Browsing by Author "Hartskeerl, R.A."

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Comparative and functional morphology of the middle ear in Zambezian mole-rats (Coetomys – Cryptomys, Bathyergidae)
(Belg. J. Zool, 2005-12) Leirs, Herwig; Makundi, Rhodes H.; Davis, Stephen; Lange, Simone; Burda, Hynek; Assogbadjo, A.E.; Codjia, J.T.C.; Sinsin, B.; Ekue, M.R.M.; Mensah, G.A.; Mgode, G.F.; Mhamphi, G.A.; Katakweba, A. W.; Paemelaere, E; Willekens, N.; Leirs, H.; Machang’u, R.S.; Hartskeerl, R.A.
Within the family Bathyergidae, the genus Coetomys (Cryptomys) is the most speciose. However, an unambiguous morphological or morphometrical species diagnosis has not been feasible to date. The middle ear structures involved in sound transmission were examined and measured in six species of Zambezian mole-rats of varying body sizes : Coetomys amatus, C. anselli, C. darlingi, C. kafuensis, C. mechowi and C. whytei. Compari- sons revealed many differences in the shape of the middle ear ossicles allowing species differentiation. Bullar vol- ume, eardrum area and cross-sectional area of the bony meatus were positively correlated with body size (as repre- sented by condylo-basal length) whereas the size of middle ear ossicles was rather independent of body size. Middle ears shared typical features with those found in low-frequency hearing mammals. Contrary to the findings in heter- omyids and the Spalax ehrenbergi species complex, within the genus Coetomys, those species occupying more mesic habitats had more efficient tympano-ossicular systems (suggesting more sensitive hearing) than species from drier habitats.
Pcr detection of Leptospira DNA in rodents and insecti- vores from Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2005-12) Mgode, G.F.; Mhamphi, G.; Katakweba, A.; Paemelaere, E.; Willekens, N.; Leirs, H.; Machang, R.S.; Hartskeerl, R.A.
The true prevalence of leptospirosis in Tanzania is unknown or underestimated. In this study we report on the prevalence of leptospirosis in Morogoro, Tanzania, by PCR detection of leptospiral DNA in 27 kid- neys of rodents (Mastomys spp, Rattus spp, and Mus spp) and insectivores (Crocidura spp). The PCR study comple- mented previous attempts to isolate the leptospires and to perform seroprevalence by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Results of this study indicated an overall detection rate of 11 % by PCR, 7.4% by isolation and 0% by the MAT. Based on our analysis, it is recommended to use PCR and isolation for the detection of leptospires in potential host animals.
Serological and molecular characterization of leptospira serovar Kenya from captive African giant pouched rats (Cricetomys gambianus) from Morogoro Tanzania
(2004-03-07) Machangu, R.S.; Mgode, G.F.; Assenga, J.; Mhamphi, G.; Weetjens, B.; Cox, C.; Verhagen, R.; Sondij, S; Goris, M.G.; Hartskeerl, R.A.
Two identical leptospiral isolates coded Sh9 and Sh25 obtained from the urine of captive African giant pouched rats (Cricetomys gambianus), destined for use as biodetector of antipersonnel landmines were typed as serovar Kenya using cross-agglutination absorption test and DNA fingerprinting with the insertion element sequences IS1533 and IS1500 derived primers. The two isolates were previously characterized using cultural and serological – microagglutination test as pathogenic leptospires of the serogroup Ballum, closely related to serovars Kenya and Peru. To our knowledge, this is the first reported in-depth characterization of leptospira isolates from Tanzania.