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PubMed1990

[Seroepizootiologic studies of the distribution of bovine herpesvirus type 1 and 2 (BHV 1, BHV 2) in Namibia].

From cattle breeding areas of Namibia a total of 2,800 sera from 1984-1987 were tested by Elisa for antibodies to BHV1 and BHV2. From north-east to south-west a drop in BHV2 antibody prevalences was found which paralleled the decrease in rainfall. With BHV1 the percentage of positive reacting sera was also highest in the northern communal areas (up to 80%). In the commercial farming area with best farming conditions the percentage was lowest, but it was south of here again higher in the areas of lower precipitation where farming conditions are less optimal.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria in the Kavango region of Namibia.

The sensitivity to chloroquine of Plasmodium falciparum from the Kavango region of Namibia was determined by a 24-hour test in vitro. Twenty-six isolates were successfully tested, of which 11 were resistant to a low degree, schizogony being inhibited at 8 pmol/well. The results of the Dill-Glazko test for the presence of 4-aminoquinolines in urine indicate that chloroquine is not widely used in the area.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Application of enzyme immunoassays for the confirmation of clinically suspect plague in Namibia, 1982.

An outbreak of plague occurred in Ovamboland, northern Namibia, late in 1982. Blood cultures, sera and blood clots were tested to obtain laboratory confirmations for clinically suspect cases of the disease. Isolation of the bacillus (Yersinia pestis) was attempted from blood cultures; sera were tested for antibody by passive haemagglutination (PHA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sera and clots also were tested by ELISA for the specific F1 plague antigen. All the ELISA procedures were based on a monoclonal antibody to F1 antigen to ensure specificity.Thirty-eight cases were confirmed as plague: 50% by isolation, 34% by antibody responses, and 16% by the detection of antigenaemia. All isolates of Y. pestis were capable of producing F1 antigen, and significant antibody responses were observed in bacteriologically confirmed cases with paired sera. Patients who experienced sero-conversion had a higher IgM titre than IgG titre during the first nine days of hospitalization, while patients hospitalized for 17 or more days had IgG titres that were higher than the IgM titres. The relationship between IgM and IgG antibody titres is discussed with reference to identifying very recent infections. PHA titres increased and declined with IgM titres but were lower and more transient.ELISA procedures increased laboratory confirmations of plague by 23% above the numbers achieved using blood cultures and PHA tests alone. The ELISA to detect F1 antigen accounted for 86% of this increase by confirming cases where bacteriological isolation was not done. This ELISA did not replace the requirement for bacteriological isolation, since seven bacteraemic patients did not demonstrate antigenaemia.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Transcultural aspects of schizophrenia: a comparative study in South Africa and in Namibia. A preliminary report.

Thirty six Coloured and Black patients with a clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia were evaluated by means of Present State Examination. The two groups were concordant by means of the 12 systems for the diagnosis of schizophrenia. This preliminary report has shown the difference in symptomatology of schizophrenia among the Coloureds of South Africa and the Blacks from Namibia. The differences are influenced by cultural and ethnical factors. The authors discuss the validity of methods employed in the study, especially language and intellectual capability as bias factors that may have influenced the final results.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

HP and GC subtype distribution in the !Kung San and Kavango in Namibia.

The distribution of the HP and GC serum protein polymorphisms in the !Kung San and Kavango (Bantu) populations in Namibia were examined. The obtained allele frequencies of GC marker system were very similar in both populations (GC*1F approximately equal to 0.80, GC*2 approximately equal to 0.10), while the distributions of the HP subtypes in the !Kung San sample (HP*1F = 0.0967, HP*1S = -.1452, HP*2FS = 0.7581) differed markedly from those in the Kavango one (HP*1F = 0.3791, HP*1S = 0.2375, HP*2S = 0.375). These results confirm previously reported allelic distributions in ethnically similar populations.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Haematological condition of the San (Bushmen) relocated from Namibia to South Africa.

A cross-sectional study was undertaken to assess the haematological condition of the San (Bushmen) relocated from Namibia to South Africa. We studied 238 subjects--145 men and 93 women; none of the women was pregnant. We performed full blood counts and estimations of serum vitamin B12, folate, ferritin and erythrocyte folate concentrations. The mean haemoglobin concentration among the men was 14.7 g/dl and 19 (13%) were anaemic; among the women it was 13.8 g/dl and 18 (19%) were anaemic. Thirteen (9%) of the men and 22 (24%) of the women had low concentrations of serum ferritin, and 38 (26%) of the men and 22 (24%) of the women had erythrocyte folate concentrations of less than 270 nmol/l. Three (2%) men and 4 (4%) women had serum vitamin B12 concentrations of less than 120 pmol/l. Eighty-one (56%) of the men and 76 (82%) of the women had eosinophilia, probably because of parasitic infections. It would appear from this and previous studies that prolonged exposure of these hunter-gatherers to a Western lifestyle has resulted in a high prevalence of anaemia, caused by low iron and folate intakes, complicated by alcohol consumption.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Differential reproductive success and body dimensions in Kavango males from urban and rural areas in northern Namibia.

We investigated differential sex-biased parental investment in relation to social status in 59 Kavango males from Rundu, the administrative and commercial center of the Kavango district in northern Namibia, and in 78 Kavango males from the rural areas around Rundu. Twenty-three body dimensions were used as indicators for the probands' social rank in the groups. The males from Rundu surpassed the males from rural areas in nearly all anthropometric features, but the urban males had significantly less offspring, especially fewer dead offspring. The association between the anthropometric variables and the number and sex of the offspring showed marked differences between the two proband groups. Although in the rural areas robust males had more children than smaller and leaner males, the taller and more robust males from Rundu had fewer offspring than smaller and more slender males. These results indicate that males from rural areas and males from urban areas follow different reproductive strategies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Serologic markers for hepatitis B virus and hepatitis A virus in Bushmen in West Caprivi, Namibia.

A community based sero-epidemiological study was undertaken to determine the age specific prevalence rates of hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in a band of Bushmen in the West Caprivi, Namibia. All children tested and all but two of the adults tested showed the presence of anti-HAV antibodies. Nineteen individuals (18%) were positive for HBsAg and 65 (61%) individuals had serologic evidence of past exposure to HBV infection.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Nutritional status of primary school children with endemic goitre in Caprivi, Namibia.

The nutritional status of primary school children living in an endemic goitre area in eastern Caprivi, Namibia, was assessed by means of clinical, biochemical, anthropometrical and dietetic observations. An approximately 20 pc sample, consisting of 380 primary school children, aged six to 18 years and representing eight schools in the Cuando River area of eastern Caprivi, was included in the study. Their goitre prevalence of 34.5 pc has been reported earlier. A significantly lower mean thyroxine level in goitrous compared to non-goitrous children indicated that dietary iodine deficiency was the primary cause of the endemic goitre. The present paper focuses on the nutritional status of these primary school children. Anthropometrically, these children were severely undernourished, as indicated by a high prevalence of low (below the third NCHS percentile) weight and height for age values, ranging from 38.0 pc to 55.9 pc. Dietary analysis revealed a low energy intake as well as dietary deficiencies in folic acid (only girls), ascorbic acid, vitamin A, nicotinic acid, iron, riboflavin and calcium. A high percentage (43.9 pc of boys and 33.7 pc of girls) of the children were biochemically anaemic whilst less than one pc of the children showed clinical signs of anaemia. Nutritional intervention programmes in this area should not only treat and prevent the endemic goitre but also attend to the energy and micro-nutrient deficiencies in these children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Low prevalence of human T lymphotropic virus type I in !Kung San in Bushmanland, Namibia.

Antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) and human T lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-I) have been identified in various population groups living in southern and central Africa. Sera from 291 !Kung Bushmen in Bushmanland, Namibia were examined for the presence of antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2 and to HTLV-I. Initial screening for HIV-1/2 by two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) revealed evidence of past exposure in four individuals. However, no HIV-1/2 infection could be confirmed by a particle agglutination assay, a recombinant ELISA, or by Western blot for HIV-1 and HIV-2. Indeterminate Western blot profiles (with a p55 for each and either a p25 or p18 band) existed for all four HIV-1-reactive sera. Eight sera were reactive in the HTLV-I ELISA, although only five were positive on a second ELISA. Only three of the five HTLV-I-reactive sera could be confirmed by Western blot.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Associations of dental caries with salivary mutans streptococci and acid producing bacteria in 5-year-old children from KwaZulu and Namibia.

Two hundred and eighty-five, 5-year-old children from rural and urban KwaZulu and Namibia were examined for dental caries, salivary mutans streptococci and salivary acid producing bacteria. The findings showed statistically significant correlations between salivary mutans streptococci counts and ds and dmfs scores in all groups of children, the highest values being in Namibian children. Salivary acid forming bacteria had low correlations with few statistically significant groups. While salivary mutans streptococci counts may be a useful caries screening method in children of this age, salivary acid forming bacterial counts appear unsuitable.

Acids↗
PubMed1994

The occurrence of enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) in Namibia--an epidemiological study.

A seroepidemiological survey for antibodies to bovine leukemia virus (BLV) (synonymous with bovine C-type and bovine leukosis virus) in cattle in Namibia was performed. A BLV glycoprotein antigen was used in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In 410 (12.3%) out of a total of 3,343 sera, bovine leukemia virus antibodies were detected. The infection rate per State Veterinary District (SVD), varied from 0% (Keetmanshoop) to 52.6% (East-Caprivi). Since persistent antibodies to BLV proteins are a constant and early feature of BLV infection, a serological survey of cattle populations is the best method for detection of BLV infection.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Parasites of Merluccius capensis and M. paradoxus from the coast of Namibia.

84 specimens of the sea hake Merluccius capensis and 60 of M. paradoxus were investigated parasitologically along the coast of Namibia in 1988. Between both fish species there was a high coincidence. 18 species of parasites could be stated. Distinction is remarkable between the north and south parts of the investigation area with a boundary at about 25 degrees 30' south. Southern to this border line of probably different fish stocks Brachiella merluccii is absent and the prevalence of Scolex pleuronectis and Leptotheca spec. is significantly higher. In M. capensis parasitation by Leptotheca spec., Anthocotyle merluccii and Anisakis spec. 1. is increasing with higher age groups. In M. paradoxus parasitation by Leptotheca spec. and Anthocotyle merluccii is decreasing with higher age groups and that of Clestobothrium crassiceps remains the same level.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Demarcation of potentially mineral-deficient areas in central and northern Namibia by means of natural classification systems.

Mineral deficiencies that lead to production losses often occur concurrently with climatic and management changes. To diagnose these deficiencies in time to prevent production losses, long-term monitoring of mineral status is advisable. Different classification systems were examined to determine whether areas of possible mineral deficiencies could be identified, so that those which were promising could then be selected for further monitoring purposes. The classification systems addressed differences in soil, vegetation and geology, and were used to define the cattle-ranching areas in the central and northern districts of Namibia. Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn) and cobalt (Co) concentrations were determined in cattle livers collected at abattoirs. Pooled faecal grab samples and milk samples were collected by farmers, and used to determine phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca), and iodine (I) status, respectively. Areas of low P concentrations could be identified by all classification systems. The lowest P concentrations were recorded in samples from the Kalahari-sand area, whereas faecal samples collected from cattle on farms in the more arid areas, where the harder soils are mostly found, rarely showed low P concentrations. In the north of the country, low iodine levels were found in milk samples collected from cows grazing on farms in the northern Kalahari broad-leaved woodland. Areas supporting animals with marginal Cu status, could be effectively identified by the detailed soil-classification system of irrigation potential. Copper concentrations were lowest in areas of arid soils, but no indication of Co, Fe, Zn, or Mn deficiencies were found. For most minerals, the geological classification was the best single indicator of areas of lower concentrations. Significant monthly variation for all minerals could also be detected within the classification system. It is concluded that specific classification systems can be useful as indicators of areas with lower mineral concentrations or possible deficiencies.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1996

Nutritional status as indicator for reproductive success in !Kung San and Kavango females from Namibia.

The interaction between nutritional status, estimated by using Body mass index, and fertility outcome was tested in two female samples from Northern Namibia. It turned out, that !Kung San undernourished females had significantly more total and surviving offspring than well-nourished and overweight females of these population. In contrast within the Kavango group well-nourished females had the highest reproductive success. These group specific differences can be interpreted as special reproductive strategies to maximize the reproductive success under different ecological conditions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Aspects of rabies epidemiology in Tsumkwe District, Namibia.

Aspects of rabies epidemiology were investigated in the Tsumkwe District, Namibia, during December 1993 and January 1994. A cross-sectional seroepidemiological survey for rabies antibodies was carried out in domestic (n = 70) and wild dogs [Lycaon pictus (n = 6)]. An overall seroprevalence rate of 30% was found in domestic dogs, but it must be borne in mind that seroconversion can result from infections from either rabies or rabies-related viruses. Older dogs were more likely to be seropositive and there was spatial and temporal clustering of seropositivity. No wild dogs were found seropositive. A demographic survey of the domestic-dog population in the area showed that the total dog-population size was 132, or 0.027 dogs per km2. The dog population consisted mainly of young dogs with a median age of 1.5 years, and had a female bias of 0.63 males per female. Questionnaire surveys suggested that spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta) and black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) were the most common larger carnivores found in and around villages, and that dogs were kept mainly for guarding.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Anaemia in pregnant women in eastern Caprivi, Namibia.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence, character and possible aetiology of anaemia in the study region. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study involving a lifestyle and dietary questionnaire, a clinical examination and an analysis of blood and stool samples. SETTING: Katima Mulilo antenatal clinic, East Caprivi, Namibia. SUBJECTS: 171 pregnant women attending the clinic in September 1995. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Effects on haemoglobin concentration of age, trimester, parity, residential area, sociodemographic factors, malaria, parasites, geophagy, diet, cooking pot used, vitamin and mineral supplementation and malaria prophylaxis. RESULTS: 41.5% of the women were found to be anaemic (haemoglobin < 11 g/dl) and there was a significant risk of their being iron-deficient (P = 0.01). Three maternal characteristics were found to have a significant effect on a woman's risk of anaemia: urban residence (P < 0.05), geophagy (P < 0.01) and the taking of prophylactic chloroquine (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Mild anaemia affects a large proportion of the pregnant women in East Caprivi; severe anaemia (< 7 g/dl) is not common. The picture is predominantly one of iron deficiency, possibly complicated by concomitant folate deficiency. There is no single easily identifiable cause of this anaemia; it appears to have a multifactorial aetiology. Further studies on the effect of the current malaria prophylaxis programme are warranted.

Adolescent↗