3 research outputs found
EPIDEMIOLOGY OF ZOONOTIC Cryptosporidium spp. ISOLATES IN NJORO SUB_COUNTY NAKURU COUNTY, KENYA
No full textABSTRACT
Cryptosporidium spp. are coccidian, oocysts-forming apicomplexan protozoans, which complete their life cycle both in humans and animals. In this study, Cryptosporidium spp. circulating in human and domestic animals along Njoro sub county was evaluated using microscopy with an aim of determining the level of Cryptosporidium spp. infections in domestic animals and humans. A total of 1476 animal and 378 human fecal samples were collected from homesteads and public health facilities, respectively within the Sub County These samples were processed, purified and oocysts isolated from microscopically positive stool samples. Data was subjected to an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), t-test and Chi-square tests using R-Studio software to compare the differences in prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts between feacal samples of human and animals with regard to parasitemia, season, age, sex and source of water at a 5% level of significance.Results of the study showed Cryptosporidium spp. was more prevalent in domestic animals than in humans. Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in humans is significantly higher in females than in males. Cryptosporidium spp. infection is higher in the older individuals and children and lowest in adolescents and adults. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. was relatively higher in wet and rainy months peaking in July than in dry seasons where prevalence was lowest in December, January and February. The study has concluded that cryptosporidium spp. is prevalent in Njoro Sub County and has highlighted domestic animals as an important reservoir for Cryptosporidium spp. and potential source of zoonosis of this infection in humans
Decolonising the curricula as a student-staff partnership
No full textThe sciences are often viewed as impartial and solely concerned with delivering objective facts. However, historical biases, particularly those rooted in Eurocentrism, have shaped the way research is funded, conducted, and shared. This has led to a cascading effect where these imbalances are reflected in educational content, influencing the development of future scientists. Consequently, higher education institutions, including the University of Glasgow, have made decolonising the curriculum a priority.
This student-led partnership developed a framework to assess taught content for geographical, historical, and colonial bias/perspective. Taught material from third-year Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Genetics courses were examined. This revealed that approximately 92% of scientists discussed by name in lectures were from either North America or Europe. Author affiliations from references used in lectures and further reading were assessed and found to lack diversity and focus on the global North. To quantify this further, Citation Score Indexes (CSIs) were calculated, this matrix combined the author's country of affiliation with that country’s gross national income (GNI). This quantitative will allow changes in diversity to be measured over time and examine the impact of different interventions.
Furthermore, the curricula review revealed that case studies were limited in scope and focused on Western populations highlighting the need for decolonisation efforts. Therefore, student partners identified opportunities to broaden the perspective of these case studies by incorporating a more global approach. This included integrating Indigenous knowledge on plant-derived medicines and including global contributions to biomolecular sciences, moving beyond the current focus on discoveries from the Global North.
Next, we developed a workshop for undergraduate biomolecular science students, designed to encourage critical reflection on the sources of knowledge and expose the influence of colonialism in the field. The workshop received positive feedback, with students particularly enjoying the interactive elements, including quizzes hosted on Mentimeter. Notably, around 75% of participants agreed with the statement, "I enjoyed this being a student-led activity," underscoring the success of the partnership.
This work represents early efforts to decolonise molecular bioscience curricula at the University of Glasgow. While the focus of the curricula review and workshop was on the life sciences, the frameworks developed here could be adaptable for other course
Prevalence of zoonotic Cryptosporidium spp. Isolates In Njoro Sub-County, Nakuru County, Kenya
No full textBackground: There is no information on human and animal Cryptosporidium spp. in Njoro sub- county. The risk posed to humans and animals within the sub-county is therefore unknown.Materials and Methods: A total of 1476 animal and 378 human fecal samples were evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate association between infection status and the predisposing factors. Results were expressed as odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval. Chi-square and Maentel–Haenszel tests were used to quantify relationships among variables.Results: Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. was 9.8% in humans, 10.8% in cows, 19.6% in sheep and 4.5% in goats. Prevalence in humans was significantly higher in females 12/37. Infection was highest in the elderly (27.27%), and significantly lower in adolescents and adults at 8.66% and 9.59%, respectively. Goats had lowest overall parasitization at all levels, while sheep had the highest parasitization at levels (+1 and +2). Relatively, humans had the highest parasite counts +3 cases (1.5%).Conclusion: Cryptosporidium spp. is prevalent in Njoro sub-county and domestic animals are important reservoirs and a potential source of zoonosis in humans. Children, elderly and females are at increased risk of infection, especially during rainy season. The study recommends maintenance of proper sanitation when handling domestic animals, treatment of drinking water and use of alternative safer sources of water in order to reduce infection
