Detection and Quantification of Oestrogenic Endocrine Disruptors in Water in Mwanza Gulf in the Lake Victoria Basin, Tanzania

The aim of this study was to detect the presence and quantify the total oestrogens (estriol (E1), estradiol (E2), and estrone (E3)) in Lake Victoria water with a view of assessing their contribution to the health status of fish. A total of 27 water samples; three from each of the nine sampling sites were collected in Mwanza gulf in the city in May 2012. Solvent extraction procedures were used to obtain extracts of pollutants that were further analysed using the competitive Enzyme- Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique to detect and quantify the total oestrogens. Overall, the concentration of total oestrogens was low and ranged from 10 – 200 pg/L. Concentrations of these chemicals decreased along the gradient, being highest (107±81.4 pg/L) in rivers before entering into the lake and lowest (19±5.4 pg/L) in water samples collected in the lake at about 100 meters from inshore (intermediate sampling points). Levels of total oestrogens were significantly different between categories of water sources (P = 0.009). Two most polluted rivers were Butimba and Nyakurunduma with concentrations at 150 pg/L and 200 pg/L respectively. Dumping of wastes in rivers without treatment was the most likely source of the pollutants. Findings from this study have revealed the existence of oestrogens with endocrine disrupting properties at different concentrations, and that rivers are the main sources of oestrogenic endocrine disruptors in Lake Victoria water near Mwanza City.Keywords: ELISA, endocrine disruptors, oestrogens, pollutio

Evaluation of antimicrobial activity and safety of syrup prepared from AMBU roots

A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTERS OF SCIENCE IN NATURAL PRODUCTS, TECHNOLOGY AND VALUE ADDITION OF SOKOINE UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE. 2017Some rural communities in Tanzania use decoctions from different parts of AMBU for treatments of various health conditions. However, few studies have been conducted to ascertain their quality, efficacy and safety. This study aimed at establishing baseline information on the quality, efficacy and toxicity of syrup prepared from AMBU roots. Decoction was prepared and some of the aliquots were freeze dried into powder then dissolved in sucrose vehicle to make the final syrup. Both the decoction and herbal syrup aliquots were evaluated for stability after storage under different conditions. Antimicrobial activity and toxicity were investigated by micro broth dilution method and toxicity assay in mice respectively. Mice were randomly grouped into eleven groups of five each and administered oral doses of 0, 2.5, 25, 100, 200 and 500 mg/kg body weight of AMBU root decoction and the developed syrup. Animals were administered the drugs at an interval of eight hours every day for seven days. The results demonstrated that the minimum inhibitory concentration of the developed syrup in Staphylococus aureus, Basillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonus aeruginosa were 15.6, 31.2, 15.6 and 62.5 mg/ml respectively. The shelf life for decoction and the formulated herbal syrup at room temperature was 2 and 17 weeks respectively and those kept in refrigerator was 12 and more than 18 weeks respectively. The toxicity assay revealed neither mortality nor signs of abnormality that could be associated with AMBU treatment at low oral doses. However, AMBU treatment at higher doses data revealed significant changes on body weights and liver to body mass index. The formulation of syrup has improved the quality, activity and safety as demonstrated in mice model. These findings validate the ethno-medical potential of AMBU syrup and the feasibility of its use for treatment and control of bacterial diseases

Determination of oxytetracycline residues in cattle meat marketed in the Kilosa district, Tanzania

Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, 2015; 82(1).Oxytetracycline is used to treat various diseases in cattle. However, its use may be associated with unacceptable residue levels in food. Oxytetracycline residues in tissues from indigenous cattle were determined in a cross-sectional study conducted in the Kilosa district, Tanzania, between November 2012 and April 2013. A total of 60 tissue samples, including muscle, liver and kidney, were collected from slaughterhouses and butchers and analysed for oxytetracycline using high-performance liquid chromatography. Oxytetracycline residues were found in 71.1% of the samples, of which 68.3% were above acceptable regulatory levels. The mean concentration of oxytetracycline across tissues was 3401.1 μg/kg ± 879.3 μg/kg; concentrations in muscle, liver and kidney were 2604.1 μg/kg ± 703.7 μg/kg, 3434.4 μg/kg ± 606.4 μg/kg and 3533.1 μg/kg ± 803.6 μg/kg, respectively. High levels of oxytetracycline residue in meat from indigenous cattle may pose a health threat to consumers in Kilosa. The findings possibly reflect a general lack of implementation of recommended withdrawal periods, ignorance about drug use and lack of extension services. Strict regulation of the use of antimicrobial drugs in the livestock industry and associated testing of animal-derived food sources prior to marketing are required

Determination of oxytetracycline residues in cattle meat marketed in the Kilosa district, Tanzania

Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, 2015; 82(1).Oxytetracycline is used to treat various diseases in cattle. However, its use may be associated with unacceptable residue levels in food. Oxytetracycline residues in tissues from indigenous cattle were determined in a cross-sectional study conducted in the Kilosa district, Tanzania, between November 2012 and April 2013. A total of 60 tissue samples, including muscle, liver and kidney, were collected from slaughterhouses and butchers and analysed for oxytetracycline using high-performance liquid chromatography. Oxytetracycline residues were found in 71.1% of the samples, of which 68.3% were above acceptable regulatory levels. The mean concentration of oxytetracycline across tissues was 3401.1 μg/kg ± 879.3 μg/kg; concentrations in muscle, liver and kidney were 2604.1 μg/kg ± 703.7 μg/kg, 3434.4 μg/kg ± 606.4 μg/kg and 3533.1 μg/kg ± 803.6 μg/kg, respectively. High levels of oxytetracycline residue in meat from indigenous cattle may pose a health threat to consumers in Kilosa. The findings possibly reflect a general lack of implementation of recommended withdrawal periods, ignorance about drug use and lack of extension services. Strict regulation of the use of antimicrobial drugs in the livestock industry and associated testing of animal-derived food sources prior to marketing are required