Papers by Elizabeth Omukunda
OAlib, 2024
A viral illness called COVID-19 can be spread from one person to another. 2019 saw the first case... more A viral illness called COVID-19 can be spread from one person to another. 2019 saw the first case of the virus reported in Wuhan, China, while 2020 saw Kenya record the first COVID-19 infection in Sub-Saharan Africa. To stop the virus from spreading, it is crucial to have the proper information, attitudes, and behaviors. There has been increased research on the impact COVID-19 had on the normal lives of people, however, studies of this effect on rural communities are scarce. Hence, the study was conducted to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice, among residents of Navakholo sub-county, Kakamega, Kenya towards COVID-19. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study and Quantitative methods were adopted. The study was carried out in Kakamega County in Kenya. The respondents were community-dwelling household members 18 years and above (n = 278). Data was analyzed through descriptive statistics, chi-square test of independence, and independent t-test which was used to check differences in knowledge and attitude between groups. Findings were considered significant at p < 0.05. The main outcome measures included knowledge, attitudes, and practices. From the analysis, 47% had a high level of knowledge of COVID-19. Almost three-quarters 74.2% reported that COVID-19 is transmitted through droplets from sneezing or coughing followed by through air 70.2%. Regarding who is at risk of contracting COVID-19, the elderly were reported by the majority to be at risk from COVID-19 94.4% followed by those with other underlying conditions 59.5%. The overall attitude was positive (65.6%). The majority of the respondents 82.5% were willing to do a voluntary COVID-19 test and 94.8% reported that COVID-19 is preventable with 65% reporting that it can be treated at home. Over three quarters 79.5% reported that they How to cite this paper: Wanzala, M.,
Scientific Reports, May 23, 2022
Widespread insecticide resistance in African malaria vectors raises concerns over the potential t... more Widespread insecticide resistance in African malaria vectors raises concerns over the potential to compromise malaria vector control interventions. Understanding the evolution of resistance mechanisms, and whether the selective disadvantages are large enough to be useful in resistance management or designing suitable control strategies is crucial. This study assessed whether insecticide resistance to pyrethroids has an effect on the gonotrophic cycle and reproductive potential of malaria vector Anopheles gambiae. Comparative tests were performed with pyrethroid-resistant and susceptible colonies of Anopheles gambiae colonized from the same geographical area, and the reference Kisumu strain was used as a control. Adult females aged 3 days old were given a blood meal and kept separately for individual egg-laying. The number of days taken to lay eggs post-bloodfeeding was recorded to determine the length of the gonotrophic cycle. To measure adult longevity and reproduction potential, newly emerged males and females of equal numbers were aspirated into a cage and females allowed to blood feed daily. The number of eggs laid and the surviving mosquitoes were recorded daily to determine fecundity, net reproduction rate, intrinsic growth rate and adult longevity. Overall, the resistant females had a significantly longer (1.8 days) gonotrophic cycle than susceptible females (F 2, 13 = 9. 836, P < 0.01). The proportion of resistant females that laid eggs was lower 31.30% (94/300) compared to 54% (162/300) in the susceptible colony and 65.7% (197/300) in the Kisumu strain. The mean number of eggs laid per female was significantly lower in the resistant colony (88.02 ± 20) compared to the susceptible colony (104.9 ± .28.8) and the Kisumu strain (97.6 ± 34.8). The adult longevity was significantly higher for resistant (39.7 ± 1.6 days) compared to susceptible (29.9 ± 1.7 days) and the Kisumu strain was (29.6 ± 1.1 days) (F 2,8 = 45.05, P < 0.0001). Resistant colony exhibited a lower fecundity (4.3 eggs/females/day) and net reproductive rate (2.6 offsprings/female/generation) compared to the susceptible colony (8.6 eggs/female/day; 4.7 offsprings/female/generation respectively) and Kisumu strain (9.7 eggs/female/day; 4.1 offsprings/ female/generation respectively). The study suggests high fitness cost on reproductive parameters of pyrethroid-resistant mosquitoes particularly on the duration of gonotrophic cycle, fecundity and net reproductive rate. These fitness costs are likely associated with maintaining both target site and metabolic mechanisms of resistance to pyrethroids. Despite these costs, resistant mosquitoes had longer longevity. These results give insights to understanding the fitness cost of insecticide resistance and thus are critical when predicting the epidemiological impact of insecticide resistance. Current efforts to control malaria rely heavily on insecticide-based interventions such as large-scale distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) 1 . Pressure placed upon mosquitoes
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2022
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines adolescents as persons between the age of 10 and 19 y... more The World Health Organization (WHO) defines adolescents as persons between the age of 10 and 19 years, a majority fitting the age-based definition of a "child" by the Convention on the Child's Rights. Adolescents go through significant physical, physiological, and psychosocial changes from childhood to adulthood during this period. There are indications that during the COVID-19 pandemic, adolescents experienced a myriad of challenges as reported by various forms of media. These challenges included teenage pregnancies/ motherhood and early marriages amongst girls, drug and substance abuse, and other social deviancies that came with devastating consequences, notably a surge in school dropout, which shuttered their dreams for a better future. During the outreach activities by the African Women in Science and Engineering (AWSE), MMUST chapter, a gap for research in the realm of Sexual and Reproductive Health of adolescents was established, necessitating this study. The objective guided the study: To establish the adolescents' prior Knowledge on Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) and how this Knowledge shaped their behavior in the wake of the Covid-19 Pandemic. The study adopted a Mixed Methods Research (MMR) approach, drawing on the strengths of both quantitative and qualitative paradigms. A total of 340 adolescents formed the study sample, and the sampling techniques employed were multi-stage, purposive, stratified, and simple random sampling. The data collection tools included questionnaires, interviews schedules, and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Data was collected on the ASRH knowledge base and their behavior within the period of the Covid-19 Pandemic. This was done conscious of the various demographic parameters that are likely to influence adolescents' knowledge and behavior, such as parents' level of education and occupation; Faith of the family, and the gender of the adolescent, among others. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially using SPSS version 20. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically and used in triangulating quantitative findings. Results showed that 90% of adolescents had Knowledge of sexual and reproductive health, an indication that there was a10% knowledge gap. Significant differences were recorded across gender (Chi=4.715, p=0.030); age (Chi=8.775, p=0.012); religion (Chi=10.204, p=0.017) and education level (Chi=14.338, p=0.008), among others. Results further showed that Knowledge on ASRH had a positive impact on adolescents' behavior as a smaller proportion (34.3%) of those with the Knowledge engaged in sexual relationships, compared to 42.9% of those without the Knowledge. Whereas they had Knowledge of sexual and reproductive health, it was evident that this did not translate to better behavior as manifested in a surge in unsafe abortions, failure to embrace contraception, and inability to seek appropriate medical care. In this vain, the study recommends empowerment of youth through developing education programs that focus on the needs of adolescent sexual reproductive health and development and implementation of appropriate regulatory frameworks and policies to mitigate the risks and challenges adolescents encounter.
International Journal of Innovative Research and Development
Background Anopheles gambiae, An. arabiensis, An. funestus, An. Nili and An. moucheti are Africa'... more Background Anopheles gambiae, An. arabiensis, An. funestus, An. Nili and An. moucheti are Africa's known primary malaria vectors (1,3). These vectors play a major role in malaria transmission and its sustenance (3-5). Studies have shown that An. coustani, An. pharoensis, An. ziemnni, An. rivolorumand An. maculipulpisare involved in malaria transmission as secondary vectors (3,5,6). However, scanty information exists on the involvement of An. coustaniin disease transmission as
Agriculture
Pesticide application in agricultural and residential areas is a worldwide practice. However, hum... more Pesticide application in agricultural and residential areas is a worldwide practice. However, human pesticide poisoning and environmental pollution through pesticide residues remain a challenge in the developing world. The present study investigated the intensity of pesticide application in large-scale farms in Trans-Nzoia County to screen and prioritize the pesticides for potential human health and environmental risks. A cross-sectional survey involving 348 farmers was conducted in the study area, and data was analyzed using SPSS. Environmental Exposure Potential (EEP) and Toxicity Potentials (TP) were analyzed from the Pesticide Properties Database (PPDB). Majority (99.4%) of the farms surveyed apply various pesticide classes that include: organophosphates (34.78%), neonicotinoids (15.22%), carbamates (10.87%), pyrethroids (10.87%), organochlorines (8.7%), triazoles (6.5%), copper-based (4.34%), avermectines (2.17%), triazines (2.17%), and amidines (2.17%), with the use of organic...
Re-emerging of high malaria incidences in highlands of western Kenya pose a challenge to malaria ... more Re-emerging of high malaria incidences in highlands of western Kenya pose a challenge to malaria eradication efforts. Anopheles coustani is a sub-Saharan mosquito species implicated in transmission of malaria in many parts of Africa as a secondary vector. It is a zoo-anthropophilic species that has been assumed to be of negligible importance. A cross sectional study was carried out in April to June, 2020 in Eluche location, Mumias East sub-County, Kakamega County, Kenya to establish the contribution of Anopheles coustani in malaria transmission. Pyrethrum spray collections (PSC) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and prevention light traps were used for sampling mosquitoes. Mosquitoes were collected from both indoors; between 0700h and 1100h using PSC and outdoors between 1800h and 0700h using CDC light traps. All mosquitoes were identified morphologically and female Anopheles’ heads and thorax were analyzed further using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for Plasmodium sporozoite....
Plant, 2021
Maize has become Africa's second most important food crop after cassava. Maize is Kenya's staple ... more Maize has become Africa's second most important food crop after cassava. Maize is Kenya's staple food and is grown by about 90% of rural households. Among the pests and disease, stem borers are considered to be the most serious insect pests and ear rot the most important disease. A participatory rural appraisal (PRA) was carried out in Malakisi and Sirisia Divisions of Bungoma County, Western Kenya (N00°68.824-N00°78.641 and E34°38.076-E34°55.604). The PRA involved focused group discussions and 100 questionnaires were used in each Division to gather information from maize farmers. The focused groups consisted of the males and females who had engaged in maize production for at least 5 years. The two Divisions were perceived to have different levels of ear rot causing fungi because of different agro-ecological zones. This determined the farmers' knowledge on the relationship between maize ear rot and stem borer damage, yield losses and farmer's livelihoods. Farmers put 54% of their farms under maize production with mean yields of 9.8bags/acre and 10.9bags/acre for Malakisi and Sirisia Divisions respectively. Most farmers planted maize early 78% and 83% for Malakisi and Sirisia. The use of certified seeds especially hybrids was high in both Divisions with Malakisi 74% while Sirisia had 84%. Only 63% and 66% of the population for Malakisi and Sirisia respectively were food secure. The yields per unit area is far less than the potential due low levels of inorganic fertilizer use and unexploited organic manure utilization. But the government intervention/subsidy through National accelerated agricultural input and access programme (NAAIAP) programme in both Divisions realized significant increase in the yields of 20-30 bags /acre). All farmers affirmed knowing both maize stem borers and ear rot. The occurrence of stem borers was 16% in long rain season while 84% in short rains season. There were No stem borer tolerant varieties with farmers, local stockists and traders. Farmers in Malakisi 46% and Sirisia 37% recognized the relationship as a pathway between stem borer damage and ear rot incidence. Some farmers and traders admix their maize grains with Malakisi 25% and Sirisia 13%. Rotten ears are used as livestock, poultry feeds, local brews and human food during hunger months. Coupled with the high number of traditional stores which are grass thatched and dilapidated, this predisposes the populace to mycotoxins associated with ear rot posing a health risk.
Journal of Parasitology Research, 2020
Intestinal helminths cause anaemia, malnutrition, indigestion disorders, retarded growth, and low... more Intestinal helminths cause anaemia, malnutrition, indigestion disorders, retarded growth, and low mental abilities in pupils. About 1.5 billion are infected globally. Intestinal helminth infections are caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis, Enterobius vermicularis, Ancylostoma duodenale, and Necator americanus. Lugari Subcounty has poor sanitation and inadequate clean water. This study determined the prevalence of intestinal helminth infections in preschool pupils in Lugari Subcounty. A stratified multistage cluster experimental design was used. Sampling was carried out in four wards: Lumakanda, Lugari, Luandeti, and Chekalini. Preschool pupils of either gender were selected randomly. Written consents and verbal assent were obtained from parents or guardians and preschool pupils, respectively. Questionnaires were administered in order to collect sociodemographic data. Stool samples were collected and tested for the presence of eggs using the ...
Journal of Parasitology Research, 2020
Background. Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) and schistosome infections have been known to be ma... more Background. Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) and schistosome infections have been known to be major causes of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan countries. School aged and preschool children are known to be at high risk of infection. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with soil-transmitted helminths among school-going children in Lurambi Subcounty, Kakamega, Kenya. Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted from Jan 2020 to Feb 2020 among 392 randomly selected primary school-going children aged 5 to 14 years old in six primary schools. Risk factors associated with STH infection were obtained using a structured questionnaire answered by the children’s caregivers. Stool samples were examined using the standard quantitative Kato-Katz technique. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 20 and Epi Info version 7.2.3.1. Result. A total of 278 children provided stool samples for analysis. The overall prevalence of intestinal...
Background & objective—Malaria resurgence in highland regions of East Africa has been on increase... more Background & objective—Malaria resurgence in highland regions of East Africa has been on increase. The spatio-temporal distribution of larval habitats of malaria vectors determines the distribution of adult vectors, hence, disease transmission. Vector’s ecology is necessary for strategic vector control through effective plan for source reduction. Mapping of the larval habitats is necessary for targeted control measures. The purpose of this study is to assess and compare the spatial and seasonal variations in anopheline larval habitats in Western Kenya. Methods—A comparative study was conducted on spatial distribution of GPS geo-located anopheline larval habitats in relation to highland and lowland environments. Land use types were categorized and all potential aquatic habitats of malaria vectors were examined in February, May, August and November 2004. Data analyses were performed using SAS JMP software. Results & discussion—Results showed a higher percentage of Anopheles gambiae s....
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2006
The reasons for the resurgence of malaria in the African highlands have been subject of debate. B... more The reasons for the resurgence of malaria in the African highlands have been subject of debate. Because vector abundance is important for malaria transmission, gaining a better understanding of vector biology is a key to understanding the mechanisms of highland malaria. We studied vector productivity in relation to the highland environment and compared productivity between lowland and highland sites. We found lower vector productivity in the highland and in wetlands where the temperature was lower. Immature stage development time was significantly longer in the highland site. Development time was significantly shorter in aquatic habitats in cultivated areas than in wetlands, and survival rate was significantly higher in cultivated areas. Fecundity was significantly lower in the highland site. These findings suggest that changes in local temperature and land use contribute to an increase of malaria vectors in the highland.
Journal of Medical Entomology, 2006
Studies were carried out at three sites in the highlands of western Kenya (Iguhu and Mbale in Kak... more Studies were carried out at three sites in the highlands of western Kenya (Iguhu and Mbale in Kakamega and Vihiga districts, respectively, and Marani in Kisii district) and at one site in the western Kenya lowlands (Kombewa in Kisumu district) to determine the spatialÐtemporal dynamics of malaria vectors and intensity of malaria transmission from June 2003 to June 2004. At the highland sites, Anopheles gambiae Giles predominated, constituting Ͼ80% of the vector species, whereas An. funestus Giles made up Ͻ20%. In contrast, at the lowland site, An. funestus made up 68% of the vector species. The mean annual indoor resting densities of An. gambiae at Iguhu were 5.0 female mosquitoes per house per night, 14.2-and 26.3-fold greater than those at Mbale and Marani. During the main transmission season, the indoor resting densities of An. gambiae increased 4.1-, 10.1-, and 5.0-fold over the dry season period in Iguhu, Mbale, and Marani, respectively. The estimated annual entomological inoculation rate (EIR) at Iguhu was 16.6 infectious bites per person per year (ib/p/yr), 1.1 at Mbale, and 0.4 at Marani. This suggests high spatial variation in vector abundance and malaria transmission intensity. At the lowland site, Kombewa, the total annual EIR was 31.1 ib/p/yr and the indoor resting densities during the transmission season increased 7.1-fold in An. funestus and 18.5-fold in An. gambiae sensu lato over the dry season. The low level of transmission in the highlands suggests that it may be disrupted by vector control methods such as residual spraying.
Additional file 1: Fig. S1. Percentage mortality rates of the selected pyrethroid resistant Anoph... more Additional file 1: Fig. S1. Percentage mortality rates of the selected pyrethroid resistant Anopheles gambiae and unselected susceptible colonies. Mortality rate was measured using the WHO insecticide susceptibly tube bioassay for deltamethrin. Error bars indicate 95% confidence intervals. The 90% mortality threshold for declaring suspected resistance and 98% mortality threshold for calling full susceptibility based on the WHO criteria are indicated.
Journal of vector borne diseases, 2012
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Malaria resurgence in highland regions of East Africa has been on increas... more BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Malaria resurgence in highland regions of East Africa has been on increase. The spatio-temporal distribution of larval habitats of malaria vectors determines the distribution of adult vectors, hence, disease transmission. Vector's ecology is necessary for strategic vector control through effective plan for source reduction. Mapping of the larval habitats is necessary for targeted control measures. The purpose of this study is to assess and compare the spatial and seasonal variations in anopheline larval habitats in Western Kenya. METHODS A comparative study was conducted on spatial distribution of GPS geo-located anopheline larval habitats in relation to highland and lowland environments. Land use types were categorized and all potential aquatic habitats of malaria vectors were examined in February, May, August and November 2004. Data analyses were performed using SAS JMP software. RESULTS & DISCUSSION Results showed a higher percentage of Anopheles gambi...
Background: Widespread insecticide resistance in African malaria vectors raises concerns over the... more Background: Widespread insecticide resistance in African malaria vectors raises concerns over the potential to compromise malaria vector control interventions. Understanding the evolution of resistance mechanisms, and whether the selective disadvantages are large enough to be useful in resistance management or designing suitable control strategies is crucial. This study assessed whether insecticide resistance to pyrethroids has an effect on the gonotrophic cycle and reproductive potential of malaria vector Anopheles gambiae.Methods: Comparative tests were performed with a pyrethroid resistant and susceptible colonies of Anopheles gambiae colonized from the same geographical area, and the reference Kisumu strain was used as a control. Adult females aged 2 days old were given a blood meal and kept separately for individual egg laying. The number of days taken to lay eggs post blood feeding was recorded to determine the length of gonotrophic cycle. To measure adult longevity and reprod...
Background: Despite increasing documentation of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors against... more Background: Despite increasing documentation of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors against public health insecticides in sub-Saharan Africa, there is a paucity of information on the potential fitness costs of pyrethroid resistance in malaria vectors which is important in improving the current resistant management strategies. This study aimed to assess the fitness cost effects of insecticide resistance on the development and survival of immature Anopheles gambiae from western Kenya.Method: Two-hour old first instar larvae (L1) were introduced and raised in basins containing soil and rainwater in a semi-field setup. Each day the number of surviving individuals per larval stage was counted and their stage of development were recorded until they emerged as adults. The larval life history trait parameters measured include mean larval development time, daily survival and pupal emergence. Pyrethroid selected resistant colony of An. gambiae s.s and unselected colony originating from ...
Zootaxa
Five new species of Spinibdella are described and figured: S. ankylotricha sp. nov., S. polyatten... more Five new species of Spinibdella are described and figured: S. ankylotricha sp. nov., S. polyattenuata sp. nov., S. pongolensissp. nov., S. namibiensis sp. nov., and S. trinomma sp. nov. Where available, immature stages are also described. Spinibdellathori (Meyer & Ryke) is redescribed and S. cronini (Baker & Balock) is reported for the first time from southern Africa. Keys to the genera of Bdellidae and South African Spinibdella are given.
Medicine Science | International Medical Journal
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Papers by Elizabeth Omukunda