NRU :: Browsing by Author "Rwego, Innocent B."

Browsing by Author "Rwego, Innocent B."

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Antibiotic-Resistant Escherichia coli and Class 1 Integrons in Humans, Domestic Animals, and Wild Primates in Rural Uganda
(Applied and environmental microbiology, 2018) Weiss, Debora; Wallace, Ryan M.; Rwego, Innocent B.; Gillespie, Thomas R.; Chapman, Colin A.; Singer, Randall S.; Goldberg, Tony L.
Antibiotic resistance is a global concern, although it has been studied most extensively in developed countries. We studied Escherichia coli and class 1 integrons in western Uganda by analyzing 1,685 isolates from people, domestic animals, and wild nonhuman primates near two national parks. Overall, 499 isolates (29.6%) were resistant to at least one of 11 antibiotics tested. The frequency of resistance reached 20.3% of isolates for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole but was nearly zero for the less commonly available antibiotics ciprofloxacin (0.4%), gentamicin (0.2%), and ceftiofur (0.1%). The frequency of resistance was 57.4% in isolates from people, 19.5% in isolates from domestic animals, and 16.3% in isolates from wild nonhuman primates. Isolates of livestock and primate origin displayed multidrug resistance patterns identical to those of human-origin isolates. The percentage of resistant isolates in people was higher near Kibale National Park (64.3%) than near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (34.6%), perhaps reflecting local socioeconomic or ecological conditions. Across antibiotics, resistance correlated negatively with the local price of the antibiotic, with the most expensive antibiotics (nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin) showing near-zero resistance. Among phenotypically resistant isolates, 33.2% harbored class 1 integrons containing 11 common resistance genes arranged into nine distinct gene cassettes, five of which were present in isolates from multiple host species. Overall, these results show that phenotypic resistance and class 1 integrons are distributed broadly among E. coli isolates from different host species in this region, where local socioeconomic and ecological conditions may facilitate widespread diffusion of bacteria or resistance-conferring genetic elements.
Coinfection of Ugandan Red Colobus (Procolobus [Piliocolobus] rufomitratus tephrosceles) with Novel, Divergent Delta-, Lenti-, and Spumaretroviruses
(Journal of virology, 2009) Goldberg, Tony L.; Sintasath, David M.; Chapman, Colin A.; Cameron, Kenneth M.; Karesh, William B.; Tang, Shaohua; Wolfe, Nathan D.; Rwego, Innocent B.; Ting, Nelson; Switzer, William M.
Nonhuman primates host a plethora of potentially zoonotic microbes, with simian retroviruses receiving heightened attention due to their roles in the origins of human immunodeficiency viruses type 1 (HIV-1) and HIV-2. However, incomplete taxonomic and geographic sampling of potential hosts, especially the African colobines, has left the full range of primate retrovirus diversity unexplored. Blood samples collected from 31 wild-living red colobus monkeys (Procolobus [Piliocolobus] rufomitratus tephrosceles) from Kibale National Park, Uganda, were tested for antibodies to simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), simian T-cell lymphotrophic virus (STLV), and simian foamy virus (SFV) and for nucleic acids of these same viruses using genus-specific PCRs. Of 31 red colobus tested, 22.6% were seroreactive to SIV, 6.4% were seroreactive to STLV, and 97% were seroreactive to SFV. Phylogenetic analyses of SIV polymerase (pol), STLV tax and long terminal repeat (LTR), and SFV pol and LTR sequences revealed unique SIV and SFV strains and a novel STLV lineage, each divergent from corresponding retroviral lineages previously described in Western red colobus (Procolobus badius badius) or black-and-white colobus (Colobus guereza). Phylogenetic analyses of host mitochondrial DNA sequences revealed that red colobus populations in East and West Africa diverged from one another approximately 4.25 million years ago. These results indicate that geographic subdivisions within the red colobus taxonomic complex exert a strong influence on etroviral phylogeny and that studying retroviral diversity in closely related primate taxa should be particularly informative for understanding host-virus coevolution.
Community Perceptions on Integrating Animal Vaccination and Health Education by Veterinary and Public Health Workers in the Prevention of Brucellosis among Pastoral Communities of South Western Uganda
(PLoS ONE, 2015) Kansiime, Catherine; Atuyambe, Lynn M.; Asiimwe, Benon B.; Mugisha, Anthony; Mugisha, Samuel; Guma, Victor; Rwego, Innocent B.; Rutebemberwa, Elizeus
Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease of veterinary, public health, and economic significance in most developing countries, yet there are few studies that show integrated human and veterinary health care intervention focusing on integration at both activity and actors levels. The aim of our study, therefore, was to explore community perceptions on integration of animal vaccination and health education by veterinary and public health workers in the management of brucellosis in Uganda. Methods This study used a qualitative design where six Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) that were homogenous in nature were conducted, two from each sub-county, one with the local leaders, and another with pastoralists and farmers. Five Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with two public health workers and three veterinary extension workers from three sub-counties in Kiruhura district, Uganda were conducted. All FGDs were conducted in the local language and tape recorded with consent from the participants. KIIs were in English and later transcribed and analyzed using latent content data analysis method.
Determinants of Patients’ Choice of Provider in Accessing Brucellosis Care among Pastoral Communities Adjacent to Lake Mburo National Park in Kiruhura District, Uganda
(PLoS ONE, 2014) Kansiime, Catherine; Rutebemberwa, Elizeus; Mugisha, Anthony; Mugisha, Samuel; Asiimwe, Benon B.; Rwego, Innocent B.; Kiwanuka, Suzanne N.
Brucellosis is the commonest zoonotic infection worldwide with symptoms similar to other febrile syndromes such as malaria and typhoid fever. It is often easily misdiagnosed, resulting in underreporting and misdirected treatments. Understanding of the factors that influence brucellosis care seeking is essential in enhancing its effective management. Our study sought to determine the factors associated with choice of provider in accessing care for brucellosis among pastoral communities in Uganda. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey involving 245 randomly selected respondents previously diagnosed and treated for brucellosis, two months before the study. They were enrolled from three sub-counties neighboring Lake Mburo National Park between December 2012 to April 2013. Data on socio-demographics, availability, accessibility, affordability and acceptability of health services were collected. A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to determine association between independent and outcome variables using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals with p-value#0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 245 respondents, 127(51.8%) sought health care at government facilities and the rest at private. Respondents who were less likely to choose a government facility were either single (OR: 0.50, CI: 0.26–0.97), had general weakness (OR: 0.09, CI: 0.01–0.72) or whom family took a decision (OR: 0.52, CI: 0.28–0.97). At multivariable analysis, choice of government facility was influenced by primary education (aOR: 0.46, CI: 0.22–0.97), having six to ten household members (aOR:3.71, CI:1.84–7.49), family advice (aOR:0.64, CI: 0.23–0.91), distance $10 kms (aOR:0.44, CI: 0.21–0.92), high costs at private clinics (aOR:0.01, CI:0.02–0.15) and no diagnosis at government facility (aOR:0.11, CI:0.01–0.97). Females were more likely to seek health care at government facilities, while those with tertiary education were less likely, after the first provider. Conclusions: Females and households with six to ten members were more likely to choose government facilities. Government facilities need to be equipped to attract more patients.
Discovery of a Unique Novel Clade of Mosquito-Associated Bunyaviruses
(Journal of virology, 2013) Marklewitz, Marco; Zirkel, Florian; Rwego, Innocent B.; Heidemann, Hanna; Trippner, Pascal; Kurth, Andreas
Bunyaviruses are the largest known family of RNA viruses, infecting vertebrates, insects, and plants. Here we isolated three novel bunyaviruses from mosquitoes sampled in Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Uganda. The viruses define a highly diversified monophyletic sister clade to all members of the genus Orthobunyavirus and are virtually equidistant to orthobunyaviruses and tospoviruses. Maximal amino acid identities between homologous putative proteins of the novel group and orthobunyaviruses ranged between 12 and 25%. The type isolates, tentatively named Herbert virus (HEBV), Taï virus (TAIV), and Kibale virus (KIBV), comprised genomes with L, M, and S segments of about 7.4 kb, 2.7 kb, and 1.1 kb, respectively. HEBV, TAIV, and KIBV encode the shortest bunyavirus M segments known and did not seem to encode NSs and NSm proteins but contained an elongated L segment with an ∼500-nucleotide (nt) insertion that shows no identity to other bunyaviruses. The viruses replicated to high titers in insect cells but did not replicate in vertebrate cells. The enveloped virions were 90 to 110 nm in diameter and budded at cellular membranes with morphological features typical of the Golgi complex. Viral RNA recovered from infected cells showed 5′-terminal nontemplated sequences of 9 to 22 nt, suggestive of cap snatching during mRNA synthesis, as described for other bunyaviruses. Northern blotting identified RNA species of full and reduced lengths, suggested upon analogy with other bunyaviruses to constitute antigenomic-sense cRNA and transcript mRNAs, respectively. Functional studies will be necessary to determine if this group of viruses constitutes a novel genus in the bunyavirus family.
The effect of Brucellosis in Wildlife in four Major National Parks of Uganda
(BMC Veterinary Research, 2021) Aruho, Robert; MacLeod, Ewan T.; Manirakiza, Leonard; Rwego, Innocent B.
Brucellosis is a contagious zoonotic disease of great public health and economic significance especially in developing countries. The disease affects humans and several species of livestock and wildlife. Studies on Brucellosis in wildlife in Uganda have been limited to single populations particularly in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This study aimed at estimating the percentage of positive samples of Brucella spp. in wildlife in four major national parks of Uganda. This was a retrospective survey which utilized archived samples collected from wildlife during the annual disease surveillance activities between 2013 and 2017.A total of 241 samples from seven species namely African buffalo (Syncerus caffer, n = 109), African elephant (Loxodonta africana, n = 22), giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi, n = 41), Uganda kob (Kobus kob thomasi, n = 36), lion (Panthera leo, n = 6), plain zebra (Equus quagga, n = 25), and bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus, n = 2), were tested for antibodies using the Rose Bengal Plate Test. The overall percentage of positive samples in the four national parks was 31.1% (75/241; 95% CI: 25.6–37.2). Kidepo Valley National Park had a significantly higher percentage of positive samples of 55.9% (19/34; 95% CI: 39.5–71.1) compared to other sampled national parks (p < 0.05). Lions had significantly higher percentage of positive samples at 66.7% (4/6) than African buffalo at 48.6% (53/109, p < 0.0001). There were no antibodies for Brucella spp. detected in African elephant and bushbuck.This study shows variations in percentage of positive samples with Brucella spp. between species and across national parks and notably a high percentage with Brucella spp. in wildlife in Uganda than that recorded elsewhere in sub-Saharan region of Africa. Potential for transmission to other wildlife and spill over to livestock is high especially in national parks with high livestock-wildlife interaction.
The Effect of Financial Record Keeping on Financial Performance of Development Groups in Rural Areas of Western Uganda
(International Journal of Economics and Finance, 2018) Mwebesa, Lawrence Collins Kihamaiso; Kansiime, Catherine; Asiimwe, Benon B.; Mugambe, Paddy; Rwego, Innocent B.
Good financial recordkeeping enables business organizations to plan properly and also check for misappropriations of resources. This manuscript expounds a study on financial record keeping as an integral part of managing development groups’ business environment. The study was carried out in three rural districts of Rubirizi, Kasese and Rukungiri in Western Uganda with the aim of determining the effects of financial record keeping on financial performance of Development groups. A total of 99 respondents were obtained from 33 development groups. In every development group, three leaders i.e. the Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary were interviewed. Data were entered in Epi data 3.1 and descriptive and correlational analyses were done using SPSS version 21. Using the Likert scale with five categories from strongly agree to strongly disagree, a mean value of 3.5 indicated a strong agreement to the questions asked. The mean value (4.32) on access to information implied that when members have access to information; transparency and accountability are ensured. Findings indicated that 67 (67.7%) knew the type of financial books recognized by international accounting standards board (IASB). 36 (36.4%) respondents reported keeping money in boxes while 22 (22.2%) kept money in the bank. Findings revealed a significant positive relationship between the financial record keeping and financial performance (r=0.297**, P>0.05). Notwithstanding the above findings, there is need to train group leaders in financial recordkeeping.
Effects of anthropogenic and demographic factors on patterns of parasitism in African small mammal communities
(Parasitology, 2015) Salzer, Johanna S.; Carroll, Darin S.; Newkirk, Amanda Jo Williams; Lang, Stefanie; Peterhans, Julian Kerbis; Rwego, Innocent B.; Ockers, Sandra; Gillespie, Thomas R.
Habitatdisturbance oftenresults in alterations in community structure of smallmammals.Additionally, the parasitesharboured by these small mammals may be impacted by environmental changes or indirectly affected by changes in available hosts. To improve our understanding of this interplay, we examined the patterns of parasitism in small mammal communities from a variety of habitats in forested Uganda. Small mammals were collected from areas experiencing variable habitat disturbance, host densityandspecies richness.The analysis focusedon3most abundant rodent species,Lophuromys aquilus,Praomys jacksoni and Hylomyscus stella, and a diverse group of parasites they harbour. The impact of various habitat and host community factors on parasite prevalence was examined using linear regression and Spearman’s rank-order correlation. We further investigated the parasite communities associated with each individual using correspondence analysis. We determined that, parasite prevalence and richness may be occasionally influenced by community and habitat factors, but taxonomy is a driving force in influencing the parasite community harboured by an individual host. Ultimately, applying general principles across a broad range of disturbance levels and diverse host communities needs to be approached with caution in complex communities.
Environmental Determinants Influencing Anthrax Distribution in Queen Elizabeth Protected Area, Western Uganda
(Plos one, 2020) Driciru, Margaret; Rwego, Innocent B.; Ndimuligo, Sood A.; Travis, Dominic A.; Mwakapeje, Elibariki R.; Asiimwe, Benon; Ayebare, Samuel; Pelican, Katharine
Bacillus anthracis, the bacteria that causes anthrax, a disease that primarily affects herbivorous animals, is a soil borne endospore-forming microbe. Environmental distribution of viable spores determines risky landscapes for herbivore exposure and subsequent anthrax outbreaks. Spore survival and longevity depends on suitable conditions in its environment. Anthrax is endemic in Queen Elizabeth Protected Area in western Uganda. Periodic historical outbreaks with significant wildlife losses date to 1950s, but B. anthracis ecological niche in the ecosystem is poorly understood. This study used the Maximum Entropy modeling algorithm method to predict suitable niche and environmental conditions that may support anthrax distribution and spore survival. Model inputs comprised 471 presence-only anthrax occurrence data from park management records of 1956–2010, and 11 predictor variables derived from the World Climatic and Africa Soil Grids online resources, selected considering the ecology of anthrax. The findings revealed predicted suitable niche favoring survival and distribution of anthrax spores as a narrow-restricted corridor within the study area, defined by hot-dry climatic conditions with alkaline soils rich in potassium and calcium. A mean test AUC of 0.94 and predicted probability of 0.93 for anthrax presence were registered. The five most important predictor variables that accounted for 93.8% of model variability were annual precipitation (70.1%), exchangeable potassium (12.6%), annual mean temperature (4.3%), soil pH (3.7%) and calcium (3.1%). The predicted suitable soil properties likely originate from existing sedimentary calcareous gypsum rocks. This has implications for long-term presence of B. anthracis spores and might explain the long history of anthrax experienced in the area. However, occurrence of suitable niche as a restricted hot zone offers opportunities for targeted anthrax surveillance, response and establishment of monitoring strategies in QEPA.
Epidemiology and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Vibrio Cholerae associated with the 2017 outbreak in Kasese district, Uganda
(BMC public health, 2019) Iramiot, Jacob Stanley; Rwego, Innocent B.; Kansiime, Catherine; Asiimwe, Benon B.
Uganda is among the 51 countries where cholera outbreaks are common with epidemics occurring predominantly along the western border with Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kampala city slums, Busia district which is a border town with Western Kenya, Mbale district and the Karamoja Sub-region. This report summarizes findings from the epidemiologic investigation, which aimed at identifying the mode of transmission and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the Vibrio cholerae isolated in Kasese district, Uganda.A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out between 2017 and 2018 to describe the epidemiology of the cholera epidemic in Kasese district, Uganda. Rectal swabs were collected from 69 suspected case-persons and cultured on Thiosulphate-Citrate-Bile-Salts Sucrose (TCBS™; SEIKEN Japan) agar and incubated at 37 °C for 18–24 h. The isolates were serotyped with polyvalent 01 antiserum and monovalent serotype Inaba and Ogawa antisera (Denka Seiken, Tokyo, Japan) to determine which serotype was responsible for the outbreak. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar.A list of discharged patients was obtained from the isolation units of Bwera hospital and Kagando hospital and the individuals were followed to the community where they live. Questionnaires were administered to a total of 75 participants who were either the cases or relatives to the case. GPS points of the homes of the cases and pictures of potential source infection were also taken and cases were mapped.A total of 222 cases were recorded in the Kasese District outbreak between the month of September 2017 and January 2018 with the case fatality rate (CFR) of 1.4%. Children below the age of 14 years contributed the biggest proportion of the cases (70%) and out of these, 33% were aged below 5 years. Culture isolated 69 V. cholerae 01 serotype Inaba from the total of 71 samples. Salmonella typhi was Isolated from the other two samples which were negative for V. cholerae. Antibiotic susceptibility using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was done on isolates from 69 participants and showed 100% resistance to Ampicillin and over 50% were resistant to trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole whereas gentamicin showed 100% susceptibility. Environmental assessment revealed rampant cases of open defecation.Though we did not culture water to confirm contamination with Vibrio cholerae, we hypothesize that the cholera epidemic in Kasese 2017 was sparked off by consumption of contaminated water following the heavy floods that washed away latrines into water sources in Bwera, Isango and Nakiyumbu sub-counties. V. cholerae was also highly resistant to the commonly used antibiotics.
Forest Fragmentation as Cause of Bacterial Transmission among Nonhuman Primates, Humans, and Livestock, Uganda
(Emerging infectious diseases, 2008) Goldberg, Tony L.; Gillespie, Thomas R.; Rwego, Innocent B.; Estoff, Elizabeth L.; Chapman, Colin A.
We conducted a prospective study of bacterial transmission among humans, nonhuman primates (primates hereafter), and livestock in western Uganda. Humans living near forest fragments harbored Escherichia coli bacteria that were ≈75% more similar to bacteria from primates in those fragments than to bacteria from primates in nearby undisturbed forests. Genetic similarity between human/livestock and primate bacteria increased ≈3-fold as anthropogenic disturbance within forest fragments increased from moderate to high. Bacteria harbored by humans and livestock were approximately twice as similar to those of red-tailed guenons, which habitually enter human settlements to raid crops, than to bacteria of other primate species. Tending livestock, experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, and residing near a disturbed forest fragment increased genetic similarity between a participant’s bacteria and those of nearby primates. Forest fragmentation, anthropogenic disturbance within fragments, primate ecology, and human behavior all influence bidirectional, interspecific bacterial transmission. Targeted interventions on any of these levels should reduce disease transmission and emergence.
Gastrointestinal Parasites Of Blue Monkeys (Cercopithecus Mitis) And Grey-Cheeked Mangabeys (Lophocebus Albigena) At The Ngogo Research Site In Kibale National Park, Uganda
(African Journal of Ecology, 2021) Ochieng, James Robert; Rwego, Innocent B.; Kisakye, John Joseph M.; Brown, Michelle
There has been persistent decline in blue monkey (Cercopithecus mitis) population at Ngogo research site in the past 40 years for no clear reasons. In contrast, the populations of other nonhuman primates like the grey-cheeked mangabeys (Lophocebus albigena) which share identical home ranges with blue monkeys have not been obviously affected. However, stakeholders attribute this decline to gastrointestinal parasitic diseases, hence the need to determine the profile of parasitic infections in blue monkeys and compare them to that of grey-cheeked mangabeys within a shared home range. Faecal samples (n = 241) were subjected to diagnostic tests, namely sodium nitrate floatation and formol-ether sedimentation before microscopic examination. 227 (94%) samples were parasite positive; six protozoa and 21 helminths were present. This implies that Ngogo hosts a high diversity of parasites which poses health risks to nonhuman primates. There was no significant statistical difference in the prevalence of the overall main pathogenic parasites between the two studied nonhuman primate species. Therefore, gastrointestinal parasites may not be the obvious cause of the proclaimed blue monkey population decline at Ngogo research site.
Giardia sp. and Cryptosporidium sp. Infections in Primates in Fragmented and Undisturbed Forest in Western Uganda
(Journal of Parasitology, 2007) Salzer, Johanna S.; Rwego, Innocent B.; Goldberg, Tony L.; Kuhlenschmidt, Mark S.; Gillespie, Thomas R.
The molecular identification of species and genotypes of Giardia spp. infecting wild mammals represents the most reliable tool to understand the role played by these animals as reservoirs of cysts infectious for human and other animals. Of 139 fecal samples collected from fallow deer (Dama dama L.) hunted in a Natural Reserve of northern Italy, the prevalence of Giardia sp. was 11.5% (16 of 139 animals), and it was higher in fawns than in older animals. Fragments of the beta-giardin and triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) genes were successfully polymerase chain reaction amplified and sequenced from 8 isolates. No sequence variation was observed between isolates at the 2 genetic loci. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses identified a Giardia duodenalis subtype that clusters with assemblage A isolates and that shows homologies of 98 and 97% at the beta-giardin and tpi loci, respectively, compared with the A1 subtype. Because the G. duodenalis subtype found in fecal samples of fallow deer has never been detected previously, its role as a pathogen for humans and domestic animals is unknown, but, considering its genetic distinctiveness, it is likely to be low.
Health And Disease In The People, Primates, And Domestic Animals Of Kibale National Park: Implications For Conservation
(Cambridge University Press, 2008) Goldberg, Tony L .; Gillespie, Thomas R.; Rwego, Innocent B.
In the not-too-distant past, infectious disease was viewed as akin to fire, earthquake, and tornado in its propensity to impact wild primates. Outbreaks were considered inherently unpredictable, “sweeping through” primate populations, wreaking havoc, and then subsiding. Primates were generally thought to rebound, such that the overall effect was a “blip on the radar,” a transient reduction in population numbers. The last approximately 10 years have demonstrated the “disease as natural disaster” paradigm to be woefully inaccurate. Infectious disease has emerged as a major threat to primate conservation. The case of Ebola virus and its devastating effects on chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and gorillas (Gorilla gorilla) in Gabon and Congo is perhaps the most dramatic example, with some estimates of local population declines above 80% (Leroy et al., 2004; Bermejo et al., 2006). Other pathogens such as Bacillus anthracis (the causative agent of anthrax), polio virus, and yellow fever virus have also caused epidemic mortality in apes and monkeys, to the extent that they are now seen as important drivers of primate population declines (Chapman et al., 2005; Leendertz et al., 2006; Nunn and Altizer, 2006). Despite these dramatic examples, the majority of primate pathogens probably exert chronic, sublethal effects on primates in the wild (most parasitic protozoa, helminths, and arthropods probably fall into this category). Although researchers are paying increasing attention to such agents, most studies to date have been either “prevalence surveys” or comparisons of prevalence across locations or habitat types.
High Rates of Escherichia coli Transmission between Livestock and Humans in Rural Uganda
(Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2008) Rwego, Innocent B.; Gillespie, Thomas R.; Basuta, Gilbert Isabirye; Goldberg, Tony L.
Escherichia coli is a zoonotic bacterium that is important to both public health and livestock economics. To date, most studies of zoonotic E. coli transmission have been conducted in developed nations with industrialized agricultural economies. In this study, E. coli bacteria were collected from people and livestock in two communities in rural western Uganda in order to investigate patterns of interspecific bacterial transmission in a developing rural economy characterized by very close human-livestock associations. Six hundred seventy-two E. coli isolates were genotyped using repetitive element-PCR (Rep-PCR) fingerprinting, and genetic distances between populations of bacteria from different hosts and locations were calculated. Genetic distances between human and livestock bacteria were generally very low, indicating high rates of bacterial gene flow among host species. Bacteria from humans and livestock in the same communities were virtually indistinguishable genetically. Data from surveys administered at the time of sample collection showed that people who did not regularly wash their hands before eating harbored bacteria approximately twice as similar genetically to bacteria of their livestock as did people who regularly washed their hands before eating. These results suggest that both rates of human-livestock interactions and patterns of human hygiene affect human-livestock bacterial transmission in this setting. This conclusion has implications not only for human and livestock health in subsistence-based agricultural economies but also for the emergence of zoonotic diseases out of such areas as a result of increasing globalization.
Impact of Anthropogenic Disturbance on Native and Invasive Trypanosomes of Rodents in Forested Uganda
(EcoHealth, 2016) Salzer, Johanna S.; Pinto, C. Miguel; Grippi, Dylan C.; Newkirk, Amanda Jo Williams; Peterhans, Julian Kerbis; Rwego, Innocent B.; Carroll, Darin S.; Gillespie, Thomas R.
Habitat disturbance and anthropogenic change are globally associated with extinctions and invasive species introductions. Less understood is the impact of environmental change on the parasites harbored by endangered, extinct, and introduced species. To improve our understanding of the impacts of anthropogenic disturbance on such host–parasite interactions, we investigated an invasive trypanosome (Trypanosoma lewisi). We screened 348 individual small mammals, representing 26 species, from both forested and non-forested habitats in rural Uganda. Using microscopy and PCR, we identified 18% of individuals (order Rodentia) as positive for trypanosomes. Further phylogenetic analyses revealed two trypanosomes circulating—T. lewisi and T. varani. T. lewisi was found in seven species both native and invasive, while T. varani was identified in only three native forest species. The lack of T. varani in non-forested habitats suggests that it is a natural parasite of forest-dwelling rodents. Our findings suggest that anthropogenic disturbance may lead to spillover of an invasive parasite (T. lewisi) from non-native to native species, and lead to local co-extinction of a native parasite (T. varani) and native forest-dwelling hosts.
Killing of a Pearl-Spotted Owlet (Glaucidium perlatum) by Male Red Colobus Monkeys (Procolobus tephrosceles) in a Forest Fragment Near Kibale National Park, Uganda
(Official Journal of the American Society of Primatologists, 2006) Goldberg, Tony L.; Gillespie, Thomas R.; Rwego, Innocent B.; Kaganzi, Clovis
Adult male red colobus (Procolobus tephrosceles) were observed capturing and killing an owl (Glaucidium perlatum) in the Rurama forest fragment near Kibale National Park in western Uganda. The owl was not subsequently eaten by the colobus, their conspecifics, or the other primates present during the attack. Because the incident was preceded by an agonistic encounter with a raptor, the event is best interpreted as a misdirected antipredator behavior. Although antipredator behaviors are not unknown in red colobus, this is the first such incident directed against a raptor to be documented. Am. J. Primatol. 68:1–5, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Knowledge and perceptions of brucellosis in the pastoral communities adjacent to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda
(BMC Public Health, 2014) Kansiime, Catherine; Mugisha, Anthony; Makumbi, Fredrick; Mugisha, Samuel; Rwego, Innocent B.; Sempa, Joseph; Kiwanuka, Suzanne N.; Asiimwe, Benon B.; Rutebemberwa, Elizeus
Brucellosis is one of the most common zoonotic infections globally. Lack of knowledge about brucellosis may affect the health-seeking behavior of patients, thus leading to sustained transmission in these communities. Our study assessed knowledge and perceptions of brucellosis among pastoral communities adjacent to Lake Mburo National Park (LMNP), Kiruhura District, Uganda. Methods: A community cross-sectional questionnaire survey involving 371 randomly selected household heads from three sub-counties neighboring LMNP were interviewed between June and August 2012. Data collected included communities’ knowledge on causes, symptoms, transmission, treatment, prevention and risk factors of brucellosis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to explore strength of association between overall knowledge of brucellosis and various individual factors using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results: Only 70 (19%) knew the symptoms of brucellosis in animals, and three quarters (279, 75.5%) mentioned joint and muscle pain as a common symptom in humans. Almost all participants (370, 99.3%) had ever heard about brucellosis, majority (311, 84.7%) believed it affects all sexes and two thirds (67.7%) of the respondents believed close proximity to wildlife contributes to the presence of the disease. Almost all (352, 95.4%) knew that brucellosis in humans could be treatable using modern drugs. The main routes of infection in humans such as consumption of unpasteurized dairy products were known by 97% (360/371); eating of half-cooked meat by 91.4% and eating contaminated pasture in animals by 97.4%. There was moderate overall knowledge of brucellosis 197 (53.1%). Factors associated with higher overall knowledge were being agro-pastoralists (aOR: 2.08, CI: 1.17-3.71) compared to pure pastoralists while those who reported that the disease was a health problem (aOR: 0.18, CI: 0.06-0.56) compared to those who said it was not were less likely to be knowledgeable. Conclusions: There was moderate overall knowledge of human and animal brucellosis among the participants. Majority of the participants believed that close proximity to wildlife contributes to the presence of the disease in the area. There is a need for collaboration between the public health, veterinary and wildlife sectors to provide health education on brucellosis for better management of the disease in the communities.
Lowland Grazing And Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) Outbreak In Kween District, Eastern Uganda
(BMC Public Health, 2019) Siya, Aggrey; Bazeyo, William; Tuhebwe, Doreen; Tumwine, Gabriel; Ezama, Arnold; Manirakiza, Leonard; Kugonza, Donald R.; Rwego, Innocent B.
Uganda is one of the few countries in Africa that has been experiencing outbreaks of viral hemorrhagic fevers such as Ebola, Marburg and Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fevers. In 2017 Uganda experienced a Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak with case fatality rate of 100% in Kween district. Although hunting for wild meat was linked to the MVD outbreak in Kween district, less was reported on the land use changes, especially the changing animal grazing practices in Kween district.Through Makerere University One Health graduate fellowship program with attachment to Uganda Red Cross Society, a study was conducted among the agricultural communities to elucidate the risk behaviors in Kween district that can be linked to the 2017 Marburg disease outbreak.Results show that although a few elderly participants ascribed fatal causes (disobedience to gods, ancestors, and evil spirits) to the MVD outbreak during FGDs, majority of participants linked MVD to settling in caves (inhabited by Fruit Bats) during wet season as upper belts are extensively used for crop production leaving little space for animal grazing. Members also noted side activities like hunting for wild meat during this grazing period that could have predisposed them to Marburg Virus.There is need to integrate One Health concepts within agricultural extension service provision in Uganda so as to enhance the management of such infectious diseases.
Molecular Epidemiology of Cross-Species Giardia duodenalis Transmission in Western Uganda
(PLoS neglected tropical diseases, 2010) Johnston, Amanda R.; Gillespie, Thomas R.; Rwego, Innocent B.; McLachlan, Traci L. Tranby; Kent, Angela D.; Goldberg, Tony L.
Giardia duodenalis is prevalent in tropical settings where diverse opportunities exist for transmission between people and animals. We conducted a cross-sectional study of G. duodenalis in people, livestock, and wild primates near Kibale National Park, Uganda, where human-livestock-wildlife interaction is high due to habitat disturbance. Our goal was to infer the cross-species transmission potential of G. duodenalis using molecular methods and to investigate clinical consequences of infection.Real-time PCR on DNA extracted from fecal samples revealed a combined prevalence of G. duodenalis in people from three villages of 44/108 (40.7%), with prevalence reaching 67.5% in one village. Prevalence rates in livestock and primates were 12.4% and 11.1%, respectively. Age was associated with G. duodenalis infection in people (higher prevalence in individuals ≤15 years) and livestock (higher prevalence in subadult versus adult animals), but other potential risk factors in people (gender, contact with domestic animals, working in fields, working in forests, source of drinking water, and medication use) were not. G. duodenalis infection was not associated with gastrointestinal symptoms in people, nor was clinical disease noted in livestock or primates. Sequence analysis of four G. duodenalis genes identified assemblage AII in humans, assemblage BIV in humans and endangered red colobus monkeys, and assemblage E in livestock and red colobus, representing the first documentation of assemblage E in a non-human primate. In addition, genetic relationships within the BIV assemblage revealed sub-clades of identical G. duodenalis sequences from humans and red colobus.Our finding of G. duodenalis in people and primates (assemblage BIV) and livestock and primates (assemblage E) underscores that cross-species transmission of multiple G. duodenalis assemblages may occur in locations such as western Uganda where people, livestock, and primates overlap in their use of habitat. Our data also demonstrate a high but locally variable prevalence of G. duodenalis in people from western Uganda, but little evidence of associated clinical disease. Reverse zoonotic G. duodenalis transmission may be particularly frequent in tropical settings where anthropogenic habitat disturbance forces people and livestock to interact at high rates with wildlife, and this could have negative consequences for wildlife conservation. .

Browsing by Author "Rwego, Innocent B."

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