Browsing by Author "Tayebwa, Dickson Stuart"
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Item A retrospective analysis of antimicrobial resistance in pathogenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. isolates from poultry in Uganda(International Journal of Veterinary Science and Medicine, 2021-05) Kakooza, Steven; Muwonge, Adrian; Nabatta, Esther; Eneku, Wilfred; Dickson, Dickson; Wampande, Eddie; Munyiirwa, Damian; Kayaga, Edrine; Tumwebaze, Maria Agnes; Afayoa, Mathias; Ssajjakambwe, Paul; Tayebwa, Dickson Stuart; Sayaka, Tsuchida; Okubo, Torahiko; Kazunari, Ushida; Sakurai, Ken’ichi; Mutebi, FrancisThere are increasing reports of antimicrobial treatment failures for bacterial diseases of poultry in Uganda. The paucity of data on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of pathogenic bacteria in Uganda is a major setback to AMR control. This study investigated the occurrence of fowl typhoid, colibacillosis, and AMR in associated pathogens from 2012 to 2018. Laboratory records from the Central Diagnostic Laboratory (CDL), a National Veterinary Diagnostic Facility located at Makerere University, were reviewed. Archived isolates of the causative bacteria for the two diseases were also evaluated for AMR. The frequencies of the two disease conditions, their clinical and necropsy presentations and the demographic data of the diagnostic samples were summarized from the records. Archived bacterial isolates were revived before antimicrobial susceptibility testing. This was done on Mueller Hinton agar using the disk diffusion method, against 16 antimicrobials of medical and veterinary importance according to the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. A total of 697 poultry cases were presented for bacteriological investigations in the review period. Colibacillosis and salmonellosis had prevalence rates of 39.7% (277/697) and 16.2% (113/697), respectively. A total of 63 and 92 isolates of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp., respectively, were archived but 43 (68.3%) E. coli and 47 (51.1%) Salmonella spp. isolates were recovered and evaluated for AMR. Multidrug resistance was more frequent in E. coli (38; 88.4%) than salmonellae (25; 53.2%), (p < 0.001). The high prevalence of colibacillosis, salmonellosis and the AMR of associated pathogens warrants immediate institution of appropriate disease control measures.Item Epidemiology of Increasing Hemo-Parasite Burden in Ugandan Cattle(Open Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 2014) Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Matovu, Enoch; Tayebwa, Dickson Stuart; Natuhwera, Jemimah; Mugezi, Israel; Mahero, MichaelHemo-parasites (HP) are one of the major constraints to the economic development of the livestock industry in Uganda. Generally, the occurrence and importance of HP is a reflection of complex interactions involving the causative organisms, tick vectors, the vertebrate hosts and the environment. We carried out a cross sectional study to identify and determine the prevalence of the major HPs in Central and Western Uganda, to form a baseline for appropriate interventions. A total of 295 bovine samples were analyzed from 15 districts of Uganda; 56.3% being from the Central and 43.7% from the Western region of the country for a period of six months, and a questionnaire was administered to the farmers. Thin peripheral blood smears stained with Giemsa were used during the laboratory identification of the parasites. The disease prevalence was established at 47.4%, 6.7%, 1.9% and 14.4% for Theleria parva, Babesia spp., Trypanasoma brucei, Anaplasma spp. with a corresponding disease risk ratio (DRR) of 67.4%, 9.5%, 2.6%, 20.5% respectively in Uganda. The odds of having an infection from the Central region were 1.7 times greater (P < 0.05) than those from the Western region with a corresponding risk ratio of 1.2 (CI.1.1, 2.84, 95%), which showed that there exist marked differences between the two regions. Mean PCV was at 29.8%, and majority (59%) of infected animals had low PCV which varied across the months. These showed that generally, cattle in the West are more severely affected by HP than those from the Central region. The questionnaire revealed that 100% of the farmer treatments are based on clinical sign presentation, with occasional reliance on veterinarians. In conclusion, the burden of hemo-parasites is steadily increasing across the regions, and the current policies are not helping farmers who are hit the hardest by the development of antibiotic and acaricide resistance. These findings, along with previous studies, suggest that eradication HP is not feasible unless there are radical changes implemented, and that current practices are expensive and unsustainable. Further studies would be carried out to provide knowledge on the level of antibiotic resistance for the promotion of veterinary public health and trade.Item Evidence-based tick acaricide resistance intervention strategy in Uganda: concept and feedback of farmers and stakeholders(Ticks and tick-borne diseases, 2017-09) Patrick, Vudriko; Okwee-Acai, James; Byaruhanga, Joseph; Tayebwa, Dickson Stuart; Omara, Robert; Bukeka Muhindo, Jeanne; Lagu, Charles; Rika, Umemiya-Shirafuji; Xuenan, Xuan; Hiroshi, SuzukiThe emergence of multi-acaricide resistant ticks has led to unprecedented level of acaricide failure in central and western Uganda. In the absence of a national acaricide resistance management strategy, the country’s dairy sector is threatened by upsurge of ticks and tick-borne diseases. In this study, we developed a short-to-medium-term intervention approach called Evidence-Based Acaricide Tick Control (EBATIC): Identify, Test, Intervene and Eradicate (ITIE). Furthermore, the perception of 199 farmers and extension workers, 12 key informants in four districts and 47 stakeholders in the animal industry in Uganda were assessed using semi structured questionnaires. We report that the establishment of a specialized laboratory is pivotal in identifying and testing (IT) acaricide resistant ticks for prompt intervention and eradication (IE). The laboratory test results and the farm tick control gaps identified are very important in guiding acaricide resistance management strategies such as evidence-based acaricide rotation, development and dissemination of extension materials, training of farmers and extension workers, and stakeholders’ engagement towards finding sustainable solutions. All the 47 stakeholders and 91.0% (181/199) of farmers and extension workers reported that the EBATIC approach will help in solving the tick acaricide resistance crisis in Uganda. Similarly, all the 12 key informants and 92.5 % (184/199) of the farmers and extension workers suggested that the EBATIC approach should be sustained and rolled out to other districts. The EBATIC stakeholders’ dialogue generated both short-to-medium and long-term strategies for sustainable management of tick acaricide resistance in the country. Overall, the positive feedback from farmers, district veterinarians and stakeholders in the animal industry suggest that the EBATIC approach is a useful proof-of-concept on scalable intervention pathway against tick acaricide resistance in Uganda with possibility of adoption in other African countries.Item Food Safety Analysis of Milk and Beef in Southwestern Uganda(Journal of environmental and public health, 2018) Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Natabo, Phyllis Candy; Namubiru, Sarah; Tayebwa, Dickson Stuart; Tamale, Andrew; Bamaiyi, Pwaveno H.Inorganic pollutants in milk and beef are of major public health concern; however, information in Africa is still limited due to low food safety monitoring practices. In this study, we established levels of lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) in milk and beef and obtained the estimated daily intake (EDI) and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) as measures of risk to the Ugandan population. Materials and Methods. This was a cross-sectional study in which a total of 40 samples of milk and beef were collected from Bushenyi district in southwestern Uganda. Samples were analyzed by atomic absorbance spectrophotometer, and the EDI and ILCR were computed using the US EPA reference values. Results and Discussion. Heavy metal concentrations were highest in the order of Zn > Fe > Pb > Cu in milk samples, while in beef samples, concentrations were highest in the order of Zn > Pb > Fe > Cu and no Cd was detected. Furthermore, beef had significantly higher (P < 0.05) Pb and Fe concentrations than milk. The EDI was highest in children, and this was followed by very high ILCR levels, showing that milk and beef are not safe for children in Uganda. Bearing in mind that a high HI was shown, beef and milk from these regions are not recommended for consumption especially by children although more studies remain to be conducted. Conclusion. Heavy metals in milk and beef of Uganda may predispose the indigenous community to cancer and other health-related illnesses, showing a need for improved food safety screening to promote food safety.Item Low Concentrations of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (Yoba®) are Safe in Male Drosophila Melanogaster(BMC Research Notes, 2019) Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Bukenya, Aisha; Eze, Ejike Daniel; Kasolo, Josephine; Tayebwa, Dickson Stuart; Ssempijja, Fred; Suubo, Joy; Tamale, Andrew; Echoru, Isaac; Onkoba, Sarah Kemuma OnkobaThe purpose of the study was to generate information on the safety of probiotics, thus the study objectives were to evaluate the effects of Yoba® on basic physiochemical properties. The study assessed male w1118 Drosophila melanogaster which were provided food supplemented with Yoba® at 1%, 3%, 6%, and 12% on motor function, total protein, catalase activity, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity and lifespan.Item Molecular Epidemiology of Anaplasmosis in Small Ruminants along a Human-Livestock-Wildlife Interface in Uganda(Heliyon, 2021) Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Welburn, Susan Christina; Nalumenya, David Paul; Namayanja, Monica; Matama, Kevin; Zalwango, Kelly Katenta; Matovu, Wycliff; Zirintunda, Gerald; Ekou, Justine; Kembabazi, Stellamaris; Mugasa, Claire Mack; Kitibwa, Annah; Tayebwa, Dickson Stuart; Musinguzi, Simon Peter; Mahero, Michael; Ssengendo, Ibrahim; Nanteza, Anne; Matovu, Enock; MacLeod, Ewan ThomasInformation as regards the epidemiology of the Anaplasmataceae in small ruminants in several low- and middle-income countries is scarce. In this study a total of 712 DNA samples collected from small ruminants were analyzed for Anaplasmataceae and Anaplasma ovis using the 16S rRNA and MSP4 genes respectively. Infection risk was assessed by location, sex and age of the animals and qGIS® was used to construct spatial maps. The prevalence of Anaplasmataceae spp was 89.1% (95% CI: 77.5–95.9) and 79.1% (95% CI: 75.9–82.1) in ovines and caprines respectively (RR = 1.1, 95% CI: 1.0–1.3); higher than those previously reported in other eastern African countries. The prevalence of A. ovis was 26.1% and 25.4% for both ovines and caprines respectively with ovines showing significantly higher levels of infection than caprines (P < 0.05). The risk of Anaplasma ovis infections was not affected by age (OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 0.9–1.7) or sex (OR = 1.1, 95% CI: 0.6–2.0). Small ruminants located at the forest edge (<0.3 km) showed higher A. ovis prevalence than those found inland with infections present in the midland regions associated with increased agricultural activity. Anaplasma ovis remains a major challenge for small ruminant husbandry in Uganda and infections are under-reported. Policy efforts to prioritize management of Anaplasmataceae for small ruminant health would promote livestock productivity in vulnerable communities, improving livelihoods and ecosystem health.Item Molecular epidemiology of Babesia species, Theileria parva, and Anaplasma marginale infecting cattle and the tick control malpractices in central and eastern Uganda(Ticks and tick-borne diseases, 2018) Tayebwa, Dickson Stuart; Vudriko, Patrick; Tuvshintulga, Bumduuren; Guswanto, Azirwan; Budiman Nugraha, Arifin; Gantuya, Sambuu; El-Saber Batiha, Gaber; Musinguzi, Simon Peter; Komugisha, Mariam; Bbira, Jonh Son; Okwee-Acai, James; Tweyongyere, Robert; Wampande, Eddie M.; Byaruhanga, Joseph; Adjou Moumouni, Paul Franck; Sivakumar, Thillaiampalam; Yokoyama, Naoaki; Igarashi, IkuoEast Coast fever, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis are the major tick-borne diseases affecting cattle productivity in Uganda. The emergence of acaricide-resistant ticks is suspected to have caused a rise in hemoparasites. This study sought to detect and characterize hemoparasites among farms in acaricide-failure hotspots of central as compared to the acaricide-failure naïve areas in eastern Uganda. Nested PCR assays were performed to determine the prevalences of Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina, Theileria parva, and Anaplasma marginale in cattle blood samples sourced from randomly selected farms. Randomly selected isolates were sequenced to determine the genetic diversity of the parasites using the following marker genes: B. bovis spherical body protein 4, B. bigemina rhoptry-associated protein 1a, T. parva 104 kDa microneme-rhoptry antigen, and A. marginale major surface protein 5. Furthermore, partially and fully engorged adult ticks were collected for taxonomy, and tick-control practices were assessed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The prevalences of B. bigemina, T. parva, and A. marginale in cattle were 17.2, 65.1, and 22.0%, and 10.0, 26.5, and 3% in the central and eastern region, respectively. Whilst, B. bovis was not detected in the farms involved. The sequences for B. bigemina, T. parva, and A. marginale from the central region showed 99% identity with those from the eastern region. Of the 548 ticks collected, 319, 147, 76, and 6 were Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, Amblyomma variegatum, and Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi, respectively. The Rhipicephalus ticks were more abundant in the central, whereas A. variegatum ticks were more abundant in the eastern region. Tick control malpractices were found in both central and eastern Uganda, and 42 of the 56 surveyed farms lacked appropriate restraining facilities and so they utilized either ropes or a ‘boma’ (enclosure). In summary, B. bigemina, T. parva, A. marginale and their co-infections were more prevalent in the central than eastern region; even though, tick control malpractices were observed in both regions. Therefore, an urgent tick and TBD control strategy is needed.Item Newcastle Disease Virus Isolation and Its Prevalence in Uganda Poultry Farms(Open Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 2014) Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Ssuna, Paul; Tayebwa, Dickson Stuart; Alyas, MohdThe present research work was carried out to isolate and identify Newcastle disease virus (NDV) by using haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test and HA-HI virus isolation, embryonated eggs (EE) and chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEF). A total of 95 clinical (blood, tracheal and cloacal swabs) and post-mortem (brain, lung, colon and spleen) samples were collected from chickens of field outbreaks of suspected Newcastle disease virus (NDV). The HI and HA-HI were employed to detect NDV in tissue homogenates of all the clinical and post-mortem samples as well as laboratory samples (AF and ICF). Among the four different types of post-mortem samples, virus isolation rate was found to be low in body organs. In CEF cell culture system, the rate of virus isolation from all the aforesaid samples was found to be at 100% with the exception of serum samples; while in tracheal and cloacal swabs, it was at 90%; while in serum, it was at 10%, in all clinical cases. The isolation rate of NDV was higher in CEF culture system (66.7%) compared to that of avian embryos (33.3%). Samples were inoculated and the allantoic fluid (AF) of the dead embryos and the infected culture fluid (ICF) of the CEF were harvested at 24 to 96 hours of the post-infection, respectively, which revealed that the virulent strain of NDV is highly prevalent in the region. The prevalence of NDV was established at 1.1%, 2.1% and 4.2% using HA-HI, EE, and CEF methods. Rapid detection and identification of the virus are crucial for the effective control of the disease as conventional diagnostic methods such as virus isolation on embryonated eggs followed by serological identification in haemagglutination-inhibition test are laborious and time-consuming. The speed of the diagnosis can be considerably increased by using methods based on molecular biology, e.g. reverse transcription—polymerase chain reaction. However, the genetic variability of APMV-1 isolates should be considered carefully as the potential cause for false negative results of genetic-based laboratory tests.Item Reflections on Drivers for the Emergence and Spread of Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria Detected from Chickens reared on Commercial Layer Farms in Mukono District, Uganda(Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports, 2023) Kakooza, Steven; Tayebwa, Dickson Stuart; Njalira, Kassim Rashid; Kayaga, Edrine Beatrice; Asiimwe, Ismail; Komugisha, Mariam; Wanyana, Mariam; Kisekka, Raymond; Kyabarongo, Alex; Kiryabwire, David H.; Nabatta, Esther; Eneku, WilfredPurpose We investigated the fecal carriage of antimicrobial resistant Escherichia coli and potential practices influencing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) dynamics among poultry farm settings in Mukono District, Uganda. Methods Twenty-nine commercial layer farms were visited and samples collected from 10 birds. The samples were then subjected to culture and sensitivity testing. The investigative framework for antimicrobial stewardship practices (IFAP) was used as a participatory tool to generate data through interviews and observations on antimicrobial use, drivers for use, players, and actions following non-responsive treatment outcomes. Results The cultures done on 290 cloacal swabs yielded a total of 273 Escherichia coli isolates (94.1% recovery rate) which were tested in vitro for their sensitivity to different antibiotics. The prevalence of multi-drug resistant E. coli was 59.3% (162/273). A high prevalence of resistance to tetracycline (91.6%, n = 250) and trimethoprim sulphamethoxazole (70.3%, n = 192) was noted. In this collection of isolates, the prevalence of molecular determinants associated with the predominant phenotypes was; tetA (79.3%; 138/174), tetB (17.2%; 30/174), tetC (7.5%; 13/174), sul1 (11.5%; 20/174), and sul2 (60.3%; 105/174). Responses derived using the IFAP revealed several vices related to misuse and overuse of antibiotics, a threat to the poultry industry. The farmers also reported habits of selling off sick birds for slaughter when treatment outcomes were non-responsive. Such a practice could drive dissemination of antimicrobial resistant organisms and antibiotic residues to the consumers of those poultry products. Conclusion The IFAP tool was useful and can be modified, and adopted for use in engaging agricultural communities in participatory AMR surveillance. A high carriage of multi-drug resistant E. coli was detected in the birds. On these farms, the worrying antimicrobial stewardship practices discovered could be sponsoring the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in the Ugandan context.Item Safety of Drinking Water from Primary Water Sources and Implications for the General Public in Uganda(Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2019) Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Namubiru, Sarah; Kamugisha, Roland; Eze, Ejike Daniel; Tayebwa, Dickson Stuart; Ssempijja, Fred; Nshakira, NathanThere is scarcity of information about the quality and safety of drinking water in Africa. Without such vital information, sustainable development goal number 6 which promotes availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation remains elusive especially in developing countries. The study aimed at determining concentrations of inorganic compounds, estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR), and identify safe drinking water source sources in Southwestern Uganda. Methods. This was an observational study in which 40 drinking water samples were collected from georeferenced boreholes, springs, open wells, bottled, and taps within Bushenyi district of Southwestern Uganda. Water samples were analyzed for copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) levels using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Water safety measures (EDI, HI, and ILCR) were established for each water source and compared with local and international water permissible standards for each analyte. A spatial map was drawn using qGIS®, and analysis of quantitative data was done using MS Excel 2013 at 95% significance. Results. Heavy metals were present in the following order: 11.276 ppm > 4.4623 ppm > 0.81 ppm > 0.612 ppm > 0.161 ppm for Fe, Zn, Pb, Cu, and Cd, respectively, while Cr was not detected. Fe was the primary water heavy metal in the order of open well > borehole > tap > spring > bottled water. This was followed by Zn levels in the order of tap > bottled > spring > borehole > open well. All compounds were within international water safety standards except Pb. Hence, there is need for the government of Uganda to establish water filtration systems, particularly for Pb to improve the quality of water for the general public. The EDI was similar () for water consumed from spring, bottled, and tap sources for Fe and Zn levels. Similarly, no differences were found in the EDI for children and adults . Furthermore, the HI showed an absence of noncarcinogenic risk associated (HI < 1), although the ILCR was higher in adults than children due to high Cd concentrations. The current identified Fe is a major heavy metal in drinking water of Uganda, and boreholes were the major safest sources of drinking water identified in this study.Item The danger of free-roaming dogs in peri urban settings: Two rabid dogs on rampage that bit 29 humans and 18 domestic animals in Wakiso and Luweero districts, Central Uganda(Research Square, 2024) Tayebwa, Dickson Stuart; Njalira, Kassim Rashid; Eneku, Wilfred; Ssekandi, Colin; Kyabarongo, Alex; Mutesasira, Jesse; Komugisha, Mariam; Atim, Stella Acaye; Kateregga, John; Muhangi, Denis; Tweyongyere, Robert; Biryomumaisho, Savino; Okwee Acai, JamesBackground Uganda averages 14,000 dog bites annually, with 86% caused by free-roaming dogs. Unfortunately, there is limited documentation to inform interventions. Here, we documented circumstances of attacks from free-roaming dogs on rampage in Central Uganda to identify critical gaps in the detection, preparedness, and response of the community. Methods We conducted an exploratory case study to actively survey attacks from rampaging dogs in Kampala Metropolitan Area, Central Uganda between November 2022 - November 2023. We traced the dogs responsible to immobilise and rule out rabies. We interviewed the victims and community to determine the circumstances of the bites, the healthcare sought and sentiments towards free-roaming dogs. We followed-up after 40 days, to assess adherence to rabies post exposure prophylaxis and to document any challenges encountered. Results Of the 8 cases reported, only two cases that occurred in Matugga and Mawale parishes fulfilled our criteria for rampage while the rest were predation, an incidental bite and straying into someone’s residence. The two rampaging dogs’ bit 29 humans, mostly children (75.8%) and 18 domestic animals. Immobilisation in Matugga failed while the dog in Mawale was killed by the community in a mob. Due to limited knowledge, 93.1% of the victims did not wash the wound and go the medical facility as recommended by WHO. Instead, they sought healthcare from the traditional healer (58.6%), stayed home or applied herbs (20.7%). Parallel with our advice, those victims sought medical care however they encountered challenges not limited to lack of funds and poor services at public health facilities. After inflicting bites, the dogs responsible and other free-roaming dogs were killed by hitting them with sticks in a mob. Conclusions Overall, our findings demonstrate the impact that a lone free-roaming dog with rabies can have on a community. They also reveal how poverty, limited awareness, reliance on traditional healers, and barriers to medical care access impede health care received by dog bite victims in this setting. Implementing educational campaigns and responsible ownership of free-roaming dogs should help reduce dog bites and rabies in Central Uganda, as well as in other socioeconomically similar settings.