Introduction: Malaria in man is caused by four species of protozoan parasites1 belonging to the genus Plasmodium. Plasmodium parasites exhibit a complex life cycle involving development through two host2 species: an insect vector3 (definitive host4) and a vertebrate species (intermediate host5). Humans serve as intermediate hosts for several Plasmodium species (P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale and P. malariae) whilst female mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles serve as the definitive hosts (Fi...
Abstract: Ijara district in Kenya was one of the hotspots of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) during the 2006/2007 outbreak which led to human and animal deaths causing huge economic losses. The main constraint in the control and prevention of RVF is inadequate knowledge on its occurrence during the interepidemic period. This study was aimed at understanding the occurrence of RVF and perceived risk factors by pastoralists in cattle in Ijara to enable the development of improved community-based diseas...
Abstract: Outbreaks of emerging and re-emerging tick-borne pathogens are becoming more frequent worldwide. Surveillance is critical to improve our understanding of pathogen diversity and their tick vectors. This will elucidate disease transmission dynamics that can inform the development of better disease prevention and control strategies. A total of 4,324 questing ticks (209 adult ticks, 586 nymphs and 3,502 larvae) were collected from six sites in Kenya‟s Shimba Hills National Reserve (S...
Abstract: Today, approximately 40% o f the world’s population, mostly those living in the poorest countries, are at risk of malaria, which causes more than 300 million acute illnesses and at least one million deaths annually. Ninety per cent o f deaths due to malaria occur m subSaharan Africa, mostly among young children. The importance o f malaria cannot be over emphasized. A project, (Agro-ecosystem Management for Community-Based Integrated Malaria Control in East African Irrigation Sche...
Abstract: Bacteria of the genus Xenorhabdus are entomopathogens that produce insecticidal protein toxins against a wide range of insects. The main proteins involved are the Xenorhabdus protein toxins (Xpts), categorized as class A, B and C. They work best as a complex, though individually, XptA has been found to be more potent against some insect pests such as Pieris brassicae and Heliothis virescens. The maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) and the larger grain borer (Prostephanus truncatus) a...
Abstract: Xenorhabdus spp. (Enterobacteriaceae) are endosymbionts of entomopathogenic nematodes from the Steinernema genus. They cause insect mortality by producing potent insecticidal toxin complexes composed of XptA1, XptA2 (class A), XptB1 (class C) and XptC1 (Class B) proteins. However, the use of only the bacterium as a biopesticide is limited as they depend on their nematode hosts for survival in the environment. The XptAs exhibit different spectra of activity, requiring XptB1 and XptC...
Abstract: Tsetse and trypanosomosis have been extensively studied and an array of vector and disease control measures have been developed and applied with varying degrees of success. Current trypanosomosis control strategies rely on use of trypanocidal drugs, breeding of trypanotolerant cattle and tsetse control or eradication. Since none of these control options has proved to be a fully viable solution to the control of trypanosomosis, search for more tsetse fly and trypanosomosis control m...
Abstract: Malaria is one of the public health problems facing people in many parts of Kenya including semi-arid areas. It is caused by an infectious bite of female Anopheles mosquitoes. To effectively implement malaria control program, the knowledge of colonization, resting behavior of the vectors and effect of distance between houses and breeding habitats on mosquito abundance is required. This research set out to determine seasonal dynamics, outdoor resting habits and colonization of larva...
Abstract: Susceptibility of Ae. aegypti mosquito to dengue virus (DENV) varies geographically and can be influenced by climatic factors such as temperature, which affect the incidence, seasonality and distribution of vector-borne diseases. The first outbreak of dengue fever (DF) in Kenya occured in 1982 in the coastal towns of Malindi and Kilifi. Unlike Nairobi where no active dengue transmission has been reported, DF is currently re-emerging at the Coast causing major outbreaks. This study ...
Abstract: Farmers’ knowledge on pesticides use, the practices and the associated health effects is of great importance. The effect of pesticides on human health and the environment is a major global public health issue. The main objective of this study was to determine the knowledge and practices on pesticide use against the bean fly and the associated health effects among bean smallholder farmers in Kabaru location, Nyeri County. A cross-sectional study design was used in which a semi-str...
Abstract: Arboviruses cause emerging and re-emerging infections affecting humans and animals. They are spread primarily by blood-sucking insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, midges and sand flies. Changes in climate, ecology, demographics, land-use patterns and increasing global travel have been linked to an upsurge in arboviral disease. Outbreaks occur periodically followed by persistent low level circulation. This study aimed at determining the seroepidemiology of selected arboviruses among ...
Description: A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Applied Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Nairobi
Abstract: Aphids are the major pests of vegetables leading to a significant yield loss in African indigenous vegetables including amaranth and nightshades. Information on the types of aphids that infest these vegetables and their genetic diversity in Kenya and Tanzania is scanty. This is an important diagnostic component in developing management strategies such as integrated pest management and early detection and control of invasive species. This study used a fragment of the mitochondrial c...
Abstract: Tsetse fly-borne trypanosomiasis remains a significant problem in Africa despite years of interventions and research. The need for new strategies to control and possibly eliminate trypanosomiasis cannot be over-emphasized. Entomopathogenic fungi infect specific arthropod hosts through the cuticle and penetrate deep into the internal tissues causing death in about 3-14 days depending on the initial infectious dose. In addition, they can reduce blood feeding abilities in haematophago...
Abstract: Malaria remains a major health problem in africa, with anopheles gambiae giles as the principle vector. Plant nectar feeding forms an integral part of the vectorial capacity of this mosquito species, yet paucity of information on the nature of this behaviour persists. While it is recognized that olfactory cues play an important role in mediating orientation and attraction of mosquitoes to host plants as sources of sugar, little effort has been made to identify the kairomones involv...