B.B. Fakae

Bio: B.B. Fakae is an academic researcher from Rivers State University of Science and Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Haemonchus contortus & Trichostrongylus. The author has an hindex of 17, co-authored 32 publications receiving 727 citations. Previous affiliations of B.B. Fakae include University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

The epidemiology of helminthosis in small ruminants under the traditional husbandry system in eastern Nigeria

Abstract: The epidemiology of helminth infections in West African dwarf sheep and goats under the traditional husbandry system prevailing in the derived savanna area of eastern Nigeria was studied for 12 months. The infections observed were due to Haemonchus contortus (87.1%), Trichostrongylus spp. (63.8%), metacestodes of Taenia hydatigena (30.2%), Oesophagostomum columbianum (22.4%), Strongyloides sp. (18.8%), Cooperia spp. (17.2%), Gaigeria pachyscelis (6.0%), Moniezia expansa (6.0%), Bunostomum trigonocephalum (4.3%), Trichuris ovis (3.5%), Capillaria sp. (0.9%) and paramphistomes (0.9%). Mixed infections were most prevalent. The endemicity of parasitic gastroenteritis in the area was indicated by the high prevalence of the helminths irrespective of the season of the year. The overall trend in helminthosis in these animals was that of an escalating worm burden during the period of confinement (April – October) and a low worm burden when animals were allowed free range (November – March), these periods corresponding to the cropping and harvest seasons respectively. A strong positive correlation (r=0.73; p<0.01) was obtained between the mean strongyle worm burden and the eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces. A single treatment with a broad spectrum anthelmintic followed by movement into clean sheds at the beginning of confinement is suggested to give control of helminthosis in small ruminants in this area.

Inhibition of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) from parasitic nematodes by extracts from traditional Nigerian medicinal plants

Abstract: Piliostigma thonningii, Ocimum gratissimum, Nauclea latifolia and Alstonia boonei are used in Nigerian traditional medicines against gastrointestinal helminths of animals and man. Proanthocyanidins were detected in Piliostigma and Nauclea, but not Alstonia or Ocimum. Extracts of these plants killed 50% of brine shrimp nauplii at <10 ppm (Nauclea), 100 ppm (Piliostigma) and <1000 ppm (Ocimum and Alstonia), the Nauclea LD50 being similar to the anthelmintic drug piperazine. Extracts were also toxic to the parasitic nematode Haemonchus infective L3 stage. Nematode glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) are potential drug targets. Apart from Alstonia all the medicinal plants contained heat-stable inhibitory activities against recombinant Ascaris and Onchocerca GSTs in vitro. Piliostigma, Ocimum and Nauclea had IC50s of 2, 10 and 15 microg/mL respectively for Ascaris GST and 4, 8, 28 microg/mL respectively for Onchocerca GST. We suggest that the inhibitory properties of some of these Nigerian plant extracts against GST may contribute to the pharmacological basis of their efficacy against helminths in traditional herbal use.

Development and survival of free-living stages of gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep and goats on pasture in the Nigerian derived savanna.

Abstract: Four grass plots were sequentially contaminated with goat faeces containing known numbers of unembryonated eggs of predominantly Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus spp. between October 1982 and April 1983. Four other plots were similarly contaminated with sheep faeces between February and May 1987. An additional plot was repeatedly contaminated with sheep faeces from February to April 1987. Populations of free-living stages in faeces and of infective larvae (L3) in the herbage were subsequently monitored until the end of April and June of 1983 and 1987 respectively. During February and May 1987 two control cultures of sheep faeces were incubated in the laboratory at 25°C–30°C and at a constant temperature of 50°C and the free-living development was also monitored. L3 developed very readily in the faeces cultured at 25°C–30°C and in those spread on a grass plot in October, at the end of the wet season, but developed less on the plot contaminated in May at the start of the wet season. Worm eggs in faeces deposited on plots during the hot dry season (December to April) or incubated at 50°C died and disintegrated after 24–48 h exposure to the high environmental temperatures. The results indicate that it is unlikely that gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep and goats can develop or survive on open pasture during the dry season in the Nigerian derived savanna zone.

Diseases of Poultry

Abstract: VERY few veterinary surgeons have thought fit to write a book on diseases of poultry. Mr. Ernest Gray has done justice to the subject and is to be congratulated on his effort. A book of this size, written by one with specialized knowledge, will add to the value of any library or private bookshelf. Diseases of Poultry Their Aetiology, Diagnosis, Treatment and Control; with a Section on the Normal Anatomy and Physiology of the Fowl. By Ernest Gray. (Lockwood's Agricultural and Horticultural Handbooks.) Pp. x + 198 + 16 plates. (London: Crosby Lockwood and Son, Ltd., 1940.) 9s. 6d. net.