MST-Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology

Permanent URI for this collection

https://repository.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/342

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 372

Assessment of kairomones as a monitoring tool for cotesia flavipes cameron (hymenoptera: braconidae)
(Kenyatta University, 2002) Ngumbi, Esther, Ndumi; Njagi, E.N.M.; Torto, R.
Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) is a major pest of maize in East Africa. Its indigenous natural enemies are unable to regulate its densities to a level acceptable to farmers. Cotesia flavipes Cameron (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a larval parasitoid of C. partellus now established in Kenya, was released in 1993 from Pakistan for the control of this pest. A major constraint in evaluating the establishment of C. flavipes, is the great amount of time spent for its field collection and identification. Use of traps may facilitate the assessment of the establishment and spread of this parasitoid. A number of chemical compounds released by C. partellus infested maize plants influence the searching behaviour of C. flavipes. This work investigated the potential of these kairomones and other green leaf volatiles for use as bait in traps for the purpose of monitoring the establishment of C.flavipes in released areas. The attraction of these kairomones, which include (Z)-3-Hexenylacetate, (E)-PFamesene, 4,8-Dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene, Thomac oil (natural oil containing 85% (E)- p-Famesene), heptanal, and a blend of (Z)-3-Hexenylacetate and Thomac oil (1:1), to C. flavipes female parasitoids was studied in the Y-tube olfactometer. Results showed that parasitoids were attracted to all the kairomones; however, this attraction varied with the dose of the kairomone. Odours from host plant complex (HPC), obtained from maize stalk in which C. partellus had been feeding for 24 hours and parasitoid diet (20% honey/water solution) were also very attractive to C.flavipes. A preliminary field test evaluating the delta trap baited with HPC for its potential in trapping C.flavipes under field conditions showed that C.flavipes was caught in 2 out of the 12 fields used for the study, suggesting that with some improvement an effective trap could be developed for use as a monitoring tool for C. flavipes. To improve on the trap catches, diff~rent other traps including water traps, delta traps, plastic plates, plastic cups and modified delta traps, and different baits including parasitoid diet and HPC were evaluated. The vertical sticky trap was the most effective both in the laboratory and under semi-field conditions; however, no difference was observed between the two baits tested. The effect of the number of traps placed in a cage on the number of insects caught was assessed. A positive correlation between the density of traps and the number of C. flavipes trapped in a cage was noted. The vertical sticky trap baited with different kairomones was also evaluated under semi-field conditions for 8 hours. Results indicated that all the kairomones tested were able to attract C. flavipes to the trap. A blend of (Z)-3-Hexenylacetate and Thomac oil (1:1) (150llg per disc) attracted more parasitoids. In conclusionvtraps baited with herbivore-induced kairomones can effectively be used in trapping C. flavipes under semi-field conditions; however their effectiveness under large field areas needs to be investigated before they are used as bait in traps for monitoring purposes. Evaluation of the trap and monitoring of Cotesia flavipes could also be done using HPC or parasitoid diet as baits since they are inexpensive and are attractive to the parasitoid.
The establishment of reference ranges for some biochemical parameters for the adult Kenyan population at Kenyatta National Hospital
(2003-10) Waithaka, Stanley King'e
Reference ranges are used by the health providers in the interpretation of clinical laboratory results. Age, sex, diet and geographical location of the patient affect these reference ranges. Most clinical laboratories use reference ranges quoted in literature or the reagent kits for the interpretation of laboratory results. In view of this, the current prospective study undertook the construction of reference ranges for the routinely analyzed biochemical parameters, and at the same time established the effect of sex and age on the constructed reference ranges for the Kenyan adult population. End point and enzymatic rate of reaction analytical methods were used in the automated clinical chemistry analyzers. The concentrations of 12 biochemical analytes' of sera were determined on 1100 randomly selected healthy adult male and female blood donors aged 18-50 years. The prospective study was carried out in Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Nairobi, Kenya. Reference ranges were constructed by using the parametric methods to estimate 2.5 and 97.5 percentiles of distribution as lower and upper reference limits, according to the International Federation of Clinical Chemi try (IFCC) recommendations. To ensure accuracy and reliability during the analytical period emphasis was laid on the-daily internal quality assurance. The mean ± (1.96 SD) ofthese biochemical 'analytes for males (m) and females (t) were as follows: alanine aminotransferase (ALT) [m (0-39) UIL, f (0-34) UIL], aspartate aminotransferase (AST) [m (6-40) UIL, f (3-37) UIL], alkaline phosphatase (ALP) [m (l3-201) UIL, f (5-227) UIL], albumin (ALB) [m (29- 52) gIL, f (28-50) gIL], protein (PROT) [m (57-89) gIL, f (56-88) gIL], creatinine (CREAT) [m (59-127) umol/L, f(54-122) umol/L], glucose (GLU) [m (2.8-6.8) mmol/L, f (2.6-7) mmol/L] , phosphorus (PHOS) [m (0.5-2.0) mmol/L, f (0.2-2.4) mmo/L] , potassium (POT) [m (3-5.3), f (3.1-5.1) mmolL], sodium (SOD) [m (111-153) mmollL, f (117-151) mmol/L], Blood Vll urea nitrogen BUN[ m (1.5-5.9) mmol/L, f (1.2-6.0) mmollL] and Uric acid (UA) [m (120-458) umol/L, f ( 89-415) umol/L]. Sex differences in the established reference ranges in the current study were found to be significant in ALT (p=0.000), AST (p=O.OOO),ALP (p<0.003), ALB (p=O.OOO),SOD (p<0.011), CREAT (p=O.OOO)and UA (p=O.OOO).In age group category one (18-28 years) of the study population, reference range sex differences were significant in ALT (p=O.OOO), AST (p=O.OOO), ALB (p<0.002), CREAT (p=0.000) and VA (p=O.OOO).In age group category two,P9-39 years) of the study population, reference range sex differences were significant in ALT (p
Development of Latex Agglutination Test for Detection of Antibodies against Capripox virus
(2004) Muinamia, K.
Currently the diagnostic tests in use for Capripoxvirus infection are immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and virus neutralization test (VNT), which are slow because they are tissue culture dependant. IFAT is subjective while VNT is inconsistent. Earlier work using whole Capripoxvirus to sensitize latex beads proved to be effective in detection of Capripoxvirus antibodies. A major structural protein P32 which is the first to raise antibody response and is common to all the strains of Capripoxvirus has been identified and its gene cloned. The gene Q13L coding for the Capripoxvirus group specific structural protein P32 was expressed in Escherichia coli using plasmid pGEX-2T as a fusion protein with glutathione-s-transferase and then purified on glutathione sepharose affinity chromatography column. A latex agglutination Test (LAT) was developed using the purified P32 antigen and guinea pig detector antiserum raised against the P32 antigen. The LAT was used to screen one hundred livestock field sera for antibodies to Capripoxvirus. The serum samples from infected animals tested by LAT and VNT showed that the LAT assay was 23% more sensitive, much simpler and rapid as compared to the VNT. LAT picked antibodies earlier after inoculation as well as at higher levels than VNT. In addition LAT was found to be specific for Carpripoxvirus since it did not pick antibodies to Orthopoxvirus (vaccinia) and parapoxvirus (orf). The LAT test will reduce the reliance of diagnostic laboratories on tissue culture facilities.
Diarrhoea-causing organisms in the human population of Mathare, Nairobi, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2004) Mimano, Lucy Nyokabi
Diarrhoea is a common problem in both livestock and humans, especially in children in Kenya. Among the people of Mathare North, water is generally not adequate and many cases of food and / or waterborne diarrhoeal diseases have been reported, including amoebiases and gastro-enteritis. No detailed study has been carried out to investigate the causes of diarrhoea in Mathare North area. This study was carried out in order to establish the etiology of diarrhoea in Mathare north, Nairobi District. One hundred and seventy two faecal samples from patients presenting with diarrhoea at Upendo health centre were collected. Examinations of wet preparations were done using direct microscopy to detect parasites. Samples were then transported to the Walter Reed Institute-KEMRI for bacteriological, biochemical, serological and drug sensitivity testing by disc diffusion method. Molecular characterization of Campylobacter spp. and Escherichia coli spp. were performed using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Among the parasitic pathogens causing diarrhoea, Entamoeba histolytica had the greatest prevalence of 34.3%, followed by Giardia lamblia 21%, Hookworm 4.1%, Ascaris lumbricoides 3.5%, Trichuris trichura 3.5%, Schistosoma mansoni 3.5%, Cryptosporidium spp 1.7%, Strongyloides stercolaris 1.2%, H nana 1.2% and A. duodenale 1.2%. Among the bacterial pathogens, the causes of diarrhoea were Shigella spp 29.6% (S sonnei 1.7%, S boydii 4.7%, S dysenteriae 5.8% and S flexneri 17.4%), Escherichia coli spp. 5.8% (E. coli eaeA 4.1%, E. coli LT I 0.6%, E. coli ST 1 0.6% and E. coli Inve 0.6%), Campylobacter spp. 5.2% (C coli 2.3% and Cjejuni 2.9%) and Salmonella 09 2.8%. Among the bacterial pathogens, all except C coli were susceptible to norfloxacin, nalidixic acid and gentamicin. C jejuni was 100% susceptible to only gentamicin. However all the bacteria were resistant, at varying degrees, to trimethoprirn-sulphamethoxazole, erythromycin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol and ampicillin. xix The results also indicated that 31.4% (54 cases) of the diarrhoeal patients had more than two types ofpathogens. The findings of this study indicate that bacteria, helminthes and protozoans are a major causeof diarrhoea in Mathare North. The management of diarrhoea in this community would therefore requirea combination of antibiotics, anthelmintics, antiprotozoal and antiviral drugs. The antibiotic resistance data indicated that all isolates were resistant to at least four antibiotics but fluoroquinolones and gentamicin were the most effective antibiotics. This multi drug resistance pattern observedin the Mathare North Community is similar to that observed by other studies.
Evaluation of Trypanocidal Activity of Selected Medicinal Plants in Kenya Against Trypanosoma evansi
(2007) Kimani, P.C.
Typanosomiasis, a protozoan disease causes morbidity and death to humans and severely limits livestock production in endemic areas. It occurs predominantly in Africa, South America and Asia. Although Chemotherapy has been used to control the disease, cases of resistance have been reported and prospects of short-term vaccine development are remote. To address these challenges, herbal medicines have increasingly been used to control the disease in endemic areas. This study evaluated efficacy of selected indigenous plant extracts on T evansi. Test extracts included Azadirachta indica (neem), Prunus africana, Bidens pilosa, Physalis peruviana, Senna didymobotyra and Croton megalocarpus. 96 well micro titer plates were used and trypanocidal activities evaluated in vitro by calculating minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of respective extracts. Safety of extracts was tested in mice (Swiss white) by evaluating parasitemia, clinical presentations and histological analysis of liver, Kidney, heart, lungs, muscle and brain tissue. Of the 27 extracts evaluated, chloroform extracts of Azadirachta indica leaves had the highest activity (minimum inhibitory concentration of 18.75 ug/ml). This extract was toxic to host cells in vivo at doses exceeding 500 mg/kilogram body weight and was associated with dyspnoea and lethargy. Histopathology showed damage to kidneys, lungs and liver. Because chloroform extracts of Azadirachta indica leaves performed better both in vitro and in vivo than suramin, a commercial trypanocide, future studies should address purification, structure elucidation and biochemical characteristic of active components of Azadirachta indica leaves. This study has confirmed the hypothesis that some Kenyan plants have trypanocidal potential.
Detection of Genetically Modified Events in Foods Imported into Kenya and Determination of Public Perceptions Towards GMOS.
(2007-05) Mugo, L.M.
Numerous advances have been made in the development of new varieties of plants including soybean, maize, rapeseed, cotton and potatoes. A number of the world's governments have authorized the marketing of genetically modified organisms. The general public has shown anxiety over this new technology. The development of genetically modified crops has prompted widespread debate regarding both human safety and environmental issues. Legislation (Cartegena Biosafety Protocol) enacted worldwide to regulate the presence of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), necessitates the development of reliable and sensitive methods for GMO detection. The aim of the study was to detect genetically modified foods imported into Kenya. The study also determined the public awareness, attitudes and perceptions towards genetically modified foods. Information on public perceptions was obtained through questionnaires, which were given to consumers to fill. Twenty three seeds and grains were randomly collected from Kilindini harbor in Mombasa. Extraction of genomic DNA was carried out using Pietsch et al., (1997) protocol. To confirm presence of introduced genes in the plants, designed primer pairs were used in the polymerase chain reaction. Out of 400 questionnaires administered, 80% (n=320) of the consumers were aware of genetically modified foods. On identification, 66% (n=264) knew very little about genetically modified foods. This shows there is a very low level of knowledge on genetically modified foods. Women aged between 26 and 36 years of age were more aware of GM foods than men. On further identification using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), CaMV 35S promoter (198bp), Bar gene (301bp) and Gus gene (680bp) sequences were detected in yellow maize imported from USA. Findings from this study showed that PCR method represents a viable method for detecting genetically modified foods.
In Vitro Anti-Plasmodial and In Vivo Anti-Malarial Activity of Some Medicinal Plants Used by the Meru Community in Kenya for Treatment of Malaria
(Kenyatta University, 2007-08) Gathirwa, Jeremiah Waweru
Malaria is a serious disease affecting approximately 500 million people worldwide resulting in 3 million deaths every year. Increasing resistance to the commonly used antimalarial drugs has impacted negatively to its treatment. Concequently, there is an urgent need to develop new drugs. Plants have been considered to be a possible alternative and a rich source of new drugs. Most traditional healers in Africa use medicinal plants in combination and not singly. Research to justify use of medicinal plants in treatment of malaria alone and in combination is a priority. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of traditional anti-malarial plant extracts individually and in combination. Aqueous and methanol extracts of 15 plants traditionally used for treatment of malaria in Meru District, Kenya were tested in vitro and in vivo against Plasmodium falciparum (06 and W2 clones) and P. berghei. Toxicity of the active extracts was evaluated in vitro and in vivo, while their interactions in combination were tested by the sum-FIC method. Of the plants tested in vitro, 25.0% were highly active (ICso <10 ug/ml), 45.59% moderately active (ICso 10-50 ug/ml), 16.18% had weak activity of 50-100 ug/ml while 13.24% were not active ICso >100 ug/ml. Both the water and methanol extracts of Boscia salicifolia Olivo and Artemisia afra Jacq. ex Willd. were the most active against both the chloroquine (CQ) sensitive (D6) and the CQ resistant (W2) P. falciparum clones. When tested in vivo in a mouse model, A. afra and Rhus natalensis Bernh. ex Krauss. depicted the highest percent parasite clearance and a chemossupresion greater than 70%. Evaluating effect of combining some of these extracts with one another or with CQ against the multi-drug resistant P. falciparum clone W2 revealed some synergistic effect. Marked synergy/additive effect was among blends of plant extracts as opposed to blends with CQ that in many cases was antagonistic. The highest synergy was between Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst + Lannea schweinfurthii (Engl.) Engl., A. afra + Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook. f. ex. Benth., A. afra + L. sweinfurthii, and A. afra + Clutia robusta Pax, E, FZ. The interaction between Tabernaemontana holstii K. Schum + chloroquine was largely additive. Impressive cytotoxicity results were obtained with most of the plants tested revealing high selectivity indices an indication of enabling achievement of therapeutic doses at safe concentrations. In vivo acute toxicity on these medicicinal plants revealed that most were not toxic at a high dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight. The plants with low ICso values, high percent chemossupresion and low toxicity profiles are potential sources for novel antiplasmodial agents. These findings also justify use of combined medicinal plants in traditional medicine practices.
Use of a PCR-based procedure for differentiating between Schistosoma Mansoni and Schistosoma Rodhaini
(Kenyatta University, 2008-08) Njuguna, Ben Mungai
Schistosoma mansoni, the parasite responsible for causing human intestinal schistosomiasis, is closely related to Schistosoma rodhaini, a parasite of rodents and carnivorous mammals. S rodhaini was discovered in Kenya for the first time in the early 1960's in the wild rodents and domestic dogs obtained from a locality near the town of Kisumu on the shores of Lake Victoria, western Kenya. Schistosoma mansoni and schistosoma rodhaini at cercariae level are closely related morphologically. As a result it is difficult to differentiate them at cercariae level which may lead to misdiagnosing where the two parasites are endemic underscoring the need for an alternative diagnostic tool The presence of S rodhaini in an area known to be endemic for S mansoni such as western Kenya could potentially complicate the epidemiological picture or control of human intestinal schistosomiasis in the area. Consequently, sampling of snail populations collected from field locations to gather basic epidemiological information on human schistosomiasis for a particular area may not provide reliable results under such circumstances. In the present study, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based technique was developed to help the identification of cercariae or adults of S mansoni and S rodhaini towards improved diagnosis. Three isolates of S rodhaini were recovered from naturally infected Biomphalaria sudanica collected from habitats present along the Lake Victoria shore in western Kenya From the three isolates a portion of the 16S-12S region of the mitochondrial DNA was amplified by PCR in schistosome genomic DNA, and the resulting product (750bp in size) was incubated with restriction enzyme BamHI or Accl for 4 hr at 37°C. Species-specific restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) band patterns revealed on agarose gel by electrophoresis and ethidium bromide staining differentiated between the two related schistosome species. The enzyme BamHI cut the amplified product in S rodhaini DNA into 2 smaller fragments (l53bp and 604bp in size) but not S mansoni DNA. Similarly, the enzyme Accl cut the S mansoni PCR product into 2 fragments of 11Obp and 649bp in size but not that of S rodhaini, producing species-specific RFLP band patterns on agarose gel. These results demonstrate technique reliably identified both the adults' worms and cercariae of S mansoni or S. rodhaini, and it may be useful in accurately identifying and monitoring S mansoni transmission sites, and other epidemiological studies on S. mansoni or S rodhaini. The technique requires further evaluation to determine its usefulness in identifying Smansoni group species as it has the potential for providing new information. This technique may be useful in accurately identifying and monitoring S. mansoni transmission sites and also the technique is useful in other epidemiological studies on S. mansoni or S rodhaini where both parasites are present sympatrically.
Subclinical nephrotoxicity caused by occupational silica exposure and smoking among Kenyan industrial workers
(Kenyatta University, 2008-09) Mwangi, Daniel Muturi
Occupational exposure to silica and cigarette smoking could lead to slow and progressive renal injury. Assessment of renal injury based on the concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (S.cr) or total urinary protein (V.TP) is insensitive in detecting early kidney injury. Urinary biomarkers which could be used to detect nephrotoxicity at early stages and defects on various parts of the nephron include: the proteins albumin, al-microglobulm (V.alM) and retinol binding protein (V.RBP; the enzymes leucine aminopeptidase (V.LAP), N-acetyl-p-Dglucosaminidase (V.NAG) and glutathione-S-transferase (V.GST). Animal studies have identified enzymes alkaline phosphatase (V.ALP) and y-glutamyltransferase (V.y-GT) and lactate dehydrogenase (V.LDH) as potential urinary biomarkers of renal injury. The nephrotoxic effects caused by silica exposure have been studied elsewhere but the effect of silica exposure on the urinary excretion of microalbumin (V.Malb), total protein (V.TP), alkaline phosphatase (V.ALP), y-glutamyltransferase (V.y-GT), and lactate dehydrogenase (U.LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (V.AST) and alanine aminotransferase (V.ALT) has not been studied in Kenyan human subjects. The present study investigated early signs of renal injury due to silica exposure and smoking by measuring urinary indicators of nephrotoxicity and the association of this excretion to work duration. The study subjects comprised 37 silica exposed male and 25 silica exposed female industrial workers and 46 male and 14 female referents. Both male and female subjects for the silica exposed and referents were subdivided into those with work duration of less than or more than ten years and into smokers and non-smokers. Glomerular function was studied by determining the urinary levels of microalbumin (V.Malb), while proximal tubular structural integrity was studied by determining the activities of alkaline phosphatase (V.ALP), 't: glutamyltransferase (V.y-GT), lactate dehydrogenase (V.LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (V.ALT) and alanine aminotransferase (V.AST). In addition, the levels of urinary silicon (V.Si) and creatinine (V.cr) were also measured. Compared with the: referent non-smoking males, non-smoking silica exposed males excreted significantly increased levels ofU.TP, U.Malb, U.ALP, U.y-GT and U.LDH; referent smoking males, smoking silica exposed males excreted significantly increased levels of U.TP, U.Malb, and U.LDH. Silica exposed males with work duration of less than ten years had significantly reduced U.y-GT compared to those with work duration of more than ten years. Compared with the: referent non-smoking females, non-smoking silica exposed females excreted significantly increased U.Malb and non-significantly increased U.ALP and significantly decreased U.Si. Silica exposed females with work duration of less than ten years had a significantly reduced U.TP, U.Malb, UALP, U.y-GT, and U.LDH compared to those with work duration of more than ten years. Among the silica exposed males with work duration of less than ten years, U.TP was negatively correlated. The present study confirms: that silica exposure may lead to nephrotoxicity; that smoking has also a nephrotoxic effect on the kidney and is synergistic to nephrotoxicity of silica exposure; that the elevation of some of the measured urinary parameters in silica exposed male workers is not associated with work duration; that urinary excretion ofU.TP, U.Malb, U.ALP, U.y-GT and U.LDH could be useful biomarkers for glomerular function and proximal tubular injury; and that U.AST and U.ALT may not be relevant in the diagnosis of renal injury
Evaluation of the performance and the effects of the Antiretroviral Programme in Machakos and Mbagathi District Hospitals
(Kenyatta University, 2008-10) Imbanga, Andes Z.; Orinda, George O.; Njagi, Eliud N.M.
The performance and the effects of antiretroviral therapy (ART) program at Machakos and Mbagathi district hospitals have not been evaluated since initiation in 2003. The aim of this study was to assess the performance and the effects of the ART program in the two hospitals. This was a retrospective cohort study with a cross sectional design at the two health facilities. Through an exit interview, 368 patients were used to assess the ART programme uptake and constraints. One hundred and sixty of the 368 patients and 80 referents who consented to a blood draw of five milliliters were used to assess the effects of HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy on some selected hematological and biochemical parameters. Hematological parameters were estimated using an MS4 Coulter counter while the biochemical parameters were determined using Reagent kits and optical densities read using Spectrophotometer 5010 Reader. Results from retrospective studies indicated an increase in the quarterly ARV drug uptake in the two facilities while the constraints militating against the ART program included additional costs such user and transport fee, long waiting times, and stigma and discrimination. Results also show that HIV infected naive subjects had reduced levels of weight, hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), alanine transaminase (ALT), urea, creatinine (cr) (Mbagathi), and raised levels of mean cell volume (MCV), ALT (Machakos), and cr compared to referent subjects; HIV infected antiretroviral drug treated subjects at Mbagathi hospital had increased levels of weight, Hb, MCHC, PCV, RBC, MCV, and reduced levels of WBC, ALT, cr, and urea compared to those of HIV infected naive subjects while HIV infected antiretroviral treated subjects at Machakos hospital had the measured weight and hematological and biochemical parameters similar to those of the HIV infected naive subjects. In conclusion, ART uptake is moving towards the national target of 140,000 by 2008 in the two study sites but multiple constraints impede the programme performance, especially in Machakos. This in turn, may affect optimal adherence among ART clients resulting in resistance to first-line ARVs, and recourse to second-line ARVs, which are more costly. Hematological findings observed between HIV naive and referent subjects in Machakos suggest that locally circulating subtypes have developed resistant to the drug combination containing Stavudine, Lamivudine and Nevirapine which is being used. This calls for replacement of this drug combination and mapping of the circulating HIV genotypes in rural health facilities in the country.
Evaluation of Bacille Calmette Guerin, Montanide Isa 720 and Aluminium Hydroxide as Adjuvants for Leishmania Vaccine in Salu/E Mice
(Kenyatta University, 2009-04) Mutiso, Joshua Muli.
Leishmaniases are parasitic diseases caused by protozoan flagellates of the genus Leishmania. These parasites infect numerous mammalian species, including humans, and are transmitted through the infective bite of an insect vector, the female Phlebotomus sandfly. Leishmaniasis is currently endemic in 88 countries, and is a threat to 350 million people with a worldwide prevalence of 14 million clinical cases and 12 million new cases each year. Drugs for leishmaniasis are generally toxic and their cost is prohibitive. Vector control measures are poorly implemented and inaccessible to many peopple in developing contries. In leishmaniasis, protection requires leishmanial-specific CD4+ T helper-I (Thl) cells. Effective vaccination against leishmaniasis would be cheaper and accessible. Unfortunately, so far there is no vaccine against leishmaniasis for routine use. Immunity to cutaneous leishmaniasis, a chronic skin-disfiguring lesion affecting millions, has been historically achieved by inoculation with live virulent preparations of the parasite. Killed antigens that could be safer as vaccines generally require an adjuvant for the induction of strong Th 1 response in murine models. The objective of this study was to assess and compare the immune responses and efficacy of a vaccine containing Bacille calmette guerin (BCG), aluminium hydroxide (alum) and Montanide ISA 720 (MISA 720) as adjuvants combined with killed Leishmania major vaccine (KLM) in BALB/c mice. Sixty mice were immunized three times at weeks 0, 4 and 6 and two weeks later, either sacrificed for comparative immunogenicity analysis or challenged with virulent L. major for efficacy monitoring. Splenic blood lymphocytes were stimulated in culture with KLM antigens or concanavalin A and their proliferation quantified. Sera immunoglobulin gamma (IgG) and in vitro interferon gamma (IFN-y) production were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent asssay (ELISA) using Leishmania antigen and cross-reactive monoclonal antibody. Lesion development in infected mice footpads were monitored for 8 weeks and parasite loads determined there after. The results indicated higher IgG responses in the BCG-KLM and alum-Kl.M vaccinated mice as compared to the MISA-KLM mice. Antigen-specific lymphoproliferative in vitro response showed significantly higher (p<0.01) responses in the MISA-KLM as compared to alum-KLM and also BCG-KLM groups. The BCG-KLM group recorded significantly higher IFN-y production (p
Evaluation of Urinary Tubular Enzymes as Screening Markers of Renal Dysfunction in Patients Suffering from Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
(Kenyatta University, 2010-04) Gatua, Wilfred Kimani
Diabetes mellitus is a global disorder and complications resulting from the disease are the third leading cause of death in the world. A survey by the National Diabetes Data Group estimates the prevalence of diabetes in the world population at 6.6%. One of the principle complications of diabetes mellitus is diabetic nephropathy and renal function tests are important indicators in diabetic patients needed to identify the early structural and functional changes in diabetic nephropathy. Diabetes mellitus type 2 patients show elevated levels of albumin in urine and assessment of renal injury based on the concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (S.Cr) or urinary micro protein (U.MP) that are commonly used are usually insensitive since these parameters could be within normal ranges despite considerable impairment of the renal function because of the great reserve capacity of the kidney. More sensitive urinary biomarkers, which could be used to detect nephrotoxicity at early stages on various parts of the nephron, are being investigated. Animal studies have identified enzymes as potential urinary biomarkers of renal injury. These biomarkers include the high molecular weight albumin for evaluating glomerular integrity, the brush border enzymes alkaline phosphatase (V.ALP) and gamma glutamyl transferase (U.y- GT), lysosomal enzyme N-acetyl-~-D-glucosaminidase (D.NAG), and cytoplasmic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (V.LDH) for indicating proximal tubular injury. The present study investigated early signs of renal injury due to diabetes mellitus type 2 by measuring urinary indicators of nephrotoxicity. The study subjects comprised 251 patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (mean age 54.2yrs) and 73 healthy normal individuals recruited as control group (mean age 40.9 yrs). The diabetic group was further subdivided into those with normoproteinuria, microproteinuria and diabetics with renal failure. Glomerular function was studied by determining the urinary levels of micro protein U.MP), serum urea and creatinine while proximal tubular structural integrity was studied by determining the activities of the enzymes U.ALP, U.NAG, U.y-GT, and U.LpH. Compared with normal healthy individuals, diabetic patients with normoproteihuria.excreted significantly high levels ofU.ALP, U.LDH, U.y-GT, and U.NAG (p<0.05). Patients with renal impairment excreted high levels of the enzymes and urinary micro protein compared to healthy individuals and diabetic patients without renal failure. In conclusion, the present study confirms that diabetes mellitus leads to nephrotoxicity; that urinary excretion of V.ALP, U.LDH, U. y-GT, and V.NAG could be useful biomarkers for proximal tubular injury. These results suggest that site-specific urinary biochemical markers provide valuable information about early renal proximal tubular insult that ultimately may precede glomerular permeability in subjects with diabetes mellitus.
Reference values for some routinely analysed biochemical parameters for adult population in North- Rift Valley, Kenya
(2011-05-01) Juma, Atieno Alice
Clinical chemistry reference ranges vary due to factors such as age, sex, race, diet, climate, altitude and genetics. Because of this, International Federation of Clinical Chemists recommends that each laboratory establishes its own references ranges for the biochemical parameters and not rely on the Manufacturer's reference range values. There is little information in the literature on biochemical reference values for adult in Kenya and no reports on the North Rift Valley region residents. The aim of this study was to determine age and sex based reference ranges for 25 biochemical parameters for the adult population of North Rift Valley region. This was a population based cross-sectional study carried out at Moll Teaching and Referral Hospital in collaboration with the Regional Blood Transfusion Center, North Rift. A total of 400 volunteer blood donors were screened and 367 (211 males and 156 females) who were free from human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B and C virus, and syphilis W ere included in the analysis. Cobas Integra© 400 plus (Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim- Germany) was used to analyze the 25 clinical chemistry parameters. Clinical and laboratory Standards Institute guidelines were followed to create study consensus intervals Reference ranges were constructed using non-parameterc methods to estimate 2.5 and 97.5 percentiles of distribution as lower and upper reference limits respectively. There were significant sex differences in the North Rift Valley Kenyan reference ranges for total protein, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total and direct bilirubin, creatinine, potassium, sodium, chloride, uric acid, amylase, lipase, creatine kinase, gamma glutamyltransferase, triglycerides, cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein. There were also significant age differences in the reference ranges for alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, chloride, uric acid, glucose, calcium, gamma glutamyltransferase, lipase, cholesterol, low density lipoprotein and triglycerides. The developed North Rift Valley Kenyan clinical chemistry reference ranges differ from the American values commonly used in Kenyan Hospitals. In conclusion, the findings of this study provide adult sex and age specific reference range values to be used in North Rift Valley region. This study recommends adoption of these reference ranges in North Rift and determination of similar values for other regions in Kenya.
Toxity studies of some Kenyan plants with hypoglycemic activity used in traditional medicine in Mbeere District
(2011-05-01) Wahome, Wambui Amy
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by excessive blood glucose levels due to imbalance of insulin levels. Conventional antidiabetes drugs are either unaffordable or unavailable or they may have some undesirable side effects. People in the underdeveloped and developing countries have depended on some form of traditional and herbal medicine. These ethnomedicinal plants are largely under-studied and under-utilized. Also the safety of long term use of many medicinal plants is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the hypoglycemic activity and safety of aqeous plant extracts in mice. In addition, the presence of potential toxic components was also studied in the plant extracts. Five aqueous leave extracts of Boscia angustifolia, Senna spectabilis, Lantana trifolia, Launaea cortuna and Olinia usambarensis, one stem bark extracts of Maytenus obscura and one root bark extract of Todalia asiatica were screened for their hypoglycemic activity in alloxan induced diabetic mice using the oral and intraperitoneal routes. The safety of these plant extracts was studied in mice that were orally or intraperitoneally administered with 1000mg/kg body weight daily for thirty days. Parameters studied included changes in body and organ weight, hematological and biochemical parameters and histology. Composition of elements in the plant extracts was estimated using total reflection X-ray fluorescence system (TRXF) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) while the types of of phytochemicals present was assessed using standard procedures. Five plant extracts demonstrated hypoglycemic activity. Launaea cortuna and Todalia asiatica demonstrated no hypoglycemic activity at the doses tested 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg body weight. Boscia angustifolia and Senna spectabilis when administered intraperitoneally demonstrated the best hypoglycemic activity. The intraperitoneal route was found to be more effective than the oral route in inducing hypoglycemic activity. A dose of 1g/kg body weight of mice of three plant extracts caused secondary . polycythemia while the same dose of the other three plant extracts caused macrocytic hypochromic anemia. Toddalia asiatica at a dose of lg/kg body weight caused immediate death to mice. The same dose in the other plant extracts caused enlargement, reduction or no change in some organ weights and an increase, decrease or no change in the biochemical parameters. Extracts of Senna spectabilis, Lantana trifolia, Launaea cortuna, Ofnia usambarensis, and Todalia asiatica administered intraperitoneally caused histological changes to various organs. Six plant extracts had varied levels of trace elements at lower than the recommended daily-allowances for these elements. In conclusion, this study has demonstrated hypoglycemic activity on five medicinal plants used in the management of diabetes in Mbeere subdistrict, Kenya. However, some of the seven plants in the study demonstrated toxicity and therefore negating their use as herbal medicines. The observed hypoglycemic activity and or toxicity might be attributed to some of the phytochemicals present in these plant extracts.
Characterization of Escherichia Coli strains and Salmonella Enterica serovars isolated in Gallus Gallus and their antimicrobial susceptibility
(2011-07-20) Wesonga, Makokha Stephen
Indigenous chiken production in most African countries including Kenya is traditionally based on free feed resources available in the sorrounding environment. There is a high risk of zoonosis that could be an important sourse of enteric pathogens transmissible to humans. The apparently healthy chiken, like other food animals shed enteric pathogens, transmissible to risk of zoonosis that could be an important source of enteric pathogens, notably Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli that are associated with antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli and salmonella enterica isolated from indigenous chicken rectal swabs in a leading slaughterhouse cum market outlet in Nairobi, Kenya. Seventy E. coli strains showed resistance phenotypes to one, two or more antibiotics. The most common antimicrobial resistance phenotypes to one, two or more antibiotics. The most common antimicrobial resistance pattern was the single resistance pattern to Tetracycline (21.43%), followed by Ampicillin, Cotrimoxazole and Tetracycline (14%), Augumentin, Amplicillin, Cotrimoxazole and Tetracycline (4.29%), Augumentine, Ampicillin, Cotrimoxazole, Tetracycline, Kanamycin and Chloramphenicol (2.86%), Ampicillin, Cotrimoxazole, Tetracycline, Chloramphenicol Cotrimoxazole, Tetracycline (2.86%); and Cefuroxime, Ampicillin, Cotrimoxazole and Tetracycline, Chloramphenicol, Augumentin and Amplicillin (1.43%) respectively. The highest rate of resistance was against Tet (55.7%), followed by cot (40%). Third in line of resistance was Amp 32.86%, followed by Aug (11.43%), low or moderate resistance was against Chl (8.57%), Kan (4.29%), and Crx (2.86%) (P<0.0002). Salmonella typhimurium recovered displayed single resistance pattern to Tet (16.67%), Gen Cot Tet (8.33%), Amp Cot Tet (8.33%), Aug Amp Cot Tet (8.33%) and Amp Cot Chl (16.67%). The highest resistance was against Tet (58.3%), Cot (41.7%), Amp (33.3%), Chl (16.7%), Aug and Gen (8.3%) respectively (P<0.0001). Conclusion: Routine surveillance at slaughter/market outlets for Escherichia coli and salmonella enterica Typhimurium should be done to identify infected flocks as a procedure for food safety and security program.
Genetic transformation of pigeon pea (cajanus cajan [L.] Millsp) varieties adapted to Eastern and Southern Africa
(2011-07-26) Changa, Taity Timothy
Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp) is an important grain legume. It is Kenya's third most important legume after common beans and cowpea. The potential yield of the crop in the region has not been realized due to insect infestation that causes losses of up to 65% in severe attacks and Fusarium wilt disease which is the most devastating disease in the region. This important crop has limited genetic variability within its centers of origin and cultivated lines which make it hard for improvement against disease and pests through conventional breeding. Modern biotechnology offers a window to overcome this hurdle. Through genetic engineering, genes from unrelated organisms carrying traits of interest can be transferred to the target organisms in order to improve both quality of the harvested grain as well a,, yield quantity. The objective of this study was to optimize a transformation protocol previously reported by Sharma and co-workers from ICRISAT in India using Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation to engineer pigeonpea lines adapted to Eastern Africa using cotyledonary leaf explants. GUS reporter gene and neomycin phosphotransferase selectable marker gene (nptII) were used, nptlI was used to identify transgenic plants in kanamycin-containing medium. These genes were harboured in four Agrobacterium tumefciens strains; LBA 4404, EHA 105, C58C1 and AGLO. Four pigeonpea varieties were used in this research; short duration, ICPL 86012 and ICPL 87091, medium duration ICEAP 00554 and the long duration 00040. In this study, ICEAP 00040 germinated poorly and did not produce sufficient leaf explants for transformation while regenerated shoots of ICEAP 00554 did not develop beyond shoot elongation. Therefore, the two short duration varieties were used for transformation and their shoots regenerated on media supplemented with 125mg/1 of kanamycin. ICPL 86012 recorded a putative transformation frequency of 3% each with strains LBA 4404 and EIIA 105 and 2% with AGLO. ICPL 87091 achieved a 3% transformation frequency with strain EHA 105 that were confirmed with PCR amplification of the nptII and GUS genes. A large number of independent transformed plants can be generated usine leaf explants; this protocol can therefore be used to transform pigeonpea adapted to Eastern and Southern Africa to develop transgenic lines with genes of agronomic importance.
Evaluation of urinary tubular enzymes as screening markers of renal dysfunction in patients suffering from diabetes mellitus type 2
(2011-07-28) Gatua, Kimani Wilfred
Diabetes mellitus is a global disorder and complications resulting from the disease are the third leading cause of death in the world. A survey by the National Diabetes Data Group estimates the prevalence of diabetes in the world population at 6.6%. One of the principle complications of diabetes mellitus is diabetic nephropathy and renal function tests are important indicators in diabetic patients needed to identify the early structural and functional changes in diabetic nephropathy. Diabetes mellitus type 2 patients show elevated levels of albumin in urine and assessment of renal injury based on the concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (S.Cr) or urinary micro protein (U.MP) that are commonly used are usually insensitive since these parameters could be within normal ranges despite considerable impairment of the renal function because of the great reserve capacity of the kidney. More sensitive urinary biomarkers, which could be used to detect nephrotoxicity at early stages on various parts of the nephron, are being investigated. Animal studies have identified enzymes as potential urinary biomarkers of renal injury. These biomarkers include the high molecular weight albumin for evaluating glomerular integrity, the brush border enzymes alkaline phosphatase (U.ALP) and gamma glutamyl transferase (U.yGT), lysosomal enzyme Nacetyl-B-D-glucosaminidase (U.NAG), and cytoplasmic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (U.LDH) for indicating proximal tubular injury. The present study investigated early signs of renal injury due to diabetes mellitus type 2 by measuring urinary indicators of nephrotoxicity. The study subjects comprised 251 patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (mean age 54.2yrs) and 73 healthy normal individuals recruited as control group (mean age 40.9 yrs). The diabetic group was further subdivided into those with normoproteinuria, microproteinuria and diabetics with renal failure. Glomerular function was studied by determining the urinary levels of micro protein (U.MP), serum urea and creatinine while proximal tubular structural integrity was studied by determining the activities of the enzymes UALP, UNAG, U.y-GT, and U.LDH. Compared with normal healthy individuals, diabetic patients with normoproteinuria excreted significantly high levels of UALP, U.LDH, U.y-GT, and U.NAG (p<0.05). Patients with renal impairment excreted high levels of the enzymes and urinary micro protein compared to healthy individuals and diabetic patients without renal failure. In conclusion, the present study confirms that diabetes mellitus leads to nephrotoxicity; that urinary excretion of UALP, ULDH, U. y-GT, and U.NAG could be useful biomarkers for proximal tubular injury. These results suggest that site-specific urinary biochemical markers provide valuable information about early renal proximal tubular insult that ultimately may precede glomerular permeability in subjects with diabetes mellitus.
Impact of land use and cropping sytem on the distribution, occurrence and diversity of entomopathogenic nematodes in Embu and Taita district in Kenya
(2011-08-02) Kawaka, J. Fanuel; Orinda, G. O.; Kimenju, J. W.; Mwaniki, S.
Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are considered as potential biological control agents against soil-borne insect pests in the world. The impact of land use and cropping system on their distribution in Kenya is still not investigated. This survey was done to determine the distribution, occurrence and diversity of these nematodes in Embu and Taita districts, Kenya. The study was conducted in different land use and cropping system. A total of 520 soil samples were randomly collected from the agro-ecosystems and EPNs were isolated using the baiting technique to determine their distribution and occurrence. Morphological identification revealed the presence of a single genus namely Steinernema of the nematodes from the two regions. Polymerase Chain ReactionRestriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) of the ITS (internal transcribed spacer) region on the ribosomal(r) DNA of the isolates was amplified and then digested with Alu I restriction enzyme. The amplified and restricted fragments of the ITS were separated by agarose gel electrophoresis to indicate molecular differences. Based on the RFLP patterns, there was no molecular difference in the isolates from the planted forest and grassland while in the disturbed habitats, similar patterns were observed in the monoculture and intercropping farms. However, distinctive, differences were observed in the isolates from the natural forest, coffee farms and crop rotation farms. The EPNs occurrence and recovery frequency indicated that habitat type might influence their distribution as the intensity of agricultural management inversely affected their occurrence. The survey also showed that in the cropping system, plots that practiced monoculture recorded the least Occurrence of 27.5% followed by 52.5% crop rotation and the highest occurrence was in the intercropping farms with 55%. In the land uses, coffee farms had the highest number of EPNs (75 %) while 45% were found in the planted forest, 33.5% in the natural forest with the least occurrence of 30% in the grassland. Analysis of variance showed statistical difference between and within the cropping system and land use (P=0.004). These findings indicate that land use and cropping system should be taken into account if EPNs are to be used as effective biological control agents.
Assessment of performance of prevention of mother to child hiv transmission programme and effects of antiretroviral drugs on selected haematological and biochemical parameters
(2011-08-03) Kisabei, M Patrick; Orinda, G. O.; Njagi, E.N.M.
Mother-to-child transmission of HIV (MTCT) accounts for over 95% of pediatric HIV infections in Kenya. In order to reduce the proportion of pediatric HIV infections, Kenya introduced prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programme in 2001 as a key intervention strategy. Principal services of PMTCT programme include voluntary counseling and testing (VCT), antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), safer delivery practices (SDP), infant feeding services (IF,-,) and family planning (FP) services which reduce the proportion of infants infected with HIV worldwide. The 2005/6-2009/10 Kenya National AIDS Strategic Plan (KNASP) seeks to expand PMTCT services countrywide to increase access to ARVs for HIV positive pregnant mothers from 10% to over 50% and reduce the proportion of HIV positive babies born to HIV-positive mothers from 33% to 23% by 2010. To date, however, concerns about the increasing spread of pediatric HIV infections raise questions about the effectiveness of the programme in Kenya. There is also concern about the sick effects of ARVs used in PMTCT programme. This study aimed at addressing these concerns by assessing the performance of the PMTCT programme at Pumwani Maternity Hospital (PMH) in Nairobi, Nakuru Provincial General Hospital (NPGH) and Bomet District Hospital (BDH). The study also established the effects of ARVs on biochemical, haematological and hormonal parameters among female subjects on anti-HIV treatment. To assess the performance of the 5 PMTCT services, the study interviewed 117 hospital staff and PMTCT clients and reviewed 2005 programme reports. To assess the effects of ARVs, blood samples from 48 study subjects were evaluated for hormonal (estradiol and progesterone) values while haematological and biochemical parameters were retrospectively analyzed from patients' clinical and laboratory records for 2005. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess relationships between the measured weight, haematological and biochemical parameters in the various study groups. The results showed that, all the PMTCT services were relatively distributed with respect to study facilities. Of the women who attended ANC for the first time in 2005, 72% agreed to an HIV test and 18.4% tested positive. Out of 51 post-delivery clients, 90% were through vaginal delivery and 10% elective caesarean section. Maternal nevirapine uptake of 66% was observed while 56% of infants born to infected mothers were administered nevirapine after birth. Exclusive formula feeding was practiced by 56% of the postnatal mothers mostly resident in urban settings while 42% exclusively breastfed their infants, all from the rural hospital. Estradiol levels among infected subjects were significantly elevated when compared with referent subjects (p<0.05). Weight and CD4+ levels among patients on treatment was significantly higher than HIV-naive subjects (p<0.05), while CD4+ count was significantly correlated with AST (p=0.0 16). Based on the uptake of the service indicators, the programme was making important progress towards attaining the KNASP targets. However, the country risks falling Tort of those targets due to numerous service delivery constraints because of the extensive variation in human capacity distribution to which quality service delivery uptake is dependent and inadequate infrastructure including policy limitation. Furthermore, the study revealed a weak M&E system characterized by inadequate staff, supplies and equipment. The implications of these constraints in slowing the observed progress suggest that future programme expansion should include them as key areas of interventions.
Prevalence of hypoglycemia in newborn at Kenyatta National Hospital and the response to glucose supplementation in low birth weight.
(2011-08-03) Masakha, Mmbone Mary
Hypoglycaemia in neonates is defined as blood glucose concentration below 1.I mmol/1 for term neonates. A common abnormality in neonates, it is associated, with neurolo,_'ical damage and death when it occurs in the first few days of life. This is more pronounce in rural set-ups without the knowledge, detection and management facilities. When promptly diagnosed and managed, its effects can be prevented or minimized. Studies at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) show that 59.8% of all neonates born at the facility have low birth weight (LBW- 2500 gms) and end up in newborn unit. It has also been noted that the LBW neonates mostly suffer hypoglycaemia and hence need for this study. Four populations of neonates and one population of mothers of the neonates were used in the study. The neonates' blood glucose was determined using the precision QID sensor. The neonates were weighed in grams (gms) wing a top loading balance. The mother's height, weight and HIV status were determined during the last trimester of pregnancy. The neonates populations excluded neonates with congenital or physical abnormalities and those from diabetic mothers. The first population of neonates (for blood glucose reference range) had 117 neonates after removal of the outliers and were physically healthy weighing > 2500 gins. The second (Population A) had 348 neonates of all neonates born during the study. Their blood glucose and weight were taken at birth. The third, LBW neonates (Population B) had 336 neonates whose weight and blood glucose were taken at birth. The fourth of 54 neonates (Population C) consisted of LBW with blood glucose <1.7mmol. This group was supplemented with 10% dextrose and feeds per kilogram body weight (i.e. 120 -125 Kcal/Kg/day of the oral feed) and followed for five days. The blood glucose was taken in the morning and afternoon each day and their weight taken on alternate days. The fifth population was the neonates' mothers (Population D). Their nutritional status was taken from the Basal Metabolic Index (BMI) and a questionnaire on their feeding habits and income. The normal blood glucose reference range of neonates in this study at birth was 1.7 to 4.Ommo/l. On the nutritional status of the mothers, 15.8% were obese, 33.3% were over-weight, 30.7% had normal good nutrition, 10.3% had chronic malnutrition, 3.4% had severe malnutrition and 6.3% were malnourished. From the study, 43.6% of the neonates had low birth weight. The prevalence of hypoglycaemia in the neonates at KNH during the study period was 19.5%, while the prevalence of hypoglycaemia in the LBW neonates was 30.4%. The prevalence of HIV in the neonates' mothers during the study period at the same facility was 7.8%, while the prevalence of HIV in the LBW neonates' mothers during the same period was 8.9%. Hypoglycaemia was highest in neonates of teenage mothers, 15-19 years, while no hypoglycaemia was noted in neonates of mothers 40-44 years of age ( P=O.-',1)8). In the LBW neonates hypoglycaemia was high in neonates of mothers 15-19 years and 35-39 years (P=0.188). The lower the birth weight of the neonate, the more the neonate was prone to hypoglycaemia (P=0.004). Hypoglycaemia was higher in the neonates of the most malnourished and HIV positive mothers (P=0.017, P=0.004). In the LBW neonates there was a higher tendency to hypoglycaemia regardless of mothers'nutritional status (P=0.659). Most LBW neonates came from malnourished mothers (P=0.010). In the follow-up group (Population C) the mean blood glucose levels per day increased from 1.3mmol/l on day one to 6.lmmol/1 on day five. In conclusion, there is a high prevalence of hypoglycaemia at 19.5% in neonates and 30.4% in LBW neonates. Poor nutrition in mothers leads to a higher percentage of both LBW neonates and also hypoglycaemia. The study recommends correction of nutritional status of mothers to forestall LBW and hypoglycaemia in neonates. Mandatory screening of blood sugar in neonates is also recommended.

Browse

Browsing MST-Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology by Issue Date

Results Per Page

Sort Options