Browsing by Author "Mushi, James Richard"

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Antibody response, viral load, viral clearance and growth rate in Tanzanian free-range local chickens infected with lentogenic Newcastle disease virus
(Academic Journals, 2021-04-15) Gallardo, Rodrigo; Kelly, Terra; Lamont, Susan; Dekkers, Jack; Zhou, Huaijun; Muhairwa, Amandus; Mushi, James Richard; Chiwanga, Gaspar Honorati; Mollel, Esther Lemburis; Walugembe, Muhammed; Max, Robert Arsen; Msoffe, Peter Makenga; Rodrigo Gallardo
This study is aimed at evaluating antibody responses, viral loads, viral clearance and growth rate of Tanzanian free-range local chicken (FRLC) challenged with LaSota strain of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) as indicator traits for selection of chickens for breeding with enhanced resistance to the disease and economic value. Three popular free-range local chicken ecotypes: Kuchi, Ching’wekwe and Morogoro-medium from three ecological zones of Tanzania were used for the experiments. Progenies from the breeder chickens were challenged with 10 7 titer of 50% egg infectious dose (EID 50 ) of the virus at 28 days of age. The viral loads and viral clearance rates evaluated by qRT-PCR from tear samples collected at 2- and 6-days post infection (dpi) showed that Kuchi could clear NDV better than Morogoro- medium and Ching’wekwe. Anti-NDV antibody levels determined from blood samples collected at 10 dpi using ELISA showed that Kuchi ecotype expressed higher mean anti-NDV antibodies compared to Morogoro-medium and Ching’wekwe. Growth rates determined from body weights collected for 38 days from day of hatch (D0) to 10 dpi showed higher growth rate for Kuchi than Morogoro-medium and Ching’wekwe chickens. Kuchi chickens were potentially more resistant to ND compared to Morogoro- medium and Ching’wekwe.
Correlation between aspergillus flavus fungal biomass and aflatoxin contamination in harvested maize: insights from Kenya and Tanzania
(Tehran university of medical sciences., 2023) Temba, Benigni Alfred; Bakari, Gaymary George; Mgonja, Frida Richard; Mushi, James Richard
Controlling the occurrence of aflatoxins in foods must be accompanied by managing the fungi responsible for their production. The abundance and diversity of aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus flavus are responsible for the accumulation of these toxins in crops, posing a persistent threat to public health and the economy in tropical developing countries. A study was conducted to investigate the occurrence and level of A. flavus and relate them to aflatoxin levels in maize in Kenya and Tanzania. A total of 786 maize samples were collected during harvesting in selected areas of the two countries for analysis. The fungal abundance in the samples was measured as the amount of fungal DNA relative to maize DNA. This was accomplished by quantifying the fungal DNA using qPCR, targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene, while the maize DNA was quantified through the alpha-tubulin gene, the two genes known to be conserved. Aflatoxins were quantified using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography, coupled with ultra-high sensitivity, ultra-fast triple quadrupole tandem-mass spectrophotometer. A. flavus was detected in 88.5% of the 786 tested samples, and the average fungal load for these samples (expressed as the log host/pathogen ratio) was 5.53. Aflatoxin occurrence was positive in 31.9% of the samples, with an average level of 2.3 ± 0.643 ppb. The study established a positive relationship between the occurrence and level of aflatoxin B 1 and the presence and biomass of A. flavus, which was statistically proven. These findings emphasize the need to place substantial attention on preharvest control of A. flavus in cereal fields as an effort to control the accumulation of aflatoxin B1 in foods.
Perceptions, attitudes, and practices of Tanzanian university communities regarding the use and formalization of traditional medicine
(European Journal of Medicinal Plants, 2023) Kimario, Wilfrida Adolfu; Mgonja, Frida Richard; Mushi, James Richard; Bakari, Gaymary George; Temba, Benigni Alfred
Introduction: Traditional medicines (TMs) play a vital role in the public healthcare system of Tanzania and other sub-Saharan countries. The community has been advocating for greater recognition and formalization of this sector. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the community's knowledge and views on formalization to maximize the beneficial use of TMs in Tanzania.Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the university community, involving a total of 458 students and staff from three major public universities in Tanzania. Participants were interviewed regarding their history, knowledge, and inclination towards using TMs. They were also asked about their opinions on community involvement and the necessity of strengthening the formalization of education and usage in this field. Results: The results revealed that 84.7% of the participants had utilized TMs, with 71.6% currently using them and 16.8% using them on a regular basis. Furthermore, 30.5% of the participants agreed that the community is aware of the importance of TMs, while 18.8% believed that the community receives adequate education regarding their significance. Additionally, 33.6% indicated that the government recognizes and promotes the importance of TMs. The study also found strong community support for introducing TM practitioners who can attend to patients and provide TMs. There was also strong support for formalizing education on TMs within the Tanzanian education system. Conclusion: The study's findings underscore the significance of recognizing and leveraging traditional medications to improve public health and preserve the benefits of local knowledge.