Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Other Anaplasma spp. in Various Hosts in the Mnisi Community, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

DNA samples from 74 patients with non-malarial acute febrile illness (AFI), 282 rodents, 100 cattle, 56 dogs and 160 Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks were screened for the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA using a quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay targeting the msp2 gene. The test detected both A. phagocytophilum and Anaplasma sp. SA/ZAM dog DNA. Microbiome sequencing confirmed the presence of low levels of A. phagocytophilum DNA in the blood of rodents, dogs and cattle, while high levels of A. platys and Anaplasma sp. SA/ZAM dog were detected in dogs. Directed sequencing of the 16S rRNA and gltA genes in selected samples revealed the presence of A. phagocytophilum DNA in humans, dogs and rodents and highlighted its importance as a possible contributing cause of AFI in South Africa. A number of recently described Anaplasma species and A. platys were also detected in the study. Phylogenetic analyses grouped Anaplasma sp. SA/ZAM dog into a distinct clade, with sufficient divergence from other Anaplasma species to warrant classification as a separate species. Until appropriate type-material can be deposited and the species is formally described, we will refer to this novel organism as Anaplasma sp. SA dog.

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A modern description of Crambionella stuhlmanni (Scyphozoa: Rhizostomeae) from St Lucia Estuary, South Africa

Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom ◽

10.1017/s0025315410001566 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 91 (2) ◽

pp. 357-367 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Simone Neethling ◽

Alan Channing ◽

Lisa-Ann Gershwin ◽

Mark J. Gibbons

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

New Record ◽

East Coast ◽

Sequence Data ◽

Phylogenetic Analyses ◽

Short Length ◽

Morphological Features ◽

Morphological Data ◽

Separate Species ◽

Nuclear Its

A new record of Crambionella stuhlmanni is reported from the east coast of South Africa. The material is described using quantitative morphological data, and mitochondrial (CO1) and nuclear (ITS-1) sequence data. The species can be diagnosed by a combination of morphological features including the presence of conical projections on velar lappets, the absence of orbicular appendages among mouthlets and the short length of the terminal club on the oral arm. Mitochondrial sequence data unambiguously delineate C. stuhlmanni as a separate species from C. orsini, and phylogenetic analyses support its placement within the monophyletic genus, Crambionella.

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First Report of Pink Disease on Native Trees in South Africa and Phylogenetic Placement of Erythricium salmonicolor in the Homobasidiomycetes

Plant Disease ◽

10.1094/pd-89-1158 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 89 (11) ◽

pp. 1158-1163 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

J. Roux ◽

M. P. A. Coetzee

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Tree Species ◽

Sequence Data ◽

Phylogenetic Analyses ◽

Large Subunit ◽

Mpumalanga Province ◽

Phylogenetic Placement ◽

Exotic Tree ◽

Wide Range ◽

The World

Erythricium salmonicolor causes a canker and die-back disease, commonly known as pink disease, on many tree species. During an investigation of diseases of Podocarpus henkellii and P. latifolius in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa, typical symptoms of pink disease were observed on the branches of these trees. Stem and branch cankers covered with cracked bark and abundant pink mycelial growth were common on the affected trees. In subsequent surveys, the disease was also found on native Dais cotonifolia in the same area, as well as on native Ekebergia capensis and Maesa lanceolata in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Phylogenetic analyses of ribosomal large subunit DNA sequence data were used to confirm the identity of the pathogen and obtain an indication of its phylogenetic placement within the Homobasidiomycetes. Isolates from all the native hosts recorded in this study, as well as from exotic Eucalyptus sp. and Acacia mearnsii, formed a strongly supported clade together with isolates from other parts of the world. Results confirmed that the pathogen in South Africa is Erythricium salmonicolor. Isolates from South Africa and Ethiopia grouped closely together, slightly different from E. salmonicolor isolates from the rest of the world. Our data also suggest that the genus name for E. salmonicolor possibly should be reconsidered because it groups separately from E. laetum or Corticium roseum. Phylogenetic analyses further indicated that the genus Erythricium is most closely related to Marchandiomyces aurantiacus, M. lignicola, C. roseum, E. laetum, Dendrothele maculata, D. roseacarneum, Vuilleminia comedens, V. macrospora, Punctularia strigoso-zonata and Galzinia incrustans. These genera form a separate subclade, the corticioid clade, within the Homobasidiomycetes. Pink disease is potentially important in South Africa because it affects a wide range of native and exotic tree species, and this study provides a foundation for further research.

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The Role of Archives on the Incorporation of the Former Kangwane Homeland to Mpumalanga Province

Africanus Journal of Development Studies ◽

10.25159/0304-615x/3069 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 47 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Nkholedzeni Sidney Netshakhuma

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Qualitative Methodology ◽

Management Policy ◽

Records Management ◽

Record Keeping ◽

Mpumalanga Province ◽

Specific Objective ◽

National Archives ◽

And Control

This study was conceptualised in order to assess the strategies used to incorporate the homeland of KaNgwane into Mpumalanga province after the cessation of apartheid in 1994. The specific objective of the study was to investigate the compliance of records and archives with the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa Act (Act No 43 of 1996), during the incorporation of the homeland of KaNgwane into Mpumalanga. The study adopted a qualitative methodology through document analysis, interviews and observations. The key findings revealed that the archives of the former homeland of Kangwane were not aligned with the requirements of the National Archives and Records Service of South Africa Act (Act No.43 of 1996.) Institutions seem to lack experience when it comes to the challenges of storing records and implementing arrangement and control systems. The frequent lack of a records management policy and few to no staff with record-keeping and archival backgrounds was also a concern. A shortage of space to store records safely was also one of the major issues that the study uncovered. There appears to be no concerted effort to retain important historical records. Many records are stored in several different locations in government buildings. I conclude that archives play an essential role to the nation as the institutional memory.

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The Dynamics of Transition Governance in South Africa: Voices from Mpumalanga Province

Africa Today ◽

10.2979/aft.2001.48.2.58 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 48 (2) ◽

pp. 58-79

Author(s):

Fred Judson

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Mpumalanga Province ◽

Transition Governance

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Exploring gender division of labour within households : a case of Schoemansdal Village, Nkomazi local municipality, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa - research

AFFRIKA Journal of Politics Economics and Society ◽

10.31920/2075-6534/2018/v8n2a4 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 67-80

Author(s):

Tsoaledi D. Thobejane ◽

Shabangu Busi Florence

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Division Of Labour ◽

Mpumalanga Province ◽

Local Municipality ◽

Gender Division Of Labour

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Prediction of disease severity in young children presenting with acute febrile illness in resource-limited settings: a protocol for a prospective observational study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045826 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. e045826

Author(s):

Arjun Chandna ◽

Endashaw M Aderie ◽

Riris Ahmad ◽

Eggi Arguni ◽

Elizabeth A Ashley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Observational Study ◽

Prediction Model ◽

Prospective Observational Study ◽

Model Building ◽

Venous Blood ◽

Febrile Illness ◽

Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽

Acute Febrile Illness ◽

Clinical Prediction ◽

Open Access Journals

IntroductionIn rural and difficult-to-access settings, early and accurate recognition of febrile children at risk of progressing to serious illness could contribute to improved patient outcomes and better resource allocation. This study aims to develop a prognostic clinical prediction tool to assist community healthcare providers identify febrile children who might benefit from referral or admission for facility-based medical care.Methods and analysisThis prospective observational study will recruit at least 4900 paediatric inpatients and outpatients under the age of 5 years presenting with an acute febrile illness to seven hospitals in six countries across Asia. A venous blood sample and nasopharyngeal swab is collected from each participant and detailed clinical data recorded at presentation, and each day for the first 48 hours of admission for inpatients. Multianalyte assays are performed at reference laboratories to measure a panel of host biomarkers, as well as targeted aetiological investigations for common bacterial and viral pathogens. Clinical outcome is ascertained on day 2 and day 28.Presenting syndromes, clinical outcomes and aetiology of acute febrile illness will be described and compared across sites. Following the latest guidance in prediction model building, a prognostic clinical prediction model, combining simple clinical features and measurements of host biomarkers, will be derived and geographically externally validated. The performance of the model will be evaluated in specific presenting clinical syndromes and fever aetiologies.Ethics and disseminationThe study has received approval from all relevant international, national and institutional ethics committees. Written informed consent is provided by the caretaker of all participants. Results will be shared with local and national stakeholders, and disseminated via peer-reviewed open-access journals and scientific meetings.Trial registration numberNCT04285021.

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Differential Laboratory Diagnosis of Acute Fever in Guinea: Preparedness for the Threat of Hemorrhagic Fevers

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18116022 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (11) ◽

pp. 6022

Author(s):

Vladimir G. Dedkov ◽

N’Faly Magassouba ◽

Olga A. Stukolova ◽

Victoria A. Savina ◽

Jakob Camara ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ebola Virus ◽

Febrile Illness ◽

Laboratory Diagnosis ◽

Acute Febrile Illness ◽

Causative Pathogen ◽

Hemorrhagic Fevers ◽

Wide Range ◽

Causative Agents ◽

Pathognomonic Sign

Acute febrile illnesses occur frequently in Guinea. Acute fever itself is not a unique, hallmark indication (pathognomonic sign) of any one illness or disease. In the infectious disease context, fever’s underlying cause can be a wide range of viral or bacterial pathogens, including the Ebola virus. In this study, molecular and serological methods were used to analyze samples from patients hospitalized with acute febrile illness in various regions of Guinea. This analysis was undertaken with the goal of accomplishing differential diagnosis (determination of causative pathogen) in such cases. As a result, a number of pathogens, both viral and bacterial, were identified in Guinea as causative agents behind acute febrile illness. In approximately 60% of the studied samples, however, a definitive determination could not be made.

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Scrub Typhus and Molecular Characterization of Orientia tsutsugamushi from Central Nepal

Pathogens ◽

10.3390/pathogens10040422 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 422

Author(s):

Rajendra Gautam ◽

Keshab Parajuli ◽

Mythili Tadepalli ◽

Stephen Graves ◽

John Stenos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Diversity ◽

Scrub Typhus ◽

Febrile Illness ◽

Acute Febrile Illness ◽

Limited Information ◽

Orientia Tsutsugamushi ◽

Health Measures ◽

Central Nepal ◽

Vector Borne

Scrub typhus is a vector-borne, acute febrile illness caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. Scrub typhus continues to be an important but neglected tropical disease in Nepal. Information on this pathogen in Nepal is limited to serological surveys with little information available on molecular methods to detect O. tsutsugamushi. Limited information exists on the genetic diversity of this pathogen. A total of 282 blood samples were obtained from patients with suspected scrub typhus from central Nepal and 84 (30%) were positive for O. tsutsugamushi by 16S rRNA qPCR. Positive samples were further subjected to 56 kDa and 47 kDa molecular typing and molecularly compared to other O. tsutsugamushi strains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Nepalese O. tsutsugamushi strains largely cluster together and cluster away from other O. tsutsugamushi strains from Asia and elsewhere. One exception was the sample of Nepal_1, with its partial 56 kDa sequence clustering more closely with non-Nepalese O. tsutsugamushi 56 kDa sequences, potentially indicating that homologous recombination may influence the genetic diversity of strains in this region. Knowledge on the circulating strains in Nepal is important to the development of diagnostic tests and vaccines to support public health measures to control scrub typhus in this country.

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