Browsing by Author "Namatovu, Alice"
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Item Anthrax Bio-surveillance of Livestock in Arua District, Uganda, 2017-2018(2017) Omodo, Michael; Gardela, Jaume; Namatovu, Alice; Ademun Okurut, Rose; Esau, Martin; Acham, Merab; Nakanjako, Maria Flavia; Mugezi, Israel; Isingoma, Emmauel; Mwanja, Moses; Lumu, Paul; Ssenkeera, Ben; Atim, Stella A.; Gonahasa, Doreen N.; Sekamatte, Musa; Gouilh, Meriadeg Ar; Gonzalez, Jean PaulAnthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis, is a widespread zoonotic disease with many human cases, especially in developing countries. Even with its global distribution, anthrax is a neglected disease with scarce information about its actual impact on the community level. Due to the ecological dynamics of anthrax transmission at the wildlife-livestock interface, the Sub-Saharan Africa region becomes a high-risk zone for maintaining and acquiring the disease. In this regard, some subregions of Uganda are endemic to anthrax with regular seasonal trends. However, there is scarce data about anthrax outbreaks in Uganda. Here, we confirmed the presence of B. anthracis in several livestock samples after a suspected anthrax outbreak among livestock and humans in Arua District. Additionally, we explored the potential risk factors of anthrax through a survey within the community kraals. We provide evidence that the most affected livestock species during the Arua outbreak were cattle (86%) compared to the rest of the livestock species present in the area. Moreover, the farmers’ education level and the affection of people in the village were the most critical factors determining the disease’s knowledge and awareness. Consequently, the lack of understanding of the ecology of anthrax may contribute to the spread of the infection between livestock and humans, and it is critical to reducing the presence and persistence of the B. anthracis spores in the environment. Finally, we discuss the increasingly recognized necessity to strengthen global capacity using a One Health approach to prevent, detect, control, and respond to public threats in UgandaItem Antibacterial Activity of Carica papaya against Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis Isolated from Wards Surfaces of Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Bushenyi, Uganda(Current Trends in Biotechnology and Pharmacy, 2019) Sunusi Adam, Abubakar; Ntulume, Ibrahim; Adeyemo, Rasheed; Akinola, Saheed; Jatau Abubakar, Ibrahim; Almustapha Aleiro, Adamu; Onkobah, Sarah; Micheni, Lisa; Namatovu, AliceThis study aimed at determining the antibacterial activity of Carica papaya against Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis isolated from doorknobs, bed rails, floors and walls of Surgical, Medical, Maternity, Pediatrics, Accident and Emergency, Semiprivate and Private wards of Kampala International University Teaching Hospital. The bacteria were isolated from the wards surfaces and identified using biochemical tests, Desferroxiomine and Fosfomycin antibiotics. Disc diffusion method was used to detect methicillin resistance in S. epidermidis using Cefoxitin (30 μg) disc. Fresh leaves and seeds of C. papaya was processed and extracted using standard methods. Antibacterial activities of the methanol, acetone and aqueous crude extracts were assayed using the agar well diffusion method. Phytochemical analysis, Minimum Inhibitory and Bactericidal concentration of the crude extracts were determined using broth dilution methods. Both C. papaya leaf and seed crude extract exhibited antibacterial activity against MRSE with MICs and MBCs ranges of 250 to 31.3mg/ml and 125 to 31.3 mg/mL for leaf and seed extracts respectively. This study concludes that C. papaya leaf and seed crude extracts were effective against Methicillin resistant S. epidermidis.Item Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern and Detection of Meca Gene in Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Epidermidis Isolated from Wards Surfaces of Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Uganda(Romanian Archives of Microbiology and Immunology, 2020) Adam, Abubakar S.; Micheni, Lisa; Onkoba, Sarah K.; Ntulume, Ibrahim; Aliero, Adamu A.; Namatovu, AliceStaphylococcus epidermidis is a Gram positive, coagulase-negative staphylococcus that frequently causes device- or surgery-associated nosocomial infections worldwide. Drug-resistant strains such as methicillin resistant S. epidermidis (DR-SE) have been reported with serious clinical implications. Objectives: This study determined the percentage of S. epidermidis from wards surfaces of Kampala International University-Teaching Hospital (KIU-TH), the drug susceptibility patterns of the isolates and searched for mecA gene among Cefoxitin resistant isolates. Materials and Methods: A total of three hundred sixty-three (363) swab samples were collected from floors, door knobs and walls from different wards. S. epidermidis was identified after subjecting the samples to five tests including growth on mannitol salt agar, catalase, coagulase, Desferrioxamine and Fosfomycin tests. Susceptibility patterns of all the S. epidermidis isolates identified were tested against Amikacin, Cefazolin, Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole, Ciprofloxacin, Gentamycin and Cefoxitin using the disc diffusion method. All the isolates resistant to Cefoxitin were analysed for the presence of mecA gene using the conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Results: One hundred and twelve 112 (30.8%) strains of S. epidermidis were isolated from 363 samples collected. Out of 112 S. epidermidis isolates, 11 (9.8%) were found resistant to Cefoxitin and all Cefoxitin resistant isolates (100%) were found to have the mecA gene, while 89.3% of the strains were found non-susceptible to Trimethoprim-Sulphamethoxazole. Conclusion: This study found that S. epidermidis is present on wards surfaces of KIU-TH. S. epidermidis isolates harboured Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole resistance in a high percent. All the isolates resistant to Cefoxitin were positive for the mecA gene. Taking into consideration the high rate of Trimethoprim-Sulphamethoxazole non-susceptibility, Cefazolin, Cefoxitin, Gentamycin and Amikacin are recommended as a better prescription for managing infections caused by S. epidermidis resistant to commonly used antibiotics in the studied area.Item Characterization of Foot-And-Mouth Disease Viruses (FMDVs) from Ugandan Cattle Outbreaks during 2012-2013: Evidence for Circulation of Multiple Serotypes(PLoS One, 2015) Namatovu, Alice; Tjørnehøj, Kirsten; Belsham, Graham J.; Dhikusooka, Moses T.; Wekesa, Sabenzia N.; Muwanika, Vincent B.; Siegismund, Hans R.; Ayebazibwe, ChrisostomTo investigate the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) serotypes circulating in Uganda’s cattle population, both serological and virological analyses of samples from outbreaks that occurred during 2012–2013 were performed. Altogether, 79 sera and 60 oropharyngeal fluid (OP)/ tissue/oral swab samples were collected from herds with reported FMD outbreaks in seven different Ugandan districts. Overall, 61/79 (77%) of the cattle sera were positive for antibodies against FMDV by PrioCHECK FMDV NS ELISA and solid phase blocking ELISA detected titres 80 for serotypes O, SAT 1, SAT 2 and SAT 3 in 41, 45, 30 and 45 of these 61 seropositive samples, respectively. Virus neutralisation tests detected the highest levels of neutralising antibodies (titres 45) against serotype O in the herds from Kween and Rakai districts, against SAT 1 in the herd from Nwoya district and against SAT 2 in the herds fromKiruhura, Isingiro and Ntungamo districts. The isolation of a SAT 2 FMDV from Isingiro was consistent with the detection of high levels of neutralising antibodies against SAT 2; sequencing (for the VP1 coding region) indicated that this virus belonged to lineage I within this serotype, like the currently used vaccine strain. From theWakiso district 11 tissue/swab samples were collected; serotype A FMDV, genotype Africa (G-I), was isolated from the epithelial samples. This study shows that within a period of less than one year, FMD outbreaks in Uganda were caused by four different serotypes namely O, A, SAT 1 and SAT 2. Therefore, to enhance the control of FMD in Uganda, there is need for efficient and timely determination of outbreak virus strains/serotypes and vaccine matching. The value of incorporating serotype A antigen into the imported vaccines along with the current serotype O, SAT 1 and SAT 2 strains should be considered.Item Disinfectant Susceptibility of Bacteria Isolated from Salon Tools in Ishaka Town, Bushenyi District, Uganda(IAA Journal of Biological Sciences, 2022) Solange, Gahongayire; Namatovu, Alice; Drago Kato, CharlesBacterial infections are on rising especially resistant strains which cause increase of economic burden to both patients and healthcare providers. Salons shops are recently reported as one of the route for transmitting bacterial pathogens including resistance strains and this was linked to the lack of awareness of salons shop operators on biosafety practices in salons. This study determined prevalence and disinfectant susceptibility patterns of bacteria isolated from salon tools in Ishaka town, Bushenyi District, Uganda. Twenty-five (25) Salon owners/ Head operators were enrolled in this study to determine the level of awareness about the biosafety practice of salons operation using semi-structured questionnaire. Additionally, total of 125 swab samples were collected from different salons tools (combs, brushes, scissors, clippers and shaving machines) and processed using standard Microbiological methods for isolation of bacteria. The isolated bacteria were identified using standard phenotypic methods including analytical profile index (API). Susceptibility patterns of the isolated bacteria to disinfectant were determined using agar well diffusion method. Results obtained from this study showed that a significant number of salon operators (p≤0.05) were aware about the important of disinfectant usage, disinfect tool(s) after use and washing hands /tools after use. Among the 125 swabbed samples collected from the salons, 78 (65.5%) were contaminated with different bacterial species. Clippers were found to have higher (25.6%) contamination among the salon tools from which samples were collected. Of all the tested disinfectants, most resistance was shown with Sodium hypochloride1%. In conclusion, this study showed that, majority of the salon operators were aware about the biosafety practice of salon operation despite the higher contaminations of salons tools.Item Effect of single-dose anthelmintic treatment during pregnancy on an infant’s response to immunisation and on susceptibility to infectious diseases in infancy: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial(The Lancet,, 2011) Webb, Emily L.; Mawa, Patrice A.; Ndibazza, Juliet; Kizito, Dennison; Namatovu, Alice; Kyosiimire-Lugemwa, Jacqueline; Nanteza, Bridget; Nampijja, Margaret; Muhangi, Lawrence; Woodburn, Patrick W; Akurut, Hellen; Mpairwe, Harriet; Akello, Miriam; Lyadda, Nancy; Bukusuba, Joseph; Kihembo, Macklyn; Kizza, Moses; Kizindo, Robert; Nabulime, Juliet; Ameke, Christine; Namujju, Proscovia B.; Tweyongyere, Robert; Muwanga, Moses; Whitworth, James A. G.; Elliott, Alison M.Helminth infections affect the human immune response. We investigated whether prenatal exposure to and treatment of maternal helminth infections affects development of an infant's immune response to immunisations and unrelated infections.In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we enrolled 2507 women in the second or third trimester of pregnancy who were planning to deliver in Entebbe General Hospital, Entebbe, Uganda. With a computer-generated random number sequence in blocks of 100, we assigned patients to 440 mg albendazole and 40 mg/kg praziquantel (n=628), 440 mg albendazole and a praziquantel-matching placebo (n=625), 40 mg/kg praziquantel and an albendazole-matching placebo (n=626), or an albendazole-matching placebo and praziquantel-matching placebo (n=628). All participants and hospital staff were masked to allocation. Primary outcomes were immune response at age 1 year to BCG, tetanus, and measles immunisation; incidence of infectious diseases during infancy; and vertical HIV transmission. Analysis was by intention-to-treat. This trial is registered, number ISRCTN32849447.Data were available at delivery for 2356 women, with 2345 livebirths; 2115 (90%) of liveborn infants remained in follow-up at 1 year of age. Neither albendazole nor praziquantel treatments affected infant response to BCG, tetanus, or measles immunisation. However, in infants of mothers with hookworm infection, albendazole treatment reduced interleukin-5 (geometric mean ratio 0·50, 95% CI 0·30–0·81, interaction p=0·02) and interleukin-13 (0·52, 0·34–0·82, 0·0005) response to tetanus toxoid. The rate per 100 person-years of malaria was 40·9 (95% CI 38·3–43·7), of diarrhoea was 134·1 (129·2–139·2), and of pneumonia was 22·3 (20·4–24·4). We noted no effect on infectious disease incidence for albendazole treatment (malaria [hazard ratio 0·95, 95% CI 0·79–1.14], diarrhoea [1·06, 0·96–1·16], pneumonia [1·11, 0·90–1·38]) or praziquantel treatment (malaria [1·00, 0·84–1·20], diarrhoea [1·07, 0·98–1·18], pneumonia [1·00, 0·80–1·24]). In HIV-exposed infants, 39 (18%) were infected at 6 weeks; vertical transmission was not associated with albendazole (odds ratio 0·70, 95% CI 0·35–1·42) or praziquantel (0·60, 0·29–1·23) treatment.These results do not accord with the recently advocated policy of routine antenatal anthelmintic treatment, and the value of such a policy may need to be reviewed.Item Effect of single-dose anthelmintic treatment during pregnancy on an infant’s response to immunization and on susceptibility to infectious diseases in infancy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial(The Lancet, 2011) Webb, Emily L; Mawa, Patrice A; Ndibazza, Juliet; Kizito, Dennison; Namatovu, Alice; Kyosiimire-Lugemwa, Jacqueline; Nanteza, Bridget; Nampijja, Margaret; Muhangi, Lawrence; Woodburn, Patrick W; Akurut, Hellen; Mpairwe, Harriet; Akello, Miriam; Lyadda, Nancy; Bukusuba, Joseph; Kihembo, Macklyn; Kizza, Moses; Kizindo, Robert; Nabulime, Juliet; Ameke, Christine; Namujju, Proscovia B; Tweyongyere, Robert; Muwanga, Moses; Whitworth, James A G; Elliott, Alison MHelminth infections aff ect the human immune response. We investigated whether prenatal exposure to and treatment of maternal helminth infections aff ects development of an infant’s immune response to immunisations and unrelated infections. Methods In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we enrolled 2507 women in the second or third trimester of pregnancy who were planning to deliver in Entebbe General Hospital, Entebbe, Uganda. With a computergenerated random number sequence in blocks of 100, we assigned patients to 440 mg albendazole and 40 mg/kg praziquantel (n=628), 440 mg albendazole and a praziquantel-matching placebo (n=625), 40 mg/kg praziquantel and an albendazole-matching placebo (n=626), or an albendazole-matching placebo and praziquantel-matching placebo (n=628). All participants and hospital staff were masked to allocation. Primary outcomes were immune response at age 1 year to BCG, tetanus, and measles immunisation; incidence of infectious diseases during infancy; and vertical HIV transmission. Analysis was by intention-to-treat. This trial is registered, number ISRCTN32849447. Findings Data were available at delivery for 2356 women, with 2345 livebirths; 2115 (90%) of liveborn infants remained in follow-up at 1 year of age. Neither albendazole nor praziquantel treatments aff ected infant response to BCG, tetanus, or measles immunisation. However, in infants of mothers with hookworm infection, albendazole treatment reduced interleukin-5 (geometric mean ratio 0·50, 95% CI 0·30–0·81, interaction p=0·02) and interleukin-13 (0·52, 0·34–0·82, 0·0005) response to tetanus toxoid. The rate per 100 person-years of malaria was 40·9 (95% CI 38·3–43·7), of diarrhoea was 134·1 (129·2–139·2), and of pneumonia was 22·3 (20·4–24·4). We noted no eff ect on infectious disease incidence for albendazole treatment (malaria [hazard ratio 0·95, 95% CI 0·79–1.14], diarrhoea [1·06, 0·96–1·16], pneumonia [1·11, 0·90–1·38]) or praziquantel treatment (malaria [1·00, 0·84–1·20], diarrhoea [1·07, 0·98–1·18], pneumonia [1·00, 0·80–1·24]). In HIV-exposed infants, 39 (18%) were infected at 6 weeks; vertical transmission was not associated with albendazole (odds ratio 0·70, 95% CI 0·35–1·42) or praziquantel (0·60, 0·29–1·23) treatment.Item Factors affecting the infant antibody response to measles immunisation in Entebbe-Uganda(BMC public health,, 2013) Kizito, Dennison; Tweyongyere, Robert; Namatovu, Alice; Webb, Emily L.; Muhangi, Lawrence; Lule, Swaib A.; Bukenya, Henry; Cose, Stephen; Elliott, Alison M.Background: Vaccine failure is an important concern in the tropics with many contributing elements. Among them, it has been suggested that exposure to natural infections might contribute to vaccine failure and recurrent disease outbreaks. We tested this hypothesis by examining the influence of co-infections on maternal and infant measles-specific IgG levels. Methods: We conducted an observational analysis using samples and data that had been collected during a larger randomised controlled trial, the Entebbe Mother and Baby Study (ISRCTN32849447). For the present study, 711 pregnant women and their offspring were considered. Helminth infections including hookworm, Schistosoma mansoni and Mansonella perstans, along with HIV, malaria, and other potential confounding factors were determined in mothers during pregnancy and in their infants at age one year. Infants received their measles immunisation at age nine months. Levels of total IgG against measles were measured in mothers during pregnancy and at delivery, as well as in cord blood and from infants at age one year. Results: Among the 711 pregnant women studied, 66% had at least one helminth infection at enrolment, 41% had hookworm, 20% M. perstans and 19% S. mansoni. Asymptomatic malaria and HIV prevalence was 8% and 10% respectively. At enrolment, 96% of the women had measles-specific IgG levels considered protective (median 4274 mIU/ml (IQR 1784, 7767)). IgG levels in cord blood were positively correlated to maternal measles-specific IgG levels at delivery (r = 0.81, p < 0.0001). Among the infants at one year of age, median measles-specific IgG levels were markedly lower than in maternal and cord blood (median 370 mIU/ml (IQR 198, 656) p < 0.0001). In addition, only 75% of the infants had measles-specific IgG levels considered to be protective. In a multivariate regression analysis, factors associated with reduced measles-specific antibody levels in infancy were maternal malaria infection, infant malaria parasitaemia, infant HIV and infant wasting. There was no association with maternal helminth infection. Conclusion: Malaria and HIV infection in mothers during pregnancy, and in their infants, along with infant malnutrition, may result in reduction of the antibody response to measles immunisation in infancy. This re-emphasises the importance of malaria and HIV control, and support for infant nutrition, as these interventions may have benefits for vaccine efficacy in tropical settings.Item Factors associated with severity and anatomical distribution of Diabetic Foot Ulcer in Uganda: A multicenter cross-sectional study(Research Square, 2022) Mumbere Vahwere, Bienfait; Ssebuufu, Robinson; Namatovu, Alice; Kyamanywa, Patrick; Ntulume, Ibrahim; Mugwano, Isaac; Theophilus, Pius; Katembo Sikakulya, Franck; Okedi, Francis Xaviour; Mulumba, Yusuf; Jorge, Soria; Agaba, Gidio; Nasinyama, George WilliamDiabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a devastating complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) associated with high mortality and morbidity including amputations of lower extremities; and a high economic burden especially in low-income countries like Uganda. The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with severity of DFU and assess the anatomical distribution of DFU among patients in Uganda. Methodology: This was a multicenter cross-sectional study conducted in 7 selected referral hospitals in Uganda. 117 patients with DM type 1 and 2 and foot ulcers were enrolled for this study from January to March 2021. Using the Wagner classification, patients were categorized as less severe DFU (grade 1 and grade 2) and severe DFU for grade 3 and above. A pre tested questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using STATA Version 14 with significance at 95% and p-value of <0.05. Results: Out of 117 patients with DFU, 70 (59.8%) had severe DFU and 47 (40.2%) had less severe DFU. Mean age in years was 57.5 (SD15.2) among all study participants in general. The right foot was affected in (47.9%) of cases and the most frequent ulcer was found on the plantar of the foot (44.4%). Majority of the patients had one ulcer (50.4%) and the most frequent ulcer size was >5 cm (47.9%). Majority (61.5%) of the participants were female. Majority of participants, 90 (76.9%) also had uncontrolled blood sugars and 27(29.1%) had normal glycemia Severity of DFU was 3.4 more prevalent among patients with mild neuropathies (p=0.003), and 2.7 more prevalent for those with moderate neuropathies (p=0.005). Also, severity of DFU was 1.5 more prevalent in patients with an ulcer 5-10 cm of diameter (p=0.047) and 2.5 more prevalent in those with foot ulcer of more than 10 cm of diameter (p=.000). Conclusion:The study showed that most of the DFU patients have severe diabetic foot ulcer and uncontrolled glycemia. Neuropathies and ulcers more than 5cm wide are precipitating factors to severity of DFU and, therefore, early management is important to reduce the burden of the disease.Item Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Serotype SAT 3 in Long-Horned Ankole Calf, Uganda(Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2015) Tefula Dhikusooka, Moses; Tjørnehøj, Kirsten; Ayebazibwe, Chrisostom; Namatovu, Alice; Ruhweza, Simon; Redlef Siegismund, Hans; Nabalayo Wekesa, Sabenzia; Normann, Preben; Belsham, Graham J.Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) remains one of the most economically important diseases of livestock, costing ≈US $10 billion annually (1). Outbreaks occur in many countries, and normally disease-free countries can incur huge costs after incursions (e.g., the United Kingdom in 2001). The disease results from infection with FMD virus (FMDV, the prototypic aphthovirus within the Picornaviridae family) (2). Seven serotypes of FMDV are known; serotypes O and A are widely distributed, and the Southern African Territories (SAT) serotypes (1, 2, and 3) usually are restricted to Africa. Serotype Asia 1 has never circulated within Africa; serotype C has not been identified anywhere since 2005 (2,3). SAT 3 FMDV is the least well–characterized serotype; the most recent incidence of SAT 3 reported by the FMD World Reference Laboratory (Pirbright Institute, Woking, UK) was in buffalo within the Kruger National Park (South Africa) in 2006. In contrast, SAT 1 and SAT 2 FMDVs are much more common; a major incursion of SAT 2 into the Middle East occurred in 2012 (4), and outbreaks caused by these serotypes have occurred in many African countries (http://www.wrlfmd.org/fmd_ genotyping/2013.htm). In Uganda, FMD is endemic, and serotypes O and SAT 2 are the most common. In Uganda, SAT 3 FMDV was most recently identified in 1997 in buffalo in the Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) (5). SAT 1 and SAT 2 viruses were isolated from buffalo in QENP in 2006, and serologic test results indicated the presence of antibodies against SAT 3 virus; however, because cross-reactivity between serotypes occurs in these assays, this finding was not conclusiveItem Identification of genes associated with resistance to disinfectants in the most common resistant bacteria strain of Bacteria isolated from Salon Tools in Ishaka Town, Bushenyi District, Uganda(IAA Journal of Biological Sciences, 2022) Solange, Gahongayire; Namatovu, Alice; Drago Kato, CharlesThis study identified the genes associated with resistance to disinfectants in the most common resistant bacteria strain of Bacteria isolated from Salon Tools in Ishaka Town, Bushenyi District, Uganda. Twenty-five (25) Salon owners/ Head operators were enrolled in this study to determine the level of awareness about the biosafety practice of salons operation using semi-structured questionnaire. Additionally, total of 125 swab samples were collected from different salons tools (combs, brushes, scissors, clippers and shaving machines) and processed using standard Microbiological methods for isolation of bacteria. The isolated bacteria were identified using standard phenotypic methods including analytical profile index (API). Quaternary ammonium compounds (qac) genes (qacA/B and C) associated with disinfectant resistances were detected from disinfectant resistant Staphylococcus aureus using Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing methods. Results obtained from this study showed that a significant number of salon operators (p≤0.05) were aware about the important of disinfectant usage, disinfect tool(s) after use and washing hands /tools after use. Among the 125 swabbed samples collected from the salons, 78 (65.5%) were contaminated with different bacterial species. Clippers were found to have higher (25.6%) contamination among the salon tools from which samples were collected. Of all the tested disinfectants, most resistance was shown with Sodium hypochloride1%. Out of the eight (8) bacterial isolates that were analyzed for qac genes, 2(25%) isolates (STP6 and STP9) were found to be qac A/B positive while 2 (25%) isolates (STP8 and STP9) were found to be qac C gene positive. In conclusion, this study showed that, majority of the salon operators was aware about the biosafety practice of salon operation despite the higher contaminations of salons tools. qac A and qac C were detected among some S. aureus isolated. As recommendations, further study should be done and biosafety guideline should be reviewed.Item Laboratory capacity for diagnosis of foot-and-mouth disease in Eastern Africa: implications for the progressive control pathway(BMC veterinary research, 2013) Namatovu, Alice; Wekesa, Sabenzia N.; Tjørnehøj, Kirsten; Dhikusooka, Moses T.; Muwanika, Vincent B.; Siegismund, Hans R.; Ayebazibwe, ChrisostomAccurate diagnosis is pertinent to any disease control programme. If Eastern Africa is to work towards control of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) using the Progressive Control Pathway for FMD (PCP-FMD) as a tool, then the capacity of national reference laboratories (NRLs) mandated to diagnose FMD should match this task. This study assessed the laboratory capacity of 14 NRLs of the Eastern Africa Region Laboratory Network member countries using a semi-structured questionnaire and retrospective data from the World Reference Laboratory for FMD annual reports and GenbankW through National Centre for Biotechnology Information for the period 2006–2010. Results: The questionnaire response rate was 13/14 (93%). Twelve out of the 13 countries/regions had experienced at least one outbreak in the relevant five year period. Only two countries (Ethiopia and Kenya) had laboratories at biosecurity level 3 and only three (Ethiopia, Kenya and Sudan) had identified FMD virus serotypes for all reported outbreaks. Based on their own country/region assessment, 12/13 of these countries /regions were below stage 3 of the PCP-FMD. Quarantine (77%) and vaccination (54%) were the major FMD control strategies employed. The majority (12/13) of the NRLs used serological techniques to diagnose FMD, seven used antigen ELISA and three of these (25%) also used molecular techniques which were the tests most frequently requested from collaborating laboratories by the majority (69%) of the NRLs. Only 4/13 (31%) participated in proficiency testing for FMD. Four (31%) laboratories had no quality management systems (QMS) in place and where QMS existed it was still deficient, thus, none of the laboratories had achieved accreditation for FMD diagnosis. Conclusions: This study indicates that FMD diagnostic capacity in Eastern Africa is still inadequate and largely depends on antigen and antibody ELISAs techniques undertaken by the NRLs. Hence, for the region to progress on the PCP-FMD, there is need to: implement regional control measures, improve the serological diagnostic test performance and laboratory capacity of the NRLs (including training of personnel as well as upgrading of equipment and methods, especially strengthening the molecular diagnostic capacity), and to establish a regional reference laboratory to enforce QMS and characterization of FMD virus containing samples.Item Prevalence and Detection of qac Genes from Disinfectant-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Salon Tools in Ishaka Town, Bushenyi District of Uganda(Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology, 2020) Gahongayire, Solange; Aliero, Adamu Almustapha; Drago Kato, Charles; Namatovu, AliceBacterial infections are on a rise with causal-resistant strains increasing the economic burden to both patients and healthcare providers. Salons are recently reported as one of the sources for transmission of such resistant bacterial strains. )e current study aimed at the identification of the prevalent bacteria and characterization of quaternary ammonium compound (qac) genes from disinfectant-resistant S. aureus isolated from salon tools in Ishaka town, Bushenyi District of Uganda. A total of 125 swabs were collected from different salon tools (combs, brushes, scissors, clippers, and shaving machines), and prevalent bacteria were isolated using standard microbiological methods. Identification of isolated bacteria was done using standard phenotypic methods including analytical profile index (API). Susceptibility patterns of the isolated bacteria to disinfectant were determined using the agar well diffusion method. Quaternary ammonium compound (qac) genes (qacA/B and qacC) associated with disinfectant resistances were detected from disinfectant-resistant S. aureus using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing methods. Of the 125 swab samples collected from salons, 78 (62.4%) were contaminated with different bacteria species. Among the salon tools, clippers had the highest contamination of 20 (80.0%), while shaving machines had the lowest contamination of 11 (44.0%). )e most prevalent bacteria identified were Staphylococcus epidermidis (28.1%) followed by S. aureus (26.5%). Of all the disinfectants tested, the highest resistance was shown with sodium hypochlorite 1%. Out of the eight (8) disinfectant-resistant S. aureus analysed for qac genes, 2 (25%) isolates (STP6 and STP9) were found to be qacA/B positive, while 2 (25%) isolates (STP8 and STP9) were found to be qacC gene positive. )is study has shown that bacterial contamination of salon tools is common, coupled with resistance to disinfectants with sodium hypochlorite resistance being more common. Furthermore, observed resistance was attributed to the presence of qac genes among S. aureus isolates. A search for qac genes for disinfectant resistance from other bacteria species is recommended.Item A serological survey for antibodies against foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) in domestic pigs during outbreaks in Kenya(Tropical animal health and production, 2014) Wekesa, Sabenzia N.; Sangula, Abraham K.; Muwanika, Vincent B.; Namatovu, Alice; Dhikusooka, Moses T.; Tjørnehøj, KirstenFoot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is endemic in Kenya and has been well studied in cattle, but not in pigs, yet the role of pigs is recognised in FMD-free areas. This study investigated the presence of antibodies against FMD virus (FMDV) in pigs sampled during a countrywide random survey for FMD in cattle coinciding with SAT 1 FMDV outbreaks in cattle. A total of 191 serum samples were collected from clinically healthy pigs in 17 districts. Forty-two of the 191 sera were from pigs vaccinated against serotypes O/A/ SAT 2 FMDV. Antibodies against FMDV non-structural proteins were found in sera from 30 vaccinated and 71 nonvaccinated pigs, altogether 101/191 sera (53 %), and 91 % of these (92/101) also had antibodies measurable by serotypespecific ELISAs, predominantly directed against SAT 1 with titres of 10–320. However, only five high titres against SAT 1 in vaccinated pigs were confirmed by virus neutralisation test (VNT). Due to high degree of agreement between the two ELISAs, it was concluded that positive pigs had been infected with FMDV. Implications of these results for the role of pigs in the epidemiology of FMD in Kenya are discussed, and indepth studies are recommended.Item Unrecognized circulation of SAT 1 foot-andmouth disease virus in cattle herds around Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda(BMC veterinary research, 2016) Tefula Dhikusooka, Moses; Ayebazibwe, Chrisostom; Namatovu, Alice; Belsham, Graham J.; Redlef Siegismund, Hans; Nabalayo Wekesa, Sabenzia; Nina Balinda, Sheila; Muwanika, Vincent B.; Tjørnehøj, KirstenFoot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is endemic in Uganda in spite of the control measures used. Various aspects of the maintenance and circulation of FMD viruses (FMDV) in Uganda are not well understood; these include the role of the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) as a reservoir for FMDV. To better understand the epidemiology of FMD at the livestock-wildlife-interface, samples were collected from young, unvaccinated cattle from 24 pastoral herds that closely interact with wildlife around Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda, and analysed for evidence of FMDV infection. Results: In total, 37 (15 %) of 247 serum samples had detectable antibodies against FMDV non-structural proteins (NSPs) using a pan-serotypic assay. Within these 37 sera, antibody titres ≥ 80 against the structural proteins of serotypes O, SAT 1, SAT 2 and SAT 3 were detected by ELISA in 5, 7, 4 and 3 samples, respectively, while neutralizing antibodies were only detected against serotype O in 3 samples. Two FMDV isolates, with identical VP1 coding sequences, were obtained from probang samples from clinically healthy calves from the same herd and are serotype SAT 1 (topotype IV (EA-I)). Based on the VP1 coding sequences, these viruses are distinct from previous cattle and buffalo SAT 1 FMDV isolates obtained from the same area (19–30 % nucleotide difference) and from the vaccine strain (TAN/155/71) used within Uganda (26 % nucleotide difference). Eight herds had only one or a few animals with antibodies against FMDV NSPs while six herds had more substantial evidence of prior infection with FMDV. There was no evidence for exposure to FMDV in the other ten herds. Conclusions: The two identical SAT 1 FMDV VP1 sequences are distinct from former buffalo and cattle isolates from the same area, thus, transmission between buffalo and cattle was not demonstrated. These new SAT 1 FMDV isolates differed significantly from the vaccine strain used to control Ugandan FMD outbreaks, indicating a need for vaccine matching studies. Only six herds had clear serological evidence for exposure to O and SAT 1 FMDV. Scattered presence of antibodies against FMDV in other herds may be due to the occasional introduction of animals to the area or maternal antibodies from past infection and/or vaccination. The evidence for asymptomatic FMDV infection has implications for disease control strategies in the area since this obstructs early disease detection that is based on clinical signs in FMDV infected animals.