Browsing by Author "Mdegela, R. H."

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Acceptability of wastewater resource and its impact on crop production in Tanzania: the case of Dodoma, Morogoro and Mvomero wastewater stabilization ponds
(2013) Kilobe, B. M; Mdegela, R. H.; Mtambo, M.M.A
The study was carried out to assess the views of urban farmers in relation to acceptability of wastewater resource in agriculture and examine its impact for crop production. A total of 200 respondents were involved in this study. The study found that 90% of the 112 households using wastewater and 85% of the 88 households not using the resource indicated effluents from WSPs as main and reliable source of water for irrigation. Wastewater utilization in agriculture was accepted by 97.3% of farmers using wastewater and 64.8% of farmers not using it and the difference was significant (p<0.01). The study found that on average farmers utilizing wastewater produced 4.5 bags of rice per acre more than farmers not utilizing wastewater and the difference was significant (p<0.05). In conclusion, wastewater utilization in agriculture was accepted by both groups of farmers engaging in agriculture in urban and peri-urban areas and that high crop yield was realized by farmers utilizing wastewater in agriculture . Since some respondents indicated that the resource may have health effects to farmers and consumers of the produce, it is recommended that, more research on microbial analysis be carried out to establish evidence of health effects associated with the use of wastewater in agriculture from infectious agents
Anthrax outbreaks in the humans - livestock and wildlife interface areas of Northern Tanzania: A retrospective record review 2006–2016
(BMC, 2018-02-15) Mwakapeje, E. R.; Høgset, S.; Fyumagwa, R.; Nonga, H. E.; Mdegela, R. H.; Skjerve, E.
Background: Anthrax outbreaks in Tanzania have been reported from the human, livestock and wildlife sectors over several years, and is among the notifiable diseases. Despite frequent anthrax outbreaks, there is no comprehensive dataset indicating the magnitude and distribution of the disease in susceptible species. This study is a retrospective review of anthrax outbreaks from the human, livestock, and wildlife surveillance systems from 2006 to 2016. The objectives were to identify hotspot districts, describe anthrax epidemiology in the hotspot areas, evaluate the efficiency of the anthrax response systems and identify potential areas for further observational studies. Methods: We prepared a spreadsheet template for a retrospective comprehensive record review at different surveillance levels in Tanzania. We captured data elements including demographic characteristics of different species, the name of health facility, and date of anthrax diagnosis. Also, we collected data on the date of specimen collection, species screened, type of laboratory test, laboratory results and the outcome recorded at the end of treatment in humans. After establishing the database, we produced maps in Quantum GIS software and transferred cleaned data to Stata software for supportive statistical analysis. Results: Anthrax reported incidences over 4 years in humans were much higher in the Arusha region (7.88/100,000) followed by Kilimanjaro region (6.64/100,000) than other regions of Tanzania Mainland. The health facility based review from hotspot districts in parts of Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions from 2006 to 2016, identified 330 human anthrax cases from the selected health facilities in the two regions. Out of 161 livestock and 57 wildlife specimen tested, 103 and 18 respectively, were positive for anthrax. Conclusion: This study revealed that there is gross under-reporting in the existing surveillance systems which is an obstacle for estimating a true burden of anthrax in the hotspot districts. Repeated occurrences of anthrax in livestock, wildlife and humans in the same locations at the same time calls for the need to strengthen links and promote inter–disciplinary and multi-sectoral collaboration to enhance prevention and control measures under a One Health approach.
Antiviral activity of crude extracts of Synadenium glaucescens (Pax) against infectious bursal disease and fowlpox virus
(2013-04-10) Mabiki, F. P.; Mdegela, R. H.; Mosha, R. D.; Magadula, J. J.
The effect of crude extracts from different morphological parts of Synadenium glaucescens against infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) and fowlpox (FP) virus using an in ovo assay were investigated. Viable 9 days embryonated chicken eggs were challenged with viral strains then treated with S. glaucescens extracts at concentration of 0.2 mg/ml. Un-inoculated group were saved as negative control and groups inoculated with virus and diluent saved as positive controls. The treatments were observed daily and embryo weights were measured 5 days post-inoculation. Embryo survival and mean embryo weight were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.001) in groups treated with S. glaucescens extracts than the positive control. More than 50% of the extract prevented death and deformation of embryo and formation of pock lesions in embryos. Furthermore, the treatments with ethanolic extract of the root bark demonstrated significantly higher mean embryo weight compared to other extract for both viruses (P ≤ 0.001). The mean embryo weights from eggs challenged with infectious bursal disease virus and fowlpox virus treated with the extract were 6.3 ± 2 and 5.9 ± 0.5 g, respectively. These findings demonstrate potential and feasibility of using S. glaucescens extracts for treatment of the viral diseases. Furthermore, it validates the ethnoveterinary exploitation at community level.
Assessment of Antimicrobial Usage and Residues in Commercial Chicken Eggs from Smallholder Poultry Keepers in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
(2009) Nonga, H. E.; Simon, C.; Karimuribo, E. D.; Mdegela, R. H.
Occurrence of antimicrobial residues in commercial chicken eggs was determined in Morogoro municipality between January and February 2007. Twenty smallholder farmers were interviewed on the types of antimicrobials, reasons of use and their awareness on antimicrobial withdrawal period. Seventy egg samples were collected for qualitative antimicrobial drug residues analysis by use of agar well diffusion and Delvotest SP assays. It was found that farmers use antimicrobial drugs as prophylaxis and treatment of common chicken diseases namely fowl typhoid (85%), infectious bursa disease (Gumboro) (65%) infectious coryza (65%), collibacilosis (55%), coccidiosis (54%), Newcastle disease (50%), helminthosis (20%) and fowl pox (15%). Antimicrobials accounted for 85% of the drugs commonly used. It was also found that 65% of the farmers treat their chicken themselves. The common drugs were oxytetracycline (75%), egg booster (50%), amprolium (35%), sulphamethoxypyridazine (35%), sulphanilamide (25%), chlortetracyclines (10%), chloramphenicol (10%), sulphadiazine– trimethoprim (20%), duoxycycline (20%), sulphadiazine (25%) and flumequine (10%). Eighty per cent of the farmers had knowledge on antimicrobial withdrawal period sold eggs before withdrawal period and almost 85% were unaware of possible effects of antimicrobial residues in humans. All 70 eggs were positive to antimicrobial residues by Delvotest kit, but 21.4% positive with agar well diffusion test. It was concluded that the presence of antimicrobial residues in table eggs could be of public health significance to the egg consumers in Morogoro municipality.
Assessment of beef microbial contamination at abattoir and retail meat shops in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
(African Journal Online, 2014-11-19) Ntanga, P. D.; Mdegela, R. H.; Nonga, H. E.
A cross section study was conducted in Morogoro Municipality to assess microbial contamination in beef production chain from abattoir to retail meat shops during February to May, 2012. Questionnaire on abattoir and meat shop hygiene was administered to 60 respondents. Meat, meat in-contact surface swab and water samples at the abattoir (n=36) and 14 meat shops (n=56) were analyzed for Total Viable Counts (TVC), Total Coliform Counts (TCC) and Total Faecal Coliform Counts (TFC). It was found that the respondents had not attended to any training on meat hygiene, had no protective gears and do not perform regular health examination. The infrastructure appeared obsolete. Carcasses and meat handling environment at abattoir and retail meat shops were in unhygienic condition. Water was scarce in the abattoir and meat shops. Water analysis showed heavy microbial contamination (mean TVC log 5.2±0.3). All the meat and meat in-contact surfaces were at different levels of microbial contamination and were beyond FAO recommendations. The mean TVC in meat was Log 7.2±1 cfu/g with the highest count (Log 7.24±1.3 cfu/g) recorded in samples from meat shops. The mean TVC on meat in-contact surfaces was Log 6±1.3 cfu/cm2 while mean TCC and TFC in meat were Log 6.1±1.6 and 5.9±1.7 cfu/g respectively. High microbiological loads in meat indicate gross contaminations along the whole meat value chain and pose potential risks for public health. Results obtained in this study provide information to the local government authorities and all stakeholders in the meat industry for proper management of the abattoir, retail meat shops and personnel; outlines key aspects for interventions and suggests future developments to prevent health risks associated with handling and consumption of contaminated meat.
Assessment of farming practices and uses of agrochemicals in Lake Manyara basin, Tanzania
(2011-05-18) Nonga, H. E.; Mdegela, R. H.; Lie, E.; Sandvik, M.; Skaare, J. J.
This study was conducted to assess farming practices, agrochemical usage and environmental pollution in Manyara basin, Tanzania. Field surveys, interviews, questionnaires and Lake Manyara nutrient analysis were used in data collection. The highest number (95%) of households grew crops, namely, maize, rice, banana and vegetables with median farm size of 3 ha. Irrigated farming was common (75%) which enhanced cultivation on same piece of land up to 6 times a year. Farmers indiscriminately used pesticides, namely, insecticides (50%), fungicides (37.5%) and herbicides (12.5%). Uses of endosulfan in vegetable farms poses public health threats to consumers. Most respondents (85%) applied insecticides in vegetables up to 4 times per cropping season. Excessive use of pesticides and haphazard disposal of pesticide remnants and containers caused environmental pollution. The average amount of acaricides used was 1109±915 ml (mean ± SD) per livestock keeper per month per. Most farmers (78%) used inorganic fertilizers and animal manure (43.4%). Low levels of ammonium (3.6±3.1 μg/L), nitrate (1±0.8μg/L) and phosphate (36.1±42 μg/L) were recorded in the lake. Easy access to agrochemicals, limited knowledge of pesticide on environmental health and limited extension services were factors for indiscriminate uses of agrochemicals. Increasing farmers awareness and training aimed at sustainable agriculture, agrochemical uses and integrated pest management is suggested.
Assessment of hygienic practices and faecal contamination of beef at Vingunguti slaughterhouse in Dar es salaam, Tanzania
(African Journal Online, 2013-05-15) Ndalama, E.; Mdegela, R. H.; Nonga, H. E.
An investigation was conducted between January to February 2013 to assess the hygienic practices and faecal contamination of beef at Vingunguti slaughterhouse using Escherichia coli as an indicator organism. Hygienic practices were assessed using a questionnaire survey to 40 slaughterhouse workers. Faecal sampling was done to 75 slaughter cattle and after slaughter swab samples from neck, shoulder, pelvis and thigh muscles of dressed carcasses were collected and were subjected to standard bacteriological analysis for E. coli O157 isolation. The findings revealed poor hygienic practices, lack of adequate knowledge on the existence of enteropathogens and meat contamination, and a negative perception on improving sanitary conditions and practices by workers. There were no essential basic facilities for a slaughterhouse such as potable running water, separated clean and dirty areas, stunning and bleeding facilities, area for inspection of carcasses, properly working drainages, cold room, changing room, protective clothing for the workers and proper working tools. Animals were slaughtered, dressed and meat handled in dirty environment that caused gross contamination of meat. The drainage system was dilapidated and there were no defined means of waste disposal. E. coli Escherichia coli was isolated in all the samples analysed. However, E. coli O157 strain was not isolated in all the samples analysed. It is concluded that the hygienic practices, slaughterhouse facilities and conditions at Vingunguti slaughterhouse are poor predisposing carcasses to faecal contamination. Measures to improve the sanitary situation are recommended particularly the water supply and drainage, slaughter methods, meat handling practices and standard abattoir equipment.
Assessment of raw cow milk quality in smallholder dairy farms in Pemba Island Zanzibar, Tanzania
(Hindawi, 2018-03-12) Gwandu, S. H.; Nonga, H. E.; Mdegela, R. H.; Katakweba, A. S.; Suleiman, T. S.; Ryoba, R.
Milk quality depends on the physicochemical characteristics, hygienic standards, and nutritional quality; however, animal husbandry practices, unhygienic harvesting and processing, may affect its quality. A cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2010 and July 2011 to assess the hygiene of cow milk production environment, raw cow milk physicochemical characteristics, and microbial quality and estimate the prevalence of antimicrobial residues using standard methods in Pemba Island. A total of 98 raw cow milk samples from selected smallholder dairy farms were analyzed, and the judgement on the quality used the East African Standards. Generally, the milk production chain was done under the unhygienic condition, and dirty plastic containers were used for collection and storage of milk under room temperature. Some milk samples had abnormal colour (2.1%), abnormal smell (7.1%), and pH below normal (35.7%), clotted on alcohol test (9.2%), and had the specific gravity below normal (13.3%). All the milk samples had mineral contents within the recommended range. Milk samples with butterfat below normal were 29.6%, while 14.3% had total solids below recommended values. The mean total viable count (TVC) of milk container surfaces was log CFU/100 cm2, while total coliform count (TCC) was log CFU/100 cm2. Up to 55.1% of milk had TVC beyond the recommended levels. The milk mean TVC was log CFU/ml and TCC was log CFU/ml. Up to 26.5% of milk samples had the TCC beyond levels. Results on physicochemical characteristics and nutritional analysis show that the raw cow milk in Pemba Island is of inferior quality. Microbiological results of this study imply heavy contaminations of milk. Antimicrobial residues were detected in 83% of the samples and most of them were from Wete District. Unhygienic milk production chain accelerates microbial contaminations, and antimicrobial residues in milk are a big problem that needs urgent attention from the responsible authority.
Association of long-term pesticide exposure and biologic parameters in female farm workers in Tanzania: A cross sectional study
(Toxics, 2016-09-29) Manyilizu, W. B.; Mdegela, R. H.; Kazwala, R. R.; Nonga, H. E.; Müller, M. B.; Lie, E.; Skjerve, E.; Lyche, J. L.
The study aimed to assess the association of long-term pesticide exposure (5 years) with hematological, serum biochemical parameters and acetylcholinesterase activity in farm workers. These pesticides included organophosphorus pesticides, carbamates, pyrethroids, dithiocarbamates, and other pesticides such as endosulfan. Applying a cross-sectional study design, 69 females from a pesticide-exposed farm population and 30 females from a district not using pesticides (reference group) were studied. The mean red cell corpuscular volume and hematocrit values were significantly lower (74.7 9.1 fl; 95% CI 72.5–76.9 and 32.0% 4.6%; 95% CI 30.9–33.1, respectively) in the exposed compared to the reference group, whereas mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and platelets were significantly higher (37.4 3.8 g/dL; 95% CI 36.5–38.3 and 374.1 95.3/L; 95% CI 351.2–396.9, respectively) in the exposed compared to the reference group. Mean serum glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase (20.7 8.9 U/L; 95% CI 18.5–22.9) and creatinine (83.9 6.6 mol/L; 95% CI 82.3–85.5) were significantly higher in the exposed compared to the reference group. A higher mean esterase activity (AChE 0.6 0.2 mM/min/mg protein; 95% CI 0.56–0.7; BChE 0.9 0.4 mM/min/mg protein; 95% CI 0.9–1.1) was noted in the exposed group. Regression models suggest that occupational exposure (p < 0.001) could be a predictor of esterase (AChE and BChE) activity and biochemical changes (= 0.4, 95% CI: 0.3–0.5; = 0.7, 95% CI: 0.6–0.9, respectively). Long-term pesticide exposure affects the hemato-biochemical and esterase responses, establishing the need for further studies.
Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in breast milk and associated health risks to nursing infants in Northern Tanzania
(Elsevier, 2015-12-23) Müller, M. B.; Polder, A.; Brynildsrud, O. B.; Lie, E.; Løken, K. B.; Manyilizu, W. B.; Mdegela, R. H.; Mokiti, F.; Murtadha, M.; Nonga, H. E.; Skaare, J. U.; Lyche, J. L.
Themain aim of this studywas to assess brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in breastmilk in the Northern parts of Tanzania. Ninety-five colostrum samples from healthy, primiparous mothers at Mount Meru Regional Referral Hospital (MMRRH), Arusha Tanzania, were analyzed for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy) ethane (BTBPE), hexabromobenzene (HBB), (2,3-dibromopropyl) (2,4,6-tribromophenyl) ether (DPTE), pentabromoethylbenzene (PBEB) and 2,3,4,5,6- pentabromotoluene (PBT). The Ʃ7PBDE (BDE 28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154, 183) ranged from below level of detection (bLOD) to 785 ng/g lipid weight (lw). BDE 47, 99, 100 and 153 were the dominating congeners, suggesting recent and ongoing exposure to banned, commercial PentaBDE mixture. Amultiple linear regressionmodel revealed that mothers eating clay soil/Pemba during pregnancy had significantly higher levels of BDE 47, 99, 100 and 153 in their breast milk than mothers who did not eat clay soil/Pemba. Infant birth weight and birth length were significantly correlated with the levels of BDE 47, 99, 100 and 153. The estimated daily intake (ng/kg body weight/day) of BDE 47 and 99 exceeded the US EPA Reference doses (RfD) in four and eight mothers, respectively, suggesting a potential health risk to the nursing infants.
Case report: Suspected Piscine Chlamydia like infection in Tanzania
(Tanzania Veterinary Journal, 2019) Matondo, A. B.; Mtalika, M. I.; Mdegela, R. H.
Ten moribund fish were received at pathology laboratory to establish the cause of sponteneous mortalities of farmed tilapia recorded in Kilosa District, Morogoro region. Post-mortem examination revealed macroscopic mucous bands connecting gills and operculum; and oval to round grey-white cysts on the gill lamella. Gill samples were collected for microscopic and bacteriological investigation. Histopathological investigation revealed gill epithelial hyperplasia and characteristic enlargement of epithelial cells infected with pale and basophilic cytoplasmic inclusions. The gross pathological changes coupled with histopathological findings recorded in this case are typical features of epitheliocystis. Furthermore, fish mortalities ceased in the farm after water replacement and reconnection of all fish ponds with direct supply of fresh water from the source. This is the first report in Tanzania describing characteristic epitheliocystis lesions. Furthermore, this report re-affirm previous findings that epitheliocystis can be managed through routine management of water quality.
Characterization of Salmonella spp. from wastewater used for food production in Morogoro, Tanzania
(Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht, 2017) Mdegela, R. H.; Kusiluka, L. J. M.; Forslund, A.; Dalsgaard, A.
Wastewater use for crop irrigation and aquaculture is commonly practiced by communities situated close to wastewater treatment ponds. The objective of this study was to characterize Salmonella spp. and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns among isolates from wastewater and Tilapia fish. A total of 123 Salmonella spp. isolates were isolated from 52 water and 21 fish intestinal samples. Genotyping of Salmonella spp. isolates was done by Pulsed-field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) technique. A total of 123 Salmonella spp. isolates represented 13 different serovars and 22 PFGE groups. Salmonella serovars showed resistance to 8 out of 14 antimicrobials; sulfamethaxazole (94%), streptomycin (61%), tetracycline (22%), ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid (17%), trimethoprim (11%); gentamycin and chloramphenicol (6%). Salmonella Kentucky, S. Chandans, S. Durban and S. Kiambu showed multiple antimicrobial resistance to 7, 6 and 3 antimicrobials, respectively. This study has demonstrated that wastewater at the study sites is contaminated with Salmonella spp. which are resistant to common antimicrobials used for treatment of diseases in humans. Wastewater may, therefore, contaminate pristine surface water bodies and foodstuffs including fish and irrigated crops as well as food handlers.
Cyanobacteria and cyanobacterial toxins in the alkaline-saline Lakes Natron and Momela, Tanzania
(African Journal Online, 2016-12-05) Nonga, H. E.; Mdegela, R. H.; Sandvik, M.; Lie, E.; Miles, C. O.; Skaare, J. U.
Physicochemical parameters, phytoplankton communities, microcystin (MC) concentrations and potential MC-producing cyanobacteria were investigated in Lakes Natron and Momela, Tanzania. In Lake Big Momela, concentrations of soluble reactive phosphorus, nitrate and ammonia were 7.1, 2.6 and 0.9 μg/L, respectively, while dissolved oxygen, salinity, conductivity and pH were 9.4 mg/L, 19‰, 30 mS/cm and 9.7, respectively. The concentrations of soluble reactive phosphorus, nitrate and ammonia in Lake Natron were 129.4, 8.1 and 58 μg/L, respectively, while dissolved oxygen, conductivity and pH were 8 mg/L, 52 mS/cm and 9.5 respectively. The phytoplankton communities in both lakes were dominated by cyanobacteria, particularly Arthrospira fusiformis. Navicula and Nitzschia diatoms, and Chlorella, Chlorococcum and Scenedesmus green algae were common in Lakes Momela and Natron. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis phytoplankton detected four microcystin variants namely MC-RR, -YR, -LR and -RY. The total MC concentrations in Lake Natron were 0.1–4.5 μg/mL of phytoplankton scum and in Lake Momela were below quantifiable levels. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of phytoplankton revealed presence of Microcystis and the Microcystis mcyB gene in some samples. Finding of potential MC-producing cyanobacteria and MCs in study lakes poses a health risk to Lesser Flamingo which feed on cyanobacteria.
Cyanobacterial toxins and bacterial infections are the possible causes of mass mortality of lesser flamingos in Soda lakes in northern Tanzania
(2013) Fyumagwa, R. D.; Bugwesa, Z; Mwita, M; Kihwele, E.S; Nyaki, A; Mdegela, R. H.; Mpanduji, D.G
During the mass die-off of lesser flamingos in Soda lakes of Tanzania in 2000, 2002 and 2004, clinicopathological and toxicological investigations were made in order to elucidate the likely cause of mortality. Water and tissue samples were collected from the lakes and from dead flamingos respectively. While water samples were analyzed for pesticide residues, tissues were analyzed for pesticide residues and cyanotoxins. The significant pathological lesions observed in fresh carcasses included oedema in lungs, enlarged liver, haemorrhages in liver with multiple necrotic foci, haemorrhages in kidneys and haemorrhages in intestines with erosion of mucosa. Analysis of cyanotoxins revealed presence of neurotoxin (anatoxin-a) and hepatotoxins (microcystins LR, RR). Concentrations of microcystins LR were significantly higher (P = 0.0003) in liver than in other tissues. Based on clinicopathological findings and concentrations of the detected cyanotoxins, it is suspected that cyanobacterial toxins concurrent with secondary bacterial infection were the likely cause of the observed mortalities in flamingos.
Determination of oxytetracycline residues in cattle meat marketed in the Kilosa district, Tanzania
(2015-11-27) Kimera, Z.I; Mdegela, R. H.; Mhaiki, C.J; Karimuribo, E.D; Mabiki, F; Nonga, H; Mwesongo, J
Oxytetracycline is used to treat various diseases in cattle. However, its use may be associated with unacceptable residue levels in food. Oxytetracycline residues in tissues from indigenous cattle were determined in a cross-sectional study conducted in the Kilosa district, Tanzania, between November 2012 and April 2013. A total of 60 tissue samples, including muscle, liver and kidney, were collected from slaughterhouses and butchers and analysed for oxytetracycline using high-performance liquid chromatography. Oxytetracycline residues were found in 71.1% of the samples, of which 68.3% were above acceptable regulatory levels. The mean concentration of oxytetracycline across tissues was 3401.1 μg/kg ± 879.3 μg/kg; concentrations in muscle, liver and kidney were 2604.1 μg/kg ± 703.7 μg/kg, 3434.4 μg/kg ± 606.4 μg/kg and 3533.1 μg/kg ± 803.6 μg/kg, respectively. High levels of oxytetracycline residue in meat from indigenous cattle may pose a health threat to consumers in Kilosa. The findings possibly reflect a general lack of implementation of recommended withdrawal periods, ignorance about drug use and lack of extension services. Strict regulation of the use of antimicrobial drugs in the livestock industry and associated testing of animal-derived food sources prior to marketing are required.
Dioxins, PCBs, chlorinated pesticides and brominated flame retardants in free-range chicken eggs from peri-urban areas in Arusha, Tanzania: Levels and implications for human health
(Elsevier, 2016-02-03) Polder, A.; Müller, M. B.; Brynildsrud, O.B.; de Boer, J.; Hamers, T.; Kamstra, J. H.; Lie, E.; Mdegela, R. H.; Moberg, H.; Nonga, H. E.; Sandvik, M.; Skaare, J. U.; Lyche, J. L.
The environment in the northern part of Tanzania is influenced by rapid population growth, and increased urbanization. Urban agriculture is common and of economic value for low income families. In Arusha, many households sell eggs from free-ranging backyard chicken. In 2011, 159 eggs from different households in five different locations in Arusha were collected, homogenized, pooled into 28 composite samples and analyzed for a wide selection of POPs. Levels of POPs varied widely within and between the locations. The levels of dieldrin and ΣDDT ranged between 2 and 98,791 and 2 and 324 ng/g lipid weight (lw), respectively. EUMRLs of 0.02 mg/kg dieldrin for eggs were exceeded in 4/28 samples. PCBs, HCHs, chlordanes, toxaphenes and endosulfanes were found at lower frequency and levels. Brominated flame retardants (BFRs), e.g polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromphenoxy)ethane (BTBPE) were present in 100%, 60% and 46% of the composite samples, respectively. Octa-and deca-BDEs were the dominating PBDEs and BDE 209 levels ranged between bLOQ (limit of quantification) – 312 ng/g lw. Dioxins were measured using the DRLUC bio-assay and found in levels of bLOQ – 20 pg bio-TEQs/g lw. Four samples (13%) exceeded the maximum level of 5 pg/g total WHO-TEQs for hen eggs set by the Commission Regulation (EU) No 1259/2011. The daily/weekly intake was calculated and risk was characterized for all compounds comparing with available toxicity reference values (TRVs) such as the provisional tolerable intake (PTDI) or Reference Doses (RfDs). In one sample dieldrin exceeded the PTDI (100 ng/kg bw/day). Correlation was found between bio-TEQs and lipid adjusted levels of ΣPBDEs, suggesting similar sources. Open fires in backyards may be one of the sources for contamination of eggs with BFRs and dioxins.
Effect of crude extracts from Commiphora swynnertonii (Burtt) against selected microbes of animal health importance
(2012-03-09) Bakari, G.G; Max, R. A.; Mdegela, R. H.; Phiri, E.C; Mtambo, M.M
Ethanolic extracts from resin, root bark, stem bark and leaves of Commiphora swynnertonii were tested against fungi and bacteria using agar well diffusion method. The fungi included Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger whereas the bacteria species included Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli. Antimicrobial activity was determined by measuring inhibition zone diameters around agar wells. Resin and root bark extracts showed significant activities against S. pyogenes, E. coli and B. subtilis compared to the other two extracts. Growth of E. coli was highly reduced by resin extract (minimum inhibition concentration = 1.9 μg/ml). The fungi, C. albicans, also showed similar sensitivity to resin and root bark extract. Growth of S. typhimurium was not reduced by all four extracts at all concentrations tested whereas that of P. aeruginosa was slightly reduced. Cytotoxicity studies using brine lethality test indicated that root bark, stem bark and resin extract had effect to brine shrimps with LC50 of 3.5, 13.0 and 15.8 μg/ml, respectively. The current results indicate that resin and root bark extracts of C. swynnertonii have strong antimicrobial activity against most of the tested microbes and support the traditional use of the plant in treating various infectious diseases. Further studies are suggested to validate the use of this plant against the diseases caused by the tested microbes.
Environmental and Health Impacts Associated with Usage of Agrochemicals in Mindu Dam Catchment Area, Morogoro, Tanzania
(African Journal Online, 2013-01-19) Mdegela, R. H.; Mosha, R. D.; Ngowi, H. A.; Nonga, H. E.
A field based study was conducted during 2004 – 2006 to assess the environmental, human and animal health risks associated with usage of agrochemicals in Mindu dam catchment area (MDCA), in Morogoro, Tanzania. Heads of 268 households were interviewed using a questionnaire with structured and semi-structured questions. Fertilizers, insecticides and fungicides were the most commonly used agrochemicals in tomato production, which was the main crop cultivated. Endosulfan was the only organochlorine pesticide used in vegetable production. The majority of the farmers purchased agrochemicals that were repacked in unlabelled non-original containers, which were later reused for domestic purposes. About 73% of the farmers applied agrochemicals without protective gears. High risk groups to agrochemical exposure in the area were men, retailers and children. Farmers’ perceived impacts of agrochemical usage included getting sick, deaths of people and animals and environmental pollution. Information obtained from this study was used to identify appropriate foci and target groups for interventions to reduce the health risks associated with the usage of agrochemicals in the area. This assessment identified three foci and target groups for interventions: training of farmers on good agricultural practices, strengthening agricultural extension services, and reinforcing regulatory services.
Epidemiology and RAPD-PCR typing of thermophilic campylobacters from children under five years and chickens in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
(BMC Infectious DiseasesBMC serie, 2016) Chuma, I. S.; Nonga, H. E.; Mdegela, R. H.; Kazwala, R. R.
Campylobacter species are gram negative and flagellated bacteria under the genus Campylobacter, family Campylobacteriaceae. These pathogens cause zoonotic infections among human and animal populations. This study was undertaken between December 2006 and May 2007 to determine prevalence, risk factors and genetic diversity of thermophilic Campylobacter isolates from children less than 5 years and chickens in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania. Methods
Epidemiology and RAPD-PCR typing of thermophilic campylobacters from children under five years and chickens in Morogoro municipality, Tanzania
(BMC, 2016-06-15) Chuma, I. S.; Nonga, H. E.; Mdegela, R. H.; Kazwala, R. R.
Background: Campylobacter species are gram negative and flagellated bacteria under the genus Campylobacter, family Campylobacteriaceae. These pathogens cause zoonotic infections among human and animal populations. This study was undertaken between December 2006 and May 2007 to determine prevalence, risk factors and genetic diversity of thermophilic Campylobacter isolates from children less than 5 years and chickens in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania. Methods: The Skirrow’s protocol was used for isolation and identification of Campylobacter from 268 human stool specimens and 419 chicken cloacal swabs. Patient biodata and risk factors associated with human infection were also collected. Genetic diversity of Campylobacter isolates was determined by a RAPD-PCR technique using OPA 11 primer (5′-CAA TCG CCG T-3′). Phylogenetic analysis and band pattern comparison were done by Bionumerics software and visual inspection. Results: Stool samples from 268 children and 419 cloacal swabs from chickens were analyzed. Prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacters in children was 19% with higher isolation frequency (p = 0.046) in males (23.5%) than females (13.8%). Campylobacter jejuni (78.4%) was more isolated (p = 0.000) than C. coli (19.6%) and 2% were unidentified isolates. In chickens, the prevalence was 42.5% with higher isolation rate (p = 0.000) of C. jejuni (87%) than C. coli (13%). Campylobacters were more frequently recovered (p = 0.000) from indigenous/ local chickens (75.0%) followed by cockerels (52.2%), broilers (50.0%) and lowest in layers (22.7%). Keeping chickens without other domestic animals concurrently (p = 0.000), chicken types (p = 0.000) and flock size (p = 0.007) were risk factors for infection in chickens. One hundred and fifty two (152) thermophillic Campylobacter isolates were genotyped by RAPD-PCR of which 114 were C. jejuni (74 from chickens and 40 humans) and 38 C. coli (28 from chickens and 10 humans). Comparison of Campylobacter isolates from children and chickens revealed high diversity with only 6.1% of C. jejuni and 5.3% of C. coli being 100% genetically similar. Conclusions: This study has recorded high prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter in children less than 5 years and chickens in Morogoro municipality. The observed genetic similarity among few C. jejuni and C. coli isolates from children and chicken suggests existence of cross transmission of these pathogens between children under 5 years and chickens.