Publications by authors named "Dorcas Gado"
Article Synopsis
- - The COVID-19 pandemic has led to 7.1 million deaths globally, with Nigeria reporting its first case on February 27, 2020, resulting in 267,173 infections and 3,155 deaths by July 2024.
- - Initially, Nigeria had limited public health lab capabilities for COVID-19 diagnosis, but the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) leveraged its resources and expertise to process over 33,000 samples across five states within six months.
- - Collaborative projects were established among NVRI, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, and other sectors, focusing on One Health grants to improve surveillance for coronaviruses and enhance pandemic preparedness through inter-sectoral cooperation.
Since 2006, multiple outbreaks of avian influenza (AI) have been reported in Nigeria involving different subtypes. Surveillance and molecular epidemiology have revealed the vital role of live bird markets (LBMs) in the dissemination of AI virus to commercial poultry farms. To better understand the ecology and epidemiology of AI in Nigeria, we performed whole-genome sequencing of nineteen H9N2 viruses recovered, from apparently healthy poultry species, during active surveillance conducted in nine LBMs across Nigeria in 2019.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Owing to antibiotic resistance, alternative antimicrobials from medicinal plants are receiving attention as leads for anti-infective agents. This study aimed to investigate selected tree species and their constituents for activity against bacterial foodborne pathogens, particularly Salmonella serovars.
Methods: Antibacterial activity of ten plant species was determined by serial microdilution against bacteria implicated in causing gastrointestinal ailments.
First detection of highly pathogenic H5N6 avian influenza virus on the African continent.
Emerg Microbes Infect
December 2020
Article Synopsis
- The HPAI subtype H5N6 has been detected in wild birds and poultry globally since 2013, with limited information from Africa.
- A study has reported the first identification of this virus subtype in a duck from a live bird market in Nigeria.
- The genomic analysis shows that this H5N6 virus is closely related to strains from Europe (2017-2018), suggesting a recent introduction of the virus into Africa.
Article Synopsis
- * Research in Nigeria from 2002-2015 identified 73 complete and 38 partial NDV genomes, revealing seven different genotypes and highlighting the genetic diversity of NDV within a single country.
- * The findings indicate frequent transmission of NDV between domestic and wild birds, including previously unreported species, underscoring the need for enhanced monitoring and surveillance to manage NDV’s impact on both agriculture and conservation.
Article Synopsis
- * Post-mortem examinations revealed severe lung issues and cloudy air sacs, while testing identified Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) as the causative agent, ruling out Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease.
- * All serum samples tested positive for multiple IBV serotypes; the research emphasizes the need for further molecular studies in Nigeria to develop effective vaccination and control measures.
South African medicinal plant extracts active against influenza A virus.
BMC Complement Altern Med
March 2018
Background: Influenza infection remains a major health threat for animals and humans which crucially requires effective antiviral remedies. The usage of herbal medications as readily available alternatives for their compatibility with the body and fewer side effects compared to synthetic chemical treatments has become popular globally. The aim of this study was to investigate and screen in vitro anti-influenza activity of extracts of five South African medicinal plants, namely Tabernaemontana ventricosa, Cussonia spicata, Rapanea melanophloeos, Pittosporum viridiflorum and Clerodendrum glabrum, species which are used traditionally for the treatment of several diseases such as inflammatory and respiratory diseases.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Genetic analysis of fourteen Nigerian avian influenza isolates revealed a cleavage site characteristic of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), with specific amino acid substitutions noted in one isolate.
- Phylogenetic analysis identified two main clusters of HPAI H5N1, with Cluster I closely related to viruses from neighboring West African countries and Cluster II closely associated with viruses from Europe and other West African nations.
- The findings highlight the ongoing HPAI outbreaks in Nigerian poultry and emphasize the need for continual monitoring and characterization of HPAI isolates due to their zoonotic risk.
Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of chickens with outbreaks resulting in high economic losses due to increased mortality and drop in egg production. This study reports a survey of ILT virus antibody conducted in nine local government areas (LGAs) of Plateau State involving 67 randomly selected commercial poultry flocks. In all, 938 sera were tested using the Agar Gel Immuno-diffusion (AGID) technique.
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- - Four Newcastle disease virus isolates were found in healthy guinea fowl and Muscovy ducks, highlighting their potential role in spreading the virus among poultry.
- - All isolates contained a virulence-related cleavage motif, indicating they are classified as virulent strains from sub-lineage 5 g, previously seen in chickens in Nigeria.
- - This study marks the first report of virulent sub-lineage 5 g Newcastle disease virus in asymptomatic birds in Nigeria, and the high genetic similarity among viruses suggests connections with neighboring countries, indicating possible cross-border disease transmission through live poultry trade.