Browsing by Author "Mgode, G. F."

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Accuracy of giant African pouched rats for diagnosing tuberculosis: comparison with culture and Xpert W MTB/RIF
(Researchgate, 2017) Mulder, C.; Mgode, G. F.; Ellis, H.; Valverde, E.; Beyene, N.; Cox, C.; Reid, S. E.; Van’t Hoog, A. H.; Edwards, T. L.
S E T T I N G : Enhanced tuberculosis (TB) case finding using detection rats in Tanzania. O B J E C T I V E S : To assess the diagnostic accuracy of detection rats compared with culture and Xpert w MTB/ RIF, and to compare enhanced case-finding algorithms using rats in smear-negative presumptive TB patients. D E S I G N : A fully paired diagnostic accuracy study in which sputum of new adult presumptive TB patients in Tanzania was tested using smear microscopy, 11 detection rats, culture and Xpert. R E S U LT S : Of 771 eligible participants, 345 (45%) were culture-positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and 264 (34%) were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive. The sensitivity of the detection rats was up to 75.1% (95%CI 70.1–79.5) when compared with cul- ture, and up to 81.8% (95%CI 76.0–86.5) when compared with Xpert, which was statistically signifi- cantly higher than the sensitivity of smear microscopy. Corresponding specificity was 40.6% (95%CI 35.9– 45.5) compared with culture. The accuracy of rat detection was independent of HIV status. Using rats for triage, followed by Xpert, would result in a statistically higher yield than rats followed by light- emitting diode fluorescence microscopy, whereas the number of false-positives would be significantly lower than when using Xpert alone. C O N C L U S I O N : Although detection rats did not meet the accuracy criteria as standalone diagnostic or triage testing for presumptive TB, they have additive value as a triage test for enhanced case finding among smear- negative TB patients if more advanced diagnostics are not available
Application of a multidisciplinary approach to the systematics of Acomys (Rodentia: Muridae) from Northern Tanzania
(2006-12) Mgode, G. F.
The systematic status and geographic distribution of spiny mice of the genus Acomys I. Geoffroy, 1838 in Northern Tanzania is uncertain. This study assesses the systematic and geographic distribution of Acomys from Northern Tanzania using a multidisciplinary approach that includes molecular, cytogenetic, traditional and geometric morphometric analyses, and classical morphology of the same individuals. The molecular analysis was based on 1140 base pairs (bp) of the mitochondrial cytochrome b and 1297 bp of the nuclear interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein (IRBP) gene sequences. These data were subjected to phylogenetic analyses using Maximum likelihood, Bayesian, Maximum parsimony, and Minimum evolution analyses. The cytogenetic analysis included G-banding of metaphase chromosomes. The morphometric analyses included univariate and multivariate analyses of traditional morphometric measurements of the cranium and mandible, and of geometric morphometric two-dimensional landmarks of the dorsal, ventral, and lateral views of the cranium, and lateral view of mandible that included thinplate spline (TPS) analysis. The classical morphology included examination of external, cranial and mandibular morphology. Results of all these multidisciplinary analyses were congruent and provide evidence for the occurrence of two sympatric species of Acomys in northern Tanzania, namely, the previously recorded A. wilsoni (2n = 62) and a newly recorded A. cf. percivali (2n = 58). These results that also represent the first reported mitochondrial cytochrome b and nuclear IRBP gene sequences and karyotype for A. cf. percivali, increases the number of species known to occur in Tanzania from four to five. However, the mitochondrial cytochrome b data that included GenBank sequences from the type locality in Kenya suggest that A. wilsoni may not be monophyletic. Ecologically, the two species seem to partition their niches with A. cf. percivali being found in well-covered habitats with thorn bushes, rocky and mountainous areas, and A. wilsoni being found in open semi-arid grasslands as well as in rice fields. The two species appear to be isolated by complex natural barriers formed by the Great East African Rift Valley whose geological features have generally been associated with active rodent speciation. However, the present results need further multidisciplinary investigation involving extensive sampling and examination of topotypical material.
Challenges in determining the pathogenicity status of Leptospira isolates with phenotypic methods: The need for a polyvalent approach
(2010-12-04) Mgode, G. F.; Machang’u, R. S.; Collares-Pereira, M.; Vieira, M. L.; Goris, M. G. A.; Engelbert, M.; Hartskeerl, R. A.
Understanding the pathogenic status of leptospires, the causative agents of leptospirosis, is important for successful laboratory diagnosis and control programmes of this zoonosis. Leptospires are difficult to differentiate morphologically; therefore, their pathogenic, intermediate or saprophytic status is currently determined based on both phenotypic tests like growth response in medium containing 8-azaguanine and growth at low temperature (13°C), and genotypic methods. The present study reports on the pathogenic versus saprophytic characterization of nine Leptospira isolates from animal hosts (rodents and dogs) and humans, with specific interest on a canine isolate coded “Dog109”, which showed an ambiguous or intermediate status according to conventional (phenotypic) and molecular (genotypic) tests. The results strongly indicate the need of a polyvalent analytical approach for improving the differentiation of the pathogenic status of circulating serovars,
Effectiveness of the Domestic Cat (Felis silvestris catus) Urine Extracts Odour against Commensal Rodents
(Huria Journal, 2017) Mulungu, L. S.; Ngowo, V.; Mdangi, M. E.; Magadula, A. J. J.; Kapingu, M.; Mbukwa, E.; Mgina, C. A.; Mwatawala, M. W.; Kichuki, M.; Mwakalobo, A. S.; Mgode, G. F.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an extract of cat urine odour as a repellant of commensal rodents in houses. Cat urine was drawn and stored frozen in universal bottles at -20 0 C until use. The stored cat urine was then thawed and mixed with maize starch to form a thick dough and then granulated and dried at room temperature before being packed in a hermetically closed jar. Initially, rodent foot marks on tracking soot coat tiles were used to estimate the rat population before the cat urine extracts application. Twenty households with high and low rodent activities were selected purposively in the study area. Ten houses were treated with the urine extracts and ten others were kept untreated (control). Both treated and untreated houses were categorized at two levels (i.e. low and high rodent activities) as determined by the tracking tile foot prints. One tracking tile was placed in each of the selected houses and rodent foot marks were counted. Collected data were subjected to analysis of variance and the results showed a significant difference in rodent activities which however, depended on the sex of the cat that donated the urine base. Female cat urine extract repelled significantly more commensal rodents as compared to male cat urine extract. The repellent effect was observed from day 1 to 4; but not beyond. Our findings suggest that cat urine odour has the potential to repel commensal rodent pest species; with female cat urine being more effective than male cat urine.
Effectiveness of the domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) urine extracts odour against commensal rodents
(COSTECH, 2017) Mulungu, L. S.; Ngowo, V.; Mdangi, M. E.; Magadula, A. J. J.; Kapingu, M.; Mbukwa, E.; Mgina, C. A.; Mwatawala, M. W.; Kichuki, M.; Mwakalobo, A. S.; Mgode, G. F.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an extract of cat urine odour as a repellant of commensal rodents in houses. Cat urine was drawn and stored frozen in universal bottles at -20 0 C until use. The stored cat urine was then thawed and mixed with maize starch to form a thick dough and then granulated and dried at room temperature before being packed in a hermetically closed jar. Initially, rodent foot marks on tracking soot coat tiles were used to estimate the rat population before the cat urine extracts application. Twenty households with high and low rodent activities were selected purposively in the study area. Ten houses were treated with the urine extracts and ten others were kept untreated (control). Both treated and untreated houses were categorized at two levels (i.e. low and high rodent activities) as determined by the tracking tile foot prints. One tracking tile was placed in each of the selected houses and rodent foot marks were counted. Collected data were subjected to analysis of variance and the results showed a significant difference in rodent activities which however, depended on the sex of the cat that donated the urine base. Female cat urine extract repelled significantly more commensal rodents as compared to male cat urine extract. The repellent effect was observed from day 1 to 4; but not beyond. Our findings suggest that cat urine odour has the potential to repel commensal rodent pest species; with female cat urine being more effective than male cat urine.
From pests to tests: training rats to diagnose tuberculosis
(ERS 2020, 2020) Fiebig, L.; Beyene, N.; Burny, R.; Fast, C. D.; Cox, C.; Mgode, G. F.
2020 is the year of the rat. The rat is the first of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs, and represents spirit, alertness, flexibility and vitality. In respiratory medicine, we may think of rats as vectors for diseases, such as pulmonary forms of hantavirus disease or leptospirosis, and pneumonic plague. Rodent control is thus part of hygiene guidelines and the International Health Regulations. And yet, the rat’s keen sense of smell has led to its incredible career as a living tuberculosis (TB) detector. The TB detection rat journey began with an idea in Tanzania in 2001, roughly 120 years after the TB-causing Mycobacterium tuberculosis was discovered by microscopy and bacterial culture. African giant pouched rats (Cricetomys ansorgei) had already been successfully trained using positive reinforcement to find explosives [1]. So, the question arose if they could do more for humanity by helping to also combat disease. But how would the rats use their noses to find bacteria or otherwise sniff out TB patients? For centuries, olfaction had already informed diagnostics in medical practices, e.g. in detecting metabolic issues such as ketoacidosis or tissue decay such as gangrene [2]. In the Flemish common language, the word tering, which etymologically refers to the smell of tar, is used for TB. The advent of chromatographic techniques allows characterisation of the organic compounds causing odours.
Leptospirosis in sugarcane plantation and fishing communities in Kagera northwestern Tanzania
(PLOS/ Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2019-05-31) Mgode, G. F.; Japhary, M. M.; Mhamphi, G. G.; Kiwelu, I.; Athaide, I.; Machang’u, R. S.
Background Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease of worldwide importance, though relatively neglected in many African countries including sub Saharan Africa that is among areas with high burden of this disease. The disease is often mistaken for other febrile illnesses such as dengue, malaria, rickettsioses and enteric fever. Leptospirosis is an occupational disease likely to affect people working in environments prone to infestation with rodents which are the primary reservoir hosts of this disease. Some of the populations at risk include: sugar- cane plantation workers, wetland farmers, fishermen and abattoir workers. In this study we investigated the prevalence of antibodies against Leptospira among sugarcane plantation and factory workers, fishing communities as well as among rodents and shrews in domestic and peridomestic environments within the study areas. Methods The study was conducted in Kagera region, northwestern Tanzania and it involved sugar- cane plantation workers (cutters and weeders), sugar factory workers and the fishing com- munity at Kagera Sugar Company in Missenyi district and Musira island in Lake Victoria, Kagera, respectively. Blood was collected from consenting human adults, and from rodents and shrews (insectivores) captured live using Sherman traps. Serological detection of lepto- spiral antibodies in blood serum was carried out by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Results A total of 455 participants were recruited from the sugarcane plantation (n = 401) and fishing community (n = 54) while 31 rodents and shrews were captured. The overall prevalence of antibodies against Leptospira in human was 15.8%. Sugarcane cutters had higher seroprev- alence than other sugar factory workers. Prevalent antibodies against Leptospira serovars in humans were against serovars Lora (6.8%), Sokoine (5.3%), Pomona (2.4%), Hebdoma- dis (1.1%) and Kenya (0.2%). Detected leptospiral serovars in reservoir hosts were Sokoine (12.5%) and Grippotyphosa (4.2%). Serovar Sokoine was detected both in humans and small mammals. Conclusion Leptospirosis is a public health threat affecting populations at risk, such as sugarcane plan- tation workers and fishing communities. Public awareness targeting risk occupational groups is much needed for mitigation of leptospirosis in the study areas and other vulnerable populations in Tanzania and elsewhere.
Mycobacterium genotypes in pulmonary tuberculosis infections and their detection by trained African giant pouched rats
(Springer Science+Business, 2015) Mgode, G. F.; Cohen-Bacrie, S.; Bedotto, M.; Weetjens, B. J.; Cox, C.; Jubitana, M.; Kuipers, D.; Machang’u, R. S.; Kazwala, R.; Mfinanga, S.G.; Kaufmann, S. H. E.; Drancourt, M.
Tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis in low-income countries is mainly done by microscopy. Hence, little is known about the diversity of Mycobacterium spp. in TB infections. Different genotypes or lineages of Mycobacte- rium tuberculosis vary in virulence and induce different inflammatory and immune responses. Trained Cricetomys rats show a potential for rapid diagnosis of TB. They detect over 28 % of smear-negative, culture-positive TB. How- ever, it is unknown whether these rats can equally detect sputa from patients infected with different genotypes of M. tuberculosis. A 4-month prospective study on diversity of Mycobacterium spp. was conducted in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. 252 sputa from 161 subjects were cultured on Lowenstein-Jensen medium and thereafter tested by rats. Mycobacterial isolates were subjected to molecular iden- tification and multispacer sequence typing (MST) to determine species and genotypes. A total of 34 Mycobac- terium spp. isolates consisting of 32 M. tuberculosis, 1 M. avium subsp. hominissuis and 1 M. intracellulare were obtained. MST analyses of 26 M. tuberculosis isolates yielded 10 distinct MST genotypes, including 3 new genotypes with two clusters of related patterns not grouped by geographic areas. Genotype MST-67, shared by one- third of M. tuberculosis isolates, was associated with the Mwananyamala clinic. This study shows that diverse M. tuberculosis genotypes (n = 10) occur in Dar es Salaam and trained rats detect 80 % of the genotypes. Sputa with two M. tuberculosis genotypes (20 %), M. avium homin- issuis and M. intracellulare were not detected. Therefore, rats detect sputa with different M. tuberculosis genotypes and can be used to detect TB in resource-poor countries.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis volatiles for diagnosis of tuberculosis by Cricetomys rats
(Elsevier, 2012-07-12) Mgode, G. F.; Weetjens, B.; Nawrath, T.; Lazar, D.; Cox, C.
Tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis in regions with limited resources depends on microscopy with insufficient sensitivity. Rapid diagnostic tests of low cost but high sensitivity and specificity are needed for better point-of-care management of TB. Trained African giant pouched rats (Cricetomys sp.) can diagnose pulmonary TB in sputum but the relevant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)-specific volatile compounds remain unknown. We investigated the odour volatiles of Mtb detected by rats in reference Mtb, nontuberculous mycobacteria, Nocardia sp., Streptomyces sp., Rhodococcus sp., and other respiratory tract microorganisms spiked into Mtb-negative sputum. Thirteen compounds were specific to Mtb and 13 were shared with other microorganisms. Rats discriminated a blend of Mtb-specific volatiles from individual, and blends of shared, compounds (P ¼ 0.001). The rats’ sensitivity for typical TB-positive sputa was 99.15% with 92.23% specificity and 93.14% accuracy. These findings underline the potential of trained Cricetomys rats for rapid TB diagnosis in resource-limited settings, particularly in Africa where Cricetomys rats occur widely and the burden of TB is high.
Pattern of ovulation in an ancient, solitary mole-rat lineage: Heliophobius argenteocinereus emini from Tanzania
(CORNELL UNIVERSITY, 2017) Katandukila, J. V.; Ngalameno, M. K.; Mgode, G. F.; Bastos, A. D. S.; Bennett, N. C.
Heliophobius is an ancient subterranean rodent lineage within the family Bathyergidae, that displays seasonal breeding over a broad geographical range. In East Africa, reproduction in these solitary mole-rats has been shown to coincide with the long rains, but it is not clear whether Heliophobius argenteocinereus emini (Noack 1894) from Tanzania is an induced or spontaneous ovulator. To address this, urinary progesterone was measured every second day over a period of 132 days in six wild-caught females subjected to three sequential experimental treatments. In the first, control (C) treatment, females were housed singly for a period of 44 days, following which non-physical contact (NPC) with a vasectomised male and then physical contact (PC) with the same vasectomised male, occurred, in each of the subsequent 44-day treatments. Non-invasive monitoring of ovarian cyclicity confirmed that mean urinary progesterone concentration was higher during PC than during either NPC or C, despite the fact that the males were vasectomised and incapable of fertilising the females. Examination of penile morphology revealed that males possess epidermal projections on the glans penis which probably bring about cervical stimulation during coitus. These findings together with the female progesterone profiles imply the species is an induced ovulator stimulated by penile intromission.
Pediatric tuberculosis detection using trained African giant pouched rats
(2018 International Pediatric Research Foundation, Inc., 2018) Mgode, G. F.; Cox, C. L.; Mwimanzi, S.; Mulder, C.
BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis in children is a challenge with up to 94% of children with TB treated empirically in TB high-burden countries. Therefore, new diagnostic tests are needed for TB diagnosis. We determined the performance of trained rats in the diagnosis of pediatric TB and whether they can improve detection rate compared to the standard of care. METHODS: Presumptive TB patients in 24 TB clinics in Tanzania were tested. Samples indicated as TB-positive by rats underwent confirmation by concentrated smear microscopy. TB yield of bacteriologically confirmed pediatric TB patients (≤5 years) was compared with yield of standard of care. RESULTS: Sputum samples from 55,148 presumptive TB patients were tested. Nine hundred eighty-two (1.8%) were the children between 1 and 5 years. Clinics detected 34 bacteriologically positive children, whereas rats detected additional 23 children yielding 57 bacteriologically TB- positive children. Rats increased pediatric TB detection by 67.6%. Among 1–14-year-old children, clinics detected 331 bacteriologically positive TB whereas rats found the additional 208 children with TB that were missed by clinics. Relative increase in TB case detection by rats decreased with the increase in age (Po0.0001). CONCLUSION: Trained rats increase pediatric TB detection significantly and could help address the pediatric TB diagnosis challenges. Further determination of accuracy of rats involving other sample types is still needed.
Relic populations of Fukomys mole- rats in Tanzania: description of two new species F. livingstoni sp. nov. and F. hanangensis sp. nov.
(Faulkes / PeerJ, 2017-04-27) Faulkes, C. G.; Mgode, G. F.; Archer, E. K.; Bennett, N. C.
Previous studies of African mole-rats of the genera Heliophobius and Fukomys (Bathy- ergidae) in the regions of East and south central Africa have revealed a diversity of species and vicariant populations, with patterns of distribution having been influenced by the geological process of rifting and changing patterns of drainage of major river systems. This has resulted in most of the extant members of the genus Fukomys being distributed west of the main Rift Valley. However, a small number of isolated popula- tions are known to occur east of the African Rift Valley in Tanzania, where Heliophobius is the most common bathyergid rodent. We conducted morphological, craniometric and phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) sequences of two allopatric populations of Tanzanian mole-rats (genus Fukomys) at Ujiji and around Mount Hanang, in comparison with both geographically adjacent and more distant populations of Fukomys. Our results reveal two distinct evolutionary lineages, forming clades that constitute previously unnamed species. Here, we formally describe and designate these new species F. livingstoni and F. hanangensis respectively. Molecular clock-based estimates of divergence times, together with maximum likelihood inference of biogeographic range evolution, offers strong support for the hypothesis that vicari- ance in the Western Rift Valley and the drainage patterns of major river systems has subdivided populations of mole-rats. More recent climatic changes and tectonic activity in the ‘‘Mbeya triple junction’’ and Rungwe volcanic province between Lakes Rukwa and Nyasa have played a role in further isolation of these extra-limital populations of Fukomys in Tanzania.
Rodents and Shrews as Vectors of Zoonotic Spirochetes and Trypanosomes in Tanzania
(African Journals Online (AJOL), 2013-12) Katakweba, A. A. S.; Kipanyula, M. J.; Hamphi; Durnez, L.; Mhamphi, G.; Luziga, C.; Mgode, G. F.; Machang'u, R. S.
Clinically healthy wild rodents and shrews (Crocidura spp.) were captured from different localities in Morogoro, Tanga, Dodoma, Singida, Mbeya, Kilimanjaro and Mtwara regions of Tanzania. Blood samples were collected from the captured animals and screened for infectious agents of public health importance, including; Trypanosoma spp., Plasmodium spp., Borrelia spp. and Bacillus spp. Out of 4,963 blood smears examined, 424 (8.5%) were from shrews and 4,539 (91.5%) were from rodents. Trypanosoma spp. were demonstrated in 198 (3.9%) and 7 (0.1%) blood smears of rodents and shrews, respectively. Borrelia spp. were demonstrated in 6 (0.2%) and 5 (1.2%) rodents and shrews, respectively. Bacillus spp. were found in 149 (3.6%) and 27 (6.4%) rodents and shrews respectively. Mastomys natalensis, Rattus rattus and Crocidura spp. were found to host all of the five haemoparasites detected. The public health significance of this study is notable from the fact that haemoparasites that were demonstrated in apparently healthy rodents are potential human pathogens.
Seropositivity of Brucella spp. and Leptospira spp. antibodies among abattoir workers and meat vendors in the city of Mwanza, Tanzania: A call for one health approach control strategies
(PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2018-06-25) Mirambo, M. M.; Mgode, G. F.; John, M.; Mngumi, E. B.; Mhamphi, G. G.; Mshana, S. E.; Malima, Z. O.
A total of 250 participants (146 abattoir workers and 104 meat vendors) were enrolled with median age of 31 (IQR: 25–38) years. The overall, seropositivity of Brucella spp. antibodies was 48.4% (95% Cl: 42–54). Seropositivity of B. abortus was significantly higher than that of B. melitensis (46.0%, 95%Cl: 39–52 vs. 23.6%, 95% Cl: 18–28, P<0.001) while seropositiv- ity of both species was 21.2% (95%Cl: 16–26). The seropositivity of Leptospira spp. was 10.0% (95% CI: 6–13) with predominance of Leptospira kirschneri serovar Sokoine which was detected in 7.2% of the participants. Being abattoir worker (OR: 2.19, 95% CI 1.06– 4.54, p = 0.035) and long work duration (OR: 1.06, 95%CI: 1.01–1.11, p = 0.014) predicted presence of both B.abortus and B. melitensis antibodies. Only being married (p = 0.041) was significantly associated with seropositivity of Leptospira spp. Primary education was the only factor independently predicted presence of Brucella spp. antibodies among abattoir workers on sub-analysis of occupational exposure. None of factors were found to be associ- ated with presence of Brucella spp. antibodies among meat vendors on sub-analysis. Conclusion Seropositivity of B.abortus antibodies among abattoir workers and meat vendors is high and seem to be a function of being abattoir worker, having worked for long duration in the abat- toir and having primary education. In addition, a significant proportion of abattoir workers and meat vendors in the city was seropositive for Leptospira kirschneri serovar Sokoine. There is a need to consider ‘one health approach’ in devising appropriate strategies to con- trol these diseases in the developing countries.
Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of leptospirosis in slaughter pigs; a neglected public health risk, western Kenya
(BMC Veterinary Research, 2019) Ngugi, J. N.; Fèvre, E. M.; Mgode, G. F.; Obonyo, M.; Mhamphi, G. G.; Otieno, C. A.; Cook, E. A. J.
Background: Leptospirosis is a neglected zoonosis of public health importance transmitted through contact with contaminated soil, water or urine of infected animals. In pigs the disease is characterized by abortion, still births and weak piglets. A cross-sectional study was conducted in May to July 2018 to estimate the sero-prevalence of leptospirosis and factors associated with seropositivity in slaughter pigs. A questionnaire was used to collect information on animal demographics. Serum was tested for anti-leptospiral antibodies using microscopic agglutination test (MAT) with a panel of 8 serovars. Sera were considered positive for sero-reactivity at a MAT titre ≥1:40 against at least one serovar. Chi-square tests were used to measure the strength of association between the MAT test result and exploratory variables. Results: A total of 252 pig serum samples from seven slaughterhouses were tested for Leptospira antibodies by MAT. Of the 252 pigs sampled, 88.8% (244/252) were indigenous breeds; 55.6% (140/252) were female and 88.7% (220/252) were reared in extensive production systems. Eighty-three (32.9%; 83/252) sera samples tested positive on MAT against at least one serovar. Of the 8 serovars, the highest prevalence was recorded for serovar Lora 21.4% followed by Kenya 5.2%, Sokoine 3.6% and Grippotyphosa at 3.2%. Risk factors for leptospirosis seropositivity in pigs were: originating from farms with other types of livestock (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.0–4.5) and mature pigs (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.1–3.3). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that there is a high prevalence of leptospirosis positive pigs at slaughter in a small-holder livestock keeping region of the Lake Victoria basin. The potential for cross species transmission of pathogenic serovars is highlighted as well as the potential for occupational exposure to slaughterhouse personnel. Improvements in husbandry practices (confinement and rodent control) and public health education among slaughterhouse workers and other high-risk groups is recommended.
Seroprevalence of Leptospira infection in bats roosting in human settlements in Morogoro municipality in Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Health Research, 2014) Mgode, G. F.; Mbugi, H. A.; Mhamphi, G. G.; Ndanga, D.; Nkwama, E. L.
Leptospirosis is a neglected emerging infectious disease with high burden in Africa. Major reservoirs of leptospirosis are rodents and other small mammals. Studies of leptospirosis in bats and the extent to which they contribute to its transmission to humans and domestic animals in Tanzania are lacking. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of leptospirosis and local Leptospira serovars in bat colonies found around human settlements in Morogoro, Tanzania. In this study, mist nets were used to capture bats at Sokoine University of Agriculture main campus, whereas bats roosting on trees at Nunge A, Nunge B and Mwere primary school were captured manually. Leptospirosis was determined using the gold standard microscopic agglutination test for determination of Leptospira antibodies. Six live Leptospira serovars including local Leptospira serovar Sokoine, Kenya and Lora reported in rodents and domestic animals in Tanzania, and reference serovars Hebdomadis, Canicola and Pomona were used in the study. Leptospirosis prevalence was high in bats (19.4%) and higher within colonies (27.3%). Leptospira serovar Sokoine was more prevalent (19.4%) compared to serovars Kenya (2.8%) and Lora (2.8%). Serovars Pomona, Canicola and Hebdomadis were not detected in bats. In conclusion, bats are potential reservoir and transmitter of Leptospira serovar Sokoine, hence should be prevented to access houses and roosting in human settlements to avoid public health risks. Routine diagnosis of human leptospirosis is needed in Tanzania as evidence show a high prevalence of Leptospira in reservoir hosts interacting with humans.
Short communication - effects of azadirachta indica (neem) extract on livestock fleas in Morogoro district, Tanzania
(International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, 2001) Kilonzo, B. S.; Ngomuo, A. J.; Sabuni, C. A.; Mgode, G. F.
Aqueous neem seed kernels extracts (NSKE) were used to treat flea-infested goats in Morogoro, Tanzania to determine their efficacy for flea control. Mean population densities of the insects were significantly lower in the treated goats compared to their untreated counterparts (P < 0.05). It was concluded that NSKE has potential in controlling livestock fleas, but further studies are needed to determine the active principals against fleas and their mode of action.