces financial losses and improves camel mortality. We conclude that polymerase chain reaction is more effective than microscopy at identifying T. evansi infection in camels.We analyzed the blood from 400 one-humped camels, Camelus dromedarius (C. dromedarius), in Riyadh and Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia to determine if they were infected with the parasite Trypanosoma spp. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) gene was used to detect the prevalence of Trypanosoma spp. in the camels. Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi) was detected in 79 of 200 camels in Riyadh, an infection rate of 39.5%, and in 92 of 200 camels in Al-Qassim, an infection rate of 46%. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses revealed that the isolated T. evansi was closely related to the T. evansi that was detected in C. dromedarius in Egypt and the T. evansi strain B15.1 18S ribosomal RNA gene identified from buffalo in Thailand. A BLAST search revealed that the sequences are also similar to those of T. evansi from beef cattle in Thailand and to T. brucei B8/18 18S ribosomal RNA from pigs in Nigeria.

Financial losses estimation of African animal trypanosomosis in Nigeria: field reality-based model.

Theoretical and modelling approaches were undertaken on Nigerian livestock industry to estimate financial losses due to African animal trypanosomosis. Surveys were conducted between March 2018 and February 2019 to include focus group interactions, in-depth household engagements concerning livestock practices in relation to AAT. Financial losses estimation on livestock were targeted to provide ways to regain cost and maximize household livelihoods. Mathematical equation was developed to project the effects of intervention strategies. Important variables such as mean AAT prevalence, incidence rate, birth rate, morbidity and mortality were estimated and inserted in the model. Mean total income per capita was US$ 1.31 / person / day among livestock producers in Nigeria. A total of US$ 518. 9 million were estimated from direct losses, while US$ 58.8 million as indirect losses. Annual estimated losses to AAT from cattle, sheep, goat and pigs in Nigeria is US$ 577.7 million. This is equivalent to 207.98 billion Nigerian naira and represents 6.93% of annual livestock GDP in the country. This could increase to 85% in the next 50 years if there are no proper control interventions. Control efforts could reduce the losses to US$ 16.7 million at the rate of 0.2% during the same period. AAT has severe socioeconomic impact on producer's livelihood and urgent improved control intervention strategies should be instituted to reduce the losses attributed to the disease.

ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION OF PIGS IN NIGERIA

The beneficial effects of the use of Al and the stage of development in pigs in Nigeria were reviewed. A method for the training of the boars to mount an artificial dummy sow for the collection of semen for an AI programme has been modified for the Nigerian situation was adopted and perfected for this purpose. The normal procedure for the evaluation of semen samples have been used as one of the various methods for the selection of desirable sires for an AI programme

Reverse zoonotic transmission of influenza virus in Lagos State Nigeria

Background: Influenza virus is a major cause of infections in animals and human resulting in an annual 3–5 million cases of severe illness, and 290,000–650,000 deaths worldwide. It can spread from pigs to man and from man to pigs. Pigs have receptors that can allow human and avian influenza viruses to mix and produce new subtypes capable of causing pandemic disease. But there are limited information on the transmission of human influenza virus into pig population in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. We therefore aimed to investigate the pattern of transmission of influenza virus in pigs and pig-handlers in Lagos State, Nigeria. Methods and materials: Between April, 2013 and May, 2017, 25 pig farms were visited in different divisions of Lagos State. Nasal and oropharyngeal swabs collected from pigs (n = 1972) and human (n = 432) were extracted and investigated for the presence of influenza virus matrix gene by one-step RT-PCR. Further molecular characterisation was performed. Phylogenetic analysis was done in MEGA 6.0 using BioNJ method with 1000 times bootstrapping replicates of the alignment. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to calculate p values at 95% confidence interval using GraphPad Prism, USA. Results: Our findings revealed influenza A virus of 1.3% in pigs and 0.005% in pig-handlers. Interestingly, human influenza A (H1N1) was isolated in pig. Phylogenetic analyses showed close relatedness to influenza viruses from several African countries such as Ethiopia and Egypt with 99% homology. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study provided for the first time, molecular evidence of reverse zoonotic transmission of human influenza A (H1N1) to pigs in Nigeria. A condition referred to as anthroponosis. The introduction of human influenza virus into pigs can lead to the emergence of new strains previously unknown to human and animal population thereby posing a great threat that can result in unpredictable fatal consequences. A nationwide surveillance to evaluate and determine the actual burden of influenza reverse zoonosis in Nigeria is hereby advocated. This will assist in the development of policies to prevent the continuous transmission of human influenza virus to pigs in order to avoid a similar occurrence of the last influenza pandemic.

Localization and immunohistochemical detection of swine influenza A virus subtype H1N1 antigen in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded lung tissues from naturally infected pigs

BackgroundSwine influenza A viruses (SIV) infection is among the leading causes of respiratory diseases in a number of animal species and human, and has been reported to cause substantial losses to pig industry. Previous reports of serological, molecular, and surveillance studies in commercial piggeries in Nigeria indicated the presence of SIV subtypes H1N1 and H3N2 in infected pigs; hitherto, there exists lack of studies on the pulmonary pathology and pathogenicity of SIV in Nigeria. This study investigates the presence of SIV subtype H1N1 antigen in the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded lung sections obtained from apparently healthy pigs slaughtered at abattoirs located in Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States, Southwest Nigeria using a streptavidin-biotin (ABC) immunoperoxidase (IP) staining. Two hundred four lungs consisting of 144 grossly pneumonic lungs and 60 apparently normal lungs were randomly collected, fixed in 10% neutral-buffered formalin, embedded in paraffin wax, and processed for histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry.ResultsThe main gross lesions were marked pulmonary edema and mild bilateral consolidation of cranial lobes. Histopathology revealed suppurative bronchitis, and bronchiolitis with or without concurrent widespread degeneration and necrosis of epithelial cells (52.08%) and thickening of alveolar septa due to cellular infiltration consisting predominantly of neutrophils and mononuclear cells (macrophages and plasma cells) (39.58%). The lumina of most airways contained exudate consisting of neutrophils, desquamated epithelia cells, and necrotic debris. SIV antigen was immunohistochemically detected in 7/204 (3.43%) samples using SIV-specific (H1N1) monoclonal antibody. Positive cells exhibited a typical dark-brown reaction in the infected cells. A strong positive immunohistochemical staining was detected mainly in the alveolar macrophages and bronchial submucosal glandular epithelial cells while less intense staining was observed in the bronchiolar epithelial cells.ConclusionsThe present study describes the distribution and localization of SIV subtype H1N1 antigens in the lung tissues of the infected pigs and provides public awareness on the presence of the virus in pig population in Nigeria and the risk factors associated with the infection. Therefore, people working in pig farms should maintain high level of biosafety and personal hygiene. This is the first report of immunohistochemical detection of SIV subtype H1N1 antigen in naturally infected pigs in Nigeria and may indicate rapid dissemination of the virus in susceptible pigs in the study area. A further molecular epidemiological study to investigate other SIV subtypes circulating in Nigerian pig population is warranted.

Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Studies of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae Strain in Naturally Infected Pigs in Nigeria

Abstract Enzootic pneumonia caused by hyopneumoniae (MHYO) remains a serious concern to the swine industry in many countries including Nigeria. MHYO strains isolated from pigs from different countries and geographical locations are known to vary in pathogenicity. There is a paucity of information on the pathogenicity of the MHYO strain affecting pigs in Nigeria. This study investigated the pathogenicity of the MHYO strain in naturally infected pigs using immunohisto-chemistry and electron microscopy. Two hundred and sixty four lungs of slaughtered pigs were randomly collected from abattoirs at Abeokuta, Ibadan and Lagos, in Southwest Nigeria. A sub-sample of 104 pneumonic and 20 apparently normal lungs was selected, processed for routine histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry, while 3 lung tissues samples were selected for ultrastructural studies. The most significant microscopic changes observed were suppurative broncho-interstitial pneumonia associated with varying degrees of lymphoid hyperplasia of the bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) and thickened alveolar septa due to cellular infiltration consisting predominantly of neutrophils and a few mononuclear cells. Immunohistochemically, MHYO antigen was detected in 86/104 (82.69 %) of MHYO-infected lung tissues and typically exhibited a granular brown reaction on the bronchial and bronchiolar epithelial lining, mononuclear cells in the BALT and luminal cellular exudates within the airways. Transmission electron microscopy revealed numerous Mycoplasma organisms in the lumina of the airways, in between degenerated cilia, while a few Mycoplasmas were located within the alveoli. It was concluded that the MHYO strain detected in this study was pathogenic to pigs and capable of inducing pneumonia, and therefore implicated in the pathogenesis.

Prevalence and Associated Factors Affecting Gastrointestinal Helminths in Intensively Managed Pigs in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Summary Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) helminths infection is a major limiting factor of pig production, which poses a public health challenge and increases cost of production. There are also problems in the diagnosis and effective health management of pigs in Nigeria. Method: A cross sectional study of 10 different pig farms was carried out in Ibadan to determine the prevalence of GI helminths infection and the associated factors. The breed, age, sex and body condition score of each screened pig were documented. Faecal sample was collected directly from the rectum and processed with MiniFLOTAC method, using zinc sulphate floatation solution. Result: Two hundred and seventy-five (275) pigs were screened and 73 (26.5%) were positive for GI helminths, namely: Strongyles spp, Strongyloides ransomi, Ascaris suum and Trichuris suis. Statistical significance taking p-value to be 0.05) related to breed, sex and body condition score. Conclusion: The prevalence of GI helminths in pigs obtained in this study provides an updated information on the status of GI helminths in pigs raised in Ibadan. It is therefore necessary that concerted and focused effort on the part of the farmers and the government be made to completely stamp out GI helminths disease completely in pigs.

Pathogenicity of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae strain in Naturally Infected Slaughtered Pigs in Nigeria: Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Studies

Enzootic pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (MHYO) remains a serious concern to swine industry in many countries including Nigeria. MHYO strains isolated from different countries and geographical locations are known to vary in pathogenicity in pigs. There is paucity of information on the pathogenicity of MHYO strain affecting pigs in Nigeria. This study investigated the pathogenicity of MHYO strain in naturally infected slaughtered pigs in Nigeria using immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Two hundred and sixty four lungs were randomly collected from abattoirs at Abeokuta, Ibadan and Lagos, Southwest Nigeria. A sub‐sample of 104 pneumonic lungs was selected, processed for routine histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry, while 3 lung tissues were selected for ultrastructural studies. The most significant microscopic changes were suppurative broncho‐interstitial pneumonia associated with varying degrees of lymphoid hyperplasia of the bronchus‐associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) and thickening of alveolar septa due to cellular infiltration. Immunohistochemically, MHYO antigens were detected in 86/104 (82.7%) lungs. Bronchial and bronchiolar epithelial cells typically exhibited a granular brown reaction on the surface, in the BALT and luminal cellular exudates of MHYO‐infected lung tissues. Transmission electron microscopy revealed numerous Mycoplasmas in the lumina of respiratory tract, in between degenerated cilia, while a few Mycoplasmas were located within the alveoli. It is concluded that the MHYO strain detected in this study is pathogenic to pigs and capable of inducing pneumonic lesions, and therefore implicated in the pathogenesis. This is the first investigative study on pathogenicity of MYHO strain in slaughtered pigs in Nigeria.Support or Funding InformationSupport from the Federal University of Agriculture, AbeokutaThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Complete genome sequencing of H1N1pdm09 swine influenza isolates from Nigeria reveals likely reverse zoonotic transmission at the human-animal interface in intensive piggery

ABSTRACTPrevailing agro-ecological conditions and intermingling of human and animals in intensive farms in urban and peri-urban areas in Africa favour cross species transmission of pathogens at the human-animal interface. However, molecular epidemiology studies of zoonotic swine influenza viruses in this region are limited. In this study, isolates of pandemic influenza virus (H1N1pdm09) obtained from pigs in Nigeria were fully sequenced. BLAST of swine influenza virus genes from Nigeria was carried out in GenBank and gene alignment was done using MEGA version 7. Maximum likelihood method (PhyML program) was used to determine gene evolutionary relationships with other viruses and phylogenetic trees were constructed to infer genomic clusters and relationship. Swine influenza viruses isolated and sequenced in this study were monophyletic and 99% congenetic with human isolates from Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana and USA suggesting reverse zoonotic transmission from humans to pigs in intensive husbandry. A Q240R and S31N substitution among others were detected in the haemagglutinin and matrix genes, respectively, indicating potentials for mutations during interspecies co-mingling and transmission. The A/H1N1pdm09 viruses circulating in pigs that are also exposed to avian influenza in the same epidemiological zones could engender emergence of novel viruses with zoonotic or pandemic potential requiring enhanced surveillance and monitoring.

High Genetic Similarity of MRSA ST88 Isolated From Pigs and Humans in Kogi State, Nigeria.

We determined the prevalence and genetic characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from pigs and humans between September 2013 and February 2015 in Kogi State, a central region in Nigeria. A total of 680 nasal swabs were collected and analyzed from pigs (n = 425) and “pig-contact” humans (n = 55) on 35 farms, and “non-pig-contact” humans (n = 200). MRSA was recovered from 20 (4.7%) pigs on 12 farms and 18 (7.0%) humans. Six (2.4%) of the human isolates were recovered from “pig-contact” humans, of which only three work on farms also harboring MRSA positive pigs. All 38 MRSA were resistant to β-lactams only, belonged to spa type t1603, sequence type (ST) 88, and mecA was associated with a SCCmec IVa element. Four isolates from a pig, a pig-contact human from the same farm, a pig-contact human from a pig farm in a different district, and a non-pig-contact human were subjected to whole genome sequencing (WGS). Core genome SNP analysis revealed high genetic similarity between strains (3–11 SNP differences), despite the temporal (2 year gap) and geographic (165 km) differences between isolates. Furthermore, these Nigerian isolates form a distinct clade when compared to other African MRSA ST88 isolates. All but one porcine strain was positive for scn suggesting a possible human origin and that pigs were either transiently contaminated by humans or result of a very recent human-to-pig transmission event. To our knowledge, this is the first report of genetically confirmed MRSA in pigs in Nigeria, which appear to be a typical CA-MRSA clone present in the human population.

Effect of cassava peels and palm kernel cake (PKC) on the heamatological and serum biochemical of grower pigs in Nigeria

Effect of cassava peels and palm kernel cake (PKC) on the heamatological and serum biochemical of grower pigs in Nigeria