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Jackson Onyuka

Mt Kenya University, Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty Member

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I am a microbiologist with research interests in bacteriology, molecular aspects and bacteriophage. A dynamic, productive and an active researcher where my knowledge, professional skills, expertise and talents are used to provide quality services (academic, healthcare, technical or otherwise).
Address: Kenya

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Bhagchand Chhaba

Ogheneughwe G Akise

Federal University of Technology Akure

Segun O L A Y I N K A Oladipo

Kwara State University, Malete-ILORIN

Jacobs mobolade Adesina

Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo,Ondo State, Nigeria

Samuel Adelani Babarinde

Ladoke Akintola University of Technology

Aluska Tavares Dos Santos

Universidade Federal do Paraná

Zayyanu Bala Manga

Bayero University, Kano

Animal Research International

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Papers by Jackson Onyuka

Influence of Anthropogenic Activities on Microbial and Nutrient Levels along the Mara River Tributaries, Kenya

by Douglas Anyona and Jackson Onyuka

EurAsian Journal of Biosciences, May 20, 2014

Background: A number of factors impact negatively on natural surface water resources across the w... more Background: A number of factors impact negatively on natural surface water resources across the world. Although sources of surface water pollution are numerous, anthropogenic activities have been singled out as among the most important and of great concern. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of anthropogenic activities on nutrients and microbial levels along the Amala and Nyangores tributaries of the Mara River in Kenya.

Materials and Methods: Four sampling sites along each tributary were specifically selected from which water samples were collected and analyzed for nutrients by use of spectrophotometric
techniques, and coliform bacterial presence by a multiple tube fermentation technique.

Results: Higher levels of total phosphorus were recorded along the Nyangores than the Amala tributary (P= 0.02). Significant differences in phosphorus levels were recorded between different sites along the Nyangores tributary (P=<0.001) and also along the Amala tributary (P= 0.0036). However, total nitrogen levels varied only within sites along the Nyangores tributary (P<0.0001) but not along the Amala tributary. Similarly, Escherichia coli and total coliform levels varied significantly within Nyangores tributary sites. Sites with frequent and direct human and livestock contact had higher microbial and nutrient levels, indicative of a localized pollution effect.

Conclusions: The findings imply that the health of local communities who depend on this water for domestic use might be compromised. As such, regular monitoring, strict enforcement of environmental protection laws, public education and proper sewage disposal is recommended.

Keywords: Coliform bacteria, domestic waste, Mara River, pollution, urban center.

Effect of salting on Houseflies (Musca domestica) and beetles (Necrobia rufipes and Dermestes maculatus) infestation of fish from lake Victoria, kenya from lake Victoria Kenya, URP journal, may 2013

The effect of salting on houseflies (Musca domestica) and beetles (Necrobia rufipes and Dermestes... more The effect of salting on houseflies (Musca domestica) and beetles (Necrobia rufipes and Dermestes maculatus) infestation of fish from Lake Victoria, Kenya, was studied. Sun-dried fish (Rastrineobola argentea and Oreochromis niloticus) samples for isolation of beetles, and fresh fish samples and houseflies for the salting experiments were collected from fish landing and processing beaches in the shores of Lake Victoria, Kenya. Results showed that all the salt concentrations ranges tested (5%-30%) repelled house flies though at different degrees. 5% repelled 68.8%, 10% repelled 72.4% and 30% repelled 82.8%. The mean number of flies which had settled on the control (no salt) chamber was significantly higher (12.20) than the mean number of flies which had settled on the experimental (salted fish tissues) chamber (3.45), p=0.00009, Students t-Test. Results from beetles' infestation experiments showed that at salt concentrations 10-30%, all the Necrobia spp adult beetles were dead compared to Dermestes spp of which some adults were still alive at 25% salt concentration. Percentage weight loss due to beetle's infestation of unsalted (control) dried dagaa or tilapia fish tissues were over 50%. Even 5-10% salt concentration reduced weight loss due to beetles' infestation of the dried fish to between 1.6% and 10%, compared to infestation of the unsalted fish. After 48 days of Dermestes and Necrobia spp beetles infestation, the mean weight of unsalted dagaa and tilapia fish tissues combined was significantly reduced to 2.05g compared to the mean weight of 4.68g of 5% salted dagaa and tilapia fish tissues combined, p=0.0002, Students t-test. These results are important because the repellency effect of salting of fish on houseflies and infestation reduction on beetles can help reduce microbial contamination and post-harvest losses of fish.

Influence of anthropogenic activities on microbial and nutrient levels along the Mara River tributaries, Kenya INTRODUCTION

Water pollution is a major global problem that requires continuous evaluation and revision of pol... more Water pollution is a major global problem that requires continuous evaluation and revision of policies related to its use and protection. Polluted water is regarded as the leading cause of deaths and diseases worldwide, and it accounts for more than 14,000 deaths daily (Larry 2006). A number of factors continue to negatively impact natural water resources across the world, many of which primarily result from anthropogenic activities. Although sources of surface water pollution are numerous, anthropogenic activities have been singled out as among the most important and of great concern, while urbanization and industrialization are regarded as most effective (Anonymous 2003a). It is estimated that over 90% of wastewater from various sources especially from domestic, industrial and agricultural activities is discharged into rivers, lakes and other aquatic systems across the world (Anonymous 2012a), while about 18% of the world's population, or 1.2 billion people (i.e., 1 out of 3 i...

Comparison of Different Techniques for Processing and Preserving fish Rastrineobola argentea from Lake Victoria, Kenya

by Jackson Onyuka and Gabriel O Dida

This study was set to determine the antimicrobial activities of brine salting, chlorinated soluti... more This study was set to determine the antimicrobial activities of brine salting, chlorinated solution, and oil frying treatments on enteric bacteria and fungi in Rastrineobola argentea fish from fish landing beaches within L. Victoria basin of western Kenya. Statistical differences in effectiveness of the different treatment methods was determined by single factor ANOVA, and paired two-tail t-Test was performed to compare the differences in moisture contents before and after storage. Oil fried fish recorded the lowest microbial loads, sodium chloride at 10% concentration was the second most effective and chlorinated solution even at 150ppm was the least effective against the bacteria and fungi in fish. Moisture contents of the control and treated fish were significantly lower after storage. These results show that oil frying of fish should be adopted for processing and preserving Rastrineobola argentea which is the most abundant and affordable fish species from Lake Victoria.

Prevalence and Antimicrobial SusceptibilityPatterns of Enteric Bacteria Isolated from Waterand Fish in Lake Victoria Basin of WesternKenya

A cross sectional study design and standard microbiological procedures were used to determine the... more A cross sectional study design and standard microbiological procedures were used to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium and Vibrio cholerae O1 isolated from water and two fish species Rastrineobola argentea and Oreochromis niloticus collected from fish landing beaches and markets in the Lake Victoria Basin of western Kenya. Out of 162 samples analyzed, 133 (82.1%) were contaminated, with S. typhimurium as the most prevalent (49.6%), followed by E. coli (46.6%), and lastly V. cholerae (2.8%). All the bacteria isolates were sensitive to ciprofloxacin. E. coli isolates were resistant to ampicillin, tetracycline, cotrimoxazole, chloramphenical and gentamicin while S. typhimurium isolates exhibited resistance to ampicillin, tetracycline, and cotrimoxazole. The V. cholerae O1 isolates were resistant to tetracycline and ampicillin. The high prevalence of drug resistant enteric bacteria in water and ...

comparison of antimicrobial activities of brine salting, chlorinated solution and Moringa oleifera plant extracts in fish in Lake Victoria Basin of Kenya

Chemical preservatives can be used to reduce the overall microbial populations in fish and fish p... more Chemical preservatives can be used to reduce the overall microbial populations in fish and fish products. This study was set to determine the antimicrobial activities of brine salting, chlorinated solution, and Moringa oleifera plant extracts treatments on enteric bacteria in Rastrineobola argentea and Oreochromis niloticus fish collected from beaches and markets from Lake Victoria basin of western Kenya. Using a cross-sectional samples collection design, fresh fish (Rastrineobola argentea and Oreochromis niloticus) samples were randomly collected from three fish landing beaches (Dunga, Luanda Rombo and Sirongo) and from three markets (Kisumu, Luanda and Bondo), in the Lake Victoria Basin of western Kenya and taken to the laboratory within 4 hours for processing and treatments with preservatives. The preservatives were sodium chloride solutions (3%, 6%, 9% and 12%), sodium hypochlorite (50ppm, 100ppm, 150ppm and 200ppm), and Moringa oleifera n-hexane and ethanol extract solutions (2...

Effect of Anthropogenic Activities on Physico- chemical Parameters and Benthic Macroinvertebrates of Mara River Tributaries, Kenya , Ally-Said Matano 5

The impact of anthropogenic activities within Bomet and Mulot towns on water quality of Amala and... more The impact of anthropogenic activities within Bomet and Mulot towns on water quality of Amala and Nyangores tributaries of Mara River, Kenya was assessed using a combination of solid waste, physico-chemical parameters and benthic macroinvertebrates. Site characteristics and on-going anthropogenic activities were observed and recorded, while solid waste was visually identified and categorized. Physico-chemical parameters were determined in situ while benthic macroinvertebrates were analyzed on sediment samples and classified using appropriate keys. Results indicated that all sites were disturbed by anthropogenic activities, except one that was relatively protected at the upper catchment spring draining into Nyangores tributary. Most (96.1%) solid waste encountered was recyclable, while polythene bags were dominant (48.9%). Significantly more solid waste was recorded along Amala than Nyangores tributary. Dissolved oxygen, conductivity, total suspended solids and total phosphorus level...

Gichuki et al. Comparison of different methods for processing and preserving R. argentea form L. Victoria, Kenya waset[1]

This study was set to determine the antimicrobial activities of brine salting, chlorinated soluti... more This study was set to determine the antimicrobial activities of brine salting, chlorinated solution, and oil frying treatments on enteric bacteria and fungi in Rastrineobola argentea fish from fish landing beaches within L. Victoria basin of western Kenya. Statistical differences in effectiveness of the different treatment methods was determined by single factor ANOVA, and paired two-tail t-Test was performed to compare the differences in moisture contents before and after storage. Oil fried fish recorded the lowest microbial loads, sodium chloride at 10% concentration was the second most effective and chlorinated solution even at 150ppm was the least effective against the bacteria and fungi in fish. Moisture contents of the control and treated fish were significantly lower after storage. These results show that oil frying of fish should be adopted for processing and preserving Rastrineobola argentea which is the most abundant and affordable fish species from Lake Victoria.

Presence and distribution of mosquito larvae predators and factors influencing their abundance along the Mara River, Kenya and Tanzania

SpringerPlus, 2015

Among all the malaria controlling measures, biological control of mosquito larvae may be the chea... more Among all the malaria controlling measures, biological control of mosquito larvae may be the cheapest and easiest to implement. This study investigated baseline predation of immature mosquitoes by macroinvertebrate predators along the Mara River, determined the diversity of predators and mosquito larvae habitats and the range of their adaptive capacity to water physico-chemical parameters. Between July and August 2011, sampling sites (n=39) along the Mara River were selected and investigated for the presence of macroinvertebrate predators and mosquito larvae. The selected sampling sites were geocoded and each dipped 20 times using standard mosquito larvae dipper to sample mosquito larvae, while a D-frame dip net was used to capture the macroinvertebrate predators. Water physico-chemical parameters (dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, conductivity, salinity and turbidity) were taken in situ at access points, while hardness and alkalinity were measured titrimetically. The influence of macroinvertebrate predator occurrence was correlated with mosquito larvae and water quality parameters using Generalized Linear Model (GLM). Predators (n=297) belonging to 3 orders of Hemiptera (54.2%), Odonata (22.9%) and Coleoptera (22.9%), and mosquito larvae (n=4001) belonging to 10 species, which included An.gambiae s.l (44.. sergentii (0.05%) and 0.05% of Aedes mosquito larvae which were not identified to species level, due to lack of an appropriate key, were captured from different habitats along the Mara river. It was established that invasion of habitats by the macroinvertebrate predators were partially driven by the presence of mosquito larvae (p < 0.001), and the prevailing water physico-chemical parameters (DO, temperature, and turbidity, p <0.001). Understanding abiotic and biotic factors which favour mosquitoes and macroinveterbrate co-occurrence may contribute to the control of malaria.

Bacterial Contamination Dynamics and Fungal Contamination Levels of Fish Rastrineobola argentea and Oreochromis niloticus from Lake Victoria Basin of Kenya

This study was set to determine the antimicrobial activities of brine salting, chlorinated soluti... more This study was set to determine the antimicrobial activities of brine salting, chlorinated solution, and oil frying treatments on enteric bacteria and fungi in Rastrineobola argentea fish from fish landing beaches within L. Victoria basin of western Kenya. Statistical differences in effectiveness of the different treatment methods was determined by single factor ANOVA, and paired two-tail t-Test was performed to compare the differences in moisture contents before and after storage. Oil fried fish recorded the lowest microbial loads, sodium chloride at 10% concentration was the second most effective and chlorinated solution even at 150ppm was the least effective against the bacteria and fungi in fish. Moisture contents of the control and treated fish were significantly lower after storage. These results show that oil frying of fish should be adopted for processing and preserving Rastrineobola argentea which is the most abundant and affordable fish species from Lake Victoria.

Drug Sensitivity Testing Using Counter Diffusion Technique on Methicilin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Clinical Isolates within selected Hospitals in Nakuru County

A comparison of the susceptibility pattern for the MRSA organism using disc diffusion and counter... more A comparison of the susceptibility pattern for the MRSA organism using disc diffusion and counter diffusion technique indicated that the mean zone of inhibition using the counter diffusion technique was 27.1mm and was significantly higher than the zones of inhibition by either lincomycin p-0.0001, or gentamycin p<0.0001.

Influence of Anthropogenic Activities on Microbial and Nutrient Levels along the Mara River Tributaries, Kenya

by Douglas Anyona and Jackson Onyuka

EurAsian Journal of Biosciences, May 20, 2014

Background: A number of factors impact negatively on natural surface water resources across the w... more Background: A number of factors impact negatively on natural surface water resources across the world. Although sources of surface water pollution are numerous, anthropogenic activities have been singled out as among the most important and of great concern. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of anthropogenic activities on nutrients and microbial levels along the Amala and Nyangores tributaries of the Mara River in Kenya.

Materials and Methods: Four sampling sites along each tributary were specifically selected from which water samples were collected and analyzed for nutrients by use of spectrophotometric
techniques, and coliform bacterial presence by a multiple tube fermentation technique.

Results: Higher levels of total phosphorus were recorded along the Nyangores than the Amala tributary (P= 0.02). Significant differences in phosphorus levels were recorded between different sites along the Nyangores tributary (P=<0.001) and also along the Amala tributary (P= 0.0036). However, total nitrogen levels varied only within sites along the Nyangores tributary (P<0.0001) but not along the Amala tributary. Similarly, Escherichia coli and total coliform levels varied significantly within Nyangores tributary sites. Sites with frequent and direct human and livestock contact had higher microbial and nutrient levels, indicative of a localized pollution effect.

Conclusions: The findings imply that the health of local communities who depend on this water for domestic use might be compromised. As such, regular monitoring, strict enforcement of environmental protection laws, public education and proper sewage disposal is recommended.

Keywords: Coliform bacteria, domestic waste, Mara River, pollution, urban center.

Effect of salting on Houseflies (Musca domestica) and beetles (Necrobia rufipes and Dermestes maculatus) infestation of fish from lake Victoria, kenya from lake Victoria Kenya, URP journal, may 2013

The effect of salting on houseflies (Musca domestica) and beetles (Necrobia rufipes and Dermestes... more The effect of salting on houseflies (Musca domestica) and beetles (Necrobia rufipes and Dermestes maculatus) infestation of fish from Lake Victoria, Kenya, was studied. Sun-dried fish (Rastrineobola argentea and Oreochromis niloticus) samples for isolation of beetles, and fresh fish samples and houseflies for the salting experiments were collected from fish landing and processing beaches in the shores of Lake Victoria, Kenya. Results showed that all the salt concentrations ranges tested (5%-30%) repelled house flies though at different degrees. 5% repelled 68.8%, 10% repelled 72.4% and 30% repelled 82.8%. The mean number of flies which had settled on the control (no salt) chamber was significantly higher (12.20) than the mean number of flies which had settled on the experimental (salted fish tissues) chamber (3.45), p=0.00009, Students t-Test. Results from beetles' infestation experiments showed that at salt concentrations 10-30%, all the Necrobia spp adult beetles were dead compared to Dermestes spp of which some adults were still alive at 25% salt concentration. Percentage weight loss due to beetle's infestation of unsalted (control) dried dagaa or tilapia fish tissues were over 50%. Even 5-10% salt concentration reduced weight loss due to beetles' infestation of the dried fish to between 1.6% and 10%, compared to infestation of the unsalted fish. After 48 days of Dermestes and Necrobia spp beetles infestation, the mean weight of unsalted dagaa and tilapia fish tissues combined was significantly reduced to 2.05g compared to the mean weight of 4.68g of 5% salted dagaa and tilapia fish tissues combined, p=0.0002, Students t-test. These results are important because the repellency effect of salting of fish on houseflies and infestation reduction on beetles can help reduce microbial contamination and post-harvest losses of fish.

Influence of anthropogenic activities on microbial and nutrient levels along the Mara River tributaries, Kenya INTRODUCTION

Water pollution is a major global problem that requires continuous evaluation and revision of pol... more Water pollution is a major global problem that requires continuous evaluation and revision of policies related to its use and protection. Polluted water is regarded as the leading cause of deaths and diseases worldwide, and it accounts for more than 14,000 deaths daily (Larry 2006). A number of factors continue to negatively impact natural water resources across the world, many of which primarily result from anthropogenic activities. Although sources of surface water pollution are numerous, anthropogenic activities have been singled out as among the most important and of great concern, while urbanization and industrialization are regarded as most effective (Anonymous 2003a). It is estimated that over 90% of wastewater from various sources especially from domestic, industrial and agricultural activities is discharged into rivers, lakes and other aquatic systems across the world (Anonymous 2012a), while about 18% of the world's population, or 1.2 billion people (i.e., 1 out of 3 i...

Comparison of Different Techniques for Processing and Preserving fish Rastrineobola argentea from Lake Victoria, Kenya

by Jackson Onyuka and Gabriel O Dida

This study was set to determine the antimicrobial activities of brine salting, chlorinated soluti... more This study was set to determine the antimicrobial activities of brine salting, chlorinated solution, and oil frying treatments on enteric bacteria and fungi in Rastrineobola argentea fish from fish landing beaches within L. Victoria basin of western Kenya. Statistical differences in effectiveness of the different treatment methods was determined by single factor ANOVA, and paired two-tail t-Test was performed to compare the differences in moisture contents before and after storage. Oil fried fish recorded the lowest microbial loads, sodium chloride at 10% concentration was the second most effective and chlorinated solution even at 150ppm was the least effective against the bacteria and fungi in fish. Moisture contents of the control and treated fish were significantly lower after storage. These results show that oil frying of fish should be adopted for processing and preserving Rastrineobola argentea which is the most abundant and affordable fish species from Lake Victoria.

Prevalence and Antimicrobial SusceptibilityPatterns of Enteric Bacteria Isolated from Waterand Fish in Lake Victoria Basin of WesternKenya

A cross sectional study design and standard microbiological procedures were used to determine the... more A cross sectional study design and standard microbiological procedures were used to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium and Vibrio cholerae O1 isolated from water and two fish species Rastrineobola argentea and Oreochromis niloticus collected from fish landing beaches and markets in the Lake Victoria Basin of western Kenya. Out of 162 samples analyzed, 133 (82.1%) were contaminated, with S. typhimurium as the most prevalent (49.6%), followed by E. coli (46.6%), and lastly V. cholerae (2.8%). All the bacteria isolates were sensitive to ciprofloxacin. E. coli isolates were resistant to ampicillin, tetracycline, cotrimoxazole, chloramphenical and gentamicin while S. typhimurium isolates exhibited resistance to ampicillin, tetracycline, and cotrimoxazole. The V. cholerae O1 isolates were resistant to tetracycline and ampicillin. The high prevalence of drug resistant enteric bacteria in water and ...

comparison of antimicrobial activities of brine salting, chlorinated solution and Moringa oleifera plant extracts in fish in Lake Victoria Basin of Kenya

Chemical preservatives can be used to reduce the overall microbial populations in fish and fish p... more Chemical preservatives can be used to reduce the overall microbial populations in fish and fish products. This study was set to determine the antimicrobial activities of brine salting, chlorinated solution, and Moringa oleifera plant extracts treatments on enteric bacteria in Rastrineobola argentea and Oreochromis niloticus fish collected from beaches and markets from Lake Victoria basin of western Kenya. Using a cross-sectional samples collection design, fresh fish (Rastrineobola argentea and Oreochromis niloticus) samples were randomly collected from three fish landing beaches (Dunga, Luanda Rombo and Sirongo) and from three markets (Kisumu, Luanda and Bondo), in the Lake Victoria Basin of western Kenya and taken to the laboratory within 4 hours for processing and treatments with preservatives. The preservatives were sodium chloride solutions (3%, 6%, 9% and 12%), sodium hypochlorite (50ppm, 100ppm, 150ppm and 200ppm), and Moringa oleifera n-hexane and ethanol extract solutions (2...

Effect of Anthropogenic Activities on Physico- chemical Parameters and Benthic Macroinvertebrates of Mara River Tributaries, Kenya , Ally-Said Matano 5

The impact of anthropogenic activities within Bomet and Mulot towns on water quality of Amala and... more The impact of anthropogenic activities within Bomet and Mulot towns on water quality of Amala and Nyangores tributaries of Mara River, Kenya was assessed using a combination of solid waste, physico-chemical parameters and benthic macroinvertebrates. Site characteristics and on-going anthropogenic activities were observed and recorded, while solid waste was visually identified and categorized. Physico-chemical parameters were determined in situ while benthic macroinvertebrates were analyzed on sediment samples and classified using appropriate keys. Results indicated that all sites were disturbed by anthropogenic activities, except one that was relatively protected at the upper catchment spring draining into Nyangores tributary. Most (96.1%) solid waste encountered was recyclable, while polythene bags were dominant (48.9%). Significantly more solid waste was recorded along Amala than Nyangores tributary. Dissolved oxygen, conductivity, total suspended solids and total phosphorus level...

Gichuki et al. Comparison of different methods for processing and preserving R. argentea form L. Victoria, Kenya waset[1]

This study was set to determine the antimicrobial activities of brine salting, chlorinated soluti... more This study was set to determine the antimicrobial activities of brine salting, chlorinated solution, and oil frying treatments on enteric bacteria and fungi in Rastrineobola argentea fish from fish landing beaches within L. Victoria basin of western Kenya. Statistical differences in effectiveness of the different treatment methods was determined by single factor ANOVA, and paired two-tail t-Test was performed to compare the differences in moisture contents before and after storage. Oil fried fish recorded the lowest microbial loads, sodium chloride at 10% concentration was the second most effective and chlorinated solution even at 150ppm was the least effective against the bacteria and fungi in fish. Moisture contents of the control and treated fish were significantly lower after storage. These results show that oil frying of fish should be adopted for processing and preserving Rastrineobola argentea which is the most abundant and affordable fish species from Lake Victoria.

Presence and distribution of mosquito larvae predators and factors influencing their abundance along the Mara River, Kenya and Tanzania

SpringerPlus, 2015

Among all the malaria controlling measures, biological control of mosquito larvae may be the chea... more Among all the malaria controlling measures, biological control of mosquito larvae may be the cheapest and easiest to implement. This study investigated baseline predation of immature mosquitoes by macroinvertebrate predators along the Mara River, determined the diversity of predators and mosquito larvae habitats and the range of their adaptive capacity to water physico-chemical parameters. Between July and August 2011, sampling sites (n=39) along the Mara River were selected and investigated for the presence of macroinvertebrate predators and mosquito larvae. The selected sampling sites were geocoded and each dipped 20 times using standard mosquito larvae dipper to sample mosquito larvae, while a D-frame dip net was used to capture the macroinvertebrate predators. Water physico-chemical parameters (dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, conductivity, salinity and turbidity) were taken in situ at access points, while hardness and alkalinity were measured titrimetically. The influence of macroinvertebrate predator occurrence was correlated with mosquito larvae and water quality parameters using Generalized Linear Model (GLM). Predators (n=297) belonging to 3 orders of Hemiptera (54.2%), Odonata (22.9%) and Coleoptera (22.9%), and mosquito larvae (n=4001) belonging to 10 species, which included An.gambiae s.l (44.. sergentii (0.05%) and 0.05% of Aedes mosquito larvae which were not identified to species level, due to lack of an appropriate key, were captured from different habitats along the Mara river. It was established that invasion of habitats by the macroinvertebrate predators were partially driven by the presence of mosquito larvae (p < 0.001), and the prevailing water physico-chemical parameters (DO, temperature, and turbidity, p <0.001). Understanding abiotic and biotic factors which favour mosquitoes and macroinveterbrate co-occurrence may contribute to the control of malaria.

Bacterial Contamination Dynamics and Fungal Contamination Levels of Fish Rastrineobola argentea and Oreochromis niloticus from Lake Victoria Basin of Kenya

This study was set to determine the antimicrobial activities of brine salting, chlorinated soluti... more This study was set to determine the antimicrobial activities of brine salting, chlorinated solution, and oil frying treatments on enteric bacteria and fungi in Rastrineobola argentea fish from fish landing beaches within L. Victoria basin of western Kenya. Statistical differences in effectiveness of the different treatment methods was determined by single factor ANOVA, and paired two-tail t-Test was performed to compare the differences in moisture contents before and after storage. Oil fried fish recorded the lowest microbial loads, sodium chloride at 10% concentration was the second most effective and chlorinated solution even at 150ppm was the least effective against the bacteria and fungi in fish. Moisture contents of the control and treated fish were significantly lower after storage. These results show that oil frying of fish should be adopted for processing and preserving Rastrineobola argentea which is the most abundant and affordable fish species from Lake Victoria.

Drug Sensitivity Testing Using Counter Diffusion Technique on Methicilin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Clinical Isolates within selected Hospitals in Nakuru County

A comparison of the susceptibility pattern for the MRSA organism using disc diffusion and counter... more A comparison of the susceptibility pattern for the MRSA organism using disc diffusion and counter diffusion technique indicated that the mean zone of inhibition using the counter diffusion technique was 27.1mm and was significantly higher than the zones of inhibition by either lincomycin p-0.0001, or gentamycin p<0.0001.