Browsing by Author "Mtambo, M. M. A."

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Antimicrobial resistance in faecal samples from buffalo, wildebeest and zebra grazing together with and without cattle in Tanzania
(Journal of Applied Microbiology, 2014-11-28) Katakweba, A. A. S.; Møller, K. S.; Muumba, J.; Muhairwa, A. P.; Damborg, P.; Rosenkrantz, J. T.; Minga, U. M.; Mtambo, M. M. A.; Olsen, J. E.
Aim: The aim of this study was to determine whether the practice of co-grazing with cattle and wild life constitutes a risk of transmission of antibiotic resistant bacteria to wild ungulates. Methods and Results: Faecal samples were collected from buffalo (n = 35), wildebeest (n = 40), zebra (n = 40) and cattle (N = 20) from Mikumi National Park, Tanzania (MNP), where cattle is prohibited and from Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) where co-grazing is practiced. The number of coliforms and enterococci resistant to selected antibiotics was determined. Wild life generally harboured higher number of resistant Escherichia coli and Enterococci than cattle, but with no general inﬂuence in wild life of co-grazing with cattle. Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci were detected in wild life samples, and E. coli resistant to cefotaxime and enroﬂoxacin were observed among isolates from all wild life, but not from cattle. Culture independent estimates of the number of sulII gene copies obtained by qPCR did not differ between wild life from the two sample sites, while tetW was signiﬁcantly higher in samples from MPN than from NCA. Conclusions: Antibiotic resistant bacteria were not more frequently found in ungulates grazing together with cattle than ungulates without this interaction. Signiﬁcance and Impact of the Study: This study did not indicate that transmission of antibiotic resistant bacteria is a frequent event following co-grazing of wild life and cattle.
Assessment of raw milk quality and stakeholders’ awareness on milk-borne health risks in Arusha city and Meru district, Tanzania
(Springer, 2015-03-30) Ngasala, B. N.; Nonga, H. E.; Mtambo, M. M. A.
A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the quality of raw milk and stakeholders’ awareness on milk borne health risks and factors for poor milk hygiene in Arusha City and Meru District, Tanzania between October and December 2012. A total of 105 smallholder dairy farmers, milk vendors and milk retailers were interviewed, and milk samples were collected for physical, microbial and antibiotic residue analysis using standard procedures. Questionnaire results indicated high level of awareness (94 %) that drinking raw milk can predispose consumers to milk-borne diseases; nevertheless, 65 % of respondents consumed raw milk. Physicochemical analyses showed some of the milk had sediments (20 %), bad smell (21 %) and had clotted on alcohol test (27 %). About 36 % of milk samples had pH below 6.6, and 25 % had specific gravity below 1.028 g/ml. The mean total viable count (TVC) of milk from vendors is significantly (P<0.05) higher than that from retailers and smallholder dairy farmers. Generally, 65 % of milk samples assessed had a higher TVC than the level recommended (2.0×105 cfu/ml) by the East African Community (EAC) standards. Up to 91 % of the milk samples had bacterial growth that included Eschericia coli (66 %), Staphylococcus aureus (33 %), Corynebacterium (11 %) and Pseudomonas (10 %). All smallholder dairy farmers were aware of drug residues, but majority (57 %) were unaware of human health effects caused by veterinary drug residues in milk. Up to 97 % of respondents reported to comply with drug withdrawal periods. This possibly led to all milk samples analysed to be negative from detectable levels of antibiotic residues. It is concluded that the level of awareness on milk quality is high, although practices associated with milking and post-harvest handling predispose milk to bacterial contamination which is a public health risk to milk consumers.
Characterisation of commensal escherichia coli isolated from apparently healthy cattle and their attendants in Tanzania
(PLOS ONE, 2016-12-15) Madoshi, B. P.; Kudirkiene, E; Mtambo, M. M. A.; Muhairwa, A. P.; Lupindu, A. M.; Olsen, J. E.
While pathogenic types of Escherichia coli are well characterized, relatively little is known about the commensal E. coli flora. In the current study, antimicrobial resistance in commensal E. coli and distribution of ERIC-PCR genotypes among isolates of such bacteria from cattle and cattle attendants on cattle farms in Tanzania were investigated. Seventeen E. coli genomes representing different ERIC-PCR types of commensal E. coli were sequenced in order to determine their possible importance as a reservoir for both antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence factors. Both human and cattle isolates were highly resistant to tetracycline (40.8% and 33.1%), sulphamethazole-trimethoprim (49.0% and 8.8%) and ampicillin (44.9% and 21.3%). However, higher proportion of resistant E. coli and higher frequency of resistance to more than two antimicrobials was found in isolates from cattle attendants than isolates from cattle. Sixteen out of 66 ERIC-PCR genotypes were shared between the two hosts, and among these ones, seven types contained isolates from cattle and cattle attendants from the same farm, suggesting transfer of strains between hosts. Genome-wide analysis showed that the majority of the sequenced cattle isolates were assigned to phylogroups B1, while human isolates represented phylogroups A, C, D and E. In general, in silico resistome and virulence factor identification did not reveal differences between hosts or phylogroups, except for lpfA and iss found to be cattle and B1 phylogroup specific. The most frequent plasmids replicon genes found in strains from both hosts were of IncF type, which are commonly associated with carriage of antimicrobial and virulence genes. Commensal E. coli from cattle and attendants were found to share same genotypes and to carry antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes associated with both intra and extraintestinal E. coli pathotypes.
Differences in Schistosomiasis Knowledge among irrigation rice farming communities in different Irrigation Schemes in Tanzania
(International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health, 2013) Salehe, F. S.; Mattee, A. Z.; Tarimo, A. R.; Ensink, J. H. J.; Mtambo, M. M. A.
Aim: To assess differences in schistosomiasis knowledge in farmers working in traditional, improved traditional and modern irrigation schemes in Tanzania. Study Design: A cross-sectional survey among farmers practicing irrigation rice farming, in 2 different regions and 6 different irrigation systems. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out between November and December 2011 in the Morogoro and Kilimanjaro Regions, Tanzania. Methodology: Equal number of irrigators in each scheme was employed. Irrigators were chosen randomly by the researcher from the list of all farmers actually engaged in rice irrigation farming provided by the village governments in the six schemes. Two hundred and fourty samples (240) were used, 120 from each region (40 farmers practicing irrigation rice farming in each scheme). Independent sample t-test was used for testing schistosomiasis knowledge differences among irrigators between schemes with the same design and construction of their infrastructures between the two regions. Results: More than 88% of irrigators surveyed in Kilimanjaro schemes had better knowledge regarding to all schistosmiasis items asked compared to those in Morogoro, particularly Chabi scheme-traditional. There were significant difference on irrigators knowledge on schistosomiasis symptoms (P<0.001), and predisposing factors (P<0.001) between Morogoro and Kilimanjaro Modern schemes. Knowledge on predisposing factors differed significantly (P<0.001) between irrigators in Morogoro and Kilimanjaro improved traditional schemes. Moreover significant difference were noted on irrigators knowledge on schistosomiasis symptoms (P<0.001), predisposing factors (P<0.004) and schistosomiasis control measures (P=0.003) between irrigators in Morogoro and Kilimanjaro traditional schemes. Conclusion: From the results it appears that the level of farmers’ knowledge of schistosomiasis is related to: proximity to health facilities of the community, trainings that have been provided to farmers and farmer’s literacy rate. However the government should be responsible to improve health facilities, construct roads and deliver schistosomiasis education to communities in irrigation areas even for schemes which have not been planned, designed and constructed by the government.
Factors associated with acquisition of enteric episodes in cattle waste handlers in Morogoro, Tanzania
(Research Gate, 2017) Madoshi, B. P.; Lupindu, A. M.; Mtambo, M. M. A.; Muhairwa, A. P.; Olsen, J. E.
The study explored risk factors for acquiring enteric disease in animal waste handlers as occupational hazards. A qualitative survey of 124 of respondents from Morogoro peri-urban and urban areas was done. Eight four respondents had experienced enteric episodes as compared to forty who didn’t mention, and among those who mentioned the episodes, 55.95% had reported this to a health facility while 44.05% had consulted a nearby pharmacy or drug shop. Heaping in living plots was mostly practiced storage method within living plots (70.97 %). The percentage of handlers who were aware of risks for acquiring enteric pathogens from cattle after handling their wastes was 43.55%. There was limited awareness of government guideline on handling such wastes (3.23%) and washing hands without soap was found to be the most common health measures taken after handling animal wastes (70.16%). Statistically significant difference was observed in knowledge on occupational hazards (p = 0.001), zoonotic pathogens awareness (p=0.05), experience of participants (p=0.05) and protective gears (p = 0.022). The animal wastes handlers could be constantly exposed to risks associated with enteropathogens due to the lack of training on proper measures to handle animal wastes as occupational hazard, government interventions of formulating laws and by-laws which are user friendly. This could protect the attendants themselves against the zoonotic enteropathogens, the public in general and the environment.
Genetic diversity among nine free range local chicken ecotypes in Tanzania based on microsatelliteDNA polymorphisms
(2008-06) Msoffe, P. L. M.; Mtambo, M. M. A.; Minga, U. M.; juul-Madsen, H. R.; Gwakisa, P. S.
The genetic diversity among nine free-range local chicken ecoivpes identified in Tanzania was evaluated using 20 polymorphic microsatelliies markers. The ecotypes were named Ching'toekuie, Mbeya, Morogoro-medium, Kuchi, Singamagazi, N'zenzegere, Pemba, Tunga, and Unguja. A manual microsatellite typing procedure was adopted. Of the 20 microsaielliie loci, 16 were amplified by PCR and were highly polymorphic. Four to 15 alleles per locus and four to seven alleles per ecotype were detected. Gene diversity was venj high (62 to 79%). The shortest genetic distance as measured by Nei's standard genetic distance (Ds) was between Kuchi and Unguja ecotypes (Ds distance = 0.0671) while the White Leghorn and Unguja ecotype (Ds distance= 0.9149) presented the longest genetic distance. A Neighbour-loining dendogram based on Ds distance showed the local chicken ecotypes to assort into three clusters. The bootstrapping values within the dendogram ranged from 41 to 98%. These results indicate that the free-range local chicken ecotypes to exist in different genetic groups. The accurate genetic typing of this animal genetic resource is important in making rational decisions on the utilisation of the chickens for economical use without compromising the conservation of each unique ecotype adapted to a particular eco-climaiic zone.
Human Rabies incidences in selected areas of Tanzania: Implications for community awareness and training
(Institute of Continuing Education, 2005-01) Batamuzi, E. K.; Mtambo, M. M. A.; Maeda-Machang'u, A. D.; Bittegeko, S. B. P.; Mpelumbe-Ngeleja, C. A. R.; Aris, E.
This paper discusses the status of rabies and control strategies in Morogoro and Iringa regions in Tanzania. There has been an increasing number of reported cases of rabies in both humans and animals in the country. This study utilizes old and new data from the veterinary and medical records to examine the perpetuating factors for human rabies and also assesses the impact of the present control measures. From the records, the study has shown that a total of 9,150 people have been exposed to rabies suspect animals between 1986 and 1999 in Iringa and Morogoro regions. It was further observed that the incidence of rabies was higher in males, children between one and 12 years and young people with ages ranging between 21 and 39 years old. In most human victims, dogs were responsible for causing injuries (6,834 that is 96% of the cases) but other causes of rabies were monkeys 111(1.6%), cats 74 (IN), Man 57 (IN) and hyenas 18 (0.03). There was also a strong correlation (P<0.01) between canine, wildlife and human rabies. The findings of this study indicate that the situation of rabies in the study area and possibly in Tanzania is alarming and requires serious control strategies. Participation of local communities in rabies control may be a key to success. Early reporting of cases, participation in vaccination programmes and improvement of dog management to reduce the number of strays should be emphasised. Educational programmes should also be organized to sensitize communities On the gravity of the problems and to expose them to remedial measures. On the other hand the government has an important role to play through imposing and enforcing quarantines. The government should also set aside a budget for postexposure treatment of humans exposed to rabies.. Concerted collaborative efforts between livestock, wildlife and medical authorities are required in order to appropriately be able to control rabies in Tanzania.
Isolation of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus from apparently healthy human animal attendants, cattle and cattle wastes in Tanzania
(Wiley Online Library, 2018-03-07) Madoshi, B. P.; Mtambo, M. M. A.; Muhairwa, A. P.; Lupindu, A. M.; Olsen, J. E.
AIM: The study aimed to isolate and characterize Enterococcus species from apparently healthy waste attendants, cattle and cattle waste in Tanzania. Emphasis was given to antimicrobial resistance and in particular occurrence of vancomycin (VA)-resistant enterococci. METHODS AND RESULTS: Faecal samples were collected from healthy cattle, cattle waste attendants and cattle house wastes, and isolation of Enterococcus species was performed using Slanetz Bartley agar. Isolates were characterized with regard to species, antimicrobial susceptibility and presence of VA resistance genes. Enterococcus faecalis was the most prevalent species from all sources of isolation (43·5%), followed by Enterococcus faecium (38·4%). Isolates of E. faecium showed a higher number of phenotypic antimicrobial resistance than isolates of E. faecalis. Fifty-eight isolates, which showed resistance or intermediate resistance to VA by disc diffusion test, were analysed for VA-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) by PCR. The vanA gene was detected in 14 isolates of E. faecium and 12 isolates of E. faecalis, while vanB was detected in three isolates. No isolates were found to carry vanC1-gene. CONCLUSION: VRE was detected in both human and cattle samples, despite no known use of antimicrobial agents that can select for VRE in livestock in Tanzania. Enterococcus faecalis was the most commonly isolated species from cattle and humans. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The study provides information on the prevalence of VRE in human and nonhuman samples in Tanzania calling for further studies on the origin of VRE in such isolates, since no selection mechanism in Tanzania are known.
Prevalence of intestinal parasites in pig manure and the potential for zoonotic transmission in urban/peri-urban areas of Morogoro municipality, Tanzania
(Livestock Research for Rural Development, 2017) Ngowi, H. A.; Mushi, P. E.; Lupindu, A. M.; Mtambo, M. M. A.; Muhairwa, A. P.
Information on the prevalence and potential health consequences associated with the presence of parasites in livestock manures is lacking in many developing countries. In 2015, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 79 pig farms to estimate farm-level prevalence of helminth eggs using McMaster technique and protozoan parasite oocysts using the Modified Ziehl–Neelsen technique in Morogoro municipality, Tanzania. Farm-level representative samples of manure were collected from pig manure disposal sites in each farm. Pig farmers’ knowledge and practices related to pig husbandry and manure handling were assessed using a structured questionnaire. All pigs were reared indoors and their manures were handled in solid form. Farm-level prevalence of strongyle eggs was 7.6% (95% CI: 1.8, 13.4) and that of Ascaris spp. was 6.3% (95% CI: 0.9, 11.7). Prevalence of acid-fast protozoan oocysts was 6.3% (95% CI: 0.9, 11.7), includingIsospora spp., Cryptosporidium spp. and Eimeria spp. Approximately 27.8% (95% CI: 17.9, 37.7) of the samples had acid-fast objects that resembled microsporidia and other fungal spores. About 94.9% (95% CI: 90.0, 99.8) of the farmers reported to have experienced diseases in their pigs, commonly helminthosis. Only about 42.5% (95% CI: 31.3, 53.9) believed that pig manure could cause some human health problems. Approximately, 65.3% (54.3, 76.3) reported to clean their pig pens daily. About 61.1% (95% CI: 49.9, 72.3) reported to wear special clothing when removing pig manure. Handling of pig manure is associated with potential biological hazards with potential for zoonotic transmission in urban/peri-urban areas of Morogoro municipality, Tanzania. Further studies are needed to measure the actual risks associated with livestock manure handling and utilisation including parasite viability and characterization studies to guide implementation of appropriate bio-security and bio-safety measures in urban/peri-urban livestock farms.
Schistosomiasis: A comparative study of its socioeconomic consequences in different types of irrigation schemes in Tanzania
(Global Advanced Research Journals, 2012-10) Salehe, F. S.; Mtambo, M. M. A.; Tarimo, A. K. P. R; Mattee, A. Z.; Hassan, S. N.
This study was carried out through a cross-sectional design in June through August, 2010 in modern, improved traditional and traditional irrigation schemes in Kilimanjaro and Morogororo Regions, Tanzania. A total of 240 irrigation rice farming respondents were selected purposively at head, middle and tail of each scheme. Interviews using structured questionnaires with closed and open-ended questions were used to collect data. T-test was used to determine variation in different variables for infected farmers between irrigation schemes, and for the same variables between infected and non-infected farmers within the same irrigation schemes. Infection was least at a traditional scheme, but high at a modern scheme both in Kilimanjaro Region. Consequently, infected farmers at Kilimanjaro modern scheme lost the highest number of working days on treatment and care of oneself/family members, 14-30 days per season compared to 4-13 days for infected farmers at a traditional scheme in Morogoro Region. We also found significant difference on income accrued from rice selling between infected farmers in modern (p > 0.001) and traditional schemes (p > 0.001). Moreover, there was a significant difference in net working hours per month between infected versus non-infected farmers in modern (p>0.001), improved traditional (p = 0.006) and traditional (p > 0.001) schemes. Since some of infected farmers in Morogoro schemes sold what could have been their food, assets and livestock the study concluded that schistosomiasis has not only caused illness to those infected, but it had impact on socio- economic development of those infected and their households at large.
Schistosomiasis: A comparative study of its socioeconomic consequences in different types of irrigation schemes in Tanzania.
(2012) Salehe, F. S.; Mtambo, M. M. A.; Tarimo, A. K. P. R.; Mattee, A. Z.; Hassan, S. N.
This study was carried out through a cross-sectional design in June through August, 2010 in modern, improved traditional and traditional irrigation schemes in Kilimanjaro and Morogororo Regions, Tanzania. A total of 240 irrigation rice farming respondents were selected purposively at head, middle and tail of each scheme. Interviews using structured questionnaires with closed and open-ended questions were used to collect data. T-test was used to determine variation in different variables for infected farmers between irrigation schemes, and for the same variables between infected and non-infected farmers within the same irrigation schemes. Infection was least at a traditional scheme, but high at a modern scheme both in Kilimanjaro Region. Consequently, infected farmers at Kilimanjaro modern scheme lost the highest number of working days on treatment and care of oneself/family members, 14-30 days per season compared to 4-13 days for infected farmers at a traditional scheme in Morogoro Region. We also found significant difference on income accrued from rice selling between infected farmers in modern (p > 0.001) and traditional schemes (p > 0.001). Moreover, there was a significant difference in net working hours per month between infected versus non-infected farmers in modern (p>0.001), improved traditional (p = 0.006) and traditional (p > 0.001) schemes. Since some of infected farmers in Morogoro schemes sold what could have been their food, assets and livestock the study concluded that schistosomiasis has not only caused illness to those infected, but it had impact on socio- economic development of those infected and their households at large.
Seroprevalence and factors affecting canine monocytic ehrlichiosis and canine brucellosis in Tanzania
(Roavs, 2012) Muhairwa, A. P.; Msoffe, P. L. M.; Mtambo, M. M. A.; Mwakijungu, E. O.
A cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the seroprevalence of Ehrlichia canis and Brucella canis in dogs in Morogoro Tanzania. The study was conducted between June and September 2010. A total of 100 randomly selected dogs were tested for the presence of Ehrlichia canis and Brucella canis antibodies using the Immunocomb ® dot-ELISA tests (Biogal, Israel). Epidemiological factors such as age, sex, breed, health status, body condition and tick infestation were studied. E. canis antibodies were detected in 25% (n=100) of the dogs. B. canis antibodies were not detected in any of the study dogs. The difference in seroprevalence between old and adult dogs was statistically significant (P<0.05). There was also a significant difference in seroprevalence between dogs in good and those in fair body conditions (P<0.05). Seropositivity to E. canis was not associated with the other epidemiological factors. This study provides the first serological evidence of E. canis infection but found no evidence of antibodies to B. canis in dogs in Morogoro. Canine ehrlichiosis was found to be a prevalent disease in Morogoro and calls for regular testing and treatment of clinical cases and tick control measures to protect dogs from E. canis infection. The study also points out the need for further investigation on the presence of canine brucellosis.