8 research outputs found
“Projecting the effects of non-pharmaceutical interventions and vaccination on COVID-19 control in Lusaka using a mathematical model”.
No full textThesis of Master’s of Science degree in One Health Analytical Epidemiology.The COVID-19 epidemic in Zambia has had significant social and economic impact on the health sector and wellbeing of the population. Hence it is vital to investigate the effect of various Interventions that were implemented to control the spread of the pandemic. Non-pharmaceutical
interventions (NPIs) were introduced to help contain the spread of COVID- 19 pandemic in the absence of pharmaceutical interventions. Since then, COVID-19 vaccines have been developed and are readily available globally. Projecting the combined impact of vaccine uptake and NPIs in the control of the COVID 19 pandemic is crucial to support evidence-based policy making. The Vensim Personal Learning Edition (PLE) simulation software was used to create a modified Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) mathematical model to show the simultaneous effects of vaccination combined with NPIs such as social distance, hand hygiene and cough etiquette which we termed as behaviour change, and also vaccination with face
masking only against COVID-19 in Lusaka. Behaviour change and face masking were simulated at different percentages compliance together with varying vaccine uptake levels of low, moderate and high. Twelve different scenarios for groups of people who practice behaviour change or combined (NPIs) with vaccination and twelve scenarios for face masking with vaccination were modelled. Results from the simulation showed a reduction in the number of both cumulative cases and deaths from the interventions put in place as compared to scenarios without intervention. Furthermore, the basic reproduction number (R0) which was initially set at 2.64 in the model and was reduced to 2.37 in the scenario set at 10% behaviour change with low vaccination rate and 2.34 in the scenario set at 10% behaviour change with high vaccination rate as well as 0.61 in the scenario set at 80% behaviour change with low vaccination rate and 0.55 in the scenario set at 80% behaviour change with high vaccination rate. In the masking with vaccination scenarios, reproduction number was reduced to 2.45 in the scenario set at 10% masking with low vaccination rate and 2.29 in the scenario set at 10% masking with high vaccination rate as well as 1.25 in the scenario set at 80% masking with low vaccination rate and 1.24 in the scenario set at
80% masking with high vaccination rate. These findings highlight the importance of continued adherence to NPIs even when the population is being vaccinated, particularly under scenarios of lower vaccination rates which are influenced by vaccine efficacy, distribution and community hesitancy
Language variation and change: A case study of Shaba Swahili
No full textSwahili has generally been perceived as a homogenous entity whose norms are reflected in the variety spoken on the coast of East Africa. Any deviations from these norms are perceived as trademark of colloquialism, corruption, deterioration and/or sub-standardness. In the Zairian province of Shaba, the variety of Swahili used is characterized by a multiplicity of deviations at all grammatical levels. This variety, commonly known as Shaba Swahili (ShS), has been considered by many as a colloquial, corrupt, deteriorated, and sub-standard or pidgin variety of East African Swahili (EAS).This dissertation provides an analysis of ShS, one of the very few non-western languages classified as pidgin/creole (P/C). It shows that although ShS fulfills some of the criteria used for the classification of P/C, it is not a P/C. Structural simplification is not a property of P/C only. Rather it is the property of all languages found in contact situations. All the processes of language contact will be evaluated to sort out a new set of criteria for language categorization in contact situations."This study attempts to demonstrate that ShS is a ""meaning system"" that reflects the linguistic and socio-cultural context proper to new context of use. The multilingual context of Shaba has created new norms, which are nativized according to the linguistic, social, and cultural context of Shaba. Thus, what has generally been regarded as an idiosyncratic variety of Swahili is a real language with its own rules and norms that are distinct from those of EAS."While linguistic variation is used to show the extent to which people adhere to the norms of their vernacular culture, this adherence is not automatic given the presence of members of one's close-knit social network. Though social variables can determine a speaker's linguistic behavior, they are each subconsciously assigned hierarchical index markings of vitality. The social variables with the highest indexation marking can over-rule the constraints of linguistic behavior dictated by formalaty or informality during speech. Members of any community are aware of this indexation marking and are cognizant of the fact that this indexation varies with the context of situation. (Abstract shortened with permission of author.)Made available in DSpace on 2011-05-07T12:01:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2
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Development of a strategy and interpretation of the NIR spectra for application in automated sorting
No full textThis is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Elsevier via the DOI in this recordThe Near Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a novel technique that can be used for early identification and separation of minerals from unwanted gangue during ore sorting. In this research, the potential of near infrared sensors for application in automated sorting was investigated on a copper-gold ore sample. The ore contains a substantial amount of carbonaceous material which results in excessive acid consumption in the subsequent leaching process during copper extraction. To classify this unwanted gangue material (carbonate) from the valuable metal (copper), a strategy to identify and distinguish the ore according to copper and carbonate content was developed. The near infrared spectra were measured on the surface of ore particles and characteristic absorption features were observed at a longer wavelength ranging from 2000 nm to 2405 nm. The results were then correlated with the chemical and mineralogical composition of the ore determined using X-Ray fluorescence and X-Ray diffraction equipments respectively. The near infrared spectra showed distinct characteristic absorption features for carbonate rich particles that distinguished these from copper bearing particles, which are fairly featureless at longer wavelengths. Combined interpretation of spectral features and chemical and mineralogical data indicates that near infrared-based sorting has potential for this type of ore.The authors wish to thank the Zambian government and the Copperbelt University management for the financial support towards this research
Passive Screening and Diagnosis of Sleeping Sickness with New Tools in Primary Health Services: An Operational Research.
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Genomic characterization of cefotaxime-resistant Proteobacteria isolated from a bat-harboring cave in Zambia
No full textBats are widely recognized as reservoirs of emerging and re-emerging pathogens, and their ecological interactions with humans and livestock present important opportunities for the transmission of infectious agents and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). However, little is known about the occurrence of resistant bacteria in bat-associated environments in Zambia or their potential role in the maintenance of AMR outside clinical and agricultural settings. This study investigated the genomic characteristics of cefotaxime-resistant Proteobacteria isolated from bat fecal droppings collected at Leopards Hill Cave, an established hotspot for zoonotic pathogens. Four hundred bat fecal samples were cultured on cefotaxime-supplemented MacConkey agar, and those exhibiting bacterial growth were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole-genome analysis. Of the 400 samples processed, four (1 %) yielded growth, resulting in three bacterial species: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 1), Enterobacter mori (n = 1), and Brucella intermedia (formerly Ochrobactrum intermedium) (n = 2). Genomic screening revealed that P. aeruginosa strain CB_234 harbored blaOXA-50, aph(3′)-IIb, and catB7, which confer resistance to β-lactams, aminoglycosides, and chloramphenicol, respectively. It also possessed multiple virulence determinants involved in adherence, motility, and secretion systems that enhance host colonization and environmental persistence. Core genome phylogenetic analysis placed CB_234 within a clade exclusively composed of clinical isolates from Nigeria, Thailand, Russia, Kenya, and Ghana, indicating a shared evolutionary lineage among globally dispersed hospital-associated strains. Conversely, environmental isolates from plant and aquatic sources, along with a dog-associated isolate, were phylogenetically distant, highlighting the distinct evolutionary origins. The E. mori isolate carried blaACT and qnrE resistance genes and plasmid replicons, suggesting potential mobility of resistance traits through horizontal gene transfer. In contrast, the two B. intermedia isolates did not harbor any known AMR genes or plasmid replicons. However, this species is increasingly recognized as an opportunistic pathogen. The detection of AMR-associated bacterial species in a natural bat habitat supports the evidence of resistance determinants circulating in wildlife environments in Zambia. Given that bats are unlikely to encounter clinical antibiotics directly, the persistence of such genes in their environment suggests that natural ecosystems may play an underappreciated role in maintaining AMR reservoirs independent of direct antimicrobial pressure. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating wildlife and environmental niches into national and global AMR surveillance frameworks under a One Health approach to better understand the ecological dimensions of AMR emergence and dissemination
In silico characterization of chromosomally integrated blaCTX-M genes among clinical Enterobacteriaceae in Africa: insights from whole-genome analysis
No full textAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) mediated by extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) is a growing global concern, particularly among Enterobacteriaceae. The CTX-M-type ESBLs, encoded by the blaCTX-M gene, are of significant public health importance due to their high prevalence and broad geographic distribution. Typically located on plasmids and often co-occurring with other AMR genes, blaCTX-M contributes to multidrug resistance (MDR). However, increasing evidence suggests secondary chromosomal integration of blaCTX-M, sometimes alongside other resistance determinants. The extent and implications of this mechanism remain poorly characterized, especially in Africa, where genomic surveillance is limited. In this study, we retrieved 295 chromosomal sequences of Enterobacteriaceae of African origin from the GenBank and performed in silico predictions of blaCTX-M and other AMR genes. blaCTX-M-carrying sequences were further characterized by in silico multilocus sequence typing and genome annotation. Chromosomal insertions were identified through alignment with reference genomes. Overall, 47 of 295 sequences (15.9%) harbored the blaCTX-M gene, with the highest prevalence in Klebsiella pneumoniae (29/157, 18.5%), followed by Escherichia coli (13/72, 18.1%), Enterobacter spp. (4/38, 10.5%), and Shigella spp. (1/12, 8.3%). The most common allele was blaCTX-M-15 (31/47, 66.0%), followed by blaCTX-M-14 (12/47, 25.5%), blaCTX-M-55 (3/47, 6.4%), and blaCTX-M-27 (1/27, 3.7%). Co-occurrence of blaCTX-M with additional AMR genes was frequently observed, with integration events often associated with mobile genetic elements such as ISEcp1 and IS26. Notably, strains from the same hospital setting were phylogenetically related and shared sequence types and AMR gene profiles, suggesting local clonal dissemination. These findings reveal a notable presence of chromosomally integrated blaCTX-M among African Enterobacteriaceae, frequently in association with other resistance genes, thereby facilitating stable MDR propagation independent of plasmid maintenance. This evolutionary adaptation may have significant implications for the persistence and spread of MDR in clinical settings
Enhancing Survival of Mothers and Their Newborns in Tanzania
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The main purpose of the present studies was to examine the problem of maternal and perinantal mortality in an upcountry region of a low-income country. This was done by estimating the magnitude of maternal and perinatal mortality, both in the hospital and in the community, through elucidating the underlying causes of maternal and perinatal mortality, and by initiating low-cost interventions and monitoring mechanisms in order to enhance the survival of mothers and their newborns, in Kigoma, Tanzania. To utilize all available evidence to register the causes, contributory factors and real magnitude of maternal in a regional hospital as well as to estimate the magnitude of maternal mortality in the community. To formulate low-cost interventions to address the identified contributing factors to maternal mortality and to follow these interventions over time. To perform regular audits of the causes of maternal mortality in order to elucidate avoidance causes. To monitor and adjust the interventions during the study period, while assessing the impact of these interventions. To investigate the suspected causes of obstetric risk knowledge among community members, health workers, and traditional birth attendants. To assess the utilization of the simple “three phases of delay model” in the audit of maternal and perinatal mortality. A retrospective analysis of mortality in the hospital setting utilizing all available evidence was undertaken for three years, 1984-1987. The magnitude, causes and contributory factors to maternal mortality were examined in the in the hospital setting. This led to the formulation of 22 specific, low –cost interventions, which utilized local resources. These interventions were followed-up for a period of 7years. Monitoring was conducted through monthly audit-oriented meetings. Maternal mortality in the in the community being served by the hospital was assessed utilizing the “sisterhood method”, followed by an assessment of perceptions of obstetric risk among community members, health workers and peripheral staff in order to evaluate factors contributing to futher non-reduction of maternal mortality in the hospital. Finally an assessment utilizing the three phases of delay methodology was conducted focusing on the reduction of maternal and perinatal mortality. There was gross underreporting of martenal death in the official statistics (849 against 350 per 100,000 live births, respectively). Major causes were haemorrhage , obstracted labour , infections and rupture of the uterus. Several other associated factors comprised lack of equipment, drug/blood and issues concerning staff and community distrust of the obstetric unit. The application of the 22 specific interventions saw a progressive reduction in the maternal mortality ratio (from 849 to 275 per 100,000 live birth) after the 7-year period (p<0.001). This was despite an increase in the number admissions to the unit (3,000 to 4,296 respectively). Also the fatality rate for the major causes of death was reduced from 9.2 to 3.1%. However, The community assessment undertaken in 2001 revealed the actual MMR at that time to be 447 (urban) and (rural) per 100,000. The result of the assessment in perceptions of obstetric risk revealed low knowledge among the community, staff and traditional birth attendants and that there was distrust in the health system. A final audit using the “ three phases of delay methodology” revealed that the major causes of perinatal and maternal deaths occurred in the health system. Maternal and perinatal mortality can be reduced through low-cost interventions available in most low-resource settings. Regular audit of maternal and perinatal deaths can be undertaken in the these settings. Low-cost methodology. T o be of value audits must be sustained and used as monitoring mechanisms for service delivery improvements and as managerial tools to reduce maternal and perinatal deaths the “three phases of delay model” is a simple and user-friendly method for the audit of both perinatal and maternal deaths. \u
Early Diagnosis of HIV Infection in Infants - One Caribbean and Six Sub-Saharan African Countries, 2011-2015.
No full textPediatric human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remains an important public health issue in resource-limited settings. In 2015, 1.4 million children aged 50% decline. The most common challenges for access to testing for early infant diagnosis included difficulties in specimen transport, long turnaround time between specimen collection and receipt of results, and limitations in supply chain management. Further reductions in HIV mortality in children can be achieved through continued expansion and improvement of services for early infant diagnosis in PEPFAR-supported countries, including initiatives targeted to reach HIV-exposed infants, ensure access to programs for early infant diagnosis of HIV, and facilitate prompt linkage to treatment for children diagnosed with HIV infection
