Treponema Infection Associated With Genital Ulceration in Wild Baboons

The authors describe genital alterations and detailed histologic findings in baboons naturally infected with Treponema pallidum. The disease causes moderate to severe genital ulcerations in a population of olive baboons (Papio hamadryas anubis) at Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania. In a field survey in 2007, 63 individuals of all age classes, both sexes, and different grades of infection were chemically immobilized and sampled. Histology and molecular biological tests were used to detect and identify the organism responsible: a strain similar to T pallidum ssp pertenue, the cause of yaws in humans. Although treponemal infections are not a new phenomenon in nonhuman primates, the infection described here appears to be strictly associated with the anogenital region and results in tissue alterations matching those found in human syphilis infections (caused by T pallidum ssp pallidum), despite the causative pathogen’s greater genetic similarity to human yaws-causing strains

Urinary tract infection: The role of canine transmissible venereal tumour

The role of transmissible ‘venereal tumours in the pathogenesis of urinary tract infection in dogs was investigated in 86 dogs. Fifty-five had transmissible venereal tumours, and the remaining 31 animals were used as controls. A thorough clinical examination of the external genitalia was carried out in each case. In the dogs with transmissible venereal tumours, the sites of attachment were recorded. Urine samples were taken by cystocentesis and the external genitalia swabbed; the samples were cultured for bacteria using standard methods. Tumours were found on the prepuce and other parts of the penis in male dogs; in bitches they were found in the vagina, vestibule or the vestibulovaginal junction. Dogs with transmissible venereal tumours were found to be at a high risk of having bacteriuria (odds ratio [OR] = 7.04). Obliteration of the urethral orifice by the tumour, possibly leading to urine retention, was thought to be the main reason for the high incidence of urinary tract infection among dogs with transmissible venereal tumours. Long-standing cases of transmissible venereal neoplasia had a higher chance of becoming bacteriuric compared with recent cases (OR=29.60). This study indicates that transmissible venereal tumour may he a predisposing factor for the development of urinary tract infection

Urinary tract infection: The role of canine transmissible venereal tumour

The role of transmissible ‘venereal tumours in the pathogenesis of urinary tract infection in dogs was investigated in 86 dogs. Fifty-five had transmissible venereal tumours, and the remaining 31 animals were used as controls. A thorough clinical examination of the external genitalia was carried out in each case. In the dogs with transmissible venereal tumours, the sites of attachment were recorded. Urine samples were taken by cystocentesis and the external genitalia swabbed; the samples were cultured for bacteria using standard methods. Tumours were found on the prepuce and other parts of the penis in male dogs; in bitches they were found in the vagina, vestibule or the vestibulovaginal junction. Dogs with transmissible venereal tumours were found to be at a high risk of having bacteriuria (odds ratio [OR] = 7.04). Obliteration of the urethral orifice by the tumour, possibly leading to urine retention, was thought to be the main reason for the high incidence of urinary tract infection among dogs with transmissible venereal tumours. Long-standing cases of transmissible venereal neoplasia had a higher chance of becoming bacteriuric compared with recent cases (OR=29.60). This study indicates that transmissible venereal tumour may he a predisposing factor for the development of urinary tract infection

Farmer forums for improved food security: Experiences from TARP II SUA Project

Journal of Continuing Education and Extension, 2005; 2(1):18-30Farmer forums under the TARP II SUA, project in Tanzania have demonstrated fruitful partnership between farmers, researchers and extension agents in communicating and disseminating innovations and technologies to a wider audience. Five forums have been held in each of the zones implementing the project. Some of the themes covered under the five forums include: identification of problems faced by smallholder farmers, marketing problems for agricultural produce, local chicken: production and demand, technology adoption from farmers ' perception and conflicts between crop producers and livestock keepers. During these forums, participating stakeholders identified and prioritized key issues and problems, proposed solutions and agreed on respective stakeholders' responsibilities. This paper provides an overview on the conduct, perceptions, outputs and the challenge ahead regarding this approach for the development offarmers