scholarly journals Impact of Landscape and Season on the Ecological Distribution of Tabanidae and Stomoxyinae, Mechanical Vectors of Bovine Trypanosomosis in the Forest of Sanaga Maritime and Savanna of Ngaoundere, Cameroon

Author(s):  
Andre Sieumeni Djonguep ◽  
Abdoulmoumini Mamoudou ◽  
Victor Dermy Hiol ◽  
Oumarou Lebalé ◽  
Silas Lendzele Sevidzem ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Huge pasture areas in sub-Saharan Africa are heavily infested by tabanids and stomoxyines whose distribution across season and in different landscape differs and is poorly described in Cameroon. Methods: A longitudinal entomological prospection (January 2017 to December 2017) was carried out in the savanna of Ngaoundere and forest of the Sanaga Maritime of Cameroon, using three trap-types (Nzi, Biconical and Vavoua). A total of 18 traps were used in this study with nine in each site.Results: In the forest, 44317 Stomoxys belonging to four species were captured with an apparent density of 136.78 flies per trap and day (f/t/d). Twelve species of tabanids were collected with 3524 individuals with an apparent density of 10.87 f/t/d. Stomoxys niger niger was the most abundant species while for tabanids, Tabanus taeniola (48.63%) was most represented. In the savanna, 4501 (13.89 f/t/d) Stomoxys were collected and regrouped under five species with S. n. niger (70.91%) highly represented and 547 (1.68 f/t/d) tabanids collected and regrouped under 10 species with Tabanus taeniola as the most dominant species. Trap apparent density (ADT) varied with sampled sites, seasons and the prevailing weather conditions in the forest and savanna.Conclusion: From the present finding, it can be deduced that T. taeniola and S. n. niger were the most abundant and indicate the risk of mechanical transmission of dangerous pathogens such as bovine trypanosomosis.

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 679
Author(s):  
Stefan Magez ◽  
Joar Esteban Pinto Torres ◽  
Seoyeon Oh ◽  
Magdalena Radwanska

Salivarian trypanosomes are extracellular parasites affecting humans, livestock and game animals. Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and Trypanosoma brucei gambiense are human infective sub-species of T. brucei causing human African trypanosomiasis (HAT—sleeping sickness). The related T. b. brucei parasite lacks the resistance to survive in human serum, and only inflicts animal infections. Animal trypanosomiasis (AT) is not restricted to Africa, but is present on all continents. T. congolense and T. vivax are the most widespread pathogenic trypanosomes in sub-Saharan Africa. Through mechanical transmission, T. vivax has also been introduced into South America. T. evansi is a unique animal trypanosome that is found in vast territories around the world and can cause atypical human trypanosomiasis (aHT). All salivarian trypanosomes are well adapted to survival inside the host’s immune system. This is not a hostile environment for these parasites, but the place where they thrive. Here we provide an overview of the latest insights into the host-parasite interaction and the unique survival strategies that allow trypanosomes to outsmart the immune system. In addition, we review new developments in treatment and diagnosis as well as the issues that have hampered the development of field-applicable anti-trypanosome vaccines for the implementation of sustainable disease control.


1997 ◽  
Vol 87 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. M. Anderson ◽  
M. L. Cox

AbstractThe taxonomy of three species of Smicronyx that are potential biocontrol agents of witchweeds (Striga spp.) in West Africa is revised. The two most abundant species are identified as Smicronyx(Afrosmicronyx) umbrinus Hustache and S. (Smicronyx) guineanus Voss. A third species is described as Smicronyx (Afrosmicronyx) dorsomaculatus Cox, sp. n. Diagnostic descriptions and a key, to separate adults of the three species from each other and from Sharpia bella Faust, are presented. Mature larvae of the three Smicronyx species are separated through a key and diagnoses. A lectotype is selected for Smicronyx umbrinus. All available host and distribution data are summarized for each species.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Adjei

Climate change is unequivocal and nothing hides itself from its negative repercussions. Countries in sub-Saharan Africa will continue to be impacted due to their low adaptive capacities and geographic position. Unfavourable weather trends coupled with climatic variations will have adverse effect on agricultural sector which is the main source of livelihood to rural households on the continent. This literature review article assessed the impacts of climate change on agriculture and food security in Africa. The lives of several in Africa cling on agriculture as it supports majority of the population. However, since over 90 percent of agriculture system in the region depends on rainfall, livelihoods of the citizens on the continent have been hit hard due to rising temperature, erratic rainfall and extreme weather conditions.


Author(s):  
B. A. Ogundeji ◽  
M. A. Olalekan-Adeniran ◽  
O. A. Orimogunje ◽  
S. O. Awoyemi ◽  
B. A. Yekini ◽  
...  

Coffee has over the years remained of great importance to the global economy. Although the crop originated from Africa, its production is presently dominated by Brazil and Vietnam, which now respectively account for 34 and 13% of global production. Ethiopia and Uganda which are at the fore-front of production within sub-Saharan Africa account for 62% of the region’s coffee output. Out of the many species of coffee that exist, C. arabica (Arabica coffee) and C. canephora (Robusta coffee) are of outstanding economic importance. While the former does well on high altitudes (1000-2000 m above sea level), average temperature ranges of between 15 and 24°C, and 2000 mm rainfall per annum, the latter, which can thrive under hotter, drier conditions can be grown on altitudes of about 800 m above sea level.  Generally speaking, optimal coffee-growing conditions include cool to warm tropical climates, rich soils, and few pests or diseases. Each of the grown species however does well under specific environmental conditions. The constantly increasing environmental temperatures, coupled with accompanying variations in weather conditions, have some direct debilitating effects on coffee production and quality. Pests and pathogens, being able to tolerate a wide range of temperature, have the capabilities to proliferate and negatively influence the crop’s yield, quality and production cost. In view of the the highlighted problems, some mitigation strategies have been developed by researchers to limit the extent of damage caused by global warming on coffee production in the region. Chief among these include genetic improvement/development of resistant cultivars, reforestation (planting under shade), high-density planting/irrigation, integrated pest management, improved access to climate information and reduction of green house gas emissions. These, among others would enhance the quantity and quality of coffee produced and consequently boost the region’s economy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-38
Author(s):  
Dagim Bekele ◽  
◽  
Ahimadin Beshir ◽  

Background Trypanosomosis is disease caused by unicellular parasites, trypanosome, found blood and other tissue of vertebrates; including livestock, wild life and people. It is a serious disease in domestic livestock causing a significant negative impact on food production and economic growth in many parts of the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Its epidemiology and impact on livestock production are largely determined by the prevalence and distribution of the disease and its vectors in the affected area. Aim To assess the host related risk factors of bovine trypanosomosis and apparent density of tsetse flies in four peasant associations of the study area. In relation to the host risk factors, the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis was highest in those animals with poor body condition. Results The overall 5.32% prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis was recorded from 432 blood sample collected from randomly selected animals using Buffy coat method. Trypanosoma congolense was the dominant species 14 (60.87%). However, it was not statistically significant between sex of animals (p>0.05). The mean packed cell volume (PCV) value of the infected animals was lower (20.65%±2.85) compared to non-infected animals (25.74%±4.80). There was statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in the PCV values of infected and non-infected animals. Moreover, animals with different body condition exhibited statistically significant variation (p<0.05) in the prevalence of trypanosomosis. Overall an apparent density of the flies was 2.42 f/t/d by using mono-pyramidal and biconical traps. It indicated that, G. morsitance submorsitance, G. pallidipes and G. tachinoides were tsetse flies species caught. Conclusion Finally, this work showed that trypanosomosis is an important disease affecting the health and productivity of cattle in the district. Hence, due attention should be given to this sector so as to improve livestock production and agricultural development in the area.


2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (6) ◽  
pp. 533-537
Author(s):  
Lorenz von Seidlein ◽  
Borimas Hanboonkunupakarn ◽  
Podjanee Jittmala ◽  
Sasithon Pukrittayakamee

RTS,S/AS01 is the most advanced vaccine to prevent malaria. It is safe and moderately effective. A large pivotal phase III trial in over 15 000 young children in sub-Saharan Africa completed in 2014 showed that the vaccine could protect around one-third of children (aged 5–17 months) and one-fourth of infants (aged 6–12 weeks) from uncomplicated falciparum malaria. The European Medicines Agency approved licensing and programmatic roll-out of the RTSS vaccine in malaria endemic countries in sub-Saharan Africa. WHO is planning further studies in a large Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme, in more than 400 000 young African children. With the changing malaria epidemiology in Africa resulting in older children at risk, alternative modes of employment are under evaluation, for example the use of RTS,S/AS01 in older children as part of seasonal malaria prophylaxis. Another strategy is combining mass drug administrations with mass vaccine campaigns for all age groups in regional malaria elimination campaigns. A phase II trial is ongoing to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the RTSS in combination with antimalarial drugs in Thailand. Such novel approaches aim to extract the maximum benefit from the well-documented, short-lasting protective efficacy of RTS,S/AS01.


1993 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 555-556
Author(s):  
Lado Ruzicka

Crisis ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eugene Kinyanda ◽  
Ruth Kizza ◽  
Jonathan Levin ◽  
Sheila Ndyanabangi ◽  
Catherine Abbo

Background: Suicidal behavior in adolescence is a public health concern and has serious consequences for adolescents and their families. There is, however, a paucity of data on this subject from sub-Saharan Africa, hence the need for this study. Aims: A cross-sectional multistage survey to investigate adolescent suicidality among other things was undertaken in rural northeastern Uganda. Methods: A structured protocol administered by trained psychiatric nurses collected information on sociodemographics, mental disorders (DSM-IV criteria), and psychological and psychosocial risk factors for children aged 3–19 years (N = 1492). For the purposes of this paper, an analysis of a subsample of adolescents (aged 10–19 years; n = 897) was undertaken. Results: Lifetime suicidality in this study was 6.1% (95% CI, 4.6%–7.9%). Conclusions: Factors significantly associated with suicidality included mental disorder, the ecological factor district of residence, factors suggestive of low socioeconomic status, and disadvantaged childhood experiences.


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