scholarly journals Malacological survey and geographical distribution of vector snails for schistosomiasis within informal settlements of Kisumu City, western Kenya

2011 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Selpha Opisa ◽  
Maurice R Odiere ◽  
Walter GZO Jura ◽  
Diana MS Karanja ◽  
Pauline NM Mwinzi
2012 ◽  
Vol 66 (12) ◽  
pp. 2674-2681 ◽  
Author(s):  
Selpha Opisa ◽  
Maurice R. Odiere ◽  
Walter G. Z. O. Jura ◽  
Diana M. S. Karanja ◽  
Pauline N. M. Mwinzi

High levels of environmental contamination, often associated with improper waste and excreta management, are widespread among informal settlements within urban areas in developing countries. We determined the level of faecal contamination in domestic water sources and evaluated the potential contribution of these water sources to intestinal helminthiases in seven informal settlements of Kisumu City, western Kenya. Membrane filtration technique was used for enumeration of total and faecal (Escherichia coli) coliform bacteria in water samples collected from dams, rivers, springs and wells. Out of the 80 water sources sampled, 76 (95%) were highly contaminated with E coli. All water samples from unprotected wells (26) and 92.6% of samples from protected wells (25) were positive for E. coli. The highest and lowest E. coli densities were observed in samples from dams (3,800 ± 1,807 coliforms per 100 ml) and boreholes (419 ± 223 coliforms per 100 ml), respectively (p = 0.0321). Distance from pit latrines was negatively associated with E. coli coliform density for wells (r = −0.34, n = 53, p = 0.0142). Untreated well-water may not be suitable for human consumption, and its continued use constitutes a major health risk for the inhabitants of these informal settlements.


Parasitology ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 138 (12) ◽  
pp. 1569-1577 ◽  
Author(s):  
MAURICE R. ODIERE ◽  
SELPHA OPISA ◽  
GLADYS ODHIAMBO ◽  
WALTER G. Z. O. JURA ◽  
JOHN M. AYISI ◽  
...  

SUMMARYThis cross-sectional study determined the prevalence and distribution of schistosome and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections among 1,308 children aged 10–18 years in 34 primary schools in 8 informal urban settlements in Kisumu City, western Kenya. Stool samples were collected and examined for eggs of Schistosoma mansoni and STH (Hookworms, Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura) using the Kato-Katz technique. Haematuria was used as a proxy indicator of urinary schistosomiasis. Schools and water bodies were mapped using a geographical information system. Overall, 34% of children were infected with one or more helminth species whereas 16·2% of children were infected with one or more STH species. Schools in closest proximity to Lake Victoria and River Nyamasaria had the highest S. mansoni prevalence while schools with STH were more homogenously distributed. Mean school prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 21% (range=0–69·7%), S. haematobium 3·6% (range=0–12%), hookworms 6·1% (range=0–20%), A. lumbricoides 4·9% (range=0–18·4%), and T. trichiura 7·7% (range=0–18·6%). Helminth-related morbidities were not associated with infection. Our study demonstrates that schistosomiasis and STH are important health priorities among schools in informal settlements of Kisumu City, and highlights the need for routine deworming in similar settings.


Author(s):  
Calvince Othoo ◽  
Simeon Dulo ◽  
Daniel Olago

Flood disasters have increased in frequency and severity over the recent decades causing untold destruction to vulnerable physical infrastructure such as sanitation facilities. Factors including construction quality, design, siting, and users’ behaviour further exacerbate the vulnerability of facilities. Despite this reality, very little has been done to document the extent of flood risk facing such facilities in the pro-poor urban informal settlements in developing countries. This study assessed the flood risks of vulnerable sanitation facilities in the urban informal settlements of Kisumu city, Kenya. The methodology involved assessment of sanitation facilities’ flood vulnerabilities and assessment of flood risk models. Flood risk was assessed by estimating runoff from yearly rainfall totals and also by calculating storm return period and probability of exceedance. Vulnerability assessment for each sanitation facility was done by scoring against flood risk indicators ordered by weighted rank. The study observed that majority sanitation facilities in the urban informal settlements were considered “highly vulnerable” (57%). Flood risk analysis predicted growing vulnerability due to shorter storm return periods, especially under the RCP 8.5 scenario. It was established that over 20% of all rainfall events in the 50-year timeline had a higher than 80% probability of exceedance rainfall, signifying higher storm risks. Additionally, the study showed that between 44% of rainfall received in the study area could translate to runoff, in the near future, further compounding flood risk predictions. With key informal settlements such as Nyalenda and Manyatta facing stronger future flood risks, general public health may be threatened, leading to increased social and economic instability on families and households. The study recommends adherence to improved toilet standards of construction and toilet-raising as methods of improving flood risk resilience and adaptation.


2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 772-779 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Futami ◽  
H Iwashita ◽  
Y Higa ◽  
P A Lutiali ◽  
G O Sonye ◽  
...  

Abstract The mosquito Aedes aegypti (L.) is the primary vector of various infectious viruses and is typified by a polymorphic color and abundance of white scales on the body. It has been conventionally separated into two subspecies, Ae. aeg. formosus (Walker) (Aaf) and Ae. aeg. aegypti (L.) (Aaa), with Aaf considered a ‘sylvan’ form and Aaa a ‘domestic’ form. Because the two subspecies show different susceptibilities to dengue viruses it is important to understand their distribution. In this study, we collected larvae from artificial and natural habitats in southern Kenya and reared them to adults to morphologically identify subspecies. We describe the geographical distribution and relative abundance of Aaa and Aaf in Kenya, and estimate the environmental factors associated with their distributions by GIS using climate and environment data. A total of 5,243 Ae. aegypti adults were collected from 249 sites, with Aaa accounting for 22% of the specimens. The relative abundance of Aaa was higher in coastal areas versus sites in western Kenya. Aaa abundance was also higher in urbanized than forested areas, which is consistent with known ecology. In contrast and inconsistent with previous studies, both Aaa and Aaf were sympatric in artificial and natural habitats. The high relative abundance of Aaa in coastal areas might derive from old populated cities, climate, and/or introduction from abroad.


2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. e2784 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gladys O. Odhiambo ◽  
Rosemary M. Musuva ◽  
Vincent O. Atuncha ◽  
Elizabeth T. Mutete ◽  
Maurice R. Odiere ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
P. F. Cannon

Abstract A description is provided for Micropeltis ugandae. Information is included on the disease caused by the organism, its transmission, geographical distribution, and hosts. HOSTS: Recorded from living leaves of Agelaea ugandensis (Connaraceae), Aframomum sp. (Zingiberaceae), Alchornea cordifolia and A. hirtella (Euphorbiaceae), Amaralia sherbourneae (Rubiaceae), Anchomanes difformis (Araceae), Artabotrys nitidus (Annonaceae), Baphia nitida (Leguminosae), Bersama sp. (Melianthaceae), Blighia sapida (Sapindanceae), Canthium sp. (Rubiaceae), Carpodinus dulcis (Apocynaceae), Chrysophyllum welwitschii (Sapotaceae), Cnestis corniculata (Connaraceae), Coffea rousta and C. stenophylla (Rubiaceae), Costus afer (Zingiberaceae), Craterispermum laurinum and C. schweinfurthii (Rubiaceae), Cremaspora africana (Rubiaceae), Dacryodes kleiniana (Burseraceae), Dichapetalum toxicarium (Dichapetalaceae), Deinbollia pinnata (Sapindaceae), Dialium guineense (Leguminosae), Diospyros sp. (Ebenaceae), Dracaena perrotetii (Agavaceae), Eugenia elliottii (Myrtaceae), Ficus leprieurii (Moraceae), Funtumia africana and F. elastica (Apocynaceae), Gardenia sp. (Rubiaceae), Guibourtea copallifera (Leguminosae), Hippocratea welwitschii (Celastraceae), Jaundea pinnata (Connaraceae), Lecaniodiscus cupanioides (Sapindaceae), Macrolobium crassifolium and M. macrophyllum (Leguminosae), Manniophyton africanum (Euphorbiaceae), Mareya spicata (Euphorbiaceae), Microdesmis puberula (Pandaceae), Napoleonaea heudelotii (Lecythidaceae), Ochthocosmos africanus (Ixonanthaceae), Olax sp. (Olacaceae), Pleioceras afzelii (Apocynaceae), Rhaphiostylis beninensis (Icacinaceae), Rinorea sp. (Violaceae), Salacia pyriformis (Celastraceae), Soyauxia floribunda (Flacourtiaceae), Strychnos afzelii (Loganiaceae), Uncaria africana (Rubiaceae) and Ventilago africana (Rhamnaceae). DISEASE: formed on symptomless green tissue, but probably saprobic and gaining nutrition from honeydew or cuticular waxes. GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: known from Ghana, western Kenya, Sierra Leone and Uganda; probably widespread in tropical Africa in rain forest ecosystems. TRANSMISSION: no studies have been made, but ascospores and their fragmented segments are almost certainly wind- or watersplash-dispersed, depending on local climatic conditions at the time of ascus maturity.


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