Jesca Nakavuma | Makerere University (original) (raw)

Papers by Jesca Nakavuma

Research paper thumbnail of 16S-Metagenomic data profiling of the bacterial community in ready-to-eat vegetable salads sold in Kampala, Uganda

Data in brief, Jun 1, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence of Pathogenic Klebsiella Pneumoniae based on PCR Capsular Typing Harbouring Carbapenemases Encoding Genes in Ugandan Tertiary Hospitals

Research Square (Research Square), Nov 2, 2020

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen that has been implicated as one of... more Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen that has been implicated as one of commonest cause of hospital and community acquired infections. The K. pneumoniae infections have considerably contributed to morbidity and mortality in patients with protracted ailments. The capacity of K. pneumonia to cause diseases depends on presence of an array virulent factors. Coexistence and expression of virulent factors and genetic determinants of antibiotic resistance complicates treatment outcomes. Thus, emergence of pathogenic MDR K. pneumoniae poses a great threat to the healthcare system. However, the carriage of antibiotic resistance among pathogenic K. pneumoniae is yet to be investigated in Uganda. We sought to investigate the carbapenem resistance pro les and pathogenic potential based on capsular serotypes of K. pneumoniae clinical isolates. Methods: This was a cross sectional study involving use of archived Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates collected between January and December, 2019 at four tertiary hospitals in Uganda. All isolates were subject to antimicrobial susceptibility assays to determine phenotypic antibiotic resistance, pentaplex PCR to detect carbapenemases encoding genes and heptaplex PCR to identify capsular serotypes K1, K2, K3, K5, K20, K54 and K57. Results: The study found an overall phenotypic carbapenem resistance of 23.3% (53/227) and signi cantly higher genotypic resistance prevalence of 43.1% (98/227). Over all, the most prevalent gene was blaOXA-48-like (36.4%), followed by blaIMP-type (19.4%), blaVIM-type (17.1), blaKP-type (14.0%) and blaNDMtype (13.2%). blaVIM-type and blaOXA-48-like conferred phenotypic resistance in all isolates and 38.3% isolates that harbored them respectively. Capsular multiplex PCR revealed that 46.7% (106/227) isolates were pathogenic and the predominantly prevalent pathotype was K5 (18.5%) followed by K20 (14.1%), K3 (7.1%), K2 (3.1%) and K1 (2.2%). Of the 106 capsular serotypes, 37 expressed phenotypic resistance; thus, 37 of the 53 carbapenem resistant K. pneumoniae were pathogenic. Conclusion: The high prevalence of virulent and antibiotic resistant K. pneumoniae among clinical isolates obtained from the four tertiary hospital as revealed by this study pose a great threat to healthcare. Our ndings underline the epidemiological and public health risks and implications of this pathogen.

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of microbial quality of water in Kawempe Division, Kampala Surburb

East African Medical Journal, 2017

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the microbial quality of water in Kawempe Divisio... more Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the microbial quality of water in Kawempe Division, Kampala district. Design: A cross sectional study was conducted on two major water supplies used in the Kawempe division, Kampala district. Setting: Between June 2015 and April 2016, total coliforms and Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) were investigated in two major sources of water during wet and dry seasons. Water samples from tap water and protected spring wells were collected and analyzed for total coliforms and E. coli . Subjects: A total of 100 water samples were collected and analyzed for microbial quality. Plate count method was used. 10 ml of water sample was mixed with 90 ml of 1% peptone water saline. 1 ml of the inoculum was transferred to each of the two petri-dishes containing agar and mixed thoroughly. The solidified agar plates for total coliforms and E. coli were incubated at 37 0 C and 44.5 respectively and read after 24-48 hours. The results were expressed as Colony Forming Units (CFU) per milliliter (mL). Results: Of the 100 samples analyzed, protected wells were more contaminated with E. coli (48%) and total coliforms (56%) than tap water with E.coli at (4%) and total coliforms (7%) respectively. Tap water had a significantly higher degree of mean microbial count of 362 CFU/mL ( P <0.05) while protected spring well had mean microbial count of 83 CFU/mL. The microbial counts ranged between 5.0 x 10 0 to 1.92 x 10 3 CFU/mL in the wet season and 5.0 x 10 0 to 6.4 x 10 2 CFU/mL in the dry season. Protected spring wells had a mean microbial count between 2.0 x 10 0 to 2.6 x 10 2 CFU/mL in the wet season and 2.0 x 10 0 to 2.6 x 10 2 CFU/mL in the dry season. There was a statistical significant difference between counts of total coliforms and E.coli in the wet season and dry season ( P <0.05). Conclusions: Tap water and protected spring wells in Kawempe Division, Kampala district are contaminated with total coliforms and E.coli . The presence of total Coliforms and E.coli i n drinking water is of great public health significance and this may lead to the onset of various enteric diseases. Therefore, this calls for immediate response from health authority to enforce public health intervention measures in the area.

Research paper thumbnail of Isolation of Mycotoxigenic Moulds Contaminating Maize and Groundnuts in Selected Districts of Kenya

Research Journal of Microbiology, Apr 1, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Ethnobotanical Uses of Lantana Trifolia L. And Sida Cuneifolia Roxb. In Mukungwe and Wabinyonyi Sub-Counties of Central Uganda

Journal of Intercultural Ethnopharmacology, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Occurrence of mycotoxigenic moulds in maize and groundnut samples from Kakamega, Kitale and Kuria districts in Kenya

Research paper thumbnail of Toxicity Studies on Anti-fungal Essential Oils Extracted from Selected Aromatic Plants from Mabira and Kakamega Forests, East Africa

European journal of medicinal plants, Jan 10, 2016

This work was carried out in collaboration between all authors. Author JLN supervised the toxicit... more This work was carried out in collaboration between all authors. Author JLN supervised the toxicity studies, was involved in aromatic plant collection; designed the study, managed the literature searches and prepared the manuscript drafts. Authors JCM and INW were involved in aromatic plant collection. Authors JK and LA were involved in toxicity studies. All the authors have read and approved the final manuscript.

Research paper thumbnail of Chemical composition of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil and its effect on mycotoxigenic Aspergillus species

African Journal of Food Science, Mar 31, 2011

This study evaluated the antifungal activity of essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus (Poaceae) ag... more This study evaluated the antifungal activity of essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus (Poaceae) against five mycotoxigenic species of the genus Aspergillus (Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus) isolated from maize samples. The oil of C. citratus was obtained by hydro-distillation and analysed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The oil was dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons which accounted for 94.25% of the total oil and characterised by a high percentage of geranial (39.53%), neral (33.31%), and myrecene (11.41%). The antifungal activity tests showed that the oil was active against all the five Aspergillus species. The extent of inhibition of fungal growth was dependent on the concentration of the oil. The activity of the oil against the mycotoxigenic fungi had Minimun Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values ranging from 15 to 118 mg/ml. These results show that the essential oil of C. citratus has antifungal activities against fungi that are the producers of poisonous mycotoxins found in foods. This oil can be used in food preservation systems to inhibit the growth of moulds and retard subsequent mycotoxin production.

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence and risk factors for brucellosis in prolonged fever patients in post-conflict Northern Uganda

African Health Sciences, Apr 4, 2018

Background: Brucellosis is a disease with significant public and economic implications but strate... more Background: Brucellosis is a disease with significant public and economic implications but strategies for controlling this disease remain problematic. Objectives: This study sought to determine the sero-prevalence of brucellosis in prolonged fever patients and to identify modifiable risk factors for the infection in humans in post conflict Northern Uganda. Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional method among prolonged fever patients who had visited selected health facilities in the study districts in Northern Uganda. Sero-prevalence of brucellosis was calculated for i-ELISA IgG/IgM. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data on possible risk factors for brucellosis. Associations between sero-prevalence and risk factors were measured using the Odds Ratio. Results: Brucellosis was confirmed in 18.7% of the 251 patients that tested positive for the disease, with the rapid Brucella Plate Agglutination Test, and ages 10-84 years (median age 47+0.86). Sex (p = 0.001; OR 3.79; 95% CI 1.75-8.24), rearing livestock (p < 0.005; OR 8.44; 95% CI 2.84-25.03) and consumption of unpasteurised milk (p = 0.023; OR 2.57; 95% CI 1.14-5.80) were factors associated with brucellosis. Conclusion: Control of brucellosis in animals, training and sensitisation of the community on brucellosis is needed to stimulate action on human brucellosis control.

Research paper thumbnail of Expériences sur une stratégie de dépistage de la brucellose bovine dans une zone rurale du Sud-Ouest de l'Ouganda

Revue d'élevage et de médecine vétérinaire des pays tropicaux, Feb 1, 1998

Research paper thumbnail of Serosurvey of Brucella abortus in cattle and goats in central and southern Uganda

Uganda Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 1999

Research paper thumbnail of Brucellosis seroprevalence in livestock in Uganda from 1998 to 2008: a retrospective study

Tropical Animal Health and Production, Nov 17, 2010

A total of 17,359 samples were analysed serologically, of which 1,061, 15,758 and 585 samples wer... more A total of 17,359 samples were analysed serologically, of which 1,061, 15,758 and 585 samples were from Makerere, Entebbe and Tororo laboratories, respectively, were used to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis. The overall seroprevalence of brucellosis was 10% while from individual laboratories was 38%, 32% and 7% for Makerere, Entebbe and Tororo laboratories, respectively. Majority of these positive brucellosis test results were in the cattle corridor with P value=0.399. There were significant differences in brucellosis seroprevalence among species (P value=0.014). The trends of brucellosis seroprevalence among the different species were decreasing with time but were highest in bovine species (P value=0.043). Brucellosis seroprevalence had a bimodal monthly pattern corresponding with rainfall. The study showed that brucellosis was prevalent, though the trend of the disease has declined over years. It was recommended that regular disease surveillance, control programmes and further studies be carried out in the country.

Research paper thumbnail of Global evidence on the potential of some Ugandan herbal medicines to mitigate antibiotic resistance: a meta-analysis across 2½ decades

Journal of Herbal Medicine

Research paper thumbnail of Phage banks as potential tools to rapidly and cost-effectively manage antimicrobial resistance in the developing world

Current Opinion in Virology

Lower and middle-income countries seldom develop vaccines and therapeutics for their own populati... more Lower and middle-income countries seldom develop vaccines and therapeutics for their own populations and are dependent on supplies from industrialized countries, which are often hampered by financial or supply chain limitations. This has resulted in major delays in delivery with significant loss of life, as seen with the coronavirus pandemic. Since the vast majority of deaths from the antimicrobial resistance crisis are expected to occur in developing countries, there is an urgent need for in-country production of antibacterial therapies such as phages. Nationally controlled phage banks might provide such a solution since locally developed phage therapies tailored to endemic bacterial strains could offer cost-effective antibiotic alternatives.

Research paper thumbnail of Cross-Species Transmission of COVID-19 at Animal-Human Interface: A One Health Approach for Improved Disease Surveillance and Control in Uganda

Research paper thumbnail of Antibiotic-resistance in medically important bacteria isolated from commercial herbal medicines in Africa from 2000 to 2021: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control, 2022

Background Antimicrobial resistance is swiftly increasing all over the world. In Africa, it manif... more Background Antimicrobial resistance is swiftly increasing all over the world. In Africa, it manifests more in pathogenic bacteria in form of antibiotic resistance (ABR). On this continent, bacterial contamination of commonly used herbal medicine (HM) is on the increase, but information about antimicrobial resistance in these contaminants is limited due to fragmented studies. Here, we analyzed research that characterized ABR in pathogenic bacteria isolated from HM in Africa since 2000; to generate a comprehensive understanding of the drug-resistant bacterial contamination burden in this region. Methods The study was conducted according to standards of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). We searched for articles from 12 databases. These were: PubMed, Science Direct, Scifinder scholar, Google scholar, HerbMed, Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Commonwealth Agricultural Bureau Abstracts, African Journa...

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica among hospital patients in Soroti, Eastern Uganda

Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Microbiology,Makerere University Department of Wildlife... more Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Microbiology,Makerere University Department of Wildlife and Animal resource management, Makerere University Department of Animal Production and Management, Busitema University

Research paper thumbnail of Microbiological quality and storage stability of fresh fruit and vegetable juice blends sold in Kampala, Uganda

Paper presented at the Fifth RUFORUM Biennial Regional Conference, 17-21 October 2016, Cape Town,... more Paper presented at the Fifth RUFORUM Biennial Regional Conference, 17-21 October 2016, Cape Town, South Africa

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence and dynamics of clinically significant bacterial contaminants in herbal medicines sold in East Africa from 2000 to 2020: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Tropical Medicine and Health, 2021

Background Infectious diseases remain a leading cause of mortality and morbidity around the world... more Background Infectious diseases remain a leading cause of mortality and morbidity around the world, and those caused by bacteria are common in the East African region. In this region, trade and consumption of herbal medicine has been expanding in the recent decades. Herbal medicines may be contaminated with pathogenic bacteria; however, there is limited information due to fragmented studies in East Africa. In this meta-analysis, we critically analyzed original research related to the incidence of pathogenic bacterial contaminants of HM in the East African region since 2000. The aim was to create a comprehensive understanding of the extent and dynamics of bacterial contamination in HM, to guide future research and concerted public health protection in the region. Methodology The study was conducted according to the standards of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses. We searched and evaluated published articles from eleven electronic databases (Google S...

Research paper thumbnail of Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Vendors and Manufacturing Practices of Fresh Unpasteurized Fruit and Vegetable Juices in Kampala, Uganda

International Journal of Advanced Research, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of 16S-Metagenomic data profiling of the bacterial community in ready-to-eat vegetable salads sold in Kampala, Uganda

Data in brief, Jun 1, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence of Pathogenic Klebsiella Pneumoniae based on PCR Capsular Typing Harbouring Carbapenemases Encoding Genes in Ugandan Tertiary Hospitals

Research Square (Research Square), Nov 2, 2020

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen that has been implicated as one of... more Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen that has been implicated as one of commonest cause of hospital and community acquired infections. The K. pneumoniae infections have considerably contributed to morbidity and mortality in patients with protracted ailments. The capacity of K. pneumonia to cause diseases depends on presence of an array virulent factors. Coexistence and expression of virulent factors and genetic determinants of antibiotic resistance complicates treatment outcomes. Thus, emergence of pathogenic MDR K. pneumoniae poses a great threat to the healthcare system. However, the carriage of antibiotic resistance among pathogenic K. pneumoniae is yet to be investigated in Uganda. We sought to investigate the carbapenem resistance pro les and pathogenic potential based on capsular serotypes of K. pneumoniae clinical isolates. Methods: This was a cross sectional study involving use of archived Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates collected between January and December, 2019 at four tertiary hospitals in Uganda. All isolates were subject to antimicrobial susceptibility assays to determine phenotypic antibiotic resistance, pentaplex PCR to detect carbapenemases encoding genes and heptaplex PCR to identify capsular serotypes K1, K2, K3, K5, K20, K54 and K57. Results: The study found an overall phenotypic carbapenem resistance of 23.3% (53/227) and signi cantly higher genotypic resistance prevalence of 43.1% (98/227). Over all, the most prevalent gene was blaOXA-48-like (36.4%), followed by blaIMP-type (19.4%), blaVIM-type (17.1), blaKP-type (14.0%) and blaNDMtype (13.2%). blaVIM-type and blaOXA-48-like conferred phenotypic resistance in all isolates and 38.3% isolates that harbored them respectively. Capsular multiplex PCR revealed that 46.7% (106/227) isolates were pathogenic and the predominantly prevalent pathotype was K5 (18.5%) followed by K20 (14.1%), K3 (7.1%), K2 (3.1%) and K1 (2.2%). Of the 106 capsular serotypes, 37 expressed phenotypic resistance; thus, 37 of the 53 carbapenem resistant K. pneumoniae were pathogenic. Conclusion: The high prevalence of virulent and antibiotic resistant K. pneumoniae among clinical isolates obtained from the four tertiary hospital as revealed by this study pose a great threat to healthcare. Our ndings underline the epidemiological and public health risks and implications of this pathogen.

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of microbial quality of water in Kawempe Division, Kampala Surburb

East African Medical Journal, 2017

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the microbial quality of water in Kawempe Divisio... more Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the microbial quality of water in Kawempe Division, Kampala district. Design: A cross sectional study was conducted on two major water supplies used in the Kawempe division, Kampala district. Setting: Between June 2015 and April 2016, total coliforms and Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) were investigated in two major sources of water during wet and dry seasons. Water samples from tap water and protected spring wells were collected and analyzed for total coliforms and E. coli . Subjects: A total of 100 water samples were collected and analyzed for microbial quality. Plate count method was used. 10 ml of water sample was mixed with 90 ml of 1% peptone water saline. 1 ml of the inoculum was transferred to each of the two petri-dishes containing agar and mixed thoroughly. The solidified agar plates for total coliforms and E. coli were incubated at 37 0 C and 44.5 respectively and read after 24-48 hours. The results were expressed as Colony Forming Units (CFU) per milliliter (mL). Results: Of the 100 samples analyzed, protected wells were more contaminated with E. coli (48%) and total coliforms (56%) than tap water with E.coli at (4%) and total coliforms (7%) respectively. Tap water had a significantly higher degree of mean microbial count of 362 CFU/mL ( P <0.05) while protected spring well had mean microbial count of 83 CFU/mL. The microbial counts ranged between 5.0 x 10 0 to 1.92 x 10 3 CFU/mL in the wet season and 5.0 x 10 0 to 6.4 x 10 2 CFU/mL in the dry season. Protected spring wells had a mean microbial count between 2.0 x 10 0 to 2.6 x 10 2 CFU/mL in the wet season and 2.0 x 10 0 to 2.6 x 10 2 CFU/mL in the dry season. There was a statistical significant difference between counts of total coliforms and E.coli in the wet season and dry season ( P <0.05). Conclusions: Tap water and protected spring wells in Kawempe Division, Kampala district are contaminated with total coliforms and E.coli . The presence of total Coliforms and E.coli i n drinking water is of great public health significance and this may lead to the onset of various enteric diseases. Therefore, this calls for immediate response from health authority to enforce public health intervention measures in the area.

Research paper thumbnail of Isolation of Mycotoxigenic Moulds Contaminating Maize and Groundnuts in Selected Districts of Kenya

Research Journal of Microbiology, Apr 1, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Ethnobotanical Uses of Lantana Trifolia L. And Sida Cuneifolia Roxb. In Mukungwe and Wabinyonyi Sub-Counties of Central Uganda

Journal of Intercultural Ethnopharmacology, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Occurrence of mycotoxigenic moulds in maize and groundnut samples from Kakamega, Kitale and Kuria districts in Kenya

Research paper thumbnail of Toxicity Studies on Anti-fungal Essential Oils Extracted from Selected Aromatic Plants from Mabira and Kakamega Forests, East Africa

European journal of medicinal plants, Jan 10, 2016

This work was carried out in collaboration between all authors. Author JLN supervised the toxicit... more This work was carried out in collaboration between all authors. Author JLN supervised the toxicity studies, was involved in aromatic plant collection; designed the study, managed the literature searches and prepared the manuscript drafts. Authors JCM and INW were involved in aromatic plant collection. Authors JK and LA were involved in toxicity studies. All the authors have read and approved the final manuscript.

Research paper thumbnail of Chemical composition of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil and its effect on mycotoxigenic Aspergillus species

African Journal of Food Science, Mar 31, 2011

This study evaluated the antifungal activity of essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus (Poaceae) ag... more This study evaluated the antifungal activity of essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus (Poaceae) against five mycotoxigenic species of the genus Aspergillus (Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus) isolated from maize samples. The oil of C. citratus was obtained by hydro-distillation and analysed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The oil was dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons which accounted for 94.25% of the total oil and characterised by a high percentage of geranial (39.53%), neral (33.31%), and myrecene (11.41%). The antifungal activity tests showed that the oil was active against all the five Aspergillus species. The extent of inhibition of fungal growth was dependent on the concentration of the oil. The activity of the oil against the mycotoxigenic fungi had Minimun Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values ranging from 15 to 118 mg/ml. These results show that the essential oil of C. citratus has antifungal activities against fungi that are the producers of poisonous mycotoxins found in foods. This oil can be used in food preservation systems to inhibit the growth of moulds and retard subsequent mycotoxin production.

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence and risk factors for brucellosis in prolonged fever patients in post-conflict Northern Uganda

African Health Sciences, Apr 4, 2018

Background: Brucellosis is a disease with significant public and economic implications but strate... more Background: Brucellosis is a disease with significant public and economic implications but strategies for controlling this disease remain problematic. Objectives: This study sought to determine the sero-prevalence of brucellosis in prolonged fever patients and to identify modifiable risk factors for the infection in humans in post conflict Northern Uganda. Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional method among prolonged fever patients who had visited selected health facilities in the study districts in Northern Uganda. Sero-prevalence of brucellosis was calculated for i-ELISA IgG/IgM. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data on possible risk factors for brucellosis. Associations between sero-prevalence and risk factors were measured using the Odds Ratio. Results: Brucellosis was confirmed in 18.7% of the 251 patients that tested positive for the disease, with the rapid Brucella Plate Agglutination Test, and ages 10-84 years (median age 47+0.86). Sex (p = 0.001; OR 3.79; 95% CI 1.75-8.24), rearing livestock (p < 0.005; OR 8.44; 95% CI 2.84-25.03) and consumption of unpasteurised milk (p = 0.023; OR 2.57; 95% CI 1.14-5.80) were factors associated with brucellosis. Conclusion: Control of brucellosis in animals, training and sensitisation of the community on brucellosis is needed to stimulate action on human brucellosis control.

Research paper thumbnail of Expériences sur une stratégie de dépistage de la brucellose bovine dans une zone rurale du Sud-Ouest de l'Ouganda

Revue d'élevage et de médecine vétérinaire des pays tropicaux, Feb 1, 1998

Research paper thumbnail of Serosurvey of Brucella abortus in cattle and goats in central and southern Uganda

Uganda Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 1999

Research paper thumbnail of Brucellosis seroprevalence in livestock in Uganda from 1998 to 2008: a retrospective study

Tropical Animal Health and Production, Nov 17, 2010

A total of 17,359 samples were analysed serologically, of which 1,061, 15,758 and 585 samples wer... more A total of 17,359 samples were analysed serologically, of which 1,061, 15,758 and 585 samples were from Makerere, Entebbe and Tororo laboratories, respectively, were used to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis. The overall seroprevalence of brucellosis was 10% while from individual laboratories was 38%, 32% and 7% for Makerere, Entebbe and Tororo laboratories, respectively. Majority of these positive brucellosis test results were in the cattle corridor with P value=0.399. There were significant differences in brucellosis seroprevalence among species (P value=0.014). The trends of brucellosis seroprevalence among the different species were decreasing with time but were highest in bovine species (P value=0.043). Brucellosis seroprevalence had a bimodal monthly pattern corresponding with rainfall. The study showed that brucellosis was prevalent, though the trend of the disease has declined over years. It was recommended that regular disease surveillance, control programmes and further studies be carried out in the country.

Research paper thumbnail of Global evidence on the potential of some Ugandan herbal medicines to mitigate antibiotic resistance: a meta-analysis across 2½ decades

Journal of Herbal Medicine

Research paper thumbnail of Phage banks as potential tools to rapidly and cost-effectively manage antimicrobial resistance in the developing world

Current Opinion in Virology

Lower and middle-income countries seldom develop vaccines and therapeutics for their own populati... more Lower and middle-income countries seldom develop vaccines and therapeutics for their own populations and are dependent on supplies from industrialized countries, which are often hampered by financial or supply chain limitations. This has resulted in major delays in delivery with significant loss of life, as seen with the coronavirus pandemic. Since the vast majority of deaths from the antimicrobial resistance crisis are expected to occur in developing countries, there is an urgent need for in-country production of antibacterial therapies such as phages. Nationally controlled phage banks might provide such a solution since locally developed phage therapies tailored to endemic bacterial strains could offer cost-effective antibiotic alternatives.

Research paper thumbnail of Cross-Species Transmission of COVID-19 at Animal-Human Interface: A One Health Approach for Improved Disease Surveillance and Control in Uganda

Research paper thumbnail of Antibiotic-resistance in medically important bacteria isolated from commercial herbal medicines in Africa from 2000 to 2021: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control, 2022

Background Antimicrobial resistance is swiftly increasing all over the world. In Africa, it manif... more Background Antimicrobial resistance is swiftly increasing all over the world. In Africa, it manifests more in pathogenic bacteria in form of antibiotic resistance (ABR). On this continent, bacterial contamination of commonly used herbal medicine (HM) is on the increase, but information about antimicrobial resistance in these contaminants is limited due to fragmented studies. Here, we analyzed research that characterized ABR in pathogenic bacteria isolated from HM in Africa since 2000; to generate a comprehensive understanding of the drug-resistant bacterial contamination burden in this region. Methods The study was conducted according to standards of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). We searched for articles from 12 databases. These were: PubMed, Science Direct, Scifinder scholar, Google scholar, HerbMed, Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Commonwealth Agricultural Bureau Abstracts, African Journa...

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica among hospital patients in Soroti, Eastern Uganda

Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Microbiology,Makerere University Department of Wildlife... more Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Microbiology,Makerere University Department of Wildlife and Animal resource management, Makerere University Department of Animal Production and Management, Busitema University

Research paper thumbnail of Microbiological quality and storage stability of fresh fruit and vegetable juice blends sold in Kampala, Uganda

Paper presented at the Fifth RUFORUM Biennial Regional Conference, 17-21 October 2016, Cape Town,... more Paper presented at the Fifth RUFORUM Biennial Regional Conference, 17-21 October 2016, Cape Town, South Africa

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence and dynamics of clinically significant bacterial contaminants in herbal medicines sold in East Africa from 2000 to 2020: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Tropical Medicine and Health, 2021

Background Infectious diseases remain a leading cause of mortality and morbidity around the world... more Background Infectious diseases remain a leading cause of mortality and morbidity around the world, and those caused by bacteria are common in the East African region. In this region, trade and consumption of herbal medicine has been expanding in the recent decades. Herbal medicines may be contaminated with pathogenic bacteria; however, there is limited information due to fragmented studies in East Africa. In this meta-analysis, we critically analyzed original research related to the incidence of pathogenic bacterial contaminants of HM in the East African region since 2000. The aim was to create a comprehensive understanding of the extent and dynamics of bacterial contamination in HM, to guide future research and concerted public health protection in the region. Methodology The study was conducted according to the standards of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses. We searched and evaluated published articles from eleven electronic databases (Google S...

Research paper thumbnail of Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Vendors and Manufacturing Practices of Fresh Unpasteurized Fruit and Vegetable Juices in Kampala, Uganda

International Journal of Advanced Research, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of COMPARISON OF WIDAL’S TEST AND BACTERIAL CULTURE AS DIAGNOSTIC TESTS FOR TYPHOID FEVER IN HUMANS AND INVESTIGATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE OF SALMONELLA TYPHI ISOLATES FROM PATIENTS ATTENDING PRIVATE HEALTH FACILITIES IN MBALE CITY, UGANDA

Due to lack of microbiology facilities, private health facilities in Mbale city are still dependi... more Due to lack of microbiology facilities, private health facilities in Mbale city are still depending on the Widal’s test that is no longer recommended to diagnose typhoid fever, a disease that is responsible for about 200,000 to 600,000 annual deaths worldwide. Use of Widal’s test was discontinued in public health facilities, which are now adhering to the recommended guidelines of using culture and sensitivity testing. Dependency on Widal’s test has led to inappropriate typhoid diagnosis and drug prescription; as well as contributing to antibiotic resistance development to first line antibiotics like chloramphenicol. The aim of the study was to determine the predictive values of Widal’s test against culture and the antimicrobial sensitivity profile of Salmonella typhi (S. typhi) isolates from patients attending private health facilities in Mbale city. The study attracted 172 participants, whose blood and faecal samples were cultured and results compared with those of Widal’s test. The isolates were then subjected to Ciprofloxacin, Imipenem, Ceftriaxone, Erythromycin, Chloramphenicol and Augmentin for sensitivity testing. The positive predictive value (PPV) for Widal’s test was 6.8% while the negative predictive value (NPV) was 100%. Three isolates were sensitive to Ciprofloxacin (3, 100%) and Imipenem (3, 100%), intermediate to Ceftriaxone (2, 67%) and resistant to Erythromycin (3,100%), Chloramphenicol (2, 67%) and Augmentin (2, 67%). In conclusion, in comparison with the culture the gold standard, Widal’s test is highly sensitive (100%) with a low specificity of 76% and predictive values of PPV (6.8%) and NPV (100%). It should therefore be followed up with a more specific confirmatory test. Salmonella typhi was highly sensitive (100%) to both Ciprofloxacin and Imipenem; and resistant (100%) to Erythromycin. The treatment plan for typhoid fever could be reviewed to omit resistant drugs.