ORCID Profile
0000-0002-2260-6797
Current Organisations
University of Tasmania
,
Government of Kenya Ministry of Agriculture Livestock and Fisheries
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Publications
Modelling appropriate use of trypanocides to restrict wide-spread multi-drug resistance during chemotherapy of animal African trypanosomiasis
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 20-12-2018
DOI: 10.1017/S0031182018002093
Abstract: Trypanocide resistance remains a huge challenge in the management of animal African trypanosomiasis. Paucity of data on the prevalence of multi-drug resistant trypanosomes has greatly hindered optimal veterinary management practices. We use mathematical model predictions to highlight appropriate drug regimens that impede trypanocide resistance development in cattle. We demonstrate that using drugs in decreasing resistance order results in a negligible increase in number of cattle with resistant infection, in contrast to a more pronounced increase from trypanocide use in increasing resistance order. We demonstrate that the lowest levels of trypanocide resistance are achieved with combination therapy. We also show that increasing the number of cattle treated leads to a progressive reduction in the number of cattle with drug resistant infections for treatments of up to 80% of the cattle population for the combination treatment strategy. Our findings provide an initial evidence-based framework on some essential practices that promote optimal use of the handful of trypanocides. We anticipate that our modest forecasts will improve therapeutic outcomes by appropriately informing on the best choice, and combination of drugs that minimize treatment failure rates.
Community-led data collection using Open Data Kit for surveillance of animal African trypanosomiasis in Shimba hills, Kenya
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-03-2019
Zoonotic and Public Health Implications of Campylobacter Species and Squamates (Lizards, Snakes and Amphisbaenians)
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 28-09-2020
Abstract: C ylobacter spp. is one of the most widespread infectious diseases of veterinary and public health significance. Globally, the incidence of c ylobacteriosis has increased over the last decade in both developing and developed countries. Squamates (lizards, snakes and hisbaenians) are a potential reservoir and source of transmission of c ylobacteriosis to humans. This systematic review examined studies from the last 20 years that have reported squamate-associated human c ylobacteriosis. It was found that C. fetus subsp. testudinum and C. fetus subsp. fetus were the most common species responsible for human c ylobacteriosis from a squamate host. The common squamate hosts identified included bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps), green iguana (Iguana iguana), western beaked gecko (Rhynchoedura ornate) and blotched blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua nigrolutea). People with underlying chronic illnesses, the immunocompromised and the elderly were identified as the most vulnerable population. Exposure to pet squamates, wild animals, consumption of reptilian cuisines and cross contamination with untreated water were risk factors associated with C ylobacter infections. Proper hand hygiene practices, responsible pet ownership, ‘One Health’ education and awareness on zoonotic diseases will help reduce the public health risks arising from C ylobacter exposure through squamates. Continued surveillance using molecular diagnostic methods will also enhance detection and response to squamate-linked c ylobacteriosis.
Prevalence of trypanosomes associated with drug resistance in Shimba Hills, Kwale County, Kenya
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-04-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S13104-020-05077-3
Abstract: Animal African trypanosomiasis (AAT) is a life-threatening vector-borne disease, caused by trypanosome parasites, which are principally transmitted by tsetse flies. In Kenya, the prevalence of drug-resistant trypanosomes in endemic regions remains poorly understood. The objective of this study was to establish AAT point prevalence, drug susceptibility of associated trypanosomes, and measure infectivity by multiple AAT mammalian hosts to tsetse flies in Shimba hills, a resource-poor region with high bovine trypanosomiasis prevalence and morbidity rates at the coast of Kenya. We collected tsetse flies using traps (1 Ngu and 2 biconical), and then sorted them on sex and species. Trypanosomes present in tsetse flies were detected by first extracting all genomic DNA, and then performing PCR reactions with established primers of the internal transcribed spacer regions. Polymorphisms associated with trypanocide resistance in the TbAT1 gene were also detected by performing PCR reactions with established primers. Our findings suggest low trypanosome prevalence (3.7%), low trypanocide resistance, and low infectivity by multiple mammalian hosts to tsetse flies in Shimba hills. We conclude that enhanced surveillance is crucial for informing disease management practices that help prevent the spread of drug-resistant trypanosomiasis.
Related Organisations
Government Of Kenya Ministry Of Agriculture Livestock And Fisheries
Location: Kenya
Related Funding Activities
No related grants have been discovered for Nicodemus Masila.