Evaluation of prophylactic and therapeutic properties of ogi in rabbits infected with Salmonella typhi

The therapeutic and prophylactic effects of fermented maize gruel (ogi) in protecting against and reducing the concentration of Salmonella typhi in rabbits were determined using standard methods. All the experimental animals were fed with commercial diet during the first feed trial. The control group was maintained only on the diet while the first treatment group fed with the commercial diet was later substituted with ogi in the third phase of the trial. The second treatment group was fed with ogi in both the second and third phases of the study. In the second feed trial, the treatment groups were challenged with Salmonella typhi. Infected rabbits that were fed with commercial diets showed high load of Salmonella typhi in the faeces and blood compared to those fed with ogi. The weights gained and food intakes of the animals in the control group were higher than the experimental group. The animals in the first treatment group recorded the least food intake while there was weight loss in the second treatment group. Bacteremia was established in the treatment groups. The level of white blood cells (WBCs) in the rabbits infected with Salmonella typhi but later maintained on ogi, decreased from 4900 mm³ to 4200 mm³. Similarly the WBC count decreased from 7300 mm³ to 6300 mm³ in rabbits that were initially infected (but fed on commercial diet) and later fed with ogi. It could be concluded that ogi could be potent in preventing Salmonella infection and the reduction of microbial load of Salmonella typhi in the blood of the mammals as shown by the microbial and haematological indices.