Abstract: ABSTRACT. We conducted larval surveys in habitats located in urban Malindi, Kenya, in 2005 and 2006 with the goal of determining the productivity of unused swimming pools in relation to other habitats. Of the 250 habitats sampled, 66 were unused swimming pools, 93 were wells, 60 were drainage troughs, and 31 were miscellaneous areas, such as septic tanks, swamps, concrete tanks, fish ponds, car-track depressions, and drainage ponds. Anopheles gambiae s.l. was the only anophelines s...
Abstract: Mark-Drelease-Drecapture (MRR) experiments were conducted with emerging Anopheles gambiae s.l. and Anopheles funestus Giles at Jaribuni and Mtepeni in KiliÞ, along the Kenyan Coast. Of 739 and 1,246 Anopheles released at Jaribuni and Mtepeni, 24.6 and 4.33% were recaptured, respectively. The daily survival probability was 0.96 for An. funestus and 0.95 for An. gambiae in Jaribuni and 0.83 and 0.95, respectively, in Mtepeni. The maximum ßight distance recorded was 661 m. The high ...
Abstract: According to the World Health Organization’s reports, leishmaniases in humans are caused by 20 species of protozoa, belonging to the genus Leishmania1.The parasites are transmitted by the bite of a female tiny, 2–3 mm long insect vector, the phlebotomine sandfly1. Leishmaniasis endemic areas in Kenya are—West Pokot, Kitui, Machakos, Meru,Koibatek and Kajiado districts2–6. Kala-azar (Visceral leishmaniasis) in these endemic sites is transmitted by Phlebotomus martini (Dipter...
Abstract: Background & objectives: The number and productivity of larval habitats ultimately determine the density of adult mosquitoes. The biological and physicochemical conditions at the larval habitat affect larval development hence affecting the adult body size. The influence of biological and physicochemical characteristics on the body size of Anopheles gambiae was assessed in Jaribuni village, Kilifi district along the Kenyan Coast. Methods: Ten cages measuring 1 × 1 × 1 m (1 m3) wi...
Abstract: Background Malaria prevention in Africa is mainly through the use of long-lasting insecticide treated nets (LLINs). The objective of the study was to assess the effect of supplementing LLINs with either larviciding with Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) or community education and mobilization (CEM), or with both interventions in the context of integrated vector management (IVM). Methods The study involved a factorial, cluster-randomized, controlled trial conducted in Malindi...
Abstract: Studies were conducted in Mwea Rice Scheme, Kenya during the period April 2005 and January 2007 to determine the host-feeding pattern of culicine mosquitoes. Mosquitoes were collected indoors and outdoors and tested for human, bovine, goat, and donkey blood meals by an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. A total of 1,714 blood-engorged samples comprising Culex quinquefasciatus Say (96.1%), Culex annulioris Theobald (1.8%), Culex poicilipes Theobald (0.9%), Aedes cuminsi Theobald (1....
Abstract: Background:Plasmodium falciparum parasite populations in Ethiopia have been experiencing local selective pres‑sures from drugs and immunity, leading to evolutionary adaptation. However, there was a paucity of data on genomic characterization and evolutionary adaptations of P. falciparum isolates from the central area of Ethiopia.Methods:Whole‑genome analysis of 25 P. falciparum isolates from central Ethiopia, specifically from West Arsi, were studied to determine their genetic ...
Abstract: Multiplicity of infection (MOI) and genetic diversity of P. falciparum infections are important surrogate indicators for assessing malaria transmission intensity in different regions of endemicity. Determination of MOI and diversity of P. falciparum among asymptomatic carriers will enhance our understanding of parasite biology and transmission to mosquito vectors. This study examined the MOI and genetic diversity of P. falciparum parasite populations circulating in Mbita, a region ...
Abstract: The primary malaria vector-control interventions, indoor residual spraying and long-lasting insecticidal nets, are effective against indoor biting and resting mosquito species. Consequently, outdoor biting and resting malaria vectors might elude the primary interventions and sustain malaria transmission. Varied vector biting and resting behaviour calls for robust entomological surveillance. This study investigated the bionomics of malaria vectors in rural south-east Zambia, focusin...
Abstract: Variation in vector traits can modulate local scale differences in pathogen transmission. Here, we compared seasonal variation in the wing length (proxy for body size) and energy reserves of adult wild-caught Aedes aegypti populations from a dengue endemic (Kilifi) and non-endemic (Isiolo) area of Kenya. Vector sampling in the dengue endemic site was conducted during the dry and wet seasons. In the non-endemic area, it was limited to the dry season which characterizes this ecology ...
Abstract: Vectors of emerging infectious diseases have expanded their distributional ranges in recent decades due to increased global travel, trade connectivity and climate change. Transboundary range shifts, arising from the continuous movement of humans and livestock across borders, are of particular disease control concern. Several tick-borne diseases are known to circulate between eastern Uganda and the western counties of Kenya, with one fatal case of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (C...
Filipinos infected with HIV-AIDS continued to balloon, notwithstanding the intervention through comprehensive prevention, dissemination, and control programs. In Eastern Visayas, 69 cases were coming from the most risk population, primarily Men Having Sex with Men (MSM), either homosexual, heterosexual, or bisexual modes of transmission. Bearing this epidemic, sexual networking, using the internet for sex served as cruising sites for casual sex, and promiscuity may be accounted for this surge...
ABSTRACT Introduction Against the backdrop of the Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2 and 3, which aim to improve global health, food security, and reduce poverty, agriculture for most is crucial to achieving self-sustainability in Africa. However, the increased occurrence of adverse events including droughts and conflicts, with losses to farmers, threatens efforts to achieve the set goals. These losses can affect livestock farmers’ psychosocial wellbeing and productivity. Identifying, the...
CHAPTER ONE 1.0 INTRODUCTION Dermatoglyphics was derived from the Greek word, “dermis” meaning skin and “glyph”meaning curving. Dermatoglyphics is the science of configuration of epidermal ridges of thevolar surfaces of the fingers, toes, palms and soles (cummins and mildo, 1961).Dermatoglyphics is the scientific study of epidermal ridge (or papillary peaks) patterns on fingers (fingerprints) and palms (palmprints). Each person has distinct and unique ridges on the fingers and palms...
ABSTRACT This study was conducted on the determinants of utilization of family planning services among women of Gambari ward in Ilorin, Kwara State. The specific objectives were to determine the level of utilization of family planning services, to assess the level of knowledge of family planning among women of reproductive age group in Gambari Ward, to determine the proportion of women currently using family planning methods and to determine the proportion of women who wish to use family plan...