Biology subjects

Muleya, W.

Publications and source records attributed to Muleya, W..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Molecular epidemiology of Theileria parva in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo: Implications to the introduction of the Muguga Cocktail vaccine for East Coast Fever

East Coast Fever (ECF) is one of the most economically important tick-borne diseases of cattle in Eastern, Central, and Southern Africa, caused by the intracellular protozoan parasite Theileria parva (T. parva). This study investigated the prevalence and genetic diversity of T. parva populations in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to inform immunization strategies against ECF. By employing PCR and DNA sequencing techniques, in conjunction with surveys assessing Knowledge and Practices, as well as conducting an immunization and field challenge trial, the findings suggest the existence of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus ticks in the provinces of South-Kivu, North Kivu, and Ituri. This underscores a possible threat of disease transmission in these areas. Molecular analyses uncovered diverse T. parva populations with varying antigenic profiles, challenging the assumption of uniformity despite Muguga cocktail-like appearances. Moreover, phylogenetic analyses suggested limited similarity between T. parva populations and the Muguga cocktail vaccine. Microsatellite analysis and field challenge trials supported the notion of multiple populations, highlighting the current vaccines limitations against field strains. This study has the potential to significantly contribute to understanding T. parva dynamics in the region, emphasizing the complexities of vaccine strain selection and stressing the importance of continuous monitoring and adaptive control strategies in the face of evolving parasite populations.

molecular biology↗

bioRxiv2025

Global Distribution of Coronaviruses among Bat Populations detected using Molecular techniques, A Systematic Review

Surveillance of bat coronaviruses (CoVs) is of public health importance, as accumulating evidence suggests that bats are hosts of the three significant pandemic viruses, namely Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and SARS-CoV-2. Studies focused on identifying different species of bat CoVs may have information cardinal for effective prevention and control of emerging zoonotic diseases. We conducted a systematic review using selected keywords (Surveillance, detection, identification, discovery, isolation, characterization, molecular methods, and Bat coronaviruses) to evaluate molecular studies on CoVs in bats. A total of 790 articles were found using the advanced search strategy of the PubMed database. Following the selection criteria, a total of 127 articles were finally chosen for full-text evaluation. Out of the total of 54 countries examined, China emerged as the country with the highest number of studies, accounting for 26% (n = 33). The sample categories consisted of faecal, urine, guano, blood, tissues, oral, and rectal swabs. The molecular detection approaches included polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based techniques using species-specific, genus-specific, or broad-range primers. Approximately 94.5% (n = 120) of studies used PCR assays that amplified the partial RdRp gene of length ranging from 123 to 440 bp, followed by amplicon sequencing using either Sanger or next-generation sequencing technologies. Full genome sequencing was only performed in approximately 33.9% (n = 43), with metagenomics approaches being used in 15.7% (n = 20) of the studies. The higher positivity rate of bat CoVs were detected in Asia. Globally, the most predominant bat species which tested positive for CoVs were Rhinolophus, Myotis, Miniopterus, Scotophilus, Eidolon, Chaerephon, Hipposideros, and Desmodus. Continuous bat coronavirus surveillance using molecular methods and full genome sequencing is of utmost importance in detecting and characterizing viruses at molecular level and establishing the genetic diversity of new and circulating viruses.

zoology↗

bioRxiv2024

An epidemiological description of rabies outbreaks in Zambia from 2013 to 2023.

BackgroundIn Zambia, a dog bite is the most common rabies exposure. There is limited information on rabies outbreaks in jackals in Zambia. We investigated all rabies cases in Zambia and narrowed down on jackal bites in Mungwi district to determine a temporal trend and buffer zones for rabies. MethodsThe risk of exposure included all humans and animals bitten by jackals, data were collected by interviewing jackal bite victims and collecting brain specimen samples from animals. Risk of spread was determined by estimating the distance jackals strayed into human population and the Rabies Vaccination Coverage (RVC) in the district. The RVC was determined by dividing vaccinated dogs by dog population. The incidence rate (IR) and a Sens slope was used to determine a trend of RVC and the rabies cases in Zambia. QGIS was used to produce a heatmap and rabies risk zones. Direct Fluorescent Antibody technique was used to test for rabies. ResultsZambia had recorded a total of 224 rabies cases with a mean (SD) of 22.4 (16) rabies cases and a positivity rate of 65.4% (25.7) per year from 2013 to 2022. Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces recorded the highest rabies cases. The rabies incidence rate was 2.3 rabies cases per 10,000 dogs in Zambia. The cases had reduced from 2013 to 2021 with a Sens slope of -0.74 (p = 0.02). At least 227 animal bites were recorded (two jackals and 225 dog bites) in Mungwi District. 94% (213) of the victims needed Post Exposure Prophylaxis. The victims median age was 20 (Interquartile range=12-38) years. The accumulative RVC from 2018-2022 (611/7777), was 0.11 (95% CI: -0.4-0.7, p=0.46) annual slope increase with 1.60% mean (Standard deviation = 0.34). One rabies heatmap and three risk-level zones (low, medium and high) were produced, and two jackals and one goat specimens were positive. ConclusionsA risk-based surveillance and enhanced vaccination of dogs in high-risk areas through a one health approach is critical for rabies control in Zambia.

pathology↗