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PubMed1993

Survey of sickle disease in Kenya.

In Kenya and most of Eastern Africa, sickle haemoglobin (HbS) is the pre-dominant beta-globin chain abnormality; homozygous sickle cell disease, (SCA), is the predominant form of sickle cell disease. Although the prevalence of sickle cell trait (SCT) in Kenya was known, the magnitude of SCA was yet to be established. We performed a national survey in all hospitals from November 1987 to May 1990 and found 3605 cases with SCA. Age was recorded for 2821 patients. Seventy-seven per cent of these patients were below the age of fifteen. The oldest patient was a 50-year-old female. The paediatric to adult ratio was 3:1. More than 80% of the patients were of Luo or Luhya ethnic origin (Luo 58.4%, Luhya 23.9%). There was a discrepancy between SCT rate (SCTr) and the percentage distribution of SCA patients per province. The Kambes of the Mijikenda group in the Coast Province with the highest SCTr (35%) constituted only 8.5%, but the Luos with a SCTr of 28%, 58% of the total SCA patient population in Kenya. We found reports of SCA in the Somali and Turkana, in whom no SCT had been found previously.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Ancient serological traces of infections by the human immunodeficiency virus HIV-1 and HIV-2 in sub-saharan Africa. A different geography].

Despite of some heavy methodological limitations, the analysis of some serological data collected before 1985 allows to establish the selective regional distribution of the two infections. HIV-2 is prevalent in the West African sites which are studied and he has been observed since the sixties. The foci and the sporadic cases of the HIV-1 which are known are localized principally in the East-Central Africa. (Research done under the sponsorship of the A.N.R.S. (Paris)).

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1996

Plant poisonings and mycotoxicoses as constraints in livestock production in east Africa: the southern African experience.

The major plant poisonings and mycotoxicoses of southern Africa are discussed in relation to East Africa. As almost all the plant genera and most species responsible for intoxication in southern Africa are present in East Africa, it is postulated that the same intoxications probably also occur in the latter. There is a necessity to diagnose and control these conditions.

Africa, Eastern↗
PubMed1977

Geographical distribution of HBs Ag in Africa.

The incidence of HBs Ag carrier is high in Africa. The HBs Ag subtypes vary in 5 mean areas of the Africa continent. The subtype ayw4(a3) is the most characteristic African subtype, being found with a striking frequency in West Africa (88.8%). In North Africa ayw2(a21) is predominant as in other mediterranean countries. In Saharan area mixed types of HBs Ag are found, intermediary between North and West Africa. In Central Africa y is predominantly associated with w2(a21) or with w4(a3). In east and South Africa ad is largely predominant and the most widespread subtype is adw2(a21). No adr, nor adw4 were found in Africa.

Africa↗
PubMed1997

Extent of heterogeneity in mitochondrial DNA of sub-Saharan African populations.

Variation in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region as detected by sequence-specific oligonucleotide (SSO) probes is described for 381 individuals from nine sub-Saharan African populations. Population diversity estimates for SSO types ranged from 0.23 to 0.97, while 102 SSO types were detected, none of these types was shared by more than four populations. Eighteen types occurred in > or = 10% of individuals in some populations; of these, 11 were population-specific. One type occurred in 15% of the total sample, but was shared among only three populations. African SSO types were characterized by high frequencies of blank variants, indicating that there was additional variation present at the nucleotide sequence level in regions where SSO probes hybridize. Analyses of molecular variance (AMOVA) incorporating genetic distances between SSO types showed that 30% of the total variation was due to differences among populations, indicating that there is statistically significant heterogeneity (p < 0.001). An AMOVA on mtDNA control region nucleotide sequence data from 12 populations showed that including all additional variation present at the sequence level increased the variance due to population subdivision to 34% (p < 0.001). Overall, when considering both the low diversity within some populations and high heterogeneity among populations, SSO typing of mtDNA may not be a desirable forensic DNA typing method for continental African populations. Further mtDNA sampling of African-derived populations of North America should be carried out to determine how much of the continental African mtDNA variation is of forensic significance. However, the existence of extensive mtDNA control region nucleotide sequence variation in African populations means that control region sequencing is still appropriate in forensic cases requiring mtDNA analysis.

Africa, Central↗
PubMed1998

[Expedition, experiment and expertise reflected in Robert Koch's assets].

Basic techniques in bacteriology provided the foundation for the success of experimental medicine. The combination of laboratory experiments and field studies consolidated bacteriology as a paradigm for the development of preventive strategies. Robert Koch's (1843-1910) contribution to this development is crucial in that he integrated the technical facilities of his era into microbiological research. The present study introduces various sources of Koch's assets which, in addition to manuscripts and letters, include also bacteriological slides and photographs. These relicts allow to reconstruct an example of the scientific process as a whole, to investigate his style and purpose as a scientist, and to follow Koch's strategy of visualisation with contemporary technical equipment. The example chosen is Koch's last expedition when the German government sent him to investigate the spreading of sleeping-sickness in Eastern Africa and to test "Atoxyl" as a specific remedy. Most case-studies and laboratory-research took place on the Sese-Islands in Lake Victoria and illustrate the extreme conditions in tropical Africa. The experiments searching for the etiological agent of sleeping-sickness--a typical disease only for central Africa--involved bacteriological slides which were to be the basis for further experimental results and the expertise expected of him.

Africa↗
PubMed2006

Utilization of voluntary counseling and testing services in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.

This analysis uses data from a population-based household survey and a government clinic survey in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa to examine attitudes towards voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services, patterns of utilization of VCT services and the relationships between HIV/AIDS-related stigma, VCT service availability and quality and the use of VCT. The household survey data are linked with clinic-level data to assess the impact of expanded VCT services and access to rapid testing on the likelihood of being tested in rural areas and on HIV/AIDS stigma. Our analysis finds that while overall use of VCT services is low, utilization of VCT services is positively associated with age, education, socioeconomic status, proximity to clinics, availability of rapid testing and outreach services and lower levels of HIV/AIDS stigma. Importantly, the effects of stigma appear considerably stronger for females, while men are more heavily influenced by the characteristics of the VCT services themselves.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Click to connect.

Humans have been enormously successful in exploiting a range of sounds used in language, but none more so than the click consonants used by a few populations in eastern and southern Africa. New research suggests these click languages represent an ancient human language.

Africa, Eastern↗
PubMed1994

HIV/AIDS in eastern and southern Africa.

"This article reviews some recent key books on HIV/AIDS in Africa. It does so by examining the debates relating to the extent and possible future development of HIV/AIDS referring to the discussions about demographic, economic and social impacts in especially eastern and southern Africa. It explores the so-called doomsday scenarios and addresses themes linked to the important and increasing attention being paid to the gendered aspects of HIV/AIDS."

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1999

Antibacterial activity of some indigenous plants used for the treatment of wounds in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.

The use of medicinal plants in the world, and especially in South Africa, contributes significantly to primary health care. This paper presents the findings of an initial survey of plants used for the treatment of wounds in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Ethnomedical information gathered from surveys at clinics, hospitals as well as interviews with traditional healers and rural dwellers has revealed that Grewia occidentalis, Polystichum pungens, Cheilanthes viridis and Malva parvifolia are the most commonly used plants for the treatment of wounds in the province. The methanol extracts of G. occidentalis, P. pungens and C. viridis showed significant inhibition against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, while the acetone extract of P. pungens inhibited the gram-positive bacteria only. Extracts from M. parvifolia did not show any antibacterial activity at 5.0 mg/ml. Generally, the antibacterial property of the plants appears to have justified their use for the treatment of wounds, which are contaminated through bacterial infection, in the province.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2005

Antibodies against bovine herpesvirus 4 are highly prevalent in wild African buffaloes throughout eastern and southern Africa.

Bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4) has been isolated from cattle throughout the world. Interestingly, a survey of wild African buffaloes mainly from the Maasai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya revealed that 94% of the animals tested had anti-BoHV-4 antibodies [Rossiter, P.B., Gumm, I.D., Stagg, D.A., Conrad, P.A., Mukolwe, S., Davies, F.G., White, H., 1989. Isolation of bovine herpesvirus-3 from African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer). Res. Vet. Sci. 46, 337-343]. These authors also proposed that the serological antigenic relationship existing between BoHV-4 and alcelaphine herpesvirus 1 (AlHV-1) could confer to BoHV-4 infected buffaloes a protective immune response against lethal AlHV-1 infection. In the present study, we addressed two questions related to Rossiter et al. paper. Firstly, to investigate the role of the African buffalo as a natural host species of BoHV-4, the seroprevalence of anti-BoHV-4 antibodies was analysed in wild African buffaloes throughout eastern and southern Africa. A total of 400 sera was analysed using two complementary immunofluorescent assays. These analyses revealed that independently of their geographical origin, wild African buffaloes exhibit a seroprevalence of anti-BoHV-4 antibodies higher than 68%. This result is by far above the seroprevalence generally observed in cattle. Our data are discussed in the light of our recent phylogenetic study demonstrating that the BoHV-4 Bo17 gene has been acquired from a recent ancestor of the African buffalo. Secondly, we investigated the humoral antigenic relationship existing between BoHV-4 and AlHV-1. Our results demonstrate that among the antigens expressed in AlHV-1 infected cells, epitope(s) recognised by anti-BoHV-4 antibodies are exclusively nuclear, suggesting that the putative property of BoHV-4 to confer an immune protection against AlHV-1 relies on a cellular rather than on a humoral immune response.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Reproduction in females of the little free-tailed bat, Tadarida (Chaerephon) pumila, in the eastern Transvaal, South Africa.

Little free-tailed bats (2-9/month) were collected over 15 months in the eastern Transvaal lowveld (latitude 24 degrees 59'S). There was an extended but distinct breeding season of 8 months per year. Females appeared to be polyoestrous and able to bear 3 pregnancies per breeding season. There was a progressive decrease in the magnitude of the three birth peaks during the breeding season, with a concomitant slight loss in birth synchronization. Gestation period was approximately 60 days and one young per female was the rule, with implantation occurring only in the right uterine horn of the bicornuate uterus. It is suggested that offspring are weaned before the age of 21 days, and that female become sexually mature in the following breeding season at the age of 5-12 months.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Occupancy-abundance models for predicting densities of three leaf beetles damaging the multipurpose tree Sesbania sesban in eastern and southern Africa.

Mesoplatys ochroptera Stål, Exosoma and Ootheca spp. seriously damage sesbania, Sesbania sesban (L.) Merril, a multipurpose leguminous tree widely used in tropical agroforestry. This is discouraging farmers from expanding the planting of sesbania in various agroforestry systems in eastern and south-central Africa. Rapid methods are needed for estimation of population densities of these beetles for decision making in pest management. A study was conducted with the objectives of determining the existence of any positive relationship between the occupancy and abundance of Mesoplatys, Exosoma and Ootheca and determining the model that best predicts abundance from occupancy for rapid estimation of population densities. The Poisson model assuming spatial randomness, the negative binomial distribution (NBD) model assuming spatial aggregation, the Nachman model without any distribution assumption, and a General model incorporating spatial variance-abundance and occupancy-abundance relationships were fitted to data on adult M. ochroptera, Exosoma and Ootheca from western Kenya, southern Malawi and eastern Zambia. Very strong variance to abundance relationships were observed in the spatial pattern of all three beetles. The occupancy-abundance relationships were also positive and strong in all beetles. The occupancy and abundance predicted by the four models were closest to the observed at lower densities compared with higher beetle densities. At higher population densities, the NBD and the General model gave better fit for M. ochroptera and Exosoma. For Ootheca populations, the Poisson and NBD models gave better fit at higher population densities. The relationships established here can be used as guide to estimate beetle densities for decision-making in pest management.

Africa↗
PubMed2005

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and suicide in a region of Eastern Province ("Transkei"), South Africa.

HIV/AIDS is an alarming illness worldwide. It is known to have a significant association to suicide, despite a lack of in depth study. Early studies suggested suicide risk 20 to 36 times higher than the general population, but more recent trends in America show a decline. This is not true in Africa, including the region of Eastern Province, South Africa. There is abundant political and health discussion, but little study. This article presents descriptive statistics and case histories. These beginning studies must be augmented by comprehensive study of not only the epidemiology, but also the psychological and social correlates. Regrettably, there are numerous obstacles to such study in South Africa.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Trends in vegetation degradation in relation to land tenure, rainfall, and population changes in Peddie district, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Spatial and temporal variations in vegetation are examined in relation to land tenure, population increase, and rainfall variation in a part of Peddie district, Eastern Cape. Sequential aerial photographs between 1938 and 1988 are analyzed to determine trends in vegetation and population change in three different land-tenure units. The areal extent at each date of four distinct vegetation categories is determined using PC ARC/INFO GIS. Long-term annual rainfall trends for the area are analyzed and juxtaposed with vegetation changes. Extensive ground-truthing exercises are carried out to verify the present condition of vegetation condition in terms of cover and species composition. Differences in land-tenure systems are discerned as the dominant factor controlling variations in vegetation degradation. The study also reveals that neither population changes nor rainfall variations can explain the observed trends in vegetation degradation. Earlier injudicious land-use practices, sustained since the turn of the last century, may provide plausible explanations for the trends and present status of vegetation degradation in the area.

Environment↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Prescribing patterns of antimicrobial agents in private practice in Umtata, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prescription patterns of antimicrobial drugs in the private sector in Umtata. DESIGN: Descriptive, retrospective study. SETTING: Umtata Pharmacy, Umtata (a town in the Eastern Cape). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prescription patterns and quality of prescription indicators. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all prescriptions for antimicrobial drugs between 1 January and 31 December 2000, noting the method of payment, number of drugs, use of generic or brand name, and also whether or not the following were stated: diagnosis, dose, dosage form, dosing interval and duration of treatment. RESULTS: There were 2352 prescriptions, of which 57.7% were paid through medical aid; 41.7% by cash, while 0.6% of the prescriptions had no form of payment stated. Only 10.4% of prescriptions used generic names exclusively; 83.2% used brand names alone and 6.4% had both generic and brand names. The form of payment apparently influenced the number of items per prescription, with the average number for medical aid prescriptions higher than for those paid for in cash (2.71 vs. 2.11; p < 0.001). Of the prescriptions 12.5% had five or more drugs. The diagnosis was not stated in 94.3% of prescriptions, the dose and duration of treatment were not properly stated in 53.3% and 59.6% of prescriptions respectively. The dosage forms and dosing intervals were stated in 99% and 85% of prescriptions, respectively. The most commonly prescribed antimicrobials were amoxycillin, metronidazole and ketoconazole. CONCLUSION: The low rate of generic prescribing and the incomplete nature of many prescriptions are a cause for concern. Their cost implications and possible effect on the effective use of antimicrobial agents are discussed.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2006

Perpetration of partner violence and HIV risk behaviour among young men in the rural Eastern Cape, South Africa.

OBJECTIVES: To examine associations between the perpetration of intimate partner violence and HIV risk behaviour among young men in rural South Africa. DESIGN: An analysis of baseline data from men enrolling in a randomized controlled trial of the behavioural intervention, Stepping Stones. METHODS: Structured interviews with 1275 sexually experienced men aged 15-26 years from 70 villages in the rural Eastern Cape. Participants were asked about the type, frequency, and timing of violence against female partners, as well as a range of questions about HIV risk behaviours. RESULTS: A total of 31.8% of men reported the perpetration of physical or sexual violence against female main partners. Perpetration was correlated with higher numbers of past year and lifetime sexual partners, more recent intercourse, and a greater likelihood of reporting casual sex partners, problematic substance use, sexual assault of non-partners, and transactional sex. Men who reported both physical and sexual violence against a partner, perpetration both before and within the past 12 months, or more than one episode of perpetration reported significantly higher levels of HIV risk behaviour than men who reported less severe or less frequent perpetration of violence. CONCLUSION: Young men who perpetrate partner violence engage in significantly higher levels of HIV risk behaviour than non-perpetrators, and more severe violence is associated with higher levels of risky behaviour. HIV prevention interventions must explicitly address the links between the perpetration of intimate partner violence and HIV risk behaviour among men, as well as the underlying gender and power dynamics that contribute to both.

Adolescent↗