M. Munyeme | The University of Zambia (original) (raw)

Papers by M. Munyeme

Research paper thumbnail of REVIEW ARTICLE A review of bovine tuberculosis at the wildlife-livestock-human interface in sub-Saharan Africa

SUMMARY Infection of wild animals by bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is raising concern worldwide. This... more SUMMARY Infection of wild animals by bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is raising concern worldwide. This article reviews the current epidemiological situation, risk of emergence and control options at the wildlife–livestock–human interface in sub-Saharan Africa. In livestock, bTB has been confirmed in the majority of countries from all parts of the continent. Wildlife infection is confirmed in seven countries from southern and eastern Africa, apparently spreading in the southern Africa region. Mycobacterium bovis has been isolated from 17 wild mammal species, although only four are suspected to play a role as maintenance host. Zoonotic risks are a concern, but no direct spillover from wildlife to humans has been documented, and no case of bTB spillback from wildlife to livestock has been confirmed. In this paper we assess the main risk factors of bTB spillover at the wildlife–livestock–human interface and suggest several research themes which could improve the control of the disease in the...

Research paper thumbnail of Antimicrobial Resistance of Escherichia coli O157 Isolated from Humans, Cattle, Swine, and Food

Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 2002

A total of 361 Escherichia coli O157 isolates, recovered from humans, cattle, swine, and food dur... more A total of 361 Escherichia coli O157 isolates, recovered from humans, cattle, swine, and food during the years 1985 to 2000, were examined to better understand the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance among these organisms. Based on broth microdilution results, 220 (61%) of the isolates were susceptible to all 13 antimicrobials tested. Ninety-nine (27%) of the isolates, however, were resistant to tetracycline, 93 (26%) were resistant to sulfamethoxazole, 61 (17%) were resistant to cephalothin, and 48 (13%) were resistant to ampicillin. Highest frequencies of resistance occurred among swine isolates ( n = 70), where 52 (74%) were resistant to sulfamethoxazole, 50 (71%) were resistant to tetracycline, 38 (54%) were resistant to cephalothin, and 17 (24%) were resistant to ampicillin. Based on the presence of Shiga toxin genes as determined by PCR, 210 (58%) of the isolates were identified as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Among these, resistance was generally low, yet 21 (10%)...

Research paper thumbnail of Awareness of Antimicrobial Resistance and Associated Factors among Layer Poultry Farmers in Zambia: Implications for Surveillance and Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs

Antibiotics, 2022

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health problem affecting animal and human medic... more Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health problem affecting animal and human medicine. Poultry production is among the primary sources of income for many Zambians. However, the increased demand for poultry products has led to a subsequent increase in antimicrobial use. This study assessed the awareness of AMR and associated factors among layer poultry farmers in Zambia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 77 participants from September 2020 to April 2021. Data was analysed using Stata version 16.1. The overall awareness of AMR among the farmers was 47% (n = 36). The usage of antibiotics in layer poultry production was high at 86% (n = 66). Most antibiotics were accessed from agrovets (31%, n = 24) and pharmacies (21%, n = 16) without prescriptions. Commercial farmers were more likely to be aware of AMR compared to medium-scale farmers (OR = 14.07, 95% CI: 2.09–94.70), as were farmers who used prescriptions to access antibiotics compared to those who did not (O...

Research paper thumbnail of Awareness of Antimicrobial Resistance and Associated Factors among Layer Poultry Farmers in Zambia: Implications for Surveillance and Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs

Antibiotics, 2022

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health problem affecting animal and human medic... more Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health problem affecting animal and human medicine. Poultry production is among the primary sources of income for many Zambians. However, the increased demand for poultry products has led to a subsequent increase in antimicrobial use. This study assessed the awareness of AMR and associated factors among layer poultry farmers in Zambia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 77 participants from September 2020 to April 2021. Data was analysed using Stata version 16.1. The overall awareness of AMR among the farmers was 47% (n = 36). The usage of antibiotics in layer poultry production was high at 86% (n = 66). Most antibiotics were accessed from agrovets (31%, n = 24) and pharmacies (21%, n = 16) without prescriptions. Commercial farmers were more likely to be aware of AMR compared to medium-scale farmers (OR = 14.07, 95% CI: 2.09–94.70), as were farmers who used prescriptions to access antibiotics compared to those who did not (O...

Research paper thumbnail of Seropositivity rates of zoonotic pathogens in small ruminants and associated public health risks at informal urban markets in Zambia

Research paper thumbnail of Identification of Escherichia coli and Related Enterobacteriaceae and Examination of Their Phenotypic Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns: A Pilot Study at A Wildlife–Livestock Interface in Lusaka, Zambia

Antibiotics

A cross-sectional study was used to identify and assess prevalence and phenotypic antimicrobial r... more A cross-sectional study was used to identify and assess prevalence and phenotypic antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of Escherichia coli and other enterobacteria isolated from healthy wildlife and livestock cohabiting at a 10,000 acres game ranch near Lusaka, Zambia. Purposive sampling was used to select wildlife and livestock based on similarities in behavior, grazing habits and close interactions with humans. Isolates (n = 66) from fecal samples collected between April and August 2018 (n = 84) were examined following modified protocols for bacteria isolation, biochemical identification, molecular detection, phylogenetic analysis, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing by disc diffusion method. Data were analyzed using R software, Genetyx ver.12 and Mega 6. Using Applied Profile Index 20E kit for biochemical identification, polymerase chain reaction assay and sequencing, sixty-six isolates were identified to species level, of which Escherichia coli (72.7%, 48/66), E. ferguso...

Research paper thumbnail of Correspondence to

Research paper thumbnail of The Wildlife-Livestock-Human Interface , Legislation and Its Impact on Communities Around Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia

The main thrust of this study was to assess wildlife legislation in relation to conservation and ... more The main thrust of this study was to assess wildlife legislation in relation to conservation and control of animal diseases, and socio-economic impacts on interface livestock keeping communities. The study was structured in two phases. The first involved review of available wildlife/ancillary legislation from 1912 to 2014. The second involved a questionnaire survey on interface livestock keepers around the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia. Reviewed data showed that enactment of wildlife legislation over this period responded to increased poaching trends, and depletion/extinction of species like the rhinoceros. Subsequent amendments of legislation increased enforcement powers, autonomy and transfer of decision-making to the wildlife Authority. Provisions for communities’ participation in enforcement remained weak. Ancillary legislations provided for control of diseases of wildlife origin. This study showed disconnect in implementation of legislations, amplifying their negative s...

Research paper thumbnail of Antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli and Salmonella in raw retail table eggs in Lusaka, Zambia

Veterinary World, Nov 26, 2020

Background and Aim: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has risen as a serious cross-cutting global pu... more Background and Aim: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has risen as a serious cross-cutting global public health emergency. At the center of this emergency, foods of animal origin have particularly been singled out as possible drivers despite the paucity of information. This study has been formulated to provide answers to the identified critical gaps in the food safety industry and the public health sphere. In particular, this study was undertaken to investigate the AMR of Escherichia coli and Salmonella in raw retail table eggs in Lusaka, Zambia. Materials and Methods: Accordingly, a cross-sectional study to determine antibiotic susceptibility of E. coli and Salmonella from raw retail table eggs was undertaken. Standard bacteriological methods involving culture and phenotypic characterization were applied. A total of 1080 raw table eggs pooled into composite samples (five eggs per composite sample) translating into 216 distinct and independently identifiable compounded sample units wer...

Research paper thumbnail of Dynamics of tuberculosis in Wau, South Sudan during a period of armed conflict

Journal of Clinical Tuberculosis and Other Mycobacterial Diseases

Background: South Sudan has endured decades of armed conflict, with the most recent in 2016. This... more Background: South Sudan has endured decades of armed conflict, with the most recent in 2016. This has left the health system and infrastructure overstretched by a myriad of infectious diseases like tuberculosis. Our study aimed at quantitatively and qualitatively documenting TB dynamics and challenges with access to health care during a period of civil unrest in Wau. Materials & Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out between January and February 2016 at Wau Teaching Hospital (WTH). Sputum was randomly collected from 207 of the 1035 TB suspects and analyzed using Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) and Fluorescent Microscopy (FM), Culture, Capilia MTBC Neo, and DST. The laboratory results and questionnaire metadata were used for descriptive statistics, logistic regression in R version 3.4.2. These results were presented along with results from a qualitative assessment of the situation at WTH. Results: Of 207 TB suspects, 39 (18.8%) were positive on FM with bacilli growth on culture, later confirmed as Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Only 5.4% of the cases were resistant to Isoniazid. Age; 20-45 OR = 13 (95%CI = 2.4-25.6, p = 0.011), > 46 OR = 3 (95%CI = 0.5-58, p = 0.005) and raw milk consumption OR = 2.2 (95%CI = 0.37-42.48, p = 0.005) were associated with being TB positive. The qualitative evaluation reveals that gunfights in the surroundings of Wau influenced the number of patients attending WTH, with some travelling up to 545 km to seek medical attention. Conclusion: We report a high prevalence of tuberculosis among patients who presented at WTH, with approximately 1 out of 5 individuals testing positive for tuberculosis. This is likely an underestimation given the challenges patients had to endure as they sought medical attention. Tuberculosis epidemiology is likely to be driven by individual and household factors, but further investigations are needed to fully understand the risk profile. The tools in use were adequate for TB diagnostics and we observed a remarkably low prevalence of drug resistance, a statistic that is worth preserving. We therefore call for action from all stakeholders.

Research paper thumbnail of Quantitative risk assessment of developing salmonellosis through consumption of beef in Lusaka Province, Zambia

Food Control, 2016

Highlights for Review  Risk of developing salmonellosis through beef generally low in Zambia.  ... more Highlights for Review  Risk of developing salmonellosis through beef generally low in Zambia.  Consumption patterns have an effect on risk of developing salmonellosis.  Kitchen cross-contamination increases risk of developing Salmonellosis.

Research paper thumbnail of Human African Trypanosomiasis in the Kafue National Park, Zambia

PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of Toxaemia secondary to pyloric foreign body obstruction in two African lion (Panthera leo) cubs

Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Disease constraints for utilization of the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) on game ranches in Zambia

The Japanese journal of veterinary research, 2006

Eco-tourism depending on wildlife is becoming increasingly profitable and landowners are beginnin... more Eco-tourism depending on wildlife is becoming increasingly profitable and landowners are beginning to favor game farming and ecotourism. In these areas, large-scale translocation of wildlife involves a diversity of species and large populations. The African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is one of the major tourist attractions in Zambia. It accounts for 8.7% and 12.4% of the total animal species hunted in the Game Management Areas and the total hunting revenue earned in Zambia, respectively. It is ecologically an important animal species essential for the purpose of habitat control and facilitating the provision of suitable grazing pastures. However, the rearing of the African buffalo on game ranches has been hampered by its carrier state of the Southern Africa Terroritory (SAT) serotypes of foot and mouth disease virus (FMD). The African buffalo is also known to be a carrier of Theileria parva lawrencei, the causative agent of corridor disease (CD) that continues to have devastating eff...

Research paper thumbnail of The Role of Social Behavior in Mycobacterial Infection Management: A Case Study of Pastoral Communities of Uganda

Research paper thumbnail of Research Article A Cross-Sectional Study Investigating Cystic Hydatidosis in Slaughtered Cattle of Western Province in Zambia

Research paper thumbnail of Monitoring the endangered population of the antelope <i>Kobus leche smithemani</i> (Artiodactyla: Bovidae), in the Bangweulu ecosystem, Zambia

Revista de Biología Tropical, 2012

Black lechwe (Kobus leche smithemani) is a semi-aquatic medium sized antelope currently enlisted ... more Black lechwe (Kobus leche smithemani) is a semi-aquatic medium sized antelope currently enlisted on the IUCN red list of endangered species and is only endemic to the Bangweulu basin of Zambia. Its population has significantly decreased due to floods that took place during the period 1930-1940 from over 250 000-15 000 leading the Zambian government to gazette all habitats of Black lechwe into state protected areas, and to establish urgent management strategies needed to save the remaining population from extinction. Using retrospective data, our findings show that the population has increased from 15 000 animals in 1954 to 55 632 in 2009. The current population is estimated at 34.77% (55 632/160 000) of the carrying capacity of the Bangweulu basin. Although the Black lechwe is one of the 42 species offered for consumptive utilization by the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA), only 0.12% and 0.08% of the current stock was offered for safari and resident hunting annually for the period 2005-2009, respectively. Annual quota utilization were estimated at 67% (n=37) and 81% (n=37) for safari and resident hunting, respectively. Hence, overall income obtained from utilization of Black lechwe is very low accounting for only 2.1% of the total revenue earned from wildlife utilization. Although the current population trend is showing a unit increase of 639 animals per year, it is still far below levels ideal for the lucrative utilization. In this study, we demonstrate that adverse ecological changes on wildlife species, can lead to their vulnerability and danger of extinction, and that their recovery to full carrying capacity may demand a considerable amount of time.

Research paper thumbnail of Thelazia rhodesii in the African Buffalo, Syncerus caffer , in Zambia

The Korean Journal of Parasitology, 2011

We report 2 cases of Thelazia rhodesii infection in the African buffaloes, Syncerus caffer, in Za... more We report 2 cases of Thelazia rhodesii infection in the African buffaloes, Syncerus caffer, in Zambia. African buffalo calves were captured from the livestock and wildlife interface area of the Kafue basin in the dry season of August 2005 for the purpose to translocate to game ranches. At capture, calves (n= 48) were examined for the presence of eye infections by gently manipulating the orbital membranes to check for eye-worms in the conjunctival sacs and corneal surfaces. Two (4.3%) were infected and the mean infection burden per infected eye was 5.3 worms (n= 3). The mean length of the worms was 16.4 mm (95% CI; 14.7-18.2 mm) and the diameter 0.41 mm (95% CI; 0.38-0.45 mm). The surface cuticle was made of transverse striations which gave the worms a characteristic serrated appearance. Although the calves showed signs of kerato-conjunctivitis, the major pathological change observed was corneal opacity. The calves were kept in quarantine and were examined thrice at 30 days interval. At each interval, they were treated with 200 µg/kg ivermectin, and then translocated to game ranches. Given that the disease has been reported in cattle and Kafue lechwe (Kobus lechwe kafuensis) in the area, there is a need for a comprehensive study which aims at determining the disease dynamics and transmission patterns of thelaziasis between wildlife and livestock in the Kafue basin.

Research paper thumbnail of Bacteria Isolations from Broiler and Layer Chicks in Zambia

Journal of Pathogens, 2012

Chick mortality (CM) is one of the major constraints to the expansion of the poultry industry in ... more Chick mortality (CM) is one of the major constraints to the expansion of the poultry industry in Zambia. Of the 2,829 avian disease cases submitted to the national diagnostic laboratory based at the Central Veterinary Research Institute in Lusaka between 1995 and 2007, 34.39% (973/2,829) were from CM cases. The disease accounted for 40.2% (218,787/544,903) mortality in the affected flocks with 89.6% (196,112/218,787) of the affected birds dying within seven days. Major bacteria species involved wereEscherichia coli,Salmonella gallinarum, andProteus speciesbeing isolated from 84.58%, 46.15%, and 26.93% of the reported CM cases (n=973), respectively. Detection ofSalmonella typhimurium,Salmonella enteritidis, andSalmonella dublinindicates that poultry has the potential of transmitting zoonotic pathogenic bacteria to humans. The proportion ofSalmonella gallinarumreactors in the adult breeding stock was generally low (<0.5%) throughout the study period although its prevalence in CM ca...

Research paper thumbnail of Detection of Babesia spp. in Free-Ranging Pukus, Kobus vardonii , on a Game Ranch in Zambia

Research paper thumbnail of REVIEW ARTICLE A review of bovine tuberculosis at the wildlife-livestock-human interface in sub-Saharan Africa

SUMMARY Infection of wild animals by bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is raising concern worldwide. This... more SUMMARY Infection of wild animals by bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is raising concern worldwide. This article reviews the current epidemiological situation, risk of emergence and control options at the wildlife–livestock–human interface in sub-Saharan Africa. In livestock, bTB has been confirmed in the majority of countries from all parts of the continent. Wildlife infection is confirmed in seven countries from southern and eastern Africa, apparently spreading in the southern Africa region. Mycobacterium bovis has been isolated from 17 wild mammal species, although only four are suspected to play a role as maintenance host. Zoonotic risks are a concern, but no direct spillover from wildlife to humans has been documented, and no case of bTB spillback from wildlife to livestock has been confirmed. In this paper we assess the main risk factors of bTB spillover at the wildlife–livestock–human interface and suggest several research themes which could improve the control of the disease in the...

Research paper thumbnail of Antimicrobial Resistance of Escherichia coli O157 Isolated from Humans, Cattle, Swine, and Food

Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 2002

A total of 361 Escherichia coli O157 isolates, recovered from humans, cattle, swine, and food dur... more A total of 361 Escherichia coli O157 isolates, recovered from humans, cattle, swine, and food during the years 1985 to 2000, were examined to better understand the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance among these organisms. Based on broth microdilution results, 220 (61%) of the isolates were susceptible to all 13 antimicrobials tested. Ninety-nine (27%) of the isolates, however, were resistant to tetracycline, 93 (26%) were resistant to sulfamethoxazole, 61 (17%) were resistant to cephalothin, and 48 (13%) were resistant to ampicillin. Highest frequencies of resistance occurred among swine isolates ( n = 70), where 52 (74%) were resistant to sulfamethoxazole, 50 (71%) were resistant to tetracycline, 38 (54%) were resistant to cephalothin, and 17 (24%) were resistant to ampicillin. Based on the presence of Shiga toxin genes as determined by PCR, 210 (58%) of the isolates were identified as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Among these, resistance was generally low, yet 21 (10%)...

Research paper thumbnail of Awareness of Antimicrobial Resistance and Associated Factors among Layer Poultry Farmers in Zambia: Implications for Surveillance and Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs

Antibiotics, 2022

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health problem affecting animal and human medic... more Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health problem affecting animal and human medicine. Poultry production is among the primary sources of income for many Zambians. However, the increased demand for poultry products has led to a subsequent increase in antimicrobial use. This study assessed the awareness of AMR and associated factors among layer poultry farmers in Zambia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 77 participants from September 2020 to April 2021. Data was analysed using Stata version 16.1. The overall awareness of AMR among the farmers was 47% (n = 36). The usage of antibiotics in layer poultry production was high at 86% (n = 66). Most antibiotics were accessed from agrovets (31%, n = 24) and pharmacies (21%, n = 16) without prescriptions. Commercial farmers were more likely to be aware of AMR compared to medium-scale farmers (OR = 14.07, 95% CI: 2.09–94.70), as were farmers who used prescriptions to access antibiotics compared to those who did not (O...

Research paper thumbnail of Awareness of Antimicrobial Resistance and Associated Factors among Layer Poultry Farmers in Zambia: Implications for Surveillance and Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs

Antibiotics, 2022

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health problem affecting animal and human medic... more Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health problem affecting animal and human medicine. Poultry production is among the primary sources of income for many Zambians. However, the increased demand for poultry products has led to a subsequent increase in antimicrobial use. This study assessed the awareness of AMR and associated factors among layer poultry farmers in Zambia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 77 participants from September 2020 to April 2021. Data was analysed using Stata version 16.1. The overall awareness of AMR among the farmers was 47% (n = 36). The usage of antibiotics in layer poultry production was high at 86% (n = 66). Most antibiotics were accessed from agrovets (31%, n = 24) and pharmacies (21%, n = 16) without prescriptions. Commercial farmers were more likely to be aware of AMR compared to medium-scale farmers (OR = 14.07, 95% CI: 2.09–94.70), as were farmers who used prescriptions to access antibiotics compared to those who did not (O...

Research paper thumbnail of Seropositivity rates of zoonotic pathogens in small ruminants and associated public health risks at informal urban markets in Zambia

Research paper thumbnail of Identification of Escherichia coli and Related Enterobacteriaceae and Examination of Their Phenotypic Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns: A Pilot Study at A Wildlife–Livestock Interface in Lusaka, Zambia

Antibiotics

A cross-sectional study was used to identify and assess prevalence and phenotypic antimicrobial r... more A cross-sectional study was used to identify and assess prevalence and phenotypic antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of Escherichia coli and other enterobacteria isolated from healthy wildlife and livestock cohabiting at a 10,000 acres game ranch near Lusaka, Zambia. Purposive sampling was used to select wildlife and livestock based on similarities in behavior, grazing habits and close interactions with humans. Isolates (n = 66) from fecal samples collected between April and August 2018 (n = 84) were examined following modified protocols for bacteria isolation, biochemical identification, molecular detection, phylogenetic analysis, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing by disc diffusion method. Data were analyzed using R software, Genetyx ver.12 and Mega 6. Using Applied Profile Index 20E kit for biochemical identification, polymerase chain reaction assay and sequencing, sixty-six isolates were identified to species level, of which Escherichia coli (72.7%, 48/66), E. ferguso...

Research paper thumbnail of Correspondence to

Research paper thumbnail of The Wildlife-Livestock-Human Interface , Legislation and Its Impact on Communities Around Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia

The main thrust of this study was to assess wildlife legislation in relation to conservation and ... more The main thrust of this study was to assess wildlife legislation in relation to conservation and control of animal diseases, and socio-economic impacts on interface livestock keeping communities. The study was structured in two phases. The first involved review of available wildlife/ancillary legislation from 1912 to 2014. The second involved a questionnaire survey on interface livestock keepers around the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia. Reviewed data showed that enactment of wildlife legislation over this period responded to increased poaching trends, and depletion/extinction of species like the rhinoceros. Subsequent amendments of legislation increased enforcement powers, autonomy and transfer of decision-making to the wildlife Authority. Provisions for communities’ participation in enforcement remained weak. Ancillary legislations provided for control of diseases of wildlife origin. This study showed disconnect in implementation of legislations, amplifying their negative s...

Research paper thumbnail of Antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli and Salmonella in raw retail table eggs in Lusaka, Zambia

Veterinary World, Nov 26, 2020

Background and Aim: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has risen as a serious cross-cutting global pu... more Background and Aim: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has risen as a serious cross-cutting global public health emergency. At the center of this emergency, foods of animal origin have particularly been singled out as possible drivers despite the paucity of information. This study has been formulated to provide answers to the identified critical gaps in the food safety industry and the public health sphere. In particular, this study was undertaken to investigate the AMR of Escherichia coli and Salmonella in raw retail table eggs in Lusaka, Zambia. Materials and Methods: Accordingly, a cross-sectional study to determine antibiotic susceptibility of E. coli and Salmonella from raw retail table eggs was undertaken. Standard bacteriological methods involving culture and phenotypic characterization were applied. A total of 1080 raw table eggs pooled into composite samples (five eggs per composite sample) translating into 216 distinct and independently identifiable compounded sample units wer...

Research paper thumbnail of Dynamics of tuberculosis in Wau, South Sudan during a period of armed conflict

Journal of Clinical Tuberculosis and Other Mycobacterial Diseases

Background: South Sudan has endured decades of armed conflict, with the most recent in 2016. This... more Background: South Sudan has endured decades of armed conflict, with the most recent in 2016. This has left the health system and infrastructure overstretched by a myriad of infectious diseases like tuberculosis. Our study aimed at quantitatively and qualitatively documenting TB dynamics and challenges with access to health care during a period of civil unrest in Wau. Materials & Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out between January and February 2016 at Wau Teaching Hospital (WTH). Sputum was randomly collected from 207 of the 1035 TB suspects and analyzed using Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) and Fluorescent Microscopy (FM), Culture, Capilia MTBC Neo, and DST. The laboratory results and questionnaire metadata were used for descriptive statistics, logistic regression in R version 3.4.2. These results were presented along with results from a qualitative assessment of the situation at WTH. Results: Of 207 TB suspects, 39 (18.8%) were positive on FM with bacilli growth on culture, later confirmed as Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Only 5.4% of the cases were resistant to Isoniazid. Age; 20-45 OR = 13 (95%CI = 2.4-25.6, p = 0.011), > 46 OR = 3 (95%CI = 0.5-58, p = 0.005) and raw milk consumption OR = 2.2 (95%CI = 0.37-42.48, p = 0.005) were associated with being TB positive. The qualitative evaluation reveals that gunfights in the surroundings of Wau influenced the number of patients attending WTH, with some travelling up to 545 km to seek medical attention. Conclusion: We report a high prevalence of tuberculosis among patients who presented at WTH, with approximately 1 out of 5 individuals testing positive for tuberculosis. This is likely an underestimation given the challenges patients had to endure as they sought medical attention. Tuberculosis epidemiology is likely to be driven by individual and household factors, but further investigations are needed to fully understand the risk profile. The tools in use were adequate for TB diagnostics and we observed a remarkably low prevalence of drug resistance, a statistic that is worth preserving. We therefore call for action from all stakeholders.

Research paper thumbnail of Quantitative risk assessment of developing salmonellosis through consumption of beef in Lusaka Province, Zambia

Food Control, 2016

Highlights for Review  Risk of developing salmonellosis through beef generally low in Zambia.  ... more Highlights for Review  Risk of developing salmonellosis through beef generally low in Zambia.  Consumption patterns have an effect on risk of developing salmonellosis.  Kitchen cross-contamination increases risk of developing Salmonellosis.

Research paper thumbnail of Human African Trypanosomiasis in the Kafue National Park, Zambia

PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of Toxaemia secondary to pyloric foreign body obstruction in two African lion (Panthera leo) cubs

Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Disease constraints for utilization of the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) on game ranches in Zambia

The Japanese journal of veterinary research, 2006

Eco-tourism depending on wildlife is becoming increasingly profitable and landowners are beginnin... more Eco-tourism depending on wildlife is becoming increasingly profitable and landowners are beginning to favor game farming and ecotourism. In these areas, large-scale translocation of wildlife involves a diversity of species and large populations. The African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is one of the major tourist attractions in Zambia. It accounts for 8.7% and 12.4% of the total animal species hunted in the Game Management Areas and the total hunting revenue earned in Zambia, respectively. It is ecologically an important animal species essential for the purpose of habitat control and facilitating the provision of suitable grazing pastures. However, the rearing of the African buffalo on game ranches has been hampered by its carrier state of the Southern Africa Terroritory (SAT) serotypes of foot and mouth disease virus (FMD). The African buffalo is also known to be a carrier of Theileria parva lawrencei, the causative agent of corridor disease (CD) that continues to have devastating eff...

Research paper thumbnail of The Role of Social Behavior in Mycobacterial Infection Management: A Case Study of Pastoral Communities of Uganda

Research paper thumbnail of Research Article A Cross-Sectional Study Investigating Cystic Hydatidosis in Slaughtered Cattle of Western Province in Zambia

Research paper thumbnail of Monitoring the endangered population of the antelope <i>Kobus leche smithemani</i> (Artiodactyla: Bovidae), in the Bangweulu ecosystem, Zambia

Revista de Biología Tropical, 2012

Black lechwe (Kobus leche smithemani) is a semi-aquatic medium sized antelope currently enlisted ... more Black lechwe (Kobus leche smithemani) is a semi-aquatic medium sized antelope currently enlisted on the IUCN red list of endangered species and is only endemic to the Bangweulu basin of Zambia. Its population has significantly decreased due to floods that took place during the period 1930-1940 from over 250 000-15 000 leading the Zambian government to gazette all habitats of Black lechwe into state protected areas, and to establish urgent management strategies needed to save the remaining population from extinction. Using retrospective data, our findings show that the population has increased from 15 000 animals in 1954 to 55 632 in 2009. The current population is estimated at 34.77% (55 632/160 000) of the carrying capacity of the Bangweulu basin. Although the Black lechwe is one of the 42 species offered for consumptive utilization by the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA), only 0.12% and 0.08% of the current stock was offered for safari and resident hunting annually for the period 2005-2009, respectively. Annual quota utilization were estimated at 67% (n=37) and 81% (n=37) for safari and resident hunting, respectively. Hence, overall income obtained from utilization of Black lechwe is very low accounting for only 2.1% of the total revenue earned from wildlife utilization. Although the current population trend is showing a unit increase of 639 animals per year, it is still far below levels ideal for the lucrative utilization. In this study, we demonstrate that adverse ecological changes on wildlife species, can lead to their vulnerability and danger of extinction, and that their recovery to full carrying capacity may demand a considerable amount of time.

Research paper thumbnail of Thelazia rhodesii in the African Buffalo, Syncerus caffer , in Zambia

The Korean Journal of Parasitology, 2011

We report 2 cases of Thelazia rhodesii infection in the African buffaloes, Syncerus caffer, in Za... more We report 2 cases of Thelazia rhodesii infection in the African buffaloes, Syncerus caffer, in Zambia. African buffalo calves were captured from the livestock and wildlife interface area of the Kafue basin in the dry season of August 2005 for the purpose to translocate to game ranches. At capture, calves (n= 48) were examined for the presence of eye infections by gently manipulating the orbital membranes to check for eye-worms in the conjunctival sacs and corneal surfaces. Two (4.3%) were infected and the mean infection burden per infected eye was 5.3 worms (n= 3). The mean length of the worms was 16.4 mm (95% CI; 14.7-18.2 mm) and the diameter 0.41 mm (95% CI; 0.38-0.45 mm). The surface cuticle was made of transverse striations which gave the worms a characteristic serrated appearance. Although the calves showed signs of kerato-conjunctivitis, the major pathological change observed was corneal opacity. The calves were kept in quarantine and were examined thrice at 30 days interval. At each interval, they were treated with 200 µg/kg ivermectin, and then translocated to game ranches. Given that the disease has been reported in cattle and Kafue lechwe (Kobus lechwe kafuensis) in the area, there is a need for a comprehensive study which aims at determining the disease dynamics and transmission patterns of thelaziasis between wildlife and livestock in the Kafue basin.

Research paper thumbnail of Bacteria Isolations from Broiler and Layer Chicks in Zambia

Journal of Pathogens, 2012

Chick mortality (CM) is one of the major constraints to the expansion of the poultry industry in ... more Chick mortality (CM) is one of the major constraints to the expansion of the poultry industry in Zambia. Of the 2,829 avian disease cases submitted to the national diagnostic laboratory based at the Central Veterinary Research Institute in Lusaka between 1995 and 2007, 34.39% (973/2,829) were from CM cases. The disease accounted for 40.2% (218,787/544,903) mortality in the affected flocks with 89.6% (196,112/218,787) of the affected birds dying within seven days. Major bacteria species involved wereEscherichia coli,Salmonella gallinarum, andProteus speciesbeing isolated from 84.58%, 46.15%, and 26.93% of the reported CM cases (n=973), respectively. Detection ofSalmonella typhimurium,Salmonella enteritidis, andSalmonella dublinindicates that poultry has the potential of transmitting zoonotic pathogenic bacteria to humans. The proportion ofSalmonella gallinarumreactors in the adult breeding stock was generally low (<0.5%) throughout the study period although its prevalence in CM ca...

Research paper thumbnail of Detection of Babesia spp. in Free-Ranging Pukus, Kobus vardonii , on a Game Ranch in Zambia