Browsing by Author "Ntabo, Regina"

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    Characterization of Anopheles Funestus Larval Habitats in Kenya: Insights into Malaria Vector Ecology and Control
    (European Journal of Ecology, 2023) Omondi, Clifton; Nonoh, James; Ntabo, Regina
    The breeding of malaria-spreading vectors such as Anopheles funestus is influenced by various environmental factors that contribute indirectly to the transmission of the Plasmodium parasite. However, there is limited knowledge of larval habitat ecology that hinder prevention and control of mosquito-borne diseases. This study aimed to charac terize larval habitats based on physicochemical and habitat characteristics, considering the abundance of A. funestus. A cross-sectional survey method was used to collect data on the established transects. Physical parameters (water temperature, pH, conductivity, and total dissolved solids) were measured using a 5-in-1 meter probe. Levels of chem ical parameters (sulphate, COD, and BOD) were determined in the laboratory using standard methods. Observations were also made on habitat characteristics (including watercolor, habitat size, and canopy). There was significant effect (P<0.05) of conductivity, pH, sulphate, COD, and BOD on the number of A. funestus larvae. Water samples with a high population of A. funestus larvae were found to have higher conductivity (Me of 470.5), TDS (Me = 235), and pH levels (Me of 6.71). Conversely, water samples with a high population of non-Anopheles funestus larvae were found to have higher COD (Me of 843.20), BOD (Me of 367.2), and SO4 levels (Me of 11.3). A significant correlation (p<0.5) existed between A. funestus larvae and physical water parameters. For instance, Anopheles funestus larvae was high (Me of 36.85) in stagnant water and in semi-permanent water (Me of 47.37). The study demonstrates that both physico chemical and habitat parameters significantly influence the abundance of Anopheles funestus larvae in larval habitats. Parameters such as conductivity, pH, total dissolved solids, sulphate, COD, BOD, watercolor, depth, distance from the homestead, and habitat size were found to be important in determining the presence of A. funestus larvae. Therefore, vector control strategies should include larval source management by targeting rivers and other water bodies to prevent the emergence of Anopheles funestus.
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    Characterization of anopheles funestus larval habitats in Kenya: insights into malaria vector ecology and control
    (the University of Presov, 2023-02) Omondi,Clifton; Nonoh, James; Ntabo, Regina
    The breeding of malaria-spreading vectors such as Anopheles funestus is influenced by various environmental factors that contribute indirectly to the transmission of the Plasmodium parasite. However, there is limited knowledge of larval habitat ecology that hinder prevention and control of mosquito-borne diseases. This study aimed to characterize larval habitats based on physicochemical and habitat characteristics, considering the abundance of A. funestus. A cross-sectional survey method was used to collect data on the established transects. Physical parameters (water temperature, pH, conductivity, and total dissolved solids) were measured using a 5-in-1 meter probe. Levels of chemical parameters (sulphate, COD, and BOD) were determined in the laboratory using standard methods. Observations were also made on habitat characteristics (including watercolor, habitat size, and canopy). There was significant effect (P.....
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    Molecular detection and antibiotic resistance of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli from street food and water in mukuru slums, Nairobi County
    (PLoS, 2026-01-28) Mundalo, Sheillah; Ntabo, Regina; Kering, Kelvin; Too, Rael; Kariuki, Kevin; Imoli, Diana; Silantoi, Brian; Kiptanui, Evans; Kavai, Susan; Kariuki, Samuel; Mbae, Cecilia
    Globally, diarrheal diseases account for 550 million cases of foodborne illnesses annually. In Kenya, Escherichia coli (E. coli) infections from contaminated food and water pose a serious health concern, especially in settings with poor sanitation and hygiene practices This study examined the genetic characteristics and antimicrobial resistance profiles of diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC) recovered from street foods and water from Mukuru informal settlements, Nairobi. Between September and December 2023, 384 (each 77) samples of street foods (Mandazi, githeri, French fries), wastewater, and drinking water were collected and E. coli isolation performed through microbiological culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing done using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Conventional Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to screen for six DEC and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) resistance genes. Descriptive and inferential statistics (Pearson’s chi-square test) were used to assess associations between sample types, E. colipositivity, pathotypes, and antibiotic resistance. E. coli was isolated in 16% (62/384) of the samples, with 77.4% (48/62) of the isolated E. coli being DEC. Majority (64.6%, 31/48) of DEC isolates were recovered from wastewater followed by drinking water (22.9%, 11/48), githeri (8.3%, 4/48), mandazi (4.2, 2/48), and none from french fries. The most common pathotypes were; ETEC 69% (33/48), STEC 52.1% (25/48), EIEC 50% (24/48)), EPEC 10% (5/48), and EAEC 6% (3/48) Of the 48 DEC isolates, 30 were hybrid isolates Overall, the E. coli isolates were highly resistant to tetracycline (77.4%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (71.0%), ampicillin (59.7%) and least resistant to kanamycin (16.1%); chloramphenicol (8.1%) and amoxicillin + clavulanic acid (4.8%). A huge proportion (72.6%, 45/62) of the isolated E. coli were multidrug-resistant (MDR). Of the 45 MDR isolates, 60% (27) were from wastewater, 28.9% (13) from drinking water, 4.4% (2) from githeri, 4.4% (2) from mandazi and 2.2% (1) french fries 2.2%. ESBL genes bla-TEM and bla were detected in 12.9% and 3.2% of the E. coli isolates. isolates. The high prevalence of MDR in the E.coli isolates recovered from environmental compartments and food is a huge public health risk to the population in these settings. The detection of E. coli indicates fecal contamination underscoring the need to improve water, and sanitation infrastructure in urban slums.