Characterization of methomyl and carbofuran degrading-bacteria from soils of horticultural farms in Rift Valley and Central Kenya

The use of pesticides is very critical in protecting the farmers’ investment in seeds, fertilizer and labour since they provide a sure cover from damage by pests. The use of pesticides is therefore inevitable and the environmental pollution due to pesticides and their residues will continue to be a challenge. In this study, bacterial strains capable of degrading methomyl (S-methyl-N-[(methylcarbamoyl) oxy]-thioacetimidate) and carbofuran (2, 3-dihydro-2, 2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranyl methylcarbamate) were isolated from soils sampled from horticultural farms with a history of pesticide usage. High pressure liquid chromatography was used to monitor biodegradation of both methomyl and carbofuran using reference standards and acetonitrile and water as mobile phases. Partial 16S rDNA sequence analysis indicated that the carbofuran-degrading strains were closely related to members of the genus Pseudomonas and Alcaligenes while the methomyl degrading strains were closely related to members of the genus Flavobacterium and Alcaligenes. The morphological and biochemical characteristics of the isolates also confirmed the phylogenetic signature. The study established that the activities of the esterase and phosphatase enzymes correlated well with biodegradative capability and recommends possible application of the isolates in the in vivo bioremediation of pesticide contaminated soils.Key words: Pesticides, carbofuran, methomyl, biodegradation, bacteria

Estimation of the Rift Valley Fever burden of disease in the 2006/2007 outbreak in Kenya

Rift Valley Fever (RVF) virus causes severe epidemics in livestock and humans resulting in considerable economic losses from disruption of livestock production and market chain and morbidity and mortality in humans. This study estimated the burden of RVF disease in humans using disability adjusted life years (DALYs), assessed human health RVF epidemiological parameters and private and public health costs during the last RVF epidemic in the 2006/2007 in Kenya. We interviewed family members that cared for an infected person in eligible household and key informants in the public health sector in Garissa and Kilifi districts that were heavily affected by the epidemic and at the public health leaders at the national level to assess the private and public health costs. An eligible household was household that had an RVF cases during the 2006/2007 outbreak as identified from the linelist. Secondary data from the Ministry of Health and published literature were reviewed for epidemiological parameters including age and sex categorized incidences, proportions of disease manifestation, and mortality rates in order to compute DALYs using methods developed by the World Health Organization. A total of 127 eligible households were enrolled in to the study with one member interviewed in each household. Those interviewed in these households included 54% males and ranged from 19 to 81 years old with 40 and 45 years as mode and median age, respectively. The RVF virus predominantly infected males during the outbreak with an annual incidence of 0.7 per 1,000 population compared to females at 0.5 per 1,000 population. The burden of RVF during the 2006 and 2007 outbreak was 3.4 DALYs per 1000 population, representing 1% of the total DALYs and estimated household costs of USD120 for every human case reported. In comparison, the total burden of HIV/AIDS and malaria in Kenya is the highest at 24.2% and 7.2% DALYs, respectively. Our results provide vital data on burden of RVF for use by the Government and other institutions to guide in health policy making and resource allocations for prevention and control

Danger and sexuality: exploring negotiations in romantic and sexual relationships among university students in Ghana

Gender inequalities and social mores normalise gender-based violence in many settings. The goal of this study was to gain a more in-depth understanding of romantic and sexual relationships, consent, and gender-based violence among university students in Ghana. We used focus group discussions to explore individual factors influencing romantic and sexual relationships among students enrolled at a university in the Central Region of the country to inform the development and tailoring of future interventions. During a series of four focus group discussions comprising students recruited via convenience and snowball sampling, participants were asked to reflect on the nature of their romantic and sexual relationships. Demographic data and experiences of gender-based violence were also collected. The focus groups discussions were recorded and transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Five themes were developed from the data: (1) traditional gender roles; (2) self-control; (3) relationship-based consent; (4) cheating; and (5) non-verbal communication. This study suggests negative health and social ramifications of violence will continue until there is a resolution of conflicting social norms that result in different expectations about how men and women can address their sexual needs. Future programming and interventions for gender-based violence prevention should reflect on their impact across all ecological levels