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Mapping and gap analysis on antimicrobial resistance surveillance systems in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia
(Springer Nature, 2023) Matee, Mecky; Mshana, Stephen E.; Mtebe, Majigo; Komba, Erick Vitus; Moremi, Nyambura; Lutamwa, Julius; Kapona, Otrida; Sekamatte, Musa; Mboera, Leonard E. G.
Background Antimicrobial resistance is a global problem and involve pathogens which have the potential to move between food producing animals and humans by direct exposure or through the food chain or the environment. The objective of this study was to determine the performance in addressing antimicrobial resistance in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Desk review and in-depth interviews were employed for data collection. Interviews were con- ducted with national antimicrobial resistance focal officials. Results The findings indicate that in the four countries there was minimal capacity to conduct AMR surveillance. There were few well-established laboratories in tertiary hospitals, both private and public hospitals. The animal, envi- ronment and agricultural sectors in all countries had limited capacity in conducting antimicrobial resistance surveil- lance. There is limited data on antimicrobial resistance in all the four countries, and regional data sharing was limited. In all the four countries, data from research institutions were not linked using standardized system making difficult to compile the national database. The capacity for microbiological culture, identification and antimicrobial sensitivity testing using standardized protocols was available in the four countries. The interventions adopted by the countries included development of National Action Plans on antimicrobial resistance and setting up of multi-sectoral national coordinating structures. Conclusions Based on this findings, the countries need improved National Integrated Antimicrobial Resistance Sur- veillance systems to include community settings, involving antimicrobial use and resistance in human, animal, food, and environment sectors. In addition, the region requires clear antimicrobial resistance data sharing protocol for quick comparability of the data across the region. This is important in driving antimicrobial resistance agendas at regional level, which will eventually trigger collective actions.
Antimicrobial resistance profiles, virulence genes, and genetic diversity of thermophilic campylobacter species isolated from a layer poultry farm in Korea
(Frontiers in Microbiology, 2021) Gahamanyi, Noel; Yoon, Kye-Yoon; Mboera, Leonard E. G.; Matee, Mecky I.; Mutangana, Dieudonné; Amachawadi, Raghavendra G.; Komba, Erick V. G.; Pan, Cheol-Ho
Thermophilic Campylobacter species are among the major etiologies of bacterial enteritis globally. This study aimed at assessing the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles, virulence genes, and genetic diversity of thermophilic Campylobacter species isolated from a layer poultry farm in South Korea. One hundred fifty-three chicken feces were collected from two layer poultry farms in Gangneung, South Korea. The Campylobacter species were isolated by cultural techniques, while PCR and sequencing were used for species confirmation. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing for six antimicrobials [ciprofloxacin (CIP), nalidixic acid (NAL), sitafloxacin (SIT), erythromycin (ERY), tetracycline (TET), and gentamicin (GEN)] was carried out by broth microdilution. Three AMR and nine virulence genes were screened by PCR. Genotyping was performed by flaA-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Of the 153 samples, Campylobacter spp. were detected in 55 (35.9%), with Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli being 49 (89.1%) and six (10.9%), respectively. High-level resistance was observed for CIP (100%), NAL (100%), and TET (C. jejuni, 93.9%; C. coli: 83.3%). No resistance was observed for SIT. The missense mutation (C257T) in gyrA gene was confirmed by sequencing, while the tet(O) gene was similar to known sequences in GenBank. The rate of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains was 8.2%, and they all belonged to C. jejuni. All Campylobacter isolates possessed five virulence genes (cdtB, cstII, flaA, cadF, and dnaJ), but none possessed ggt, while the rates for other genes (csrA, ciaB, and pldA) ranged between 33.3 and 95.9%. The flaA-RFLP yielded 26 flaA types (C. jejuni: 21 and C. coli: five), while the MLST showed 10 sequence types (STs) for C. jejuni and three STs for C. coli, with CC-607 (STs 3611) and CC-460 (ST-460) being predominant. Among the 10 STs of C. jejuni, three were newly assigned. The findings of this study highlight the increased resistance to quinolones and TET, the virulence potential, and the diverse genotypes among Campylobacter strains isolated from the layer poultry farm.
Antimicrobial resistance profiles of escherichia coli isolated from broiler and layer chickens in Arusha and Mwanza, Tanzania
(International Journal of Microbiology, 2021) Kiiti, Ruth W.; Komba, Erick V.; Msoffe, Peter L.; Mshana, Stephen E.; Rweyemamu, Mark; Matee, Mecky I. N.
(e rise in the spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens such as Escherichia coli is one of the very important dynamics oﬀ-putting treatment and prophylaxis possibilities, hence posing a threat to the modern human medicine, veterinary medicine, and food safety. (erefore, the aim of this study was to determine antimicrobial resistance proﬁles in E. coli isolates obtained from broiler and layer chickens in Mwanza and Arusha regions in Tanzania. A cross-sectional study was carried out from February to March, 2021, in 402 poultry farms in Mwanza (201) and Arusha (201) regions in Tanzania. All samples that tested positive for E. coli were conﬁrmed using MALDI-TOF MS, and two hundred and four (204) E. coli isolates were randomly chosen and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing by disc diﬀusion method. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel® and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Isolates were tested against seven antimicrobial agents belonging to seven classes of antimicrobials. All the tested isolates (n � 204) were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent. Overall, the highest resistance was observed in ampicillin (100%), whereas the lowest resistance was recorded for gentamicin (10.3%). Majority of the isolates (86.76%) were multidrug resistant. Antimicrobial resistance of E. coli to four classes of antimicrobial agents was the highest in this study (31.1%). Six of the 177 tested isolates (2.9%) were resistant to the seven classes of antimicrobial agents. 21 of the 204 (10.29%) isolates were ESBL producers where 21/21 (100%) isolates expressed blaTEM genes and only two isolates expressed (2/21) blaCTX-M gene. (e isolates obtained in this study displayed high resistance to commonly used antimicrobial agents in veterinary and human medicine. (is implies that there is existence of practices that accelerate antimicrobial resistance in the production of the sampled birds and therefore integration of appropriate use of antimicrobial agents and other measures that curb the spread of resistant genes is necessary.
Ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology, and phytochemistry of medicinal plants used for treating human diarrheal cases in Rwanda: a review
(MDPI, 2021) Munyaneza, Emmanuel; Dukuzimana, Emmanuel; Tuyiringire, Naasson; Pan, Cheol-Ho; Komba, Erick V. G.
Diarrhea, often caused by microorganisms, has been associated with high morbidity and mortality in Africa. Increased rates of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens have reignited the quest for alternative therapies. This review aimed at identifying medicinal plants used in the treatment of human diarrheal cases in Rwanda and analyzing their ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology, and phytochemistry. We searched PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and the Web of Science for published articles on medicinal plants used to treat diarrhea in Rwanda. Additionally, specialized herbarium documents of different institutes were reviewed. Articles were assessed for relevance, quality, and taxonomical accuracy before being included in this review. Overall, 63 species of medicinal plants belonging to 35 families were recorded. Asteraceae was the predominant family with six species, followed by Fabaceae and Lamiaceae, with five species each. The most reported species with anti-diarrheal properties were Vernonia amygdalina Delile, Tetradenia riparia (Hochst.) Codd, Clerodendrum myricoides R. Br. and Chenopodium ugandae (Aellen) Aellen. Leaves (66.7%) and roots (17.5%) were the commonly used plant parts in the preparation of medicine. Phytochemicals from medicinal plants with antidiarrheic activities were sesquiterpene lactones (V. amygdalina); terpene, sterols, saponosides, and flavonoids (C. ugandae); saponins and tannins (T. riparia); and tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids (C. myricoides). Six studies tested the antimicrobial activities of the plants against bacteria and viruses known to cause diarrhea. Erythrina abyssinica, Euphorbia tirucalli, Dracaena afromontana, and Ficus thonningii are socio-culturally important. Further research on toxicity and posology is needed to ensure the safety of medicinal plants.
Multidrug-resistant uropathogens causing community acquired urinary tract infections among patients attending health facilities in Mwanza and Dar es salaam, Tanzania
(MDPI, 2022) Silago, Vitus; Moremi, Nyambura; Mtebe, Majigo; Komba, Erick; Masoud, Salim; Mgaya, Fauster X.; Mirambo, Mariam M.; Nyawale, Helmut A.; Mshana, Stephen E.; Matee, Mecky Isaac
In low-income countries, the empirical treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) without laboratory confirmation is very common, especially in primary health facilities. This scenario often leads to unnecessary and ineffective antibiotic prescriptions, prompting the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance. We conducted this study to examine the antibiogram of uropathogens causing community-acquired urinary tract infections among outpatients attending selected health facilities in Tanzania. Method: This was a cross-sectional health centre-based survey conducted for a period of five months, from July to November 2021, in the Mwanza and Dar es Salaam regions in Tan- zania. We enrolled consecutively a total of 1327 patients aged between 2 and 96 years with a median [IQR] age of 28 [22–39] from Dar es Salaam (n = 649) and Mwanza (n = 678). Results: Significant bac- teriuria was observed in 364 (27.4% [95%CI: 25.0–29.9]) patients, from whom 412 urinary pathogens were isolated. Gram-negative bacteria contributed to 57.8% (238) of the 412 uropathogens isolated, of which 221 were Enterobacterales, and Escherichia coli was the most frequent. Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus haemolyticus were the most frequently isolated among Gram-positive uropathogens (n = 156). Generally, resistance among Escherichia coli ranged from 0.7% (meropenem) to 86.0% (ampi- cillin) and from 0.0% (meropenem) to 75.6% (ampicillin) in other Enterobacterales. Moreover, about 45.4% (108) of Enterobacterales and 22.4% (35) of Gram-positive bacteria were multidrug resistant (MDR), p = 0.008. We observed 33 MDR patterns among Gram-negative bacteria, predominantly AMP-CIP-TCY (23/108; 21.3%), and 10 MDR patterns among Gram-positive bacteria, most com- monly CIP-GEN-TCY (22/35; 62.9%). Conclusion: the presence of a high number of wide-ranging uropathogens that are multidrug resistant to a variety of antibiotics points to the need to strengthen the laboratory diagnostic systems for the regular surveillance of the antimicrobial resistance of uropathogens to guide and update empirical treatment guidelines.
Toxoplasma gondii in cattle, camels and sheep in Isfahan and Chaharmahal va bakhtiary provinces, Iran
(Jundishapur Journal of Microbiology, 2014) Khamesipour, Faham; Doosti, Abbas; Mobarakeh, Hamid Iranpour; Komba, Erick V.G.
Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite, which is assumed to have cosmopolitan distribution. Objectives: Adopting a cross-sectional study design the current research aimed to determine the occurrence of the parasite in cattle, camels and sheep in Isfahan and Chaharmahal va Bakhtiary provinces of Iran. Materials and Methods: Animals in the field and those brought for slaughter at abattoirs were included. Blood samples were randomly collected from animals and investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: T. gondii infections were detected in 0.00%, 6.60% and 17.9% of the sample cattle (n = 155), camels (n = 122) and sheep (n = 95) respectively. Sheep were more frequently affected in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiary (33.33%) compared to Isfahan (8.47%) (P = 0.005, 95%; CI = 6.88-43.35). No statistically significant difference was observed in infection prevalence between camels and sheep; and between the different sex categories in both camels and sheep. Conclusions: Evidence of T. gondii occurrence in sheep and camels was provided in the provinces under study. There is a need to investigate the potential risk factors of zoonotic infections. Furthermore, animal health and production losses caused by the parasite; and associated zoonotic implications in the area under study need to be explored.
Towards an integrated animal health surveillance system in Tanzania: making better use of existing and potential data sources for early warning surveillance
(Springer Nature, 2021) George, Janeth; Häsler, Barbara; Komba, Erick; Sindato, Calvin; Rweyemamu, Mark; Mlangwa, James
Background: Effective animal health surveillance systems require reliable, high-quality, and timely data for decision making. In Tanzania, the animal health surveillance system has been relying on a few data sources, which suffer from delays in reporting, underreporting, and high cost of data collection and transmission. The integration of data from multiple sources can enhance early detection and response to animal diseases and facilitate the early control of outbreaks. This study aimed to identify and assess existing and potential data sources for the animal health surveillance system in Tanzania and how they can be better used for early warning surveillance. The study used a mixed-method design to identify and assess data sources. Data were collected through document reviews, internet search, cross-sectional survey, key informant interviews, site visits, and non-participant observation. The assessment was done using pre-defined criteria. Results: A total of 13 data sources were identified and assessed. Most surveillance data came from livestock farmers, slaughter facilities, and livestock markets; while animal dip sites were the least used sources. Commercial farms and veterinary shops, electronic surveillance tools like AfyaData and Event Mobile Application (EMA-i) and information systems such as the Tanzania National Livestock Identification and Traceability System (TANLITS) and Agricultural Routine Data System (ARDS) show potential to generate relevant data for the national animal health surveillance system. The common variables found across most sources were: the name of the place (12/13), animal type/species (12/13), syndromes (10/13) and number of affected animals (8/13). The majority of the sources had good surveillance data contents and were accessible with medium to maximum spatial coverage. However, there was significant variation in terms of data frequency, accuracy and cost. There were limited integration and coordination of data flow from the identified sources with minimum to non-existing automated data entry and transmission. Conclusion: The study demonstrated how the available data sources have great potential for early warning surveillance in Tanzania. Both existing and potential data sources had complementary strengths and weaknesses; a multi-source surveillance system would be best placed to harness these different strengths.
Synthetic gut microbiome: Advances and challenges
(Elsevier, 2020) Mabwi, Humphrey A.; Kim, Eunjung; Song, Dae-Geun; Yoon, Hyo Shin; Pan, Cheol-Ho; Komba, Erick V.G.; Ko, GwangPyo; Hyun Cha, Kwang
An exponential rise in studies regarding the association among human gut microbial communities, human health, and diseases is currently attracting the attention of researchers to focus on human gut microbiome research. However, even with the ever-growing number of studies on the human gut micro- biome, translation into improved health is progressing slowly. This hampering is due to the complexities of the human gut microbiome, which is composed of >1,000 species of microorganisms, such as bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi. To overcome this complexity, it is necessary to reduce the gut microbiome, which can help simplify experimental variables to an extent, such that they can be deliberately manip- ulated and controlled. Reconstruction of synthetic or established gut microbial communities would make it easier to understand the structure, stability, and functional activities of the complex microbial commu- nity of the human gut. Here, we provide an overview of the developments and challenges of the synthetic human gut microbiome, and propose the incorporation of multi-omics and mathematical methods in a better synthetic gut ecosystem design, for easy translation of microbiome information to therapies.
Sanitary practices and occurrence of zoonotic conditions in cattle at slaughter in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania: implications for public health
(Tanzania Journal of Health Research, 2012) Komba, Erick V.G.; Komba, Ewaldo V; Mkupasi, Ernatus M.; Mbyuzi, Albano O.; Mshamu, Shaabani; Luwumba, Denice; Busagwe, Zablon; Mzula, Alexanda
As meat consumption is increasing worldwide to cover for protein demands, also raise concerns and challenges regarding meat hygiene and safety. The current one year follow up study aimed at investigating on sanitary practices and occurrence of zoonotic conditions, during post- mortem examination, in cattle at slaughter in Morogoro Municipality abattoir. Sanitary practices were assessed through direct observation where as routine post-mortem inspection procedures were employed to detect zoonotic conditions in cattle at slaughter. During the study period a total of 30,713 cattle were slaughtered and inspected at the abattoir. Results revealed poor hygienic practices at the level of abattoir surrounding, the slaughter operation area, personnel as well as meat vans. Whole carcasses, lungs, livers, hearts and heads were condemned due to zoonotic conditions at rates of 0.026%, 1.96%, 1.61%, 0.02% and 0.21% respectively. Bovine tuberculosis, Cysticercus bovis cysts, fasciolosis and hydatidosis were the responsible zoonotic conditions for the condemnations. Bovine tuberculosis was a leading zoonotic cause of condemnations accounting for 95.7% of lungs and 100% of all head and carcass condemnations. Cysticercus bovis cysts were ranking the second in serving as causes of condemnations closely followed by fasciolosis and lastly hydatidosis. Occurrence of disease conditions with zoonotic implication in cattle at slaughter, meant for human consumption, may pose significant economic and public health risks to especially disaster-prone marginalized communities. Thus, there is a need to introduce appropriate control measures of livestock diseases to minimize the rate of infection; and eventually reduce economic losses and safeguard public health.
Prevalence, risk factors, and antimicrobial resistance profiles of thermophilic campylobacter species in humans and animals in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review
(International Journal of Microbiology, 2020) Gahamanyi, Noel; Mboera, Leonard E. G.; Matee, Mecky I.; Mutangana, Dieudonn´e; Komba, Erick V. G.
Termophilic Campylobacter species are clinically important aetiologies of gastroenteritis in humans throughout the world. -e colonization of different animal reservoirs by Campylobacter poses an important risk for humans through shedding of the pathogen in livestock waste and contamination of water sources, environment, and food. A review of published articles was conducted to obtain information on the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of thermophilic Campylobacter species in humans and animals in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Electronic databases, namely, PubMed, Google Scholar, Resear- ch4life-HINARI Health, and Researchgate.net, were searched using the following search terms “thermophilic Campylobacter,” “Campylobacter jejuni,” “Campylobacter coli,” “diarrhea/diarrhoea,” “antimicrobial resistance,” “antibiotic resistance,” “humans,” “animals,” “Sub-Saharan Africa,” and “a specific country name.” Initially, a total of 614 articles were identified, and the lists of references were screened in which 22 more articles were identified. After screening, 33 articles on humans and 34 on animals and animal products were included in this review. In humans, Nigeria reported the highest prevalence (62.7%), followed by Malawi (21%) and South Africa (20.3%). For Campylobacter infections in under-five children, Kenya reported 16.4%, followed by Rwanda (15.5%) and Ethiopia (14.5%). -e country-level mean prevalence in all ages and under-five children was 18.6% and 9.4%, respectively. -e prevalence ranged from 1.7%–62.7% in humans and 1.2%–80% in animals. -e most reported species were C. jejuni and C. coli. -e AMR to commonly used antimicrobials ranged from 0–100% in both humans and animals. Poultry consumption and drinking surface water were the main risk factors for campylobacteriosis. -e present review provides evidence of thermophilic Campylobacter occurrence in humans and animals and high levels of AMR in SSA, emphasizing the need for strengthening both national and regional multisectoral antimicrobial resistance standard surveillance protocols to curb both the campylobacteriosis burden and increase of antimicrobial resistance in the region.
Ectoparasites and hemoparasites of the Emini Silvery Mole rats (Heliophobius Argentiocinereus Emini) in Morogoro region, Tanzania Essau Elly Mwalukasa
(Journal of Ideas in Health, 2025) Shija,Debora Elias; Ngalameno,Mungo Kisinza; Nzalawahe,Jahashi Said
Background: The silvery mole rat (Heliophobius Argentiocinereus Emini) is a subterranean rodent widely distributed across Sub-Saharan Africa and exploited as a protein source in some communities. Despite this, limited data exist on ectoparasite and hemoparasite infections in this species in Tanzania. This study aims to determine the prevalence of hemoparasites in silvery mole rats and to identify their potential arthropod vectors in the Morogoro region of Tanzania. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Mvomero and Morogoro districts, Tanzania, between March and June 2023. A total of 137 silvery mole rats were captured through manual excavation. Ectoparasites were collected from animal fur and identified morphologically using taxonomic keys. Blood samples were obtained directly from the heart, and smears were prepared, stained with Giemsa, and microscopically examined for hemoparasites. Statistical analysis was performed to assess associations between host factors, ectoparasite infestation, and hemoparasite infection. Results: Of the 137 captured mole rats, 65% (n=89) were females and 86.7% (n=120) were adults. The overall prevalence of ectoparasitism was 71.5% (98/137). A total of 1,503 ectoparasites were recovered, dominated by Androlaelaps spp. (93.15%, n=1400), followed by Echinolaelaps echidinus (6.19%, n=93), and Haemaphysalis spp. ticks (0.67%, n=10). Hemoparasites were detected in 29.2% (40/137) of hosts, including Anaplasma spp. (25.5%) and Babesia spp. (16.8%). Coinfections with both parasites occurred in 13.1% of individuals. Adult mole rats had significantly higher odds of hemoparasite infection (OR = 3.23, 95% CI: 1.15–9.11, p = 0.04). Tick infestation was strongly associated with Babesia spp. (χ² = 11.91, OR = 15.56, p < 0.001) and Anaplasma spp. (χ² = 5.82, OR = 8.3, p = 0.01). Conclusion: This study demonstrates a high prevalence of ectoparasites and hemoparasites among silvery mole rats in the Morogoro region. The dominance of mite infestations and significant associations between ticks and blood parasites highlight the potential role of mole rats as reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens. Further molecular studies are warranted to characterize these parasites and evaluate their public health implications.
Cestodes fauna of silvery mole rats (Heliophobius Argentiocinereus Emini) in Morogoro region, Tanzania
(Journal of Ideas in Health, 2024) Shija,Debora Elias; Nzalawahe,Jahashi Saidi; Ngalameno,Mungo Kisinza; Mafie,Eliakunda M
Background: Silvery mole rat (Heliophobius Argentiocinereus) is a subterranean rodent widely distributed throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. They have been reported to host several gastrointestinal parasites, however, the status of parasites from these rats in Tanzania has not been widely studied. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of cestodes parasites in silvery mole rats from the Morogoro region. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Mlali and Mji mkuu wards of the Mvomero and Morogoro urban districts in Tanzania, from March to June 2023. Silvery mole rats were collected through manual excavation of their burrows in agri-ecological areas. The captured rats were euthanized using Diethyl Ether and dissected to remove the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). GIT contents were gathered. Adult worms were collected and preserved in 70.0% ethanol. A flotation and aceto-carmine staining techniques were employed to process gastrointestinal contents and adult tapeworms respectively. Both cestode eggs and adult tapeworms were identified based on general morphological features using taxonomic keys. The prevalence of cestodes was computed, and a chi-square test was applied to assess association, a p-value≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results: One hundred thirty-seven silvery mole rats were collected, adult females 65% (89/137) were dominant among collected rats. One species of gastrointestinal cestode was detected with an overall prevalence of 20.44% (28/137) and identified as Hymenolepis diminuta. A total of 392 adult worms and 1450 eggs per gram (EPG) for H. diminuta were collected from the gastrointestinal tract. A significant association was shown between cestodes infection with both host age and reproductive category (p< 0.05). Conclusion: This study has established that Hymenolepidae (H. diminuta) is prevalent in silvery mole rats of the Morogoro region, suggesting that this animal could be among the sources of hymenolepiasis disease in the community. Therefore, further studies are needed to investigate cestodes fauna in community members of the respective study area.
Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Silvery Mole-Rats in the Morogoro Region, Tanzania
(Journal of Applied Veterinary Science and Technology, 2025) Shija,Debora Elias; Nzalawahe,Jahashi S; Ngalameno,Mungo Kisinza; Mafie,Eliakunda M
Exploring the nematode diversity in silvery mole rats opens up a fascinating avenue for understanding the intricate relationships between underground-dwelling mammals and their parasites. It is intriguing to consider the potential transmission of parasitic zoonotic between humans, livestock, and silvery mole rats due to the notable interactions of these animals. This study aims to acquire crucial information about the nematode fauna in silvery mole rats in the Morogoro region, Tanzania. A survey of nematode parasites in silvery mole rats was conducted in the Morogoro region, from March to June 2023. Collected rats were euthanized using Diethyl Ether, and dissected to remove the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Adult worms were collected and preserved in 70% ethanol. A flotation method and lactophenol mounting techniques were employed to process gastrointestinal contents and adult roundworms. The prevalence of nematodes was computed, and a chi-square test was applied to assess the relationship, a p-value< 0.05 was considered significant. The examination of the gastrointestinal tract contents revealed two nematode taxa; Physaloptera spp. and Strongyloides spp. The overall prevalence of nematode infection was 38.69% (53/137), with Physaloptera species being the most prevalent (37.22%). Adult rats had a lower infection risk than sub-adult rats. Female silvery mole rats were at higher risk of being infected compared to males. The study established two nematodes in silvery mole rats of Morogoro region, Tanzania, which are Physaloptera spp. and Strongyloides spp.
The efficacy of crude extract of aloe secundiflora on candida albicans
(Msoffe and Mbilu Afr. J. Trad. CAM, 2009) Peter L. M; Mbilu, Z. M
In- vitro studies on the efficacy of crude extracts of Aloe secundiflora on Candida albicans was conducted. Five mature leaves of Aloe secundiflora were collected and the crude extract was prepared, then autoclaved. The extract was then tested on Candida albicans grown on solid media. The results from these studies revealed complete inhibition of Candida albicans growth caused by Aloe secundiflora crude extract on solid media. The findings from this study suggest that the crude extract of Aloe secundiflora can inhibit the growth of Candida albicans. Further studies are required to establish the in-vivo activity of the crude extract, the active ingredient, dosage and safety of Aloe secundiflora, before recommending for clinical use.
Virulence pattern of circulating aeromonads isolated from farmed nile tilapia in Tanzania and novel antibiotic free attenuation of aeromonas hydrophila strain tzr7-2018
(Aquaculture Reports, 2020) Mzula, Alexanda; Wambura, Philemon N; Mdegela, Robinson H; Shirima, Gabriel M
Aeromonads are gram-negative, rod-shaped, facultative anaerobes bacteria known to cause motile aeromonads septicemia diseases (MAS) in warm freshwater farmed fish. Outbreaks are associated with pathogenicity of aeromonads in fish which is partly contributed by virulence characteristics of the etiological agent. The objective of this study was to assess the virulence characteristics of the previously isolated and identified aeromonads, and attenuate potential Aeromonas hydrophila strain TZR7-2018 to serve as local vaccine candidate. Six virulence genes and other virulence characteristics were molecularly and phenotypically assessed both using in-vitro and in-vivo approaches. Attenuation of A. hydrophila parent strain TZR7-2018 + was performed by passaging through thermal continuous sub-culturing 40 times in Tryptic soy agar (TSA). Bacterin was prepared by formalin in- activation from the same parent strain. Humoral responses were assayed using quantitative serological agglu- tination test (qSAT) while protective efficacy was measured through relative percent survival (RPS). A total 240 Nile tilapia fingerlings with an average weight of 8.1 ± 0.4 g were used in all in-vivo studies. The presence of aerolysin (aer), cytotoxic enterotoxin (act), elastase (ahy), haemolysin (hly), serine (ser) and polar flagella (fla) genes were determined using PCR. Out of 201 isolates, 75.1 % (151/201) of the aeromonads possessed virulence genes (120=A. hydrophila and 31=Aeromonas veronii). The virulence gene pattern of aer/hly/fla was the most prominent with the prevalence of 12.6 %. The attenuated strain TZR7-2018 − showed reduced: colon size, multiplication rate, cell size and loss in; haemolysis, motility and capsule. Humoral responses increased gra- dually and reached maximum at day 28 in both attenuated and bacterin formulation given through in- traperitoneal (IP) injection and immersion (IM). A RPS of 82.3 %, 71.4 % and 85.1 %, were recorded to the attenuated vaccine given through IP and IM and bacterin provided through IP respectively. Therefore the attenuated strain TZR7-2018 − obtained through thermal continuous subculture technique and the bacterin proved to be efficacious and can serve as vaccine candidate.
Current state of modern biotechnological-based aeromonas hydrophila Vaccines for aquaculture: a systematic review
(Hindawi BioMed Research International, 2019-07-29) Mzula, Alexanda; Wambura, Philemon N; Mdegela, Robinson H; Shirima, Gabriel M
This systematic review describes what “the cutting edge vaccines for Aeromonas hydrophila are”. The focus is on types of high tech biotechnological based vaccines, target gene or antigen in developing these vaccines, and challenge model fish species used in vaccines efficacy testing. Vaccines delivery methods, immune response, and their efficacy, adjuvant or carrier systems used, and the overall experimental setup or design of the vaccines under investigation are also described. The search for the original papers published between 2009 and 2018 was conducted in June of 2018, using the PubMed and Google scholar electronic database. Twenty- three (23/4386) studies were included in the final assembly using PRISMA guidelines (Protocol not registered). Recombinant protein vaccines were the highly experimented type of the modern biotechnological based vaccines identified in the selected studies (16/23; 70%). Outer membrane proteins (OMPs) of different β-barrels were shown to be a potential antigenic entity for A. hydrophila vaccines (57%). Intraperitoneal route with conventional carries or adjuvants was the highly applied delivery system while very few studies used herbal based vaccine adjuvants and nanomaterial as a vaccine carrier. Variation was observed in terms of protection levels in the selected studies. The experimental designs partly contributed to the observed variation. Therefore, recombinant vaccines that use new carrier system technologies and delivered through oral route in feeds would have been of great value for use in the prevention and control of A. hydrophila infections in fish. Despite the usefulness as academic tools to identify what is important in pathogenicity of the etiological agent to the host fish, these vaccines are only economically viable in very high-value animals. Therefore, if vaccination is a good option for A. hydrophila group, then simple autogenous vaccines based on accurate typing and evidence-based definition of the epidemiological unit for their use would be the most viable approach in terms of both efficacy and economic feasibility especially in low and middle-income countries (LMIC).
Antibiotic-resistant microbial populations in urban receiving waters and wastewaters from Tanzania
(Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, 2023) Ripanda, Asha Shabani; Rwiza, Mwemezi J; Nyanza, Elias Charles; Miraji, Hossein; Bih, Numfor Linda; Mzula, Alexanda; Mwega, Elisa; Njau, Karoli N; Vuai, Said Ali Hamad; Machunda, Revocatus L
Antimicrobial resistance against certain medications in the pathogenic microbial community is globally increasing due to the continual discharge and disposal of pharmaceuticals in the environment. The phenomenon resulted in significant antibiotic resistance among several exposed Enterobacteriaceae species, with wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and rivers serving as significant reservoirs. Despite antibiotic resistance being a tragedy, particularly in treating diseases by using antibiotics, local and regional studies indicating the severity, resistant species and the molecular level insight into these pathogens are scarce, thus requiring immediate intervention. This study, therefore, investigated wastewater from wastewater treatment ponds and receiving waters for the presence of resistant patho- gens through phenotypical and molecular approach screening of their genes. Among the 57 analyzed samples, 18 (67%, n = 27) isolates of Klebsiella spp.., 4 (80%, n = 5) isolates of Proteus spp., 1 (100%, n = 1) of isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 6 (18%, n = 34) of E. coli found were resistant to at least 1 among the tested antibiotics. E. coli had an 83% higher proportion of multi-drug resistance (MDR) than Klebsiella spp.., which had 68.5%, and no MDR was shown by P. aeruginosa isolates. Among the 20 bacterial isolates of antibiotic-resistant genes, showed that E. coli harboured 39%, followed by 22% of Klebsiella spp. Eleven (11) isolates of these 20 (55%) contained sulphonamides resistant genes: Sul 1 (n = 4) and Sul 2 (n = 7). Ten (10) isolates (50%) contained the tetracycline- resistant genes in which 4 isolates showed the Tet A, Tet B – 1 and 5 isolates contained Tet D. β-lactamases (bla CTX-M and bla SHV) were found in 7 isolates (35%). The existence of these antibiotic-resistant species in the urban receiving and wastewater presents a threat of transmission of diseases to humans and animals that are not cured by the existing medications, jeopardizing public health safety.
Sanitary practices and occurrence of zoonotic conditions in cattle at slaughter in Morogoro municipality, Tanzania: implications for public health
(Tanzania Journal of Health Research, 2012-04) Komba, Erick V.G; Komba, Ewaldo V; Mkupasi, Ernatus M; Mbyuzi, Albano O; Luwumba, Denice; Busagwe, Zablon; Mzula, Alexanda
As meat consumption is increasing worldwide to cover for protein demands, also raise concerns and challenges regarding meat hygiene and safety. The current one year follow up study aimed at investigating on sanitary practices and occurrence of zoonotic conditions, during post- mortem examination, in cattle at slaughter in Morogoro Municipality abattoir. Sanitary practices were assessed through direct observation where as routine post-mortem inspection procedures were employed to detect zoonotic conditions in cattle at slaughter. During the study period a total of 30,713 cattle were slaughtered and inspected at the abattoir. Results revealed poor hygienic practices at the level of abattoir surrounding, the slaughter operation area, personnel as well as meat vans. Whole carcasses, lungs, livers, hearts and heads were condemned due to zoonotic conditions at rates of 0.026%, 1.96%, 1.61%, 0.02% and 0.21% respectively. Bovine tuberculosis, Cysticercus bovis cysts, fasciolosis and hydatidosis were the responsible zoonotic conditions for the condemnations. Bovine tuberculosis was a leading zoonotic cause of condemnations accounting for 95.7% of lungs and 100% of all head and carcass condemnations. Cysticercus bovis cysts were ranking the second in serving as causes of condemnations closely followed by fasciolosis and lastly hydatidosis. Occurrence of disease conditions with zoonotic implication in cattle at slaughter, meant for human consumption, may pose significant economic and public health risks to especially disaster-prone marginalized communities. Thus, there is a need to introduce appropriate control measures of livestock diseases to minimize the rate of infection; and eventually reduce economic losses and safeguard public health. _____________________________________________________________________________
Use of molecular methods to detect shedding of mycobacterium bovis in cattle faeces and milk
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2015) MALAKALINGA,JOSEPH
Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is a chronic bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium bovis. It affects cattle and occasionally other animals and human. Several techniques exist for detection of BTB in animals. In Tanzania, Single Intradermal Comparative Tuberculin Test (SC1TT) and abattoir meat inspection are the commonly used methods for screening of BTB. This study has used molecular biology method namely; RD4 Real time PCR (RD4 Rt PCR) to detect shedding M. bovis in milk and faecal samples from cattle tested by SCITT and Bovigam test. The study has also determined the detection limit of Immunomagnetic capture (IMC) and Centrifugation methods of M. bovis cells in spiked milk. A total of 63 cattle dairy form LITA farm Morogoro were tested for BTB with SCITT and Bovigam test. Faecal and milk samples-were collected and RJD4 Rt PCR was used to detect M. bovis DNA. BTB prevalence detected by SCITT and Bovigam was 3.1% and 3.1% respectively and BTB prevalence detected by RD4 Rt PCR in milk and faeces was 36.1% and 9.5% respectively. The kappa value between the SCITT and Bovigam was 1 and between shedding of M. bovis in milk and faeces detected using RD4 Rt PCR was 0.07. The detection limit of IMC and centrifugation coupled with Real time PCR ranges from 100 to 1 000 M. bovis cells per 500 pl milk and 10 to 100 M. bovis cells per 500 pl milk sample. High number of cattle was detected by Real time PCR to have BTB compared to SCITT or Bovigam. The confirmation of M. bovis in milk indicates potential root of transmission of M. bovis from cow to calf also to human who consume raw milk. Moreover, confirmation of M. bovis in feces indicates possible contamination of cattle carcasses during slaughter process. The study proposes that in order to improve BTB diagnosis for controlling and management of BTB, both conventional, SCITT or Bovigam and molecular methods in feces and milk need to be deployed in parallel but considering their own merits like cost and repeat access to animals.
Molecular investigation of multiplicity of infections and drug resistance to sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (sp) in plasmodium falciparum malaria in Mlimba, Tanzania
(Sokoine University of Agriculture, 2004) MBUGI,ERASTO
The study was aimed at molecular investigation of multiplicity of infections and drug resistance to sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) in Plasmodium falciparum malaria. This molecular epidemiological study involved 141 blood samples from patients aged less than five years from malaria-endemic Mlimba division of Kilombero District, Morogoro, south eastern Tanzania. Blood samples were collected on filter papers (3MM Whatmann) and parasite DNA was extracted by Chelex technique. Molecular analysis on the merozoite surface protein 2 (MSP2), dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) was based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of PCR products (PCR-RFLP). These techniques made it possible to determine the multiplicity of infections and SP resistance-associated point mutations anticipated at sorting out recrudescence from new infections. The commonly reported point mutations occurring at codons 51, 59, 108 and 164 in the DHFR and codons 437, 540 and 581 in the DHPS domains were investigated. The results showed the multiplicity of infection array of single to six infections per patient with an average multiplicity of 2.58 infections per patient. Fifty-one patients possessed single alleles of either allelic families of the MSP2 gene in PCR-RFLP successful samples. Double, triple and multiple infections were detected in 37.7%, 11.9% and 5.9% of patients, respectively. Regarding drug resistance molecular markers, 66.9% carried mutations at codon 108, 62.7% at codon 51 and 48.8% at codon 59 of DHFR domain. Fifty-six (43.7%) of samples carried mutations at codon 437, 39.2% at codon 540 and 0.8% at codon 581 on the DHPS domain. Proportions of mixed variants in the DHFR domain ranged from 0 - 21.5% and 0.8 - 6.3% in the DHPS domain. About 44 (36.4%) of isolatesiii harboured triple mutant DHFR genotypes, whereas quintuple mutation was observed in 24 (19.8%) of isolates. Ten (8.3%) isolates possessed at least double DHFR and double DHPS mutants. This study found a high proportion of SP resistance- associated point mutations in Mlimba two years after deployment of SP as a first-line antimalarial drug in Tanzania. However, the adequate clinical response (81.1%) observed clinically reflects the role of semi-immunity component in the study population. This implies that used molecular markers for monitoring drug resistance, be done simultaneously with studies on confounding factors pertaining to development of resistance against SP in falciparum malaria. The extensive use of antifolates other than SP for treatment of infections other than malaria is a probable candidate for potentiating selection of mutations ascribed to SP resistance. The SP resistance potential detected in this study, caution on its useful therapeutic life as an interim first-line drug against malaria in Tanzania

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