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Molecular characterization and antigenic prediction of foot-and- mouth disease virus in relation to vaccine improvement in endemic settings in Africa
No full textPhD ThesisFoot-and-mouth disease (FMD) affects all cloven-hoofed livestock
and wildlife, and it is caused by FMD virus (FMDV) that belongs to the
genus Aphthorvirus and family Picornaviridae. The disease threatens
food security and livelihoods across different parts of the world. There
are seven FMDV serotypes (O, A, C, Asia1, SAT1-3), and studies in
southern Africa describe buffalos to be persistently infected reservoirs
of SATs and transmit the viruses to cattle. The FMD control is
challenging and antigenic heterogeneity among field-circulating
strains represents the most significant factor. The field's infinite
variants pose a challenge to the effectiveness of vaccines and
suggests for quick, reliable, and cost-effective methods for obtaining
vaccine improvements relevant information timely. FMD is endemic in
Africa; impacting the livelihoods of pastoral communities, and hinders
the livestock sector by denying access of regional and global lucrative
markets. Currently, the strategies deployed to control FMD in Africa,
especially tropical Africa, are typically fragmented national-level
focused activities with relatively poor outcomes, rather than regionally
coordinated initiatives that have been used on other continents
(South America, Europe) to reduce and even eliminate virus
circulation. Studies have not demonstrated whether the buffalo can
also act as carrier of the EurAsian serotypes O and A occurring in
parts of East Africa. Also the current epidemiological status of the
field circulating strains and their genetic-antigenic characteristics
need to be understood. Also, it was unclear on the main challenges to
FMD control under pastoral dominated and endemic settings in Africa
that has hindered FMD control for decades.
This study investigated field reported outbreaks and clinically health
buffalo of Tanzania to determine the molecular epidemiology of the
circulating field strains between 2018 and 2021, their genetic-
antigenic characteristics, and their evolutionary relationships using
molecular techniques for
FMDV detection, typing,
and
characterization. The seroprevalence of FMDV serotypes O and A in
Tanzania were studied using NSP ELISA for natural infection
screening and typed by Solid phase competitive ELISA (SPCE) assay. Additionally; the B-cell antigenic epitopes of SAT1 types were
mapped by combined publicly available immuno-informatics
tools ranging from those employing propensity scales to the most
recent machine learning and artificial intelligence models, to
maximize the prediction authenticity, on the FMDV type SAT1 VP1
polypeptides from this study and those sourced from global rich
databases.
The study identified three FMDV serotypes (A, O and, SAT1)
circulating in the field as Africa Topotype G-I lineage, EA-2 Topotype,
and Topotype I (NWZ) respectively. This study nucleotide sequences
for serotypes O and SAT1 field strains were analysed categorically,
and the shared percent identities of 92.0-100.0% and 96.9-98.8%
were revealed respectively. The analysed 247 buffalo (37.6%, n =93)
and cattle (58.3%, n =154) NSP ELISA positive serum samples from
livestock-wildlife interface areas of Katavi, Mikumi, Mkomazi, and
Ruaha ecosystems in Tanzania were further analyzed for FMDV
serotype O and A by SPCE. A highest percentage seropositivity (PS)
was revealed (67%, n= 103) and (55%, n= 51) in cattle and buffalo,
whereas FMDV serotype A tested highest (54%, n= 83) and O (25%,
n= 23) for cattle and buffalo sera, respectively. Also, some of the
cattle (36%, n= 56) and buffalo (25%, n= 23) sera tested, showed
evidence of multiple infection with FMDV serotypes O and A. Results
showed that out of the 93 analyzed NSPE positive buffalo samples,
30.1% (28) of CI (19 – 39) had antibodies specific to FMDV Type A.
Also 54.8% (51) of CI (39 – 64) and 24.7% (23) of CI (15 – 33) had
antibodies specific to FMDV type O and those of mixed sero reaction
respectively. Similarly, out of 154 NSPE positive cattle samples
analyzed 53.9% (83) of CI (69 – 98), 66.9% (103) of CI (88 – 118)
and 36.4% (56) of CI (44 – 70) had FMDV antibodies specific to type
A, O, and mixed (O&A) seroreactions respectively. The results of
compared serotype-specific seroreactions statuses revealed higher
percentage for type O across all species, next type A, and the lowest
score for mixed seroreactions. Similarly; at 95% CI, the analyzed
cattle and buffalo NSPE positives expressed higher scores of (41.7%;
20.65%) by (33.6%; 11.34%) and (22.67%; 9.31%) on type O, type A
and mixed seroreactions respectively. Results on Chi-square test of
independence were significant, X2 (df = 4, N = 330) = 31.0876, p =.00001 at p<.05 criteria, indicating a relation between spp difference
and variation in state of FMDV infection rates. The analyzed probang
buffalo samples (n=89) from Serengeti national park using FMDV
serotype O and A specific primers (one-step RT-PCR), 1.2% was
revealed to be FMDV type O. Also, five consensus linear epitopes
(PLE I – V) at positions 3-30, 44-59, 95-112, 134-149, 199-219 with
75%, 88%, 94%, 44 % and 24% of their aa reads conserved were
observed respectively. Additionally; conformational epitopes (PCE I –
VI) at positions 1-26, 82-87, 93-114, 131-149, 175-179, and 201-221
with 53 – 100% conserved were also identified. As the vaccines are
challenged by the rapidly evolving FMDV in the field, the unveiling of
conserved epitope domains is vital for enhancing future FMDV
vaccines long-term effectiveness in the field.
This study has demonstrated FMDV type O infections in buffalo being
the first molecular and serosurvey combined study to be undertaken
on Eurasian FMDV types O and A in cattle and buffalos in Tanzania.
The information generated from this study strengthens knowledge on
FMDV epidemiology in Tanzania and Africa, and thereby contributing
to the progressive control pathway-FMD program through tailored
control initiatives. The unveiled challenges of FMD control amongst
Africa’s diverse pastoral communities’ landscape for triggering
strategical discussions on national and transboundary regional-based
FMD control approaches in Africa.Prof. Mark Rweyemamu the SACID-Director and Prof. Gerald Misinzo the SACIDS-ACE II Project Coordinato
Tree farming investments and implications to carbon storage in Bukoba district, Tanzania
No full textMSc. Ecosystem Sciences and ManagementThe current contribution of farm trees in solving wood related
problems and income generation to smallholders in developing
countries is unquestionable. However, the factors influencing
households‟ decisions to invest in tree planting and the amount of
carbon stored in agroforestry systems in many areas remain to be
site and time specific and not clearly understood. The study aimed at
assessing the factors influencing household decisions to invest in
tree planting and implications to soil organic carbon storage in
Bukoba district, Tanzania.
A total of 80 households (40 with and 40 without woodlots) were
randomly selected in four villages and questionnaires were applied
for data collection. Data were analysed through descriptive statistics
and binary logit regression. In the other hand, random sampling
technique was used to select 32 homegarden and 32 woodlot farms.
In farm sampling plots of 5m x 5m were established and two soil
samples per plot were extracted, one from a depth 0-15cm and
another from 15-30cm. A total of 128 composite soil samples were
collected for laboratory analysis. The Walkley – Black procedures for
Soil sample analysis was applied.
The study‟s results showed that household land size, the age of the
household head, accessibility to loan and credit services, availability
of land not suitable for crop production, and education level of the
household head, significantly (P<0.05) influenced households‟
decisions to invest in tree planting. Sex of the household head,
market availability, land ownership and risk perception had no
influence (P<0.05) on the decisions of the household to invest in
woodlot farming. Furthermore, the results revealed that woodlots
significantly (P<0.5) stored higher soil organic carbon content (125.2
ton/ha) compared to the homegarden agroforestry (96.8 ton/ha) in
general. The knowledge created in this study is essential for policy makers
and implementers to come out with appropriate agricultural
approaches, which will have multi impacts economically, socially and
environmentally
Assessment of species composition and the genetic population structure of the endemic fishes in the Rufiji River Basin, Tanzania
No full textMSc DissertationThe Rufiji River Basin (RRB) is the largest river basin in East
Africa and is home to many endemic fish species that are
important for local livelihoods and food systems. However,
unsustainable fishing practices driven by rapid population
growth and high consumer demand have led to a concerning
decline in these endemic fishes. In response two protected
sites were established including, the Kilombero Valley
Floodplain Ramsar site in 2002 and Nyerere national park to
protect the endemic fish species from overexploitation. Yet,
fish stocks are declining, and it is still unknown whether the
implemented measures are consistent with the genetic stock
structure of endemic fishes in the basin. Therefore, the aim
of this study was to assess the composition of endemic fishes
and the genetic stock structure of endemic fish Bagrus
orientalis in the RRB. This study used fishers, and the key
informant’s interviews, Focus Group Discussion (FGDs), and
fishery surveys to assess the composition of endemic fishes.
DNA barcoding was also employed to confirm species
identities. Tissue samples of 46 different endemic fish
species and 182 of B. orientalis were collected from fishers
at six landing sites in the RRB including Kivukoni, Mofu,
Dinari, Ngalimila, Kidatu, and Zombe and preserved in 99.9%
ethanol. Genomic DNA was extracted from each sample
using the TIANamp Genomic DNA kit (TIANGEN Biotech,
Beijing) and fragments (620 base pairs) of the cytochrome
oxidase subunit I gene were amplified. The results showed
33 different fish species, out of which 54.55% are endemic
and 45.45% are exotic. Additionally, it was revealed that
Heterobranchus longifilis (Mjongwa), Citharinus congicus
(Mbala), Labeo congoro (Ningu), Mormyrus longirostris
(Sulusulu), and Labeobarbus leleupanus (Mkuyu) are very
rare in the catch, despite being classified as Least Concern
by IUCN. This suggests that rare species needs
reassessment and reclassification by IUCN because their current criteria does
not reflect their actual status on the ground.
Furthermore, the results revealed significant genetic
divergence between the populations of B. orientalis in the
RRB (FST = 0.33, p < 0.01). Hierarchical AMOVA revealed
that populations in the Ramsar site are genetically connected
with those from other sites within the Kilombero Valley Flood
Plain (KVFP), but genetically distinct from the populations in
Ruaha and Rufiji. This implies that conservation efforts within
the Ramsar site might not directly benefit the population in
Ruaha and Rufiji. Therefore, it is recommended to establish
the protected sites in Ruaha and Rufiji to rescue this
population from further decline. The findings also showed
that the low genetic diversity among population in Kidatu is
due to restricted genetic connectivity, highlighting the need
for enhancing habitat connectivity in the area. Moreover, the
poor body condition and small sized fish were observed in
Kidatu population. This does not conclude overfishing in the
area but further studies on population dynamics and fishing
pressure should be conducted to understand factors
affecting size structure of the fish.Sokoine University of Agriculture Research and Innovation
Support (SUARIS) and the Conservation of Endemic Fishes
Project (CoEF
Assessment of functionality in monitoring and evaluation systems of selected agricultural non-governmental organizations in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
No full textMA. DissertationMonitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems have evolved over time as
important tools that can enhance the management of programmes
and thus facilitate measurement of progress on project
implementation. This has raised interest among researchers who
have noted the importance to assess M&E system so as enhance
the efficiency of the systems. The study aims to assess functionality
of the selected agricultural NGOs’ M&E systems to determine the
functionality of key M&E components and the challenges of the M&E
system in its current status. The study adopted case study research
design and data were collected through desk reviews and interviews
with M&E technical officers guided by a checklist of items.
Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential
statistics whereas qualitative data were analyzed using content
analysis. Generally, the enabling environment and data and
information management well functioned respectively at 88.9% and
91.1%. Specifically, the functionality differed and ranged from 76.7%
to 100% from one NGO to another. However, the Kruskal Wallis H
Test showed no significant difference at a 5% level of significance
among the NGOs. Therefore, the selected agricultural M&E system
NGOs well functioned but needed improvement to strengthen some
indicators. The study concludes that the M&E system of agricultural
NGOs was functioning well with minimal improvements. Challenges
were revealed in human capacity, communication and advocacy
plan, databases and data dissemination. The assessment of
agricultural NGOs revealed that there are improvements needed for
the M&E system to be sustainable. These include a more systematic
and long-term approach to develop M&E systems, staff training in
M&E principles and practices, stronger supervision, feedback loops,
and technical assistance and an information system that links
program-specific sub-system
Assessment of community perception on proper solid waste management at Household-level in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
No full textJournal articleEffective solid waste management is integral to environmental
sustainability and public health. The success of waste management
initiatives is intricately linked to community perceptions, as their
awareness and attitudes significantly influence outcomes. This study,
conducted in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania, aimed to assess the
community's perception of proper solid waste management at the
household level. Employing a descriptive cross-sectional design, data
were gathered from 70 respondents across three randomly chosen
wards: Mazimbu (26), Mji Mkuu (22), and Mji Mpya (22). These wards
were pivotal in capturing a comprehensive view of solid waste
management practices, accounting for variations across different
areas within Morogoro Municipality. Data were also collected from five
key informants using the Kobo Collect survey tool. Inferential
statistics, specifically Pearson chi-square tests, were applied to
analyze the data. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and
percentages, were used to explore the types of solid waste generated
at the household level. The findings revealed that 38.6% of
respondents produced vegetable waste, 28.6% generated
leaves/grass, 20% produced plastic waste, and 12.9% generated
other types of solid waste. The chi-square tests showed no significant
differences in community awareness regarding the importance of
proper solid waste management across wards, except for a significant
difference in relation to disease outbreak reduction. Descriptive
statistics were employed to analyze the community's perception of
obstacles hindering proper solid waste management. To evaluate the
community's perception of solid waste management, a composite
mean score was calculated; a mean score above 2.00 indicated a
positive perception, while a score below 2.00 suggested a negative
perception. In conclusion, while the community generally holds a
positive perception of solid waste management, factors such as
collection fees and inadequate infrastructure hinder its effectiveness
and efficiency at the household level. It is recommended that
municipal authorities enhance solid waste management strategies
and implement educational campaigns to raise awareness within the
community
Crop storage practices and occurrence of fungi with public health importance from rodents’ trapped inside and outside the storage facilities in Mbeya, Tanzania
No full textMSc DissertationAnimals play an important role in the dispersal of seeds and fungal
spores. Several species that consume fruiting bodies of fungi play a
primary role in dispersal networks. Through the rodent-mycorrhizal
dispersal relationship, the study was conducted in selected wards of
urban and peri-urban areas of Mbeya-Tanzania to discover whether
rodents could act as the network for the dispersal of other fungi
related to public health. As well as assessment of knowledge,
awareness, and practices based on storage conditions, that may
influence rodent infestation: implication to fungal contamination in
storage facilities. A total of 210 rodents were trapped in and outside
the storage facilities in selected wards in Mbeya city of which Rattus
rattus (51.0%) was a dominant species, Praomys 40(19.0%),
Lophuromys 29(13.8%), Mastomys natalensis 19(9.0%), Mus
musculus 9(4.2%), and Lemnicomys spp 4(1.9%). Fresh fecal
samples from the rectum were collected. The second form of
samples were 77 pellets collected from the ground making a total
number of 288 fecal pellets. Both samples were preserved at -20 0C
at Mbeya National Research Institute (NIMR) for further laboratory
analysis. Colony morphology obtained through Microbiological
analysis and identification in selective media. A total number of 6
different fungal isolates were observed and Aspergillus fumigatus
was the dominant fungal species from the cultured samples, with a
prevalence of 26% (76/288) showing the potential for aspergillosis in
humans followed by Aspergillus niger and Fusarium species with a
prevalence of 9% (27/288), Aspergillus flavus 3% (10/288) and
Aspergillus ochraceus 1% (4/288). Nested PCR confirmed the
presence of aflR gene from suspected isolates of Aspergillus flavus,
bands observed at 800kb for the first round and 400kb for the
second round. Indirect Competitive ELISA performed on 10 maize
samples that infected with A. flavus isolates, 10 maize samples free
from isolates contamination, and 4 pure isolates of A. flavus. The
aim was to check whether the isolates were capable of producing
toxins and their respective concentrations (ug/ul) were calculated. To confirm the findings a cross-sectional survey was conducted and
a total number of 50 facility storage owners were questioned based
on grains storage practices, factors for rodent infestation, facility-
building conditions, type of material used for storage of grains,
Storage facilities owners’ knowledge based on the effects of rodent
infestation and ways to reduce the effects. Poor storage practices,
types of storage sacks, facility maintenance and longevity of the
facility, and poor knowledge of controlling pests and losses due to
rodents and moulds were the major findings. The 74% of
respondents indicated that they stored only maize, while 26% stored
maize along with other grains such as rice and beans. Among the
respondents, 28% agreed that storing maize with other products
facilitated rodent infestation, 22% disagreed with this opinion, and
the remaining participants were unsure. The 58% of the participants
expressed confidence in their understanding of the factors that
influence rodent infestation, while 42% did not. Regarding major
maintenance of their storage facilities, 38% of the storage keepers
performed it annually, while 20% did it whenever they deemed it
necessary. In terms of rodenticide application within the storage
premises, 54% of the respondents indicated its use.The African Centre of Excellence for Innovative Rodent Pest Management and Biosensor Technology
Development (ACE IRPM and BTD
Sustainable agricultural practices: implications on maize yields, household incomes, and food security
No full textThesisSustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) are often promoted as a
way to improve sustainable development in agriculture, resulting in
subsequent economic growth and development on both national and
global scales. The global endorsement of the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) has directed attention towards initiatives
to expand the utilization of SAPs in developing nations. These
countries are facing challenges due to population expansion and
increased household incomes, which are negatively impacting the
sustainability of natural resources. Nevertheless, the current
information is insufficient to clarify the implementation of bundled
SAPs comprised of intercropping, crop rotation, manure, improved
maize seeds, crop residual practices, and associated impacts on
several end measures, such as crop yields, household incomes, and
food security among smallholder maize farmers in Tanzania. This
argument is driven by an integrative framework that merges the
theories of utility maximization with the diffusion of innovation.
Consistent with prior research, this approach recognizes adoption as
a complex activity by a number of factors. Motivated by this
phenomenon, the study examined (a) rate and intensity of adoption
of bundled SAPs; (b) determinants of adoption of bundled SAPs; (c)
impact of adopting bundled SAPs on yields and household incomes;
(d) impact of adopting multiple SAPs on food security, nutrition, and
poverty indices among smallholder maize farmers in Morogoro
region. The data were collected through household and key
informants’ interviews. The structured questionnaires were
administered to 470 farming households in Kilosa and Mvomero
districts in Morogoro region. Data were analyzed using descriptive
and quantitative methods.
The multivariate regression analysis was used to analyze the
determinants of adoption of multiple SAPs. The results reveal that
age, gender, family size, education level, farm size, livestock
ownership, access to extension services, production shocks, and distance from the market, had a significant influence on the adoption
of multiple SAPs. Moreover, the results demonstrate that there were
six significant pairwise correlation coefficients across SAPs,
indicating that smallholder maize farmers have the potential to adopt
SAPs concurrently. The findings support the study’s claim that the
adoption of bundled SAPs is significantly influenced by socio-
economic and institutions factors.
Ordered probit analysis was employed to analyze the adoption
intensity of bundled SAPs. The findings reveal that education level,
occupation, farming experience, sex of the household head, farm
size, plot ownership, geographical area, participation in farmers'
organizations, and production diversity, significantly impacted the
degree to which SAPs are adopted. Moreover, there were notable
disparities in the degree of adoption intensity in contrast to the
adoption rates. The findings are in line with the study’s claim that
socio-economic factors have significant impact on the number of
SAPs adopted.
An analysis utilizing multinomial switching regression to analyze the
impact of adopting bundled SAPs on crop yields and household
incomes demonstrates that the adoption of multiple SAPs had
significant economic impacts on both maize yields and household
incomes through various combinations comprised of manure,
improved maize varieties, crop residual, intercropping, and crop
rotation.
The endogenous switching regression model was employed to
assess the impacts of adopting SAPs on food security, nutrition and
poverty indices. The findings reveal that the adoption of improved
maize varieties, crop residue use, and crop rotation practices had
significant and positive impacts on household's food security and
nutrition. In addition, the adoption of improved maize varieties had
the most significant impact on poverty indicators, highlighting its
capacity to mitigate poverty among small-scale farmers. The study suggests these. Policymakers and agricultural
development organizations need to take these significant factors into
account when planning, promoting, and enabling the implementation
of SAPs. Second, when developing methods to spread the adoption
of SAPs, it is crucial to consider the interrelatedness of these SAPs
and ascertain an efficient combination of various practices to
enhance maize production and household incomes.
Third, increasing awareness, providing education to farmers
regarding the advantages of using SAPs, and implementing
strategies to alleviate the impacts of climate change. Fourth, the
implementation of initiatives aimed at enhancing agriculture
production through the adoption of SAPs. These initiatives should
implement a targeted approach aimed at reaching food-insecure
households and disadvantaged agricultural households, with the goal
of eradicating hunger and correcting nutritional deficiencies among
these vulnerable populations
Epidemiology and community knowledge, attitude and practice towards lumpy skin disease in Tanga and Pwani Regions inTanzania
No full textDissertationLumpy skin disease (LSD) is an important viral disease of cattle and
water buffalo affecting animals of all breeds and all ages. LSD was first
reported in Zambia in 1929, with the first report of outbreak in Tanzania
in 1981 and 1986 and considered endemic in many sub-Saharan
countries. Presently, the disease is among global threat to the cattle
industry due to its rapid spread beyond Africa and having very high
morbidity and is therefore, one of the WOAH listed notifiable
transboundary disease. Despite, the high morbidity and associated
economic losses, scientific information on LSD in Tanzania remains
scarce. The current study aimed to generate information on the
seroprevalence and risk factors associated with lumpy skin disease and
to assess the community knowledge, altitude and practice (KAP)
towards LSD. A cross sectional study was conducted in Tanzania in two
regions (Tanga and Pwani) from December 2022 to February 2023.
Blood samples were collected from 200 unvaccinated cattle from
randomly selected households and their sera were tested for presence
of LSD virus antibodies using capripox double antigen multispecies
commercial Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay kit (ID.vet Innovative
Diagnostics-France). A questionnaire tool was used to collected data
through face-to-face interview with herd owners or representatives to
assess risk factors for LSD occurrence in the area and to assess KAP.
The present study has confirmed presence of LSD antibodies and
generated epidemiological information by establishing seroprevalence
and risk factors for LSD occurrence. The overall prevalence was 13.5%
(CI= 9.06-19.03) and 22.73% (CI =14.47- 32.89) at animal and herd
level respectively. Seven (7) factors appeared to have significant
influence on the LSD serostatus; namely age (OR= 3.1, CI =0.94-9.94),
communal grazing system (OR= 6.14, CI =1.4-26.84), herd size (OR=
0.1, CI =0.02-0.04), introduction of new animal (OR= 3.53, CI=1.53-
8.18), source of breeding bull (OR =0.1, CI= 0.03-0.59), rural area
location (OR= 2.6, CI =1.0-6.9), breed (OR= 0.3, CI =0.11-0.62) and free movement and contact with other animals (OR =3.54, CI =1.17-
10.704). Animal sex, breeding system and region had no significant
association with the observed seropositivity at P≤0.05. Results on KAP
revealed that majority of the respondents were aware of LSD and over
half of the respondents had past LSD experience. Limited knowledge on
LSD clinical signs, associated losses, transmission, control and blood
feeding insect role in LSD epidemiology was observed. Majority of the
respondents perceived LSD impact and its possibility of occurrence and
believed vaccine is important in LSD control, however, majority believed
that they had limited access to vaccines. Sharing of grazing areas and
watering points, introduction of new animals and sharing of breeding
bulls were common practices. Respondent age, herd size, district, role
in the households, animal type and past experience on LSD occurrence
were significantly associated with the observed KAP. This is the first
study to be contacted in Tanzania which has generated important
information on LSD including seroprevalence, risk factors and KAP.
This information is important in planning and implementation of different
control measure. These findings also suggest the need of conducting
further studies to identify and characterize the causative agent and to
develop vaccine for controlling this economically important diseaseTanzania Veterinary Laboratory Agenc
Digital health education on epidemiology of taenia solium cysticercosis in Iringa-Tanzania
No full textDissertationTaenia solium cysticercosis (TSC) is a parasitic disease caused by
larvae of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. It is common in low- and
middle-income countries. The disease is transmitted through
ingestion of food or water contaminated with the tapeworm's eggs or
through direct contact with contaminated objects or the worm
infected individuals. One effective approach to raise community
awareness about the disease is digital health education, the
technology disseminates health information and services to a wider
audience. Digital health technology provides an opportunity for
communities to engage with physicians for consultation, access
medical care, follow-up on treatments, and report health
emergencies. In Tanzania, digital health education suggested the
strategy for endemic T. solium cysticercosis (TSC) control. The
disease cause human disabilities even death, also it affects pig
industry by causing unsafe and unwholesome pork. The digital
health education technology can potentially improve socio-cultural
settings and lifestyles influencing TSC epidemiology in endemic
communities. However, utilization of digital health in Tanzania is
inconsistent. This study aimed at assessing the impact of digital
health education intervention on porcine cysticercosis prevalence
and on associated household factors in endemic rural communities
for management decisions.
A baseline cross-sectional study was carried at Izazi, Migoli, and
Mlowa wards of Iringa District Council, in April-May, 2018, to
evaluate the practices promoting porcine cysticercosis transmission.
The survey was a quasi-controlled field trial with pre- and post-
intervention assessments for porcine cysticercosis and the
associated household practices. The focus was on socio-cultural
practices and lifestyles related to the life cycle of T. solium, such as
household pig management, sanitation and hygiene practices, pork
preparation and consumption. Upon visits, respondents provided
information guided with questionnaire, observational checklist used
for observation study. Pigs were bleed for Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) analysis to detect the parasite
antigen glycoprotein that indicated T. solium cysticercosis
prevalence. Immediately after the baseline study, digital health
intervention conducted at Migoli and Izazi wards. A door-to-door
video show of animations on T. solium cysticercosis and taeniosis
educational messages presented using tablets. The tablets were
then left in the intended ward offices for voluntary learning.
Furthermore, free internet access was provided in designated offices
for unsupervised community access to online health education using
smartphones or tablets. Post-intervention assessment was then
conducted 25 months after commencement of the intervention study
in July, 2021. The intervention effect was analysed based on the
post-intervention and the baseline data collected with the same
procedures described earlier. Digital health technology adoption in
health information, health learning, and managing health issues, was
also investigated as a cross-sectional study involving 78 public
service health offices in the 26 regions of Tanzania's mainland. The
survey involved a face-to-face visit and through questionnaire. In
places researchers couldn't afford to visit, an electronic
questionnaire was distributed via email. The gathered information
concerned the experience and the use of digital technologies in
health services.
The survey showed 33 (37.9%) households had latrines without
restrictions to entrance and with limited water supply for
handwashing, 42 (57.5%) pigpens didn‟t maintain pigs indoors, and
52 (15%) households allowed pigs to roam freely. Averagely, 22.3 ±
3.44% pigs were tested positive for porcine cysticercosis, and 53.4%
households surveyed had at least one seropositive pig. Porcine
cysticercosis was significantly associated with free-roaming pigs
(OR=2.426; p≤0.05) and poor-quality pens (OR=1.75; p≤0.05). The
digital health intervention significantly increased pig confinement
(p=0.026) and improved the quality of pigpens (p=0.025), but it didn‟t
improve the quality of household latrines (p=0.453) nor the
prevalence of porcine cysticercosis (p=0.231). The survey also found
Tanzanians (n=191, 91.0%) were preferring digital mobile and internet-enabled tools for personal and official health services. The
adoption of digital health services was determined by the availability
(n=137, 65.2%), accessibility (n=75, 35.7%), internet connection
(n=196, 93.3%), affordability (n=198, 94.3%), and interest of using
social media (n=189, 90.0%). Digital health services use was
associated with individual's primary occupation (p=0.002, 95% CI),
availability of digital health materials (p=0.001, 95% CI), affordability
of internet use (p=0.006, 95% CI), and preference of internet, short
message system (SMS), and phone calls on health information
search (p=0.020, 95% CI). It was also associated with living in areas
having reliable electricity (p=0.049, 95% CI).
Persistent seropositive pigs suggest traditional lifestyle promotes T.
solium worm life cycle. The latrines without entrance restrictions and
with limited water supply for hand-washing after toilet, indicate lack
of knowledge about safe and hygiene latrine use, hence neglect of
safety. It implies community lacks skills to construct and properly use
of good latrines made with locally available materials. Sensitization
on proper construction and sanitary use of latrines is required. The
free-roaming pigs or kept in poorly constructed pens indicates lack of
information on benefits of raising pigs under total confinement.
Training on good pig management practices is crucial to improve the
situation. The practices in the studied community perpetuate Taenia
solium life cycle and risk them to infection. Unrestricted entrances
latrines, limited water for hand-washing, free-roaming scavenging
pigs, and/or pigs escape from confinement poses for TSC infection.
Pigs are coprophagous, they become exposed to T. solium eggs by
eating feces of human tapeworm carriers who contaminate land with
T. solium eggs. The uncomfortable constructed latrines prompt
people to less or not use them, resulting defecation in bushes that
favor T. solium eggs dispersal. The digital health education was
effective in improving pig confinement (p=0.026) and quality pigpens,
as pigs were kept indoors during post-intervention study visits.
Therefore, digital health intervention is recommended among
important strategies in disseminating knowledge aimed at T. solium
and other related diseases control in wider communities. Remote communities in mainland Tanzania hardly practice digital health
services due to electricity, network, and internet constraints.
Marginalized communities can‟t afford costs associated with the
necessary hardware and internet access. Therefore, digital health
applicability in such communities requires public and private sector
partnership. In Tanzania, digital health services are preferred for learning and
addressing health problems; however, availability, accessibility,
affordability, and internet connection hinder. Thus, socio-cultural
practices surveillance and sustainable health education are
mandatory when planning for TSC control.The Norwegian Research Council and The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs/The
Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), this would not have been possible
Effects of neem (Azadirachta Indica) leaf powder on intestinal hstomorphology and growth performance in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings
No full textDissertationThe application of leaves from neem tree (Azadirachta indica) as dietary
feed additive in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fish is gaining
attention worldwide due to its effectiveness and minimal side effects on
the aquatic environment. As a phytomedicine has been included in
juvenile Nile tilapia diets at inclusion levels of 2–8 g/kg feed to control
reproduction, by exerting degenerative histological changes on gonadal
tissues of Nile tilapia fish. However, a slow growth rate and lowered
feed utilization were reported in juvenile Nile tilapia post-exposure to
neem compounded feeds. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the
effects of neem leaf powder (NLP) on intestinal histomorphology in
tilapia fish and its association with growth performance. A total of 180
Nile tilapia fingerlings were randomly distributed in four groups
(n = 30 for growth performance, n = 15 for intestinal histomorphology)
and kept in a clear-water recirculation aquaculture system (RAS). A
total of 45 fingerlings used in control groups, while 135 used in treated
groups. The fish received NLP at concentrations of 0 g, 1 g, 4 g, and 8 g
for each kilogram of Nile tilapia commercial feed and the experiment
was conducted for 90 days. Results showed that the inclusion of NLP at
4 g/Kg feed significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced weight gain (WG), percent
weight gain (PWG), daily weight gain (DWG), and specific growth rate
(SGR) in comparison to treated groups given NLP 1 g and 8 g/kg feed
and the control group. A higher survival rate (P < 0.05) was recorded in
the group fed NLP at 8 g/Kg feed. Values for intestinal
histomorphometry (villous height) in the middle/spiral intestine in the
group fed 8 g/Kg feed were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than in the
control group. Moreover, compared to the control group, the treated
group on early exposure to NLP (Days 0–3) had increased TNF-α and
single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) expression. The TNF-α was associated
with significant (p < 0.05) increased expression of TNF-α in all portions
of the intestines and pancreatic regions compared. This was reflected by the inflammatory effect in the proximal, middle, and distal intestines.
But on long-term exposure (Day 30–90), all treated groups and all three
intestinal portions experienced epithelial recovery associated with
decreased expression of TNF-α and ssDNA. In conclusion, there was
an adaptation in long-term exposure to the used NLP doses on Nile
tilapia fingerlings, and the inclusion from one up to 4 g of NLP per Kg
feed has no detrimental effect on intestinal morphology and promotes
growth and feed utilization