Water, methanol (MetOH) and ethanol (EtOH) extracts obtained from seeds and roots of the red vari... more Water, methanol (MetOH) and ethanol (EtOH) extracts obtained from seeds and roots of the red variety of Sorghum bicolor (domesticated) and Sorghum arundinaceum (wild plant) were assayed for antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory (COX- 1 and COX-2) activities. The antibacterial and antifungal activities were evaluated using micro-dilution assays against a Gram- positive (Staphylococcus aureus), Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) and the fungus Candida albicans. Both MetOH and EtOH extracts of Sorghum bicolor and Sorghum arundinaceum (roots and seeds) were found to inhibit bacterial and fungal growth. Water extracts generally exhibited low inhibition capacity. EtOH extracts for Sorghum bicolor and Sorghum arundinaceum roots had the inhibitory capacity with Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values (0.195 and 0.45 mg/mL respectively). The EtOH extracts of roots also had the highest inhibition capacity for both Sorghum bicolor (with minimum fungicidal concentration (...
Campus, for the degree of Master of Pharmacy (Pharmacoeconomics). This is the thesis in which the... more Campus, for the degree of Master of Pharmacy (Pharmacoeconomics). This is the thesis in which the chapters are written as a set of discrete research publications, with an overall introduction and final summary. This is to certify that the contents of this thesis are the original research work of Mr Amos Marume. As the candidate's supervisor, I have approved this thesis for submission.
INTRODUCTION MATERIALS AND METHODS Study population and sampling Cytokine genotyping Detection of... more INTRODUCTION MATERIALS AND METHODS Study population and sampling Cytokine genotyping Detection of S. haematobium Statistical analysis Ethical consideration RESULTS S. haematobium prevalence Distribution of the IL-10-1082, IL-10 819 and TNF-α-308 genotypes and alleles frequencies in uninfected and infected S. haematobium groups in Bemberi Distribution of IL-10-1082 IL-10-819, TNF-α-308 genotypes and alleles frequencies in S. haematobium infected and uninfected groups in Bandanyenje Distribution of the IL-10-1082, IL-10 819 and TNF-α genotypes and alleles frequencies in uninfected and infected S. haematobium groups in the total study population DISCUSSION
Background: Diabetes poses a burden on the limited health care delivery system. Current pharmacol... more Background: Diabetes poses a burden on the limited health care delivery system. Current pharmacological anti-diabetic agents cause undesirable side effects and are very expensive. Herbal remedies offer the potential for alternative treatment strategies. This study was therefore conducted in an effort to formulate a poly herbal medicine for management of diabetes. Methods: A stenophylla root bark was extracted with aqueous ethanol (70%) and quantitative analysis for total phenolic content, total alkaloids and flavonoids was carried out on the dried extract. The hypoglycaemic effects of aqueous A. stenophylla root bark extract, powdered Zingiber officinale and powdered Citrus Limon peels was determined on alloxan-induced diabetic rats singly and in combinations over 14 days. Glibenclamide administered at 0.2 mg/kg b. wt was used as the positive control. Results: All the plants decreased plasma glucose levels in a dosedependent manner. The glucose levels of diabetic rats treated with a...
Plants are often justifiably used in folklore medicine. A determination of the antibacterial, ant... more Plants are often justifiably used in folklore medicine. A determination of the antibacterial, antifungal and anti-enzymatic activities of the extracts of Cissus quadrangularis, Adenium multiflorum and Erythrina abyssinica. Microdilution bioassays were used for both antibacterial and antifungal activities. Bacteria used are Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Brevibacillus agri and Staphylococcus epidermis. Fungi used are Candida albicans, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton tonsurans and Microsporum canis. Non-radioactive HIV-RT colorimetric ELISA was used for the anti-reverse transcriptase activities. E. abyssinica leaf and A. multiflorum crude extract fractions exhibited the best antibacterial and antifungal properties. Ethanol extract fractions gave the best antimicrobial properties. All plants exhibited good anti-reverse transcriptase-1 activities. Erythrina abyssinica leaf extracts gave the best anti-tyrosinase activity follo...
Background: Traditional medicines are widely used in the rapidly growing health system and are of... more Background: Traditional medicines are widely used in the rapidly growing health system and are of economic importance. The study aimed at determining the frequency, pattern of use and factors that influence traditional medicines use during pregnancy. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at four district hospitals in Manicaland, Zimbabwe, using questionnaire based convenience sampling. Results: Traditional medicines use was found to be high with 54% (n = 337) of pregnant women using traditional medicines during pregnancy. The major purpose of use of traditional medicine was found to be preparation for delivery; cervical dila- tion in particular. The following factors showed a significant statistical association for use of traditional medicines: previous mode of delivery (p = 0.006), level of education (p = 0.016), family income (p = 0.007), and residential settlement (p = 0.026). Some of the common traditional medicines used during pregnancy include Camellia...
Herbal medicines are considered an intricate and integral part of humankind's knowledge systems. ... more Herbal medicines are considered an intricate and integral part of humankind's knowledge systems. Time has proven their efficacy and safety for both human and animal applications. Modern science, guided by indigenous knowledge systems can further optimize the use of various herbal products. To widen the current focus on herbal medicines, a study was carried-out to determine antioxidant properties, phytochemical and mineral contents of some medicinal plants used in ethnoveterinary practices in the management of animal wounds in Zimbabwe. The studied plants were Cissus quadrangularis L, Erythrina abyssinica Lam. ExDC. and Adenium multiflorum Klotzsch. Radical scavenging activities, antioxidant properties were determined using the DPPH and the β-carotene-linoleic acid model while the total phenolic content was determined using the Folin C method, flavonoid content using the aluminium assay and mineral content was investigated using the ICP-OES method. All extracts investigated exhibited radical scavenging activities and antioxidant properties, with C. quadrangularis leaf extracts exhibiting superior activities such as radical scavenging (EC 50 of 21.04 ± 3.00 μg/ml) and antioxidant properties (ORR of 0.03 ± 0.01). Variations were observed in the total phenolic, flavonoid and metal contents. C. quadrangularis leaf extracts exhibited highest amounts of total phenolic and flavonoid contents. The E. abyssinica (bark) and A. multiflorum extracts exhibited moderate (40-70%) affinity for protein binding while the rest of the extracts exhibited high affinity. Their antioxidant properties, phytochemical profile and mineral content justify applications in animal wound management and many other human and/or animal uses.
Schistosomiasis is a waterborne disease whose life cycle involves freshwater sources conducive fo... more Schistosomiasis is a waterborne disease whose life cycle involves freshwater sources conducive for the survival and reproduction of aquatic snails that form a connective link between man and water in the life cycle and transmission of schistosomiasis. The African region has network of rivers with freshwater suggesting the presence of schistosomiasis and difficulty to control. Some communities, due to socioeconomic challenges, have inadequate sanitation and water supply; use of bush toilets for excretion is commonly practiced. These conditions in Africa also promote transmission of soil-transmitted helminthiasis. The World Health Organization (WHO), in response to the public health and socioeconomic impact of neglected tropical diseases, is coordinating strategies for the control and elimination of the diseases including schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis. As one of the milestones, mapping of neglected tropical diseases in the African region has been prioritized for the implementation of control strategies. In countries where mapping has been completed, WHO and its partners are supplying medicines required for annual mass treatment for preventive chemotherapy and encourage countries to take ownership in implementing complementary strategies for morbidity control, elimination and eradication of country-specific neglected tropical diseases. The mainstay of helminthiasis control is preventive chemotherapy, targeting school age children to prevent morbidity and development of pathological manifestations, including urogenital schistosomiasis that is understood to contribute to HIV transmission. Vaccines are still to be discovered and designed, with many possible antigen candidates, but however the immune responses are still to be fully understood. There is need to understand the subtle link between each component of the immune responses and the host immunogenetics impacting on the translated immunological response of cytokines that are delicately controlled for cellular immunity and antibody production. Currently, preventive chemotherapy treatment is the only
Introduction: There is high malaria related morbidity and mortality amongst infants and children ... more Introduction: There is high malaria related morbidity and mortality amongst infants and children in malaria endemic areas. An In-depth understanding of protective immunity correlates enables the long due necessary development of an effective malaria vaccine. This study aimed at evaluating antibody responses to apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA 1) that helps P falciparum entry into red blood cells, Glutamate rich protein (GLURP), an antigen expressed in the whole life cycle of the malaria causing pathogen, merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP 1) coding for a major antigen in the asexual stage of P falciparum and merozoite surface protein 3 (MSP 3), a polymorphic blood stage malaria antigen in Zimbabwean children living in malaria endemic areas. Methods: We characterized humoral immune responses to malaria vaccine candidates in a two year longitudinal survey among 136 children (6-16 years) from Burma and Kariba in Zimbabwe. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for malaria parasites, plasma and antibody titers against malaria vaccine candidates [MSP1, MSP3, GLURP, AMA] by ELISA technique. The blood samples were also checked for potential confounders like anemia, bilharzia and HIV sero-status using the ELISA technique. Results: Ig levels were significantly different (p < .0001) across the three time points, and against the different candidates (p < .0001). MSP3 had the highest (13,552.2) and GLURP the least (4,741.6) IgM titers. However, IgG, IgG1, IgG3 and IgG4 levels were highest against AMA compared to other vaccine candidates, [anti-MSP3 IgG3 (15.3) and anti-GLURP IgG4 (58.7)]. Anemia burden was about 44% at baseline with a threefold decrease (-16%) over the 12 month follow up. Conclusions: This study highlights the need for robust evaluation of several malaria vaccine candidates in combination to understand correlates of protective immunity as suggested by the significant antibody levels against the four vaccine candidates. Longer follow up periods are needed to assess the impact of continuous malaria exposure on host immune responses. Multivalent malaria vaccine development offer a better chance towards an efficacious malaria vaccine compared to monovalent vaccine. Antibody levels against the four vaccine candidates were significant suggesting that an ideal malaria vaccine should target more than one antigen.
Journal of Community Medicine & Health Education, 2014
Objective: Grade three children (9-10 years) are recommended as the optimal study population for ... more Objective: Grade three children (9-10 years) are recommended as the optimal study population for assessing community prevalence of schistosomiasis and soil transmitted helminthiasis (STHs).However their knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of these children in relation to schistosomiasis, and malaria is not known. Methods: Using multistage sampling, grade 3 children (n=172) were randomly selected from four primary schools in Shamva and Mutare districts in Zimbabwe. And were interviewed using a pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire. The urine filtration technique was used to determine S. haematobium infection status. Infection with S. mansoni and STHs was determined using a combination of results from the Kato Katz and formol ether concentration techniques. P. falciparum was diagnosed by examination of Giemsa stained thick blood smears. Results: The baseline knowledge proportions about the disease causes among the children were schistosomiasis (32.0%), STHs (19.2%) and malaria (4.1%) which increased after intervention to 67.4%, 71.5%, and 55.8%, respectively. Knowledge of school children about prevention measures of the same diseases improved from schistosomiasis (22.1%), STHs (19.2%), and malaria (5.8%), respectively at baseline to schistosomiasis (69.2%), STHs (66.3%) and malaria (59.3%), respectively. Prevalence of S. haematobium, S. mansoni, hookworms and P. falciparum declined from 61.2%, 17.7%, 7.3% and 21.2% at baseline to 15.9%, 3.4%, 4.1%, and 6.8% respectively. Mean infection intensities for S. haematobium and S. mansoni decreased by 94.8% and 96.6% respectively. Conclusion: School based health education improves knowledge of children about disease transmission and control measures. However lack of enabling amenities such as soap, safe and clean water, ITNs in schools and the involvement of the community are yawning gaps that deserve urgent filling.
To determine whether there was inappropriate use of promethazine, Stopayne or Goldgesic in childr... more To determine whether there was inappropriate use of promethazine, Stopayne or Goldgesic in children under three (3) years of age in Harare, and to measure its extent. Inappropriate referred to administering these medicines to children under the age of two (2) years for any indication or the administering of these medicines to an otherwise healthy child less than three (3) years old for sedation purposes. A descriptive cross-sectional study carried out between May and July 2010. Retail pharmacies in Harare, Zimbabwe. The percentages of pharmacy personnel who indicated that parents request these syrups for sedation purposes in their children were: 20.8% promethazine; 18.9% Stopayne; and 9.6% Goldgesic. With respect to parents, it was found that 25% administered these syrups to children aged below 2 years. Of the parents who administered these syrups to their children about 7.7% did so for sedation purposes. There was significant inappropriate use of all 3 syrups in children under the ...
Bioactive compounds were extracted from 6 wild and 4 domesticated cereal grains of Zimbabwe, usin... more Bioactive compounds were extracted from 6 wild and 4 domesticated cereal grains of Zimbabwe, using 50% methanol with the aim of testing their capability to prevent phospholipid peroxidation and βcarotene bleaching. The highest yield of phenolic compounds was obtained from Eleusine indica (a wild cereal) with 7.16 mg GA/100 mg sample, while the least yield was obtained from Amaranthus hybridus with 1.13 mg GA/100 mg sample. Antioxidant activities of the cereal extracts were studied using the βcarotene-linoleic acid and the inhibition of phospholipid peroxidation assays. It was shown that Sorghum arundinaceum had the greatest (77%) increase in inhibition of phospholipid when its concentration was increased from 20 to 80 mg/ml, while Eleusine corocana, a domestic cereal grain had the least. Relative to a standard BHA (an artificial antioxidant), E. indica was found to have the highest ability (67%) to prevent bleaching of β-carotene, while Pennisetum spp with 17.3% inhibition, had the least ability. Owing to the ability of the cereal grain extracts to act as antioxidants, the studies can be further extended to exploit the phenolic extracts as replacements of artificial antioxidants like butylated hydroxyl anisole (BHA) in food and health supplements and nutraceuticals.
Journal of oncology pharmacy practice : official publication of the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners, 2022
BACKGROUND Many of the cancer cases in Zimbabwe are HIV related, making it a significant health c... more BACKGROUND Many of the cancer cases in Zimbabwe are HIV related, making it a significant health concern in the country. This concern requires innovative ways, such as implementing Value-Added Tax (VAT) to finance cancer management through health insurance. The study explores the general public, cancer patients, and public authorities' perception regarding using the VAT system for financing cancer treatment. METHOD A qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted to explore the perception of study participants on 'Value Added Tax' as a source of healthcare financing in Harare. This was done through the use of in-depth interview guides. A total of 25 participants took part in the study. Fifteen were members of the general public, 5 were cancer patients, and 5 were key informants representing public authority. Members of the general public and cancer patients were conveniently selected, while key informants were purposively selected. Data were analyzed descriptively and by...
Background: Knowledge gaps exist between host genetic factors and susceptibility to schistosomias... more Background: Knowledge gaps exist between host genetic factors and susceptibility to schistosomiasis. Objective: This study determined cytokine levels and single nucleotide polymorphisms of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α (rs1800629) and interleukin (IL)-10 (rs1800871) and their possible impact on susceptibility to schistosomiasis in preschool-age children in the Madziva area of Shamva district, Mashonaland Central province, Zimbabwe. Methods: Urogenital schistosomiasis was diagnosed using the urine filtration method, while a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used for cytokine level determination. The survey was done in August 2015 and reinfection levels post treatment were assessed at 3, 6 and 12 months. Amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction with visualisation on 2% agarose gel electrophoresis was used for genotyping. Results: Schistosomiasis prevalence was found to be 10.5% (59/563). Reinfections were detected in only six children at 3 months and only one was reinfected at 12 months. There were no significant differences in TNF-α-308 G/A allele or genotype frequencies between the Schistosoma haematobium infected participants (p = 0.360) and uninfected participants (p = 0.279). However, no children with the IL-10-819 TT genotype had schistosomiasis. The TNF-α GG genotype corresponded with significantly lower TNF-α levels when compared with the GA or AA genotypes (p < 0.001), and TNF-α levels were significantly lower in infected children compared to uninfected children (p < 0.001). Higher TNF-α levels and lower IL-10 levels are potentially protective against schistosomiasis infection. The IL-10-819 TT genotype is potentially protective against infection through its association with lower IL-10 levels.
This is to certify that the contents of this thesis are the original work of Mr Sly Ngoni Mutyava... more This is to certify that the contents of this thesis are the original work of Mr Sly Ngoni Mutyavaviri and as the candidate's co-supervisor, I have approved this thesis for submission.
Infection with Plasmodium falciparum parasites may result in a wide spectrum of symptoms ranging ... more Infection with Plasmodium falciparum parasites may result in a wide spectrum of symptoms ranging from asymptomatic to mild or severe. A number of factors are associated with this heterogeneous response to P. falciparum infection. In the present study, associations of sub‐microscopic asymptomatic P. falciparum with Schistosoma species and TNF (rs1800629) polymorphism were investigated.
Water, methanol (MetOH) and ethanol (EtOH) extracts obtained from seeds and roots of the red vari... more Water, methanol (MetOH) and ethanol (EtOH) extracts obtained from seeds and roots of the red variety of Sorghum bicolor (domesticated) and Sorghum arundinaceum (wild plant) were assayed for antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory (COX- 1 and COX-2) activities. The antibacterial and antifungal activities were evaluated using micro-dilution assays against a Gram- positive (Staphylococcus aureus), Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) and the fungus Candida albicans. Both MetOH and EtOH extracts of Sorghum bicolor and Sorghum arundinaceum (roots and seeds) were found to inhibit bacterial and fungal growth. Water extracts generally exhibited low inhibition capacity. EtOH extracts for Sorghum bicolor and Sorghum arundinaceum roots had the inhibitory capacity with Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values (0.195 and 0.45 mg/mL respectively). The EtOH extracts of roots also had the highest inhibition capacity for both Sorghum bicolor (with minimum fungicidal concentration (...
Campus, for the degree of Master of Pharmacy (Pharmacoeconomics). This is the thesis in which the... more Campus, for the degree of Master of Pharmacy (Pharmacoeconomics). This is the thesis in which the chapters are written as a set of discrete research publications, with an overall introduction and final summary. This is to certify that the contents of this thesis are the original research work of Mr Amos Marume. As the candidate's supervisor, I have approved this thesis for submission.
INTRODUCTION MATERIALS AND METHODS Study population and sampling Cytokine genotyping Detection of... more INTRODUCTION MATERIALS AND METHODS Study population and sampling Cytokine genotyping Detection of S. haematobium Statistical analysis Ethical consideration RESULTS S. haematobium prevalence Distribution of the IL-10-1082, IL-10 819 and TNF-α-308 genotypes and alleles frequencies in uninfected and infected S. haematobium groups in Bemberi Distribution of IL-10-1082 IL-10-819, TNF-α-308 genotypes and alleles frequencies in S. haematobium infected and uninfected groups in Bandanyenje Distribution of the IL-10-1082, IL-10 819 and TNF-α genotypes and alleles frequencies in uninfected and infected S. haematobium groups in the total study population DISCUSSION
Background: Diabetes poses a burden on the limited health care delivery system. Current pharmacol... more Background: Diabetes poses a burden on the limited health care delivery system. Current pharmacological anti-diabetic agents cause undesirable side effects and are very expensive. Herbal remedies offer the potential for alternative treatment strategies. This study was therefore conducted in an effort to formulate a poly herbal medicine for management of diabetes. Methods: A stenophylla root bark was extracted with aqueous ethanol (70%) and quantitative analysis for total phenolic content, total alkaloids and flavonoids was carried out on the dried extract. The hypoglycaemic effects of aqueous A. stenophylla root bark extract, powdered Zingiber officinale and powdered Citrus Limon peels was determined on alloxan-induced diabetic rats singly and in combinations over 14 days. Glibenclamide administered at 0.2 mg/kg b. wt was used as the positive control. Results: All the plants decreased plasma glucose levels in a dosedependent manner. The glucose levels of diabetic rats treated with a...
Plants are often justifiably used in folklore medicine. A determination of the antibacterial, ant... more Plants are often justifiably used in folklore medicine. A determination of the antibacterial, antifungal and anti-enzymatic activities of the extracts of Cissus quadrangularis, Adenium multiflorum and Erythrina abyssinica. Microdilution bioassays were used for both antibacterial and antifungal activities. Bacteria used are Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Brevibacillus agri and Staphylococcus epidermis. Fungi used are Candida albicans, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton tonsurans and Microsporum canis. Non-radioactive HIV-RT colorimetric ELISA was used for the anti-reverse transcriptase activities. E. abyssinica leaf and A. multiflorum crude extract fractions exhibited the best antibacterial and antifungal properties. Ethanol extract fractions gave the best antimicrobial properties. All plants exhibited good anti-reverse transcriptase-1 activities. Erythrina abyssinica leaf extracts gave the best anti-tyrosinase activity follo...
Background: Traditional medicines are widely used in the rapidly growing health system and are of... more Background: Traditional medicines are widely used in the rapidly growing health system and are of economic importance. The study aimed at determining the frequency, pattern of use and factors that influence traditional medicines use during pregnancy. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at four district hospitals in Manicaland, Zimbabwe, using questionnaire based convenience sampling. Results: Traditional medicines use was found to be high with 54% (n = 337) of pregnant women using traditional medicines during pregnancy. The major purpose of use of traditional medicine was found to be preparation for delivery; cervical dila- tion in particular. The following factors showed a significant statistical association for use of traditional medicines: previous mode of delivery (p = 0.006), level of education (p = 0.016), family income (p = 0.007), and residential settlement (p = 0.026). Some of the common traditional medicines used during pregnancy include Camellia...
Herbal medicines are considered an intricate and integral part of humankind's knowledge systems. ... more Herbal medicines are considered an intricate and integral part of humankind's knowledge systems. Time has proven their efficacy and safety for both human and animal applications. Modern science, guided by indigenous knowledge systems can further optimize the use of various herbal products. To widen the current focus on herbal medicines, a study was carried-out to determine antioxidant properties, phytochemical and mineral contents of some medicinal plants used in ethnoveterinary practices in the management of animal wounds in Zimbabwe. The studied plants were Cissus quadrangularis L, Erythrina abyssinica Lam. ExDC. and Adenium multiflorum Klotzsch. Radical scavenging activities, antioxidant properties were determined using the DPPH and the β-carotene-linoleic acid model while the total phenolic content was determined using the Folin C method, flavonoid content using the aluminium assay and mineral content was investigated using the ICP-OES method. All extracts investigated exhibited radical scavenging activities and antioxidant properties, with C. quadrangularis leaf extracts exhibiting superior activities such as radical scavenging (EC 50 of 21.04 ± 3.00 μg/ml) and antioxidant properties (ORR of 0.03 ± 0.01). Variations were observed in the total phenolic, flavonoid and metal contents. C. quadrangularis leaf extracts exhibited highest amounts of total phenolic and flavonoid contents. The E. abyssinica (bark) and A. multiflorum extracts exhibited moderate (40-70%) affinity for protein binding while the rest of the extracts exhibited high affinity. Their antioxidant properties, phytochemical profile and mineral content justify applications in animal wound management and many other human and/or animal uses.
Schistosomiasis is a waterborne disease whose life cycle involves freshwater sources conducive fo... more Schistosomiasis is a waterborne disease whose life cycle involves freshwater sources conducive for the survival and reproduction of aquatic snails that form a connective link between man and water in the life cycle and transmission of schistosomiasis. The African region has network of rivers with freshwater suggesting the presence of schistosomiasis and difficulty to control. Some communities, due to socioeconomic challenges, have inadequate sanitation and water supply; use of bush toilets for excretion is commonly practiced. These conditions in Africa also promote transmission of soil-transmitted helminthiasis. The World Health Organization (WHO), in response to the public health and socioeconomic impact of neglected tropical diseases, is coordinating strategies for the control and elimination of the diseases including schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis. As one of the milestones, mapping of neglected tropical diseases in the African region has been prioritized for the implementation of control strategies. In countries where mapping has been completed, WHO and its partners are supplying medicines required for annual mass treatment for preventive chemotherapy and encourage countries to take ownership in implementing complementary strategies for morbidity control, elimination and eradication of country-specific neglected tropical diseases. The mainstay of helminthiasis control is preventive chemotherapy, targeting school age children to prevent morbidity and development of pathological manifestations, including urogenital schistosomiasis that is understood to contribute to HIV transmission. Vaccines are still to be discovered and designed, with many possible antigen candidates, but however the immune responses are still to be fully understood. There is need to understand the subtle link between each component of the immune responses and the host immunogenetics impacting on the translated immunological response of cytokines that are delicately controlled for cellular immunity and antibody production. Currently, preventive chemotherapy treatment is the only
Introduction: There is high malaria related morbidity and mortality amongst infants and children ... more Introduction: There is high malaria related morbidity and mortality amongst infants and children in malaria endemic areas. An In-depth understanding of protective immunity correlates enables the long due necessary development of an effective malaria vaccine. This study aimed at evaluating antibody responses to apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA 1) that helps P falciparum entry into red blood cells, Glutamate rich protein (GLURP), an antigen expressed in the whole life cycle of the malaria causing pathogen, merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP 1) coding for a major antigen in the asexual stage of P falciparum and merozoite surface protein 3 (MSP 3), a polymorphic blood stage malaria antigen in Zimbabwean children living in malaria endemic areas. Methods: We characterized humoral immune responses to malaria vaccine candidates in a two year longitudinal survey among 136 children (6-16 years) from Burma and Kariba in Zimbabwe. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for malaria parasites, plasma and antibody titers against malaria vaccine candidates [MSP1, MSP3, GLURP, AMA] by ELISA technique. The blood samples were also checked for potential confounders like anemia, bilharzia and HIV sero-status using the ELISA technique. Results: Ig levels were significantly different (p < .0001) across the three time points, and against the different candidates (p < .0001). MSP3 had the highest (13,552.2) and GLURP the least (4,741.6) IgM titers. However, IgG, IgG1, IgG3 and IgG4 levels were highest against AMA compared to other vaccine candidates, [anti-MSP3 IgG3 (15.3) and anti-GLURP IgG4 (58.7)]. Anemia burden was about 44% at baseline with a threefold decrease (-16%) over the 12 month follow up. Conclusions: This study highlights the need for robust evaluation of several malaria vaccine candidates in combination to understand correlates of protective immunity as suggested by the significant antibody levels against the four vaccine candidates. Longer follow up periods are needed to assess the impact of continuous malaria exposure on host immune responses. Multivalent malaria vaccine development offer a better chance towards an efficacious malaria vaccine compared to monovalent vaccine. Antibody levels against the four vaccine candidates were significant suggesting that an ideal malaria vaccine should target more than one antigen.
Journal of Community Medicine & Health Education, 2014
Objective: Grade three children (9-10 years) are recommended as the optimal study population for ... more Objective: Grade three children (9-10 years) are recommended as the optimal study population for assessing community prevalence of schistosomiasis and soil transmitted helminthiasis (STHs).However their knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of these children in relation to schistosomiasis, and malaria is not known. Methods: Using multistage sampling, grade 3 children (n=172) were randomly selected from four primary schools in Shamva and Mutare districts in Zimbabwe. And were interviewed using a pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire. The urine filtration technique was used to determine S. haematobium infection status. Infection with S. mansoni and STHs was determined using a combination of results from the Kato Katz and formol ether concentration techniques. P. falciparum was diagnosed by examination of Giemsa stained thick blood smears. Results: The baseline knowledge proportions about the disease causes among the children were schistosomiasis (32.0%), STHs (19.2%) and malaria (4.1%) which increased after intervention to 67.4%, 71.5%, and 55.8%, respectively. Knowledge of school children about prevention measures of the same diseases improved from schistosomiasis (22.1%), STHs (19.2%), and malaria (5.8%), respectively at baseline to schistosomiasis (69.2%), STHs (66.3%) and malaria (59.3%), respectively. Prevalence of S. haematobium, S. mansoni, hookworms and P. falciparum declined from 61.2%, 17.7%, 7.3% and 21.2% at baseline to 15.9%, 3.4%, 4.1%, and 6.8% respectively. Mean infection intensities for S. haematobium and S. mansoni decreased by 94.8% and 96.6% respectively. Conclusion: School based health education improves knowledge of children about disease transmission and control measures. However lack of enabling amenities such as soap, safe and clean water, ITNs in schools and the involvement of the community are yawning gaps that deserve urgent filling.
To determine whether there was inappropriate use of promethazine, Stopayne or Goldgesic in childr... more To determine whether there was inappropriate use of promethazine, Stopayne or Goldgesic in children under three (3) years of age in Harare, and to measure its extent. Inappropriate referred to administering these medicines to children under the age of two (2) years for any indication or the administering of these medicines to an otherwise healthy child less than three (3) years old for sedation purposes. A descriptive cross-sectional study carried out between May and July 2010. Retail pharmacies in Harare, Zimbabwe. The percentages of pharmacy personnel who indicated that parents request these syrups for sedation purposes in their children were: 20.8% promethazine; 18.9% Stopayne; and 9.6% Goldgesic. With respect to parents, it was found that 25% administered these syrups to children aged below 2 years. Of the parents who administered these syrups to their children about 7.7% did so for sedation purposes. There was significant inappropriate use of all 3 syrups in children under the ...
Bioactive compounds were extracted from 6 wild and 4 domesticated cereal grains of Zimbabwe, usin... more Bioactive compounds were extracted from 6 wild and 4 domesticated cereal grains of Zimbabwe, using 50% methanol with the aim of testing their capability to prevent phospholipid peroxidation and βcarotene bleaching. The highest yield of phenolic compounds was obtained from Eleusine indica (a wild cereal) with 7.16 mg GA/100 mg sample, while the least yield was obtained from Amaranthus hybridus with 1.13 mg GA/100 mg sample. Antioxidant activities of the cereal extracts were studied using the βcarotene-linoleic acid and the inhibition of phospholipid peroxidation assays. It was shown that Sorghum arundinaceum had the greatest (77%) increase in inhibition of phospholipid when its concentration was increased from 20 to 80 mg/ml, while Eleusine corocana, a domestic cereal grain had the least. Relative to a standard BHA (an artificial antioxidant), E. indica was found to have the highest ability (67%) to prevent bleaching of β-carotene, while Pennisetum spp with 17.3% inhibition, had the least ability. Owing to the ability of the cereal grain extracts to act as antioxidants, the studies can be further extended to exploit the phenolic extracts as replacements of artificial antioxidants like butylated hydroxyl anisole (BHA) in food and health supplements and nutraceuticals.
Journal of oncology pharmacy practice : official publication of the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners, 2022
BACKGROUND Many of the cancer cases in Zimbabwe are HIV related, making it a significant health c... more BACKGROUND Many of the cancer cases in Zimbabwe are HIV related, making it a significant health concern in the country. This concern requires innovative ways, such as implementing Value-Added Tax (VAT) to finance cancer management through health insurance. The study explores the general public, cancer patients, and public authorities' perception regarding using the VAT system for financing cancer treatment. METHOD A qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted to explore the perception of study participants on 'Value Added Tax' as a source of healthcare financing in Harare. This was done through the use of in-depth interview guides. A total of 25 participants took part in the study. Fifteen were members of the general public, 5 were cancer patients, and 5 were key informants representing public authority. Members of the general public and cancer patients were conveniently selected, while key informants were purposively selected. Data were analyzed descriptively and by...
Background: Knowledge gaps exist between host genetic factors and susceptibility to schistosomias... more Background: Knowledge gaps exist between host genetic factors and susceptibility to schistosomiasis. Objective: This study determined cytokine levels and single nucleotide polymorphisms of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α (rs1800629) and interleukin (IL)-10 (rs1800871) and their possible impact on susceptibility to schistosomiasis in preschool-age children in the Madziva area of Shamva district, Mashonaland Central province, Zimbabwe. Methods: Urogenital schistosomiasis was diagnosed using the urine filtration method, while a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used for cytokine level determination. The survey was done in August 2015 and reinfection levels post treatment were assessed at 3, 6 and 12 months. Amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction with visualisation on 2% agarose gel electrophoresis was used for genotyping. Results: Schistosomiasis prevalence was found to be 10.5% (59/563). Reinfections were detected in only six children at 3 months and only one was reinfected at 12 months. There were no significant differences in TNF-α-308 G/A allele or genotype frequencies between the Schistosoma haematobium infected participants (p = 0.360) and uninfected participants (p = 0.279). However, no children with the IL-10-819 TT genotype had schistosomiasis. The TNF-α GG genotype corresponded with significantly lower TNF-α levels when compared with the GA or AA genotypes (p < 0.001), and TNF-α levels were significantly lower in infected children compared to uninfected children (p < 0.001). Higher TNF-α levels and lower IL-10 levels are potentially protective against schistosomiasis infection. The IL-10-819 TT genotype is potentially protective against infection through its association with lower IL-10 levels.
This is to certify that the contents of this thesis are the original work of Mr Sly Ngoni Mutyava... more This is to certify that the contents of this thesis are the original work of Mr Sly Ngoni Mutyavaviri and as the candidate's co-supervisor, I have approved this thesis for submission.
Infection with Plasmodium falciparum parasites may result in a wide spectrum of symptoms ranging ... more Infection with Plasmodium falciparum parasites may result in a wide spectrum of symptoms ranging from asymptomatic to mild or severe. A number of factors are associated with this heterogeneous response to P. falciparum infection. In the present study, associations of sub‐microscopic asymptomatic P. falciparum with Schistosoma species and TNF (rs1800629) polymorphism were investigated.
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Papers by Amos Marume