Browsing by Author "Kagira, J.M."
Now showing 1 - 8 of 8
- Results Per Page
- Sort Options
Item Clinical and pathological characterizati~ of Blood stream forms and cerebrospinal fluid T. b. rhodesiense trypailosomes iSolated from a patient using rabbits.(2009) Ndungu, K.; Kagira, J.M.; Ouma J.M.; Bett, B.; Gitonga, P.; KARI -Trypanosomiasis Research Centre, P.O. Box 362, Kikuyu, KenyaClinical and pathological characterisation of blood stream (BSF) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) forms of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense trypanosome isolated from a sleeping sickness patient were investigated in rabbits. The study aimed at investigating whether there is any significant difference in clinical and pathological presentation in rabbits infected by the two forms of trypanosomes. Each form of parasite was inoculated into five rabbits at 104 trypanosomes/rnl while five rabbits were used as un-infected controls. Parasitaemia development, body temperature, packed cell volume (PCV), body weight, food and water intake, heartbeat and respiration were monitored daily for 30 days post infection when the experiment was terminated. Pathological changes were evaluated following euthanasia. All the infected rabbits became parasitaemic 6 days post infection (dpi) and the parasitaemia levels were significantly higher (p=O.Ol) for the BSF than the CSF infected rabbits. No significant difference was observed in heartbeat, respiration, food and water intake as well as PCv. However, CSF infected rabbits had a significantly (p=O.Ol) higher body temperature and weights than BSF infected rabbits. There was no major difference in the clinical manifestation of the disease caused by the two forms of parasite. However, temporary paralysis was observed around the left side of the neck in one rabbit infected with CSF trypanosomes whereas mucoid stool with the presence of amoeba cysts were observed in the rabbits infected with the BSF trypanosomes. The spleen weights of CSF infected rabbits was heavier (3.59 ± 1.13 grams) than the BSF infected rabbits (2.92± 0.78 grams). The proportions of monocytes were significantly higher (pItem Comparative pathogenicity of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense strains in Swiss white mice and Mastomys natalensis rats(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 1927) Muchiri, M.W.; Ndung'u, K.; Kibugu, J.K.; Thuita, J.K.; Gitonga, P.K.; Ngae, G.N.; Mdachi, R.E.; Kagira, J.M.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Biotechnology Research Institute (BioRI), P. O. Box 362, Kikuyu, Кепуа; Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P.O. Box 62000-00200, Kenya; Kenya Food Crop Research Institute, P. O. Box 30148, Nairobi, KenyaWe evaluated Mastomys natelensis rat as an animal model for Rhodesian sleeping sickness, Parasitaemia, clinical and pathological characteristics induced by T. b. rhodesiense isolates, KETRI 3439, 3622 and 3637 were compared in Mastomys rats and Swiss white mice. Each isolate was intra-peritonially injected in mice and rat groups (n-12) at 1x 10º trypanosomes/0.2 ml. Pre-patent period (PP) range for KETRI 3439 and KETRI 3622-groups was 3-6 days for mice and 4-5 days for rats while for KETRI 3637-infected mice. and rats was 5-9 and 4-12 days, respectively. Pairwise comparison between PP of mice and rats separately infected with either isolate showed no significant difference (p>0.05). The PP's of KETRI 3637-infected mice were significantly (p>0.01) longer than those infected with KETRI 3439 or KETRI 3622, a trend also observed in rats. The second parasitaemic wave was more prominent in mice. Clinical signs included body weakness, dyspnoea, peri-orbital oedema and extreme emaciation which were more common in rats. Survival time for KETRI 3439 and 3622-infected groups was significantly (p<0.05) longer in mice than rats but similar in KETRI 3637-infected groups. Inflammatory lesions were more severe in rats than mice. All mice and KETRI 3622-infected rats had splenomegaly, organ congestion with rats additionally showing prominent lymphadenopathy. KETRI 3439-infected rats showed hemorrhagic pneumonia, enteritis with moderate splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy. KETRI 3637-infected rats had the most severe lesions characterized by prominent splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, enlarged adrenal glands, organ congestion, generalized oedemas, gastroenteritis, pneumonia and brain congestion. KETRI 3637- infected Mastomys is a suitable model for studying pathophysiology of HAT.Item Effect of aflatoxin Bl on the therapeutic efficacy of suramin in Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense-infected mice(2011) Kibugu, J.K.; Mdachi, R.E.; Kagira, J.M.; Muchiri, M.W.; Makumi, J.N.; Ngeranwa, J.J.N.; Auma, J.E.; Ngae, G.N.; Kenya Trypanosomiasis Research Institute; Kenya Agricultural Research Institute(KARI), Trypanosomiasis Research Centre (TRC), Kikuyu Kenya, Kenyatta University Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Nairobi, Kenya, KARI, Agricultural Centre-MugugaThrough immuno-suppression, aflatoxins could affect drug and vaccine efficacy. Such effects have not been evaluated in treatment of many diseases including trypanosomiasis. We assessed the effect of aflatoxin B 1 on the efficacy of suramin, the drug used for treatment of early stage sleeping sickness, in a murine model. Mice were fed daily on a diet containing 0.50 mg aflatoxin/kg body weight or a placebo. They were infected with Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense on day 7 post-aflatoxin exposure and then treated with one of 6 different doses of suramin (4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0 and 6.5 mg/kg body weight) at the onset of parasitemia. The mice were fed on aflatoxin diet for 30 days and the curative dose values (CD 50, 75. and 90) computed and compared using a logistic linear regression model. Aflatoxin B 1 induced transient protection of the host against T. b. rhodesiense infection and a consistent increase in suramin CD values in the mice suggesting reduced drug efficacy. Aflatoxicosis hindered curative treatment of T. b. rhodesiense infection in mice, and may contribute to reduced efficacy of suramin during treatment of sleeping sickness in man.Item Effects of tea on survival rates and liver pathology of Trypanosoma hruce; bruce; infected mice(2011) Mbuthia, S.K.; Wachira, N.F.; Ngure, R.M.; Ouma, J.M.; Kagira, J.M.; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Egerton University, P.O Box 536, Egerton, Kenya, Tea Research Foundation of Kenya (TRFK), P.O. Box 820, Kericho, Kenya, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Egerton University, P.O Box 536, Egerton, Kenya, Trypanosomiasis Research Centre (TRC), P.O. Box 362-00902, Kikuyu, Kenya, Trypanosomiasis Research Centre (TRC), P.O. Box 362-00902, Kikuyu, Kenya, Institute of Primate Research, P.O. Box 24481, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya.The current study investigated the effects of different types of Kenyan Tea extracts on the pathogenesis of Trypanosoma brucei brucei in a Swiss White mice model. Following infection with trypanosomes, the mice were monitored for survival and liver pathology. Tea significantly (P<0.05) enhanced the survival rate of tea, treated mice. Additionally, in tea treated but infected mice, there was reduction in infiltration of inflammatory cells into the periportal and parenchymal regions as well as hepatocyte cell damage compared to the infected untreated animals. Green and white teas were superior in most of the above effects while black tea and oolong teas had the least effects. The tea extracts were more efficacious than dexamethasone in prolonging the life of infected animals. It is concluded tea can act as adjunct therapeutic agent in treatment of diseases having hepatic inflammation, including trypanosomiasisItem The point prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites in calves, sheep and goats in Magadi division, south-western Kenya(2004) Maichomo, M.W.; Kagira, J.M.; Walker, T.Helminths cause great economic loss in livestock in Africa, and can be categorized as either direct or indirect losses. Arid and semi-arid lands (A SAL) in Kenya comprise 71 % of total land area and harbour the largest population of cattle, sheep and goats. However, little information on the distribution and impact of gastro-intestinal (GIT) parasitism in these animals is available. This survey was conducted to establish the prevalence of GIT parasites infecting calves, sheep and goats and their relative importance in Magadi division, which is semi-arid. Faecal samples were obtained directly from the rectum of 109 calves, 133 goats and 20 sheep and submitted to the laboratory for faecal worm egg counts, and coccidial oocysts examination using a modified McMaster method. The significance of differences in mean egg count per gram (epg) between animal species and herds (farms) were assessed using analysis of variance. The overall prevalence of nematodes in the calves, sheep and goats was 69.2 %, 80% and 82 %, respectively. About 10% of sheep and goats had epgs higher than 1 000, the remainder having light to moderate infections. The overall prevalence of coccidial oocysts in calves, sheep and goats was 30 %, 44 % and 45 %, respectively. Poor productivity in ASAL areas, where nutrition is often poor, is likely to be pronounced in the presence of parasite infections. These findings indicate that viable internal parasite control should be implemented in the study area in order to increase the productivity of the livestock there.Item Questionnaire survey on urban and peri-urban livestock farming practices and disease control in Kisumu municipality, Kenya(2010) Kagira, J.M.; Kanyari, P.W.N.; Kenya Trypanosomiasis Research Institute; Trypanosomiasis Research Centre, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, PO Box 362, Kikuyu, Kenya.To characterise the urban livestock keeping practices and constraints in Kisumu municipality, Kenya, a questionnaire survey was carried out. Thirty four contact farmers were interviewed on general farm characteristics and production constraints. The farming activities were categorised as either livestock only (41 %), or mixed crops and livestock (59 %). The surveyed farmers kept mainly cattle (100 %), chickens (82 %) and goats (74 %). Most (94 %) of the farmers had kept livestock for prolonged periods mainly for income generation (97 %) and domestic consumption (59 %). These data show that livestock keeping was popular and could be harnessed to increase food security, although the farmers kept mainly low-producing indigenous cattle (98 %) which were grazed on un- utilised land. The main production constraints mentioned by farmers included diseases (100 %), poor fertility (68 %) and lack of feed (56 %). The diseases varied with species of ruminants and included lumpy skin disease (71 %), diarrhoea (65 %) and helminthosis (62 %). The source of advice on management and treatment of the livestock was almost equally from private and government veterinary personnel. To improve livestock productivity, it is recommended that key stakeholders address the constraints mentioned in this study and in particular that the occurrence of diseases should be investigated with a view to developing sustainable control strategies.Item The role of veterinary and medical personnel in the control of zoonoses in urban settlements on the shores of Lake Victoria, Kenya(2010) Kagira, J.M.; Kanyari, P.W.N.; Kenya Trypanosomiasis Research Institute; Institute of Prime Research,-Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, University of Nairobi Faculty Veterinary Medicine Department of Veterinary, Microbiology and ParasitologyRapid urbanization and livestock keeping in urban and peri urban areas especially in the developing countries pose great challenges to the management of human and animal health. The role played by relevant stakeholders in the control of zoonoses in urban areas has not been well evaluated. A questionnaire survey was undertaken in Kisumu municipality, Kenya, to assess the common zoonoses encountered, their management and role played by veterinary and medical personnel in zoonoses control. Fifteen veterinary and nine medical personnel participated in the study. The main zoonoses encountered by the personnel included rabies, brucellosis, hydatidosis, cysticercosis and toxoplasmosis. A significantly (pItem Seroprevalence of Cysticercus cellulosae and associated risk factors in free-range pigs in Kenya(Cambridge University Press, 2010) Kagira, J.M.; Maingi, N.; Kanyari, P.W.N.; Githigia, S.M.; Gachohi, J.M; Kenya Trypanosomiasis Research Institute; Trypanosomiasis Research Centre-KARI, PO Box 362, 00625Kikuyu, Kenya, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, PO Box 29053, Nairobi, Kenya, Trypanosomiasis Research Centre-KARI, PO Box 362, 00625Kikuyu, Kenya International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Old Naivasha Rd, Kabete, PO Box 30709-00100, Nairobi, KenyaPorcine cysticercosis is an emerging zoonosis with public health and economic importance. A cross-sectional study was undertaken to investigate the disease in free-range pigs on 182 smallholder farms in Busia District, Kenya. The survey households were selected using a snowballing technique. Serum samples were obtained from 284 pigs of all ages at farm level and 37 pigs from slaughter slabs in the study area. The samples were analysed for the presence of cyst cercus antigen using an antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A structured questionnaire was administered to determine the risk factors for porcine cysticercosis on the study farms. At pig level, the total number of pigs testing positive were 11, resulting in a seroprevalence of 4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.9-6.2%), while the farms with a positive pig were 9% (95% CI: 3.9-14.1%). All pigs examined in the slaughter slab survey were seronegative. The distribution of possible risk factors for porcine cysticercosis that were observed at farm level was as follows: free-range pig keeping (100'Yo), history of human taeniosis infection in a family (51 %), slaughtering of pigs at home (20%), lack of meat inspection (15%) and absence of latrines (15%). The only significant cl = 4.4, P = 0.034, odds ratio (OR) = 3.8) risk factor associated with the occurrence of cysticercosis was lack of latrines at household level. The study shows that porcine cysticercosis is prevalent in free-range pigs in Busia District, Kenya and thus control measures need to be instituted.
