Spread of Tylodelphys mashonense (digenea: diplostomidae) by grey heron Ardea cinerea and great white egret a. Alba in Lake Victoria, Tanzania

Despite the fact that Tylodelphys mashonense, parasites of the cranial cavity of the catfish Clarias gariepinus, are ubiquitous in freshwater systems, little is known on their spread. As such, we examined a total of 152 piscivorous birds, belonging to 6 species; 43 great cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo, 33 grey heron Ardea cinerea, 26 hamerkop Scopus umbretta, 22 great white egret Ardea alba, 15 marabou stork Leptoptilos crumeniferus and 13 pied kingfisher Ceryle rudis foraging in the Lake Victoria. Out of the six bird species only A. cinerea and A. alba were found infected by T. mashonense with prevalence of 42.4% and 9.1%, respectively. These findings report T. mashonense in A. alba for the first time and its occurrence in A. cinerea in Tanzania is the first record outside Zimbabwe.Keywords: Ardeidae, Ardea cinerea, Ardea alba, intestinal digenean

Epidemiology and taxonomy of Diplostomum species (Trematoda: Diplostomatidae) infecting fish of Llyn Tegid, North Wales and the Ruvu Basin, Tanzania.

This study investigated the epidemiology and taxonomy of Diplostomuni species in the deeper parts of the eye (DPE) of roach Rutilus rutilus (L. ), perch Perca fluviatilis L., ruffe Gymnocephalus cernua (L. ) and gwyniad Coregonus lavaretus (L. ) at Llyn Tegid, North Wales, and in the cranium of catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) and the vitreous humour of Oreochromis species at Mindu dam and river Ruvu, Tanzania. At Llyn Tegid, two species of Diplostomum metacercariae, large and small forms, coexisted in DPE of perch, ruffe and gwyniad but only one, large forms, occurred in roach. Large forms were distinguished by their large size, oval body tapering at both ends and pseudosuckers at the level of the oral sucker. Small forms were distinguished by their smaller size, oval body with parallel sides and pseudosuckers occurring below the level of the oral sucker. The taxonomy of the two forms was not resolved even after obtaining adults from chickens. Tentatively, small forms keyed close to D. gasterostei Williams, 1966 and large forms to D. volvens Nordmann, 1832. Inadequate identification manuals and remarkable similarity between Diplostonlum species confounded identification. Mean intensity of metacercariae was highest in ruffe and lowest in perch and increased with host size in all hosts. Factors responsible for differences in mean intensity between hosts were discussed. There was no seasonality of occurrence. Recruitment occurred from May - November correlating with water temperatures. Immature metacercariae occurred throughout the period of investigation. Metacercariae were overdispersed in all three hosts. At Mindu and Ruvu two species were present, D. sp. X (1,2) in the cranium of catfish and D. sp. Y in the vitreous humour of Oreochromis sp. D. sp. X (1,2) were distinguished by their elongate body, oval calcareous corpuscles and long hindbody. D. sp. Y were distinguished by a vestigial ventral sucker, glandular Brandes organ, short hindbody and spherical calcareous corpuscles. D. sp. X (1,2) were identified as D. mashonense Beverley - Burton, 1963. Adults cultured in chickens confirmed identification. D. sp. X (1,2) developed to ovigerous adults within 24h. Percent recovery of adults from chickens declined with days p. i. Miracidia developed in eggs in six days. D. sp. Y is considered an undescribed taxon. Prevalence and mean intensity of D. sp. Y in Oreochromis sp. were low and did not fluctuate seasonally. Prevalence of D. mashonense in catfish was similar at Mindu and Ruvu and exhibited no seasonal fluctuations. Mean intensity of D. mashonense in catfish of Mindu fluctuated seasonally, increased with host size and was higher than in catfish from Ruvu. Causes of high intensity and seasonal changes at Mindu were discussed. D. mashonense was overdispersed in catfish at both localities but only data from Mindu fitted the negative binomial model. Small samples and the dynamism of forces creating overdispersion were considered responsible for the situation at Ruvu. Using SEM ciliated-pit and dome-shaped papillae were observed on the surface of metacercariae and adults of D. mashonense . Ciliated-pit papillae occurred only on metacercariae. Dome-shaped papillae, in adults and metacercariae, were aggregated on suckers, excretory and genital atria. Spines were multipointed in adults but single pointed in metacercariae

A faunistic survey of digenean larvae infecting freshwater snails Biomphalaria, Radix and Bulinus species in the Lake Victoria and Mindu dam, Morogoro in Tanzania

Biomphalaria and Bulinus spp have been reported in Tanzania as vectors of Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium respectively. Thus most schistosomiasis control efforts have focussed on elimination of these molluscs in freshwater systems or deworming infected persons. In addition almost there is limited information of larval trematodes infecting freshwater snails in Tanzania and whether the trematode antagonism found elsewhere could be used for control of schistosomiasis. We report and describe larval digeneans infecting Biomphalaria pfeifferi, Bulinus spp and Radix natalensis, snails collected at Mindu dam, Morogoro and Mwanza gulf of the Lake Victoria from January 2011 to January 2012. Out of a total 9194 snails, belonging to Biomphalaria pfeifferi, Bulinus tropicus and Radix natalensis, collected from Mindu dam and the Mwanza gulf, Lake Victoria, 678 (7.34%) were infected with 14 larval trematode species: 3 xiphidiocercariae, 6 furcocercariae, l gymnocephalous cercariae, 1 amphistome, 2 echinostome and 1 undescribed metacercaria. From 386 infected B. pfeifferi 67 (1.69%) were infected with S. mansoni, the causative agent of intestinal schistosomiasis. These findings show that despite the increased effort to control schistosomiasis and other neglected tropical diseases in Tanzania, the diseases are still highly prevalent in freshwater systems. However, the absence of trematode antagonism or low multiple infections mean redia cannot coexist with sporocysts, hence can be used for control of schistosomiasis.Keywords: Bulinus, Biomphalaria, Radix, Digenean larvae, neglected tropical disease

Activity of Cinnamomum Osmophloeum Leaf Essential Oil Against Anopheles gambiae s.s

The increasing status of insecticide resistant mosquitoes in sub-Saharan Africa is a threatening alert to the existing control efforts. All sibling species of An. gambiae complex have evolved insecticide resistance in wild populations for different approved classes of the insecticides currently in use in the field. An alternative compound for vector control is absolutely urgently needed. In this study, the larvicidal activity and chemical composition of the Cinnamomum osmophloeum leaf essential oils were investigated. C. osmophloeum leaf essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus for 6 hours, and their chemical compositions identified using GC-MS. These oils were evaluated against An. gambiae s.s. in both laboratory and semi-field situations. The WHO test procedures for monitoring larvicidal efficacy in malaria vectors were used. The composition of C. osmophloeum leaf essential oil has been found to have 11 active compounds. The most abundant compound was trans-cinnamaldehyde (70.20%) and the least abundant was caryophyllene oxide (0.08%). The larvicidal activity was found to be dosage and time dependant both in laboratory and semi-field environments with mortality ranging from 0% to 100%. The LC50 value was found to vary from 22.18 to 58.15 µg/ml in the laboratory while in semi-field environments it was 11.91 to 63.63 µg/ml. The LC90 value was found to range between 57.71 to 91.54 µg/ml in the laboratory while in semi-field environments was 52.07 to 173.77 µg/ml. Mortality ranged from 13% to 100% in the laboratory while in semi-field environments it ranged between 43% to 100% within mortality recording time intervals of 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours. The larvicidal activity shown by C. osmophloeum leaf essential oil is a promising alternative to existing larvicides or to be incorporated in integrated larval source management compounds for An. gambiae s.s control. The efficacy observed in this study is attributed to both major and minor compounds of the essential oils. \u

Plasmodium falciparum msp1, msp2 and glurp allele frequency and diversity in sub-Saharan Africa

The efficacy of anti-malarial drugs is assessed over a period of 28-63 days (depending on the drugs' residence time) following initiation of treatment in order to capture late failures. However, prolonged follow-up increases the likelihood of new infections depending on transmission intensity. Therefore, molecular genotyping of highly polymorphic regions of Plasmodium falciparum msp1, msp2 and glurp loci is usually carried out to distinguish recrudescence (true failures) from new infections. This tool has now been adopted as an integral part of anti-malarial efficacy studies and clinical trials. However, there are concerns over its utility and reliability because conclusions drawn from molecular typing depend on the genetic profile of the respective parasite populations, but this profile is not systematically documented in most endemic areas. This study presents the genetic diversity of P. falciparum msp1, msp2 and glurp markers in selected sub-Saharan Africa countries with varying levels of endemicity namely Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Burkina Faso and São Tomé.A total 780 baseline (Day 0) blood samples from children less than seven years, recruited in a randomized controlled clinical trials done between 1996 and 2000 were genotyped. DNA was extracted; allelic frequency and diversity were investigated by PCR followed by capillary electrophoresis for msp2 and fragment sizing by a digitalized gel imager for msp1 and glurp. Plasmodium falciparum msp1, msp2 and glurp markers were highly polymorphic with low allele frequencies. A total of 17 msp1 genotypes [eight MAD20-, one RO33- and eight K1-types]; 116 msp2 genotypes [83 3D7 and 33 FC27- types] and 14 glurp genotypes were recorded. All five sites recorded very high expected heterozygosity (HE) values (0.68 - 0.99). HE was highest in msp2 locus (HE=0.99), and lowest for msp1 (HE=0.68) (P<0.0001). The genetic diversity and allelic frequency recorded were independent of transmission intensity (P=0.84, P=0.25 respectively. A few genotypes had particularly high frequencies; however the most abundant showed only a 4% probability that a new infection would share the same genotype as the baseline infection. This is unlikely to confound the distinction of recrudescence from new infection, particularly if more than one marker is used for genotyping. Hence, this study supports the use of msp1, msp2 and glurp in malaria clinical trials in sub-Saharan Africa to discriminate new from recrudescent infections

The status and health burden of neurocysticercosis in Mbulu district, northern Tanzania

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to assess the extent and health burden of neurocysticercosis in the general community of the Mbulu district, northern Tanzania. About 1051 randomly select participants were screened for human cysticercosis. The Cysticercus Western Blot IgG and Computed Tomography scan were used to detect infection by cysticerci. The DALYs was used to assess the community’s health burden vis-a-vis neurocysticercosis. Results The sero-prevalence of HCC was 16.27%. About 76% of 25 selected human cysticercosis sero-positives had neurocysticercosis suggestive lesions on CT scan and 74% had history of epilepsy. Epilepsy caused 2.8 years of life lost and 2.2 healthy years of life lost due to disability per 1000 person-years in Mbulu. The average DALYs imposed due to neurocysticercosis and epilepsy were 3.0 and 3.9 per 1000 person-years, respectively. Neurocysticercosis is a serious public health concern in northern Tanzania

The risk factors for human cysticercosis in Mbulu District, Tanzania

The objective of this study was to explore the reasons for the persistence of human cysticercosis (HCC) transmission in Mbulu District, northern Tanzania. The study was carried out in 25 villages, whereby five major risks were identified. The risks were indiscriminate defaecation and improper use of toilets; a free-range system of keeping pigs; indiscriminate or unregulated slaughtering and inadequate meat hygiene and inspection; consumption of undercooked and porcine cysticerci infected pork; and social structure and roles. All of the identified risks were backed up by the immanent lifestyles of the community involved. These findings are important for the development of intervention strategies in the study area

Spatial variability in the density, distribution and vectorial capacity of anopheline species in a high transmission district in Tanzania

Malaria transmission varies from one area to another and there are also local difference in time and space. The objective of the study was to determine the local variability of entomological parameters namely, mosquito abundance, human biting rate (HBR), sporozoite rate for Plasmodium falciparum and entomological inoculation rate (EIR). The study was carried out in Rufiji District south eastern Tanzania from October 2001 and September 2004. Adult mosquitoes were collected indoors by CDC light traps. PCR was employed to identify the species within the Anopheles gambiae complex. ELISA was used to determine the sporozoite rate. Over a three year sampling period a total of 64,875 female mosquitoes were caught using light-traps, and of these 28% were Anopheles gambiae complex, 25% An. funestus Giles, 1% An. pharoensis Theobald, 46% Culex species and the rest were Mansonia uniformis Theobald. Mosquito abundance and species composition varied seasonally, spatially and between years. Using PCR, three members of the Anopheles gambiae complex namely An. gambiae s.s. Giles (69%), An. arabiensis Paton (23%) and An. merus D&ouml;nitz (7%) were confirmed to occur in the study area. Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite antigen (CSA) rates were 3.5% for An. gambiae complex and 2.3% for An. funestus. The mean EIR ranged from 28-275 infective bites/person/year. Transmission indices varied over short distances, seasonally and between years. In conclusion, malaria transmission indices in the study area are one of the highest in Tanzania; and there is high variability of entomological parameters over a small geographical area

Spatial variability in the density, distribution and vectorial capacity of anopheline species in Rufiji district, south-eastern Tanzania

Malaria transmission varies from one area to another and there are also local difference in time and space. The objective of the study was to determine the local variability of entomological parameters namely, mosquito abundance, human biting rate (HBR), sporozoite rate for Plasmodium falciparum and entomological inoculation rate (EIR). The study was carried out in Rufiji District south eastern Tanzania from October 2001 and September 2004. Adult mosquitoes were collected indoors by CDC light traps. PCR was employed to identify the species within the Anopheles gambiae complex. ELISA was used to determine the sporozoite rate. Over a three year sampling period a total of 64,875 female mosquitoes were caught using light-traps, and of these 28% were Anopheles gambiae complex, 25% An. funestus Giles, 1% An. pharoensis Theobald, 46% Culex species and the rest were Mansonia uniformis Theobald. Mosquito abundance and species composition varied seasonally, spatially and between years. Using PCR, three members of the Anopheles gambiae complex namely An. gambiae s.s. Giles (69%), An. arabiensis Paton (23%) and An. merus Dönitz (7%) were confirmed to occur in the study area. Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite antigen (CSA) rates were 3.5% for An. gambiae complex and 2.3% for An. funestus. The mean EIR ranged from 28-275 infective bites/person/year. Transmission indices varied over short distances, seasonally and between years. In conclusion, malaria transmission indices in the study area are one of the highest in Tanzania; and there is high variability of entomological parameters over a small geographical area