Browsing by Author "Kimera Sharadhuli I."

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Antimicrobial resistance pattern of escherichia coli isolates from small scale dairy cattle in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
(MDPI, 2022-07-21) Azabo Rogers R.; Mshana Stephen E.; Matee Mecky; Kimera Sharadhuli I.
In Tanzania, information on antimicrobial resistance in small-scale dairy cattle is scarce. This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the different levels and pattern of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), in 121 Escherichia coli isolated from rectal swab of 201 apparently healthy small-scale dairy cattle in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Isolation and identification of E. coli were carried out using enrichment media, selective media, and biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar (Merck), according to the recommendations of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Resistance was tested against ampicillin, gentamicin, chloramphenicol, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin and cefotaxime. Resistance to almost all antimicrobial agents was observed. The agents to which resistance was demonstrated most frequently were ampicillin (96.7%), cefotaxime (95.0%), tetracycline (50.4%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (42.1%) and nalidixic acid (33.1%). In this case, 20 extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) producing E. coli were identified. 74.4% (90/121) of the isolates were Multidrug resistant (MDR), ranging from a combination of three to 8 different classes. The most frequently observed phenotypes were AMP-SXT-CTX with a prevalence of 12.4%, followed by the combination AMP-CTX with 10.7% and TE-AMP-CTX and NA + TE + AMP + CTX with 8.3% each. The high prevalence and wide range of AMR calls for prudent antimicrobial use.
Antimicrobial usage in cattle and poultry production in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: pattern and quantity
(BMC Veterinary Research, 2022) Azabo Rogers; Mshana Stephen; Matee Mecky; Kimera Sharadhuli I.
Background: Antimicrobials are extensively used in cattle and poultry production in Tanzania. However, there is dearth of information on its quantitative use. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted from August to September 2019 in randomly selected poultry and small-scale dairy farms, in three districts of Dar es Salaam City eastern, Tanzania, to assess the practice and quantify antimicrobial use. Descriptive and statistical analyses were performed at a confidence interval of 95%. The ratio of Used Daily Dose (UDD) and Defined Daily Dose (DDD) were used to determine whether the antimicrobial was overdosed or under dosed. Results: A total of 51 poultry and 65 small-scale dairy farms were involved in the study. The route of antimicro- bial administration was 98% orally via drinking water and 2% in feeds for poultry and for small-scale dairy farms, all through parenteral route. Seventeen types of antimicrobials comprising seven classes were recorded in poultry farms while nine belonging to six classes in the small dairy farms. Majority of the farms (poultry, 87.7% and small scale dairy, 84.3%) used antimicrobials for therapeutic purposes. About 41% of the poultry and one third (34%) of the dairy farm- ers’ were not compliant to the drug withdrawal periods. Beta-lactams, fluoroquinolones, sulphonamides, tetracyclines and macrolides were the commonly used antimicrobials on these farms. In the poultry farms both those with records and those which relied on recall, antimicrobials were overdosed whereas in the small dairy farms, sulfadimidine, oxytetracycline and neomycin were within the appropriate dosing range (0.8–1.2). The majority (58.6%) of farmers had adequate level of practices (favorable) regarding antimicrobial use in cattle and poultry production. This was associ- ated with the age and level of education of the cattle and poultry farmers. Conclusion: The study revealed a widespread misuse of antimicrobials of different types and classes in both poultry and small-scale dairy farming in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This result gives insight into the antimicrobial use practices and its quantification. The information obtained can guide and promote prudent use of antimicrobials among the farmers by developing mitigate strategies that reduce antimicrobial resistance risk potentials.
The effects of dichrostachys cinerea (sickle bush) encroachment on herbaceous vegetation attributes in the grazing lands of Monduli district, Tanzania
(Rangeland Society of Tanzania (RST), 2025) Mguluka Emelia E.; Sangeda Anthony Z.; Kimera Sharadhuli I.
Reports indicate a global increase in bush encroachment, transforming open grassy systems into dense thickets of woody plants. Dichrostachys cinerea, commonly known as sickle bush or endundulu by Maasai communities, is one of the encroaching shrubs in Africa that tends to form dense thickets, which are difficult to eliminate due to its invading ability. Recently, this plant has been observed to increase tremendously in the grazing lands of Monduli district, although little is known about its impact on herbaceous vegetation attributes in the district. This study aimed to assess the effects of this encroachment on herbaceous vegetation attributes in the grazing lands. Three villages (Mswakini chini, Mswakini juu and Naitolia) were purposively selected and involved in this study. Vegetation surveys and measurements, involving transect lines, plots, sub-plots, and quadrats, were conducted in encroached and adjacent non- encroached sites in the grazing land of each village. A total of 72 (20m × 20m) plots were demarcated, and in each plot, there were five (5m × 5m) sub plots, from where the biomass readings were taken (using a pasture disc meter), vegetation cover estimated (using a pin quadrat), and individual species were identified and counted within 0.25m2 quadrats. A total of 64 herbaceous species were obtained during this study, of which 37.5% were found only in non-encroached areas, 25% only in encroached areas, and 37.5% were common to both sites. The study found that encroached areas had significantly lower biomass (409.604 Kg DM/ha) and a lower cover of desirable vegetation (10%), with greater bare ground cover (56%) compared to non-encroached sites, which had 890.72 Kg DM/ha biomass, 48% desirable vegetation cover, and 19% bare ground cover. The condition of the grazing lands was generally poorer in encroached sites than in non-encroached sites. The findings of this study show the negative effects of Dichrostachys cinerea encroachment on herbaceous vegetation attributes in grazing lands, which challenges sustainable livestock production. These results are relevant to local pastoralists, land managers, and policymakers in Monduli district and other similar areas facing sickle bush encroachment. It is recommended that strategies such as mechanical bush control, controlled grazing, and the use of prescribed burning be implemented, with the aid of advanced studies on the bush, active involvement and training of pastoralists to manage the bush effectively. Policymakers should provide frameworks and resources to promote sustainable forage production.