Geographic distribution of Theileria sp. (buffalo) and Theileria sp. (bougasvlei) in Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in southern Africa: implications for speciation

Parasitology ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 141 (3) ◽  
pp. 411-424 ◽  
Author(s):  
RONEL PIENAAR ◽  
ABDALLA A. LATIF ◽  
ORIEL M. M. THEKISOE ◽  
BEN J. MANS
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Hybrid Sterility ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Coi Gene ◽  
Mixed Infections ◽  
Endemic Region ◽  
Significant Discrepancy ◽  
Specific Distribution

SUMMARYStrict control measures apply to movement of buffalo in South Africa including testing for Theileria parva, the causative agent of Corridor disease in cattle. The official test is a real-time hybridization PCR assay that amplifies the 18S rRNA V4 hyper-variable region of T. parva, T. sp. (buffalo) and T. sp. (bougasvlei). Mixed infections with the latter organisms affect diagnostic sensitivity due to PCR suppression. While the incidence of mixed infections in the Corridor disease endemic region of South Africa is significant, little information is available on the specific distribution and prevalence of T. sp. (buffalo) and T. sp. (bougasvlei). Specific real-time PCR assays were developed and a total of 1211 samples known to harbour these parasites were screened. Both parasites are widely distributed in southern Africa and the incidence of mixed infections with T. parva within the endemic region is similar (∼25–50%). However, a significant discrepancy exists in regard to mixed infections of T. sp. (buffalo) and T. sp. (bougasvlei) (∼10%). Evidence for speciation between T. sp. (buffalo) and T. sp. (bougasvlei) is supported by phylogenetic analysis of the COI gene, and their designation as different species. This suggests mutual exclusion of parasites and the possibility of hybrid sterility in cases of mixed infections.

scholarly journals MixedTheileriainfections in free-ranging buffalo herds: implications for diagnosingTheileria parvainfections in Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer)

Parasitology ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 138 (7) ◽  
pp. 884-895 ◽  
Author(s):  
RONEL PIENAAR ◽  
FRED T. POTGIETER ◽  
ABDALLA A. LATIF ◽  
ORIEL M. M. THEKISOE ◽  
BEN J. MANS
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Hypervariable Region ◽  
18S Rrna Gene ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Locked Nucleic Acid ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Mixed Infections ◽  
Endemic Region ◽  
Signal Suppression

SUMMARYBuffalo-adaptedTheileria parvacauses Corridor disease in cattle. Strict control measures therefore apply to the movement of buffalo in South Africa and include mandatory testing of buffalo for the presence ofT. parva. The official test is a real-time hybridization PCR assay that amplifies the V4 hypervariable region of the 18S rRNA gene ofT. parva, T.sp. (buffalo) andT.sp. (bougasvlei). The effect that mixedT. parvaandT.sp. (buffalo)-like infections have on accurateT. parvadiagnosis was investigated in this study.In vitromixed infection simulations indicated PCR signal suppression at 100 to 1000-foldT.sp. (buffalo) excess at lowT. parvaparasitaemia. Suppression of PCR signal was found in field buffalo with mixed infections. TheT. parva-positive status of these cases was confirmed by selective suppression ofT.sp. (buffalo) amplification using a locked nucleic acid clamp and independent assays based on the p67, p104 andTprgenes. The incidence of mixed infections in the Corridor disease endemic region of South Africa is significant, while the prevalence in buffalo outside the endemic area is currently low. A predicted increase ofT.sp. (buffalo)-like infections can affect future diagnoses where mixed infections occur, prompting the need for improvements in current diagnostics.

The Hybrid II assay: a sensitive and specific real-time hybridization assay for the diagnosis ofTheileria parvainfection in Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and cattle

Parasitology ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 138 (14) ◽  
pp. 1935-1944 ◽  
Author(s):  
RONEL PIENAAR ◽  
FRED T. POTGIETER ◽  
ABDALLA A. LATIF ◽  
ORIEL M. M. THEKISOE ◽  
BEN J. MANS
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Carrier State ◽  
Accurate Diagnosis ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Hybridization Assay ◽  
Mixed Infections ◽  
Pcr Assay ◽  
Fatal Disease ◽  
Specificity And Sensitivity ◽  
Pcr Method

SUMMARYCorridor disease is an acute, fatal disease of cattle caused by buffalo-adaptedTheileria parva. This is a nationally controlled disease in South Africa and strict control measures apply for the movement of buffalo, which includes mandatory testing for the presence ofT. parvaand other controlled diseases. Accurate diagnosis of theT. parvacarrier state in buffalo using the official real-time hybridization PCR assay (Sibekoet al.2008), has been shown to be affected by concurrent infection withT.sp. (buffalo)-like parasites. We describe the Hybrid II assay, a real-time hybridization PCR method, which compares well with the official hybridization assay in terms of specificity and sensitivity. It is, however, not influenced by mixed infections ofT.sp. (buffalo)-like parasites and is as such a significant improvement on the current hybridization assay.

scholarly journals Lumpy skin disease in southern Africa : a review of the disease and aspects of control

2001 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Hunter ◽  
D. Wallace
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Skin Disease ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Lumpy Skin Disease ◽  
Strain Vaccine ◽  
Successful Control

This article reviews some of the important aspects of lumpy skin disease (LSD) that may impact on its successful control. A resurgence of the disease in the last decade has highlighted some constraints of the Neethling strain vaccine, but there is no evidence of vaccine breakdowns owing to the presence of heterologous field strains. More research is needed on epidemiology and transmission of LSD in South Africa to formulate control measures.

scholarly journals Comparative Analysis of Spatial-temporal Patterns of Human Metapneumovirus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Africa Using Genetic Data, 2011-2014

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
John W Oketch ◽  
Everlyn Kamau ◽  
James R Otieno ◽  
Anthony Mwema ◽  
Clement Lewa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Spatial Clustering ◽  
Temporal Patterns ◽  
Human Metapneumovirus ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Respiratory Illnesses ◽  
Syncytial Virus ◽  
Viral Sequences

Abstract Background: Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are leading causes of viral severe acute respiratory illnesses in childhood. Both the two viruses belong to the Pneumoviridae family and show overlapping clinical, epidemiological and transmission features. However, it is unknown whether these two viruses have similar geographic spread patterns which may provide insight into designing and evaluating their epidemic control measures.Methods: We conducted comparative phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses to explore the spatial-temporal patterns of HMPV and RSV across Africa using 232 HMPV and 842 RSV attachment (G) glycoprotein gene sequences obtained from 5 countries (The Gambia, Zambia, Mali, South Africa, and Kenya) between August 2011 and January 2014. Results: Phylogeographic analyses found frequently similar patterns of spread of RSV and HMPV. Viral sequences commonly clustered by region, i.e., West Africa (Mali, Gambia), East Africa (Kenya) and Southern Africa (Zambia, South Africa), and similar genotype dominance patterns were observed between neighbouring countries. Both HMPV and RSV country epidemics were characterized by co-circulation of multiple genotypes. Sequences from different African sub-regions (East, West and Southern Africa) fell into separate clusters interspersed with sequences from other countries globally. Conclusion: The spatial clustering patterns of viral sequences and genotype dominance patterns observed in our analysis suggests strong regional links and predominant local transmission. The geographical clustering further suggests independent introduction of HMPV and RSV variants in Africa from the global pool, and local regional diversification.

scholarly journals Comparative analysis of spatial-temporal patterns of human metapneumovirus and respiratory syncytial virus in Africa using genetic data, 2011–2014

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
John W. Oketch ◽  
Everlyn Kamau ◽  
James R. Otieno ◽  
Anthony Mwema ◽  
Clement Lewa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Spatial Clustering ◽  
Temporal Patterns ◽  
Human Metapneumovirus ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Respiratory Illnesses ◽  
Syncytial Virus ◽  
Viral Sequences

Abstract Background Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are leading causes of viral severe acute respiratory illnesses in childhood. Both the two viruses belong to the Pneumoviridae family and show overlapping clinical, epidemiological and transmission features. However, it is unknown whether these two viruses have similar geographic spread patterns which may inform designing and evaluating their epidemic control measures. Methods We conducted comparative phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses to explore the spatial-temporal patterns of HMPV and RSV across Africa using 232 HMPV and 842 RSV attachment (G) glycoprotein gene sequences obtained from 5 countries (The Gambia, Zambia, Mali, South Africa, and Kenya) between August 2011 and January 2014. Results Phylogeographic analyses found frequently similar patterns of spread of RSV and HMPV. Viral sequences commonly clustered by region, i.e., West Africa (Mali, Gambia), East Africa (Kenya) and Southern Africa (Zambia, South Africa), and similar genotype dominance patterns were observed between neighbouring countries. Both HMPV and RSV country epidemics were characterized by co-circulation of multiple genotypes. Sequences from different African sub-regions (East, West and Southern Africa) fell into separate clusters interspersed with sequences from other countries globally. Conclusion The spatial clustering patterns of viral sequences and genotype dominance patterns observed in our analysis suggests strong regional links and predominant local transmission. The geographical clustering further suggests independent introduction of HMPV and RSV variants in Africa from the global pool, and local regional diversification.

Region of Birth and Child Mortality among Black Migrants to South Africa: Is there a foreign-born advantage?

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 359-376 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiffany L Green ◽  
Amos C Peters
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Child Mortality ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Black Immigrants ◽  
Foreign Born ◽  
Region Of Origin ◽  
Child Deaths

Much of the existing evidence for the healthy immigrant advantage comes from developed countries. We investigate whether an immigrant health advantage exists in South Africa, an important emerging economy.  Using the 2001 South African Census, this study examines differences in child mortality between native-born South African and immigrant blacks.  We find that accounting for region of origin is critical: immigrants from southern Africa are more likely to experience higher lifetime child mortality compared to the native-born population.  Further, immigrants from outside of southern Africa are less likely than both groups to experience child deaths.  Finally, in contrast to patterns observed in developed countries, we detect a strong relationship between schooling and child mortality among black immigrants.

Reverend Doctor Sox Leleki and His Role in the Black Methodist Consultation

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonwabile Mancotywa
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Political Influence ◽  
Individual Member ◽  
Methodist Church ◽  
Role Players

The Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA) is one of the mainline Christian denominations with a very good history. However, it was not immune from the larger political influence of South Africa that was polarised by apartheid. This article is intended to look at the formation known as the Black Methodist Consultation (BMC), which at that time had an individual member who played an important role in its development and activities. Sox Leleki was one of the key role players of this movement inside the Methodist Church

Ores Sources, Smelters and Archaeometallurgy: Exploring Iron Age Metal Production in the Southern Waterberg, South Africa

2013 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 243-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Foreman Bandama ◽  
Shadreck Chirikure ◽  
Simon Hall
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Iron Age ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Mineral Resources ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Metal Working ◽  
Cultural Interaction ◽  
Metal Production ◽  
European Colonization ◽  
Sem Analyses

The Southern Waterberg in Limpopo Province is archaeologically rich, especially when it comes to evidence of pre-colonial mining and metal working. Geologically, the area hosts important mineral resources such as copper, tin and iron which were smelted by agriculturalists in the precolonial period. In this region however, tin seems to be the major attraction given that Rooiberg is still the only source of cassiterite in southern Africa to have provided evidence of mining before European colonization. This paper reports the results of archaeological and archaeometallurgical work which was carried out in order to reconstruct the technology of metalworking as well as the cultural interaction in the study area and beyond. The ceramic evidence shows that from the Eiland Phase (1000–1300 AD) onwards there was cross borrowing of characteristic decorative traits amongst extant groups that later on culminated in the creation of a new ceramic group known as Rooiberg. In terms of mining and metal working, XRF and SEM analyses, when coupled with optical microscopy, indicate the use of indigenous bloomery techniques that are widespread in pre-colonial southern Africa. Tin and bronze production was also represented and their production remains also pin down this metallurgy to particular sites and excludes the possibility of importing of finished tin and bronze objects into this area.

Participatory catchment management — an opportunity for Southern Africa

1995 ◽  
Vol 32 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 145-151
Author(s):  
D. B. Versfeld
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Land Management ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Participatory Rural Appraisal ◽  
Catchment Management ◽  
Management Process ◽  
Participatory Methods ◽  
Top Down ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Rural Appraisal

South Africa has hundreds of thousands of hectares of heavily populated and badly degraded landscapes. Past attempts at land management have been either through avoidance or the top-down imposition of “betterment” schemes. Participatory methods offer a new opportunity for communities living within these catchments to share their knowledge and to become involved in planning and implementing the management process. This paper discusses the use of Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) in a catchment rehabilitation programme in rural KwaZulu/Natal, the lessons learnt and the prospects for wider application.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document