School of Biological and Physical Scienceshttps://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/13232024-03-28T13:39:17Z2024-03-28T13:39:17ZEffect of periphyton technology on the growth performance and fecundity of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) cultured in earthen pondsMAVINDU, Muthokahttps://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/55602022-12-19T15:11:23Z2022-01-01T00:00:00ZEffect of periphyton technology on the growth performance and fecundity of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) cultured in earthen ponds
MAVINDU, Muthoka
Aquaculture plays a big role in eliminating poverty and malnutrition. However, the current pond-based systems rely on the supply of large amounts of low-quality commercial feeds that limit aquaculture productivity and have the potential to cause environmental problems such as eutrophication in the receiving waters. Poor brood stock productivity remains a major constraint in aquaculture growth. Early sexual maturation of O.niloticus before it attains market size results to stunted growth affecting its productivity. The present study was therefore guided by the following specific objectives: i) To determine the effect of periphyton technology (PPT) on the growth performance indicators of O. niloticus reared in earthen ponds ii) To determine the effect of PPT on the fecundity of O. niloticusiii) To determine the effect of PPT on plankton diversity and abundance iv) To determine the effect of PPT on pond water quality parameters. The research was done at Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), Sang’oro.Six earthen ponds used for the study were limedat a rate of 4 g.m-2 and filled with water one week after liming. The ponds were fertilized using chicken manure. Two treatments, i.e., PPT-and control-ponds, were evaluated in the study and triplicated. The PPT ponds were fitted with 2-m long eucalyptus poles of 5 cm diameter at 50 cm interval with the inclusion of molasses as carbon source. The control ponds were not treated. Tilapia fish (mean weight, 12.35±0.15g) were stocked in all ponds at a density of 3fish/m2, and fed on a commercial diet with 20 % crude protein (CP) twice daily at 3 % body weight. 30 fish were sampled weekly from each pond for growth, and 10 fish were sampled bi-weekly for the determination of fecundity. Water samples were collected from the ponds to determine plankton abundance and diversity. Selected physicochemical water parameters were monitored in situ weekly using multi-parameter meter. Total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) was measured in a laboratory using standard procedures. R software version 3.2.1 was used to conduct statistical analysis. The effects of PPT on growth performance, fecundity of O. niloticus, water quality parameters, plankton diversity and abundance were analyzed using independent t-test. The PPT-ponds registered significantly higher mean weight (150.69 ± 0.99 g), SGR (2.75 ± 0.01), and lower FCR (1.29 ± 0.01),than the control ponds: Mean weight (99.23 ± 0.96 g), SGR (2.29 ± 0.00), and FCR (1.58 ± 0.01).There was significantly higher fecundity in the PPT-ponds (2.28 ± 0.09 g) than control (1.74 ± 0.06 g.fish-1) with prolific spawning behavior starting earlier in the fourth week in control pond (fish mean weight, 29.19 ± 0.26) but delayed to the eighth week in the PPT-ponds with fish having a mean weight of 81.37 ± 0.51. PPT-ponds had a higher phytoplankton and zooplankton diversity index of 3.19 and 3.42, respectively, compared to 2.57 and 2.34, respectively, in control-ponds. There was a significantly higher zooplankton mean abundance in the PPT-ponds (2771.83 ± 313.11)than in control (262.67 ± 16.78). The control-ponds recorded significantly higher concentrations of nitrite (0.07 ± 0.01 mg.L-1), ammonia (0.21 ± 0.03 mg.L-1) and ammonium (0.20 ± 0.04 mg.L-1)compared to PPT-ponds: nitrite (0.02 ± 0.01 mg.L-1), ammonia (0.06 ± 0.01 mg.L-1), and ammonium(0.02 ± 0.01 mg.L-1). This study demonstrated that PPT is a quality natural fish feed that can be used with supplemental feed to replace the costly commercial fish feeds. PPT also has a high potential of improving the water quality of the culture system, thereby providing the ideal conditions for maximum growth of fish. The present study recommends the adoption of PPT in replacing the costly commercial fish feeds used in tilapia culture. Further studies are recommended to explore other substrates for installing PPT in ponds.
Masters Thesis
2022-01-01T00:00:00ZAssessment of the Levels of Micronutrients in Black Tea from Different Regions Of East Africa and Changes In their Levels Due to Agronomic PracticesOMWOYO, Wesley Nyaigotihttps://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/51692022-04-13T09:17:51Z2011-01-01T00:00:00ZAssessment of the Levels of Micronutrients in Black Tea from Different Regions Of East Africa and Changes In their Levels Due to Agronomic Practices
OMWOYO, Wesley Nyaigoti
Inadequate supply of micronutrients causes human h~ealth complications and is a worldwide
problem now referred to as hidden hunger. Beverages from Camellia sinensis are claimed to be
the most widely consumed fluids after water. However it is not known if they contain adequate
,Ie.vels of micronutrients to alleviate hidden hunger problems. The levels of micronutrients in
East African teas are unknown and factors controlling their absorption from the soil remain
obscure. The objective of this study was to assess levels of micronutrients in East African teas, • 0::..local market teas and their infusions, establish if their levels vary with nitrogen fertilizer rates
and plucking intervals and determine if there are variations in micronutrient level in the black
tea of tea clones planted in various geographic locations. The micronutrients Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu
and Se levels from 42 factories in East Africa and effects of grading on the micronutrients
levels in four tea grades were assessed in 'acomplete1y randomized design and two factor
completely randomized design respectively. The effects of nitrogenous fertilizer and plucking
intervals on micronutrient content of clone 6/8 planted in' Timbilil, Sotik Highlands and
Changoi were assessed in a three factor randomized complete block design. The levels of these
minerals were also assessed in black tea of different clones planted in Kangaita, Kipkebe and
Timbilil in a factorial two design randomized in a complete block design replicated three times
under similar agronomic practices. The black tea samples were ashed, acid digested and
extracted for analysis using the AAS. Mn levels were highest while Se levels were lowest.
Mean levels of other micronutrients were in the order Fe>Zn>Cu. Large particle size grades
had more (p:SO.05) micronutrients. Teas from the local market had higher levels of
micronutrients than exported teas and the levels varied significantly (p:S0.05) among the grades.
About 41% and 82% Mn and Cu was extracted in hot water infusion respectively while Fe
extracted was only 17%. A cup of tea from 2.0g tea can contribute 57%, 1.03%, 0.65%, 2.0%
and 2.85% of Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu and Se respectively of daily minimum requirement. Thus consumption of more than two cups of tea per day can supply daily requirements of Mn.
However adequate daily supply of other micronutrients must be supplied by other foods. All the
micronutrients significantly (p:S0.05) varied with location of production. Mn and Se levels were
not significantly (p:S0.05) affected by increasing rates of nitrogenous fertilizer, Fe and Zn
significantly (p:S0.05) increased while Cu levels significantly (p:S0.05) reduced. Plucking
intervals did not significantly (p:SO.05) affect the micronutrient content of the resultant black
teas. Different clones showed varied (p:SO.OS) micronutrient content when planted in a single
location under similar agronomic practices and did not follow a similar pattern when the clones
were planted in different locations. To increase micronutrient levels in tea, it is necessary to
optimize nitrogen fertilizer rates and use suitable clones for different geographic locations.
2011-01-01T00:00:00ZComparative Annotation and Analysis of Protein-Coding DNA Sequences (CDS) Of Theileria Parva Marikebuni and Theileria Parva Muguga GenomesOBIERO, George Fredrick Opondohttps://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/51672022-04-13T09:07:11Z2011-01-01T00:00:00ZComparative Annotation and Analysis of Protein-Coding DNA Sequences (CDS) Of Theileria Parva Marikebuni and Theileria Parva Muguga Genomes
OBIERO, George Fredrick Opondo
Theileriaparva Muguga genome was the first to be sequenced and published in this genus of great economic, veterinary and biological importance to livestock industry in East and Central Africa. The aim was to aid in identification of schizont antigens for vaccine development and to enhance comparative genomics with other related apicomplexas. To add to the repertoire of resource base, T parva Marikebuni was recently sequenced because of its high genotypic diversity given that its infection cannot be-cross-protected by the Muguga cocktail vaccine. Reported here is the annotation and curation of protein-codingDNA sequences (CDS) of the partial genome of T. parva Marikebuni against T. parva Muguga via Artemis ComparisonTool (ACT). The genome was analyzed for both strain-specific micro- and macrosatellite markers (also called variable number tandem repeats, VNTRs) and codon usage bias of coding open reading frames (ORPs) containing the VNTR markers. The results reported here showedthat T parva Marikebuni has a compact but protracted nuclear genome, encoding over 3900 CDS. The majority of these CDS are predicted as multi-exonic, but with lower count number relative to those observed in T parva Muguga genome. The genome is ATrich with about 32.64% GC content and shares a perfectsynteny with the template genome in terms of gene structure and nucleotide composition. The CDS were assigned unique feature identifiers including putative functions from database gene ontologies (GO). This study was able to characterize and locate the VNTRs within both genomes. Most VNTRs were found to be located in the non-coding regions of the genomes but peculiarly, seven of them were located in exonic ORFs. The codon usages in these genomes are biased towards AT-rich codons as would positively be expected of AT-rich genomes. Statistical analysis at 0.05 confidence showed that there was no significant difference in the codon usage both within and between the Theileria genomes. These results will be crucial in building of T parva database and make mining of the micro- and macro-satellites for any future comparative studies achievable. The findings will further enhance the search and prediction 'of the many T parva genes with unknown functions. In addition, the present study will aid in definition of strain-specific markers if the whole T parva Marikebuni genome can be completely sequenced.
2011-01-01T00:00:00ZCoordination Chemistry and Liquid-Liquid Extracnon of Zinc(Ii), Cadmium(Ii) and Lead(Ii) Cations With .. (Pyrazol-I-Ylmethyl)Pyridine LigandsNYAMATO, George Simbahttps://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/51662022-04-13T08:37:47Z2011-01-01T00:00:00ZCoordination Chemistry and Liquid-Liquid Extracnon of Zinc(Ii), Cadmium(Ii) and Lead(Ii) Cations With .. (Pyrazol-I-Ylmethyl)Pyridine Ligands
NYAMATO, George Simba
Amongstthe countless man-made contaminants that infiltrate our water sources are heavy metals, usually as by-products of industrial processes. Many metals, particularly heavy metals are toxic. Metal contamination (e.g, Hg, Pb, Cd, etc.) can\be addressed by using filters/sorbents (e.g. gamma alumina), and flocculation/precipitation,1mt these methods are non-specificand best suited to contaminants at high concentrations. Chelating extraction is a potential technology of remediation for heavy metals-contaminated water and as such considerable attention has been devoted to the development of chelating agents for liquidliquid extraction of metal ions. The ligands 2,6-bis(pyrazol-I-ylmethyl)pyridine (LI), 2,6bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-I-ylmethyl)pyridine (L2), 2,6-bis(3,5-ditertbutylpyrazol-lylmethyl)pyridine (1..3), 2-(pyrazoI-I-ylmethyl)pyridine (IA), 2-(3;5-dimethylpyrazol-lylmethyl)pyridine (L5) and 2-(3,5-ditertbutylpyrazol-I-ylmethyl)pyridine (L6) were prepared and their coordination chemistry with zinc and cadmium metal ions investigated prior to their applications as chelating agents to remove heavy metals from water. Ligands L2, L5 and L6 reacted with either Zn(N03~, ZnCh, Cd(N03)2 or CdCh to form monometallic complexes [Zn(NOl~{L5)] (CI), [Zn(NOl~(L6)] (C2), [ZnCb(LS)] (C3), [Cd(N03)2(L5)] (C4), [Cd(NOlh(L6)] (CS), [CdCh(L5)] (C6), [Zn(N03)2(L2)] (C7), [ZnCb(L2)] (C8), [Cd(N03h{L2)] (C9), (CdCb{L2)] (CIO). All the new compounds prepared were characterized by IH NM:R.and elemental analyses. Single crystal X-ray crystallography of complexes CI, Cl, C4, CS, C7 and C9 has been used to confirm the solid state structure of the complexes. L5 and L6 adopts bidentate coordination mode through the pyridine nitrogen and one pyrazolyl nitrogen atom as confrrmed by single crystal X-ray crystallography of complexes Ct, 0, C4 and CS. The tridentate coordination ofL2 has also been established by the solid state structures ofC7 and C9. The abilities of 2,6-bis(pyrazol-I-ylmethyl)pyridine (Lt), 2,6-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-I-ylmethyl)pyridine (L2), 2,6-bis(3,5-ditertbutylpyrazol-I-ylmethyl)pyridine (LJ), 2-(pyrazol-lylmethyl)pyridine (U), and 2-(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-I-ylmethyl)pyridine (LS) to extract heavy metal ions, (lead(ll), cadmium(Il) and zinc(Il) were examined by liquid-liquid extraction experiments using dichloromethane-water biphasic system Extraction efficiency was found to be dependent on the type of metal cations. All the ligands showed greater extraction efficiency for zinc (88-99%) and lowest extraction for cadmium (19-31%). The ligand architecture as well as experimental conditions such as metal:ligand ratio, time of reaction influenced the extraction efficiency of the ligands. Theoretical studies using Density Functional Theory by Gassian03 have been used to explain the observed experimental trends.The theoretical results were consistent with the experimental results , with zinc(ll) giving the highest negative enthalpy followed by le~(ll) and cadmium(II) giving the lowest.
2011-01-01T00:00:00ZAssessment of the Floral Diversity along Disturbance Gradient in Kaya Muhaka Forest, Msambweni DistrictMAKOKHA, Derek Wambulwahttps://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/51642022-04-13T08:26:00Z2011-01-01T00:00:00ZAssessment of the Floral Diversity along Disturbance Gradient in Kaya Muhaka Forest, Msambweni District
MAKOKHA, Derek Wambulwa
Kaya Muhaka Forest in the Kenyan Coast is one of the remianng lowland forest patches
belonging to Zanzibar-Inhambane vegetation mosaic of Eastern Africa, which are rich in \ endemic and threatened flora and fauna. Although gazetted and protected as a national monument, the forest biodiversity is still endangered. This research attempted to establish the
flora diversity along disturbance gradient ranging from the forest core to the agro-ecosytems of the forest. The belt transect method was used where quadrants of 20m x 20m placed at
intervals of every 250m were systematically selected along two parallel transects of 3km long each and all the plant species recorded. An additional nine plots of similar size and
placement were surveyed on three parallel transects of 1km each established from the edge
of the forest to the forest core. The flora diversity was calculated by use of the Shannon
Wiener Index of diversity. The Importance Value Index, forest strcture, the species area
curve and dominance were determined. Other ecological attributes established included
species composition, and canopy cover. The distribution and conservation status of
endangered species was studied by means of random walks and georeferencing the target species using Global Positioning System Forest disturbance was also recorded by use of
indictaors such as presence of paths, tree stamps and evidence of firewood collection. Scorodophloeus fisheri (Taub) J. Lion was the most important species in the forest and Cocos
.nucifera L. was the most important in the farmland. A total of 492 species in 92 families
were recorded. The forest was found to be heavily disturbed with numerous paths crossing it.
The threatened speices are not protected and they risk being logged. There was a high
diversity of plant species in the Kaya Muhaka forest and agro-ecosystems. The forest is
homogenous with most of the species being indigenous and endemic. The protection of the
forest should be improved. Further research should be done on the conservation, presence and mapping of the endangered species in Kaya Muhaka forest.
2011-01-01T00:00:00ZOccurrence and Antimicrobial Profiles of Salmonella Sp in Fish (Oreochromis Niloticus) and Selected Fish-Ponds in Western KenyaWERE, Jeremiah Wafulahttps://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/51632022-04-06T09:10:00Z2011-01-01T00:00:00ZOccurrence and Antimicrobial Profiles of Salmonella Sp in Fish (Oreochromis Niloticus) and Selected Fish-Ponds in Western Kenya
WERE, Jeremiah Wafula
Salmonella, a gram-negative facultative rod shaped bacterium: '--'in the family Enterebacteriaceae, is found in the intestinal tracts of humans and animals. Salmonella causes salmonellosis, which manifests as two diseases in humans: enteric fever (typhoid) and acute gastroenteritis. Salmonellae are disseminated to the external environment, such as water, soil and plants, through human or animal excretion. Fish farming has become an important practice in Western Kenya where two species, namely Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) are reared for subsistence and for commercial sales. It has however been established that fish can serve as carriers or infectious source of pathogens such as Mycobacteria, Streptococcus iniae, Vibrio spp., aeromonads and Salmonella spp. Currently, there is a rise in the incidence of antimicrobial resistant bacteria including Salmonella. This has become of critical concern in the world, with about 1.3 billion cases and 3 million deaths reported annually due to multidrug resistant (MDR) Salmonella. In Kenya, the prevalence ofMDR Salmonella has been rising steadily since it was first reported between 1997 and 1999. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of Salmonella and analyze their antimicrobial profile in farmed fish and fish ponds in the community around Maseno University in Maseno division in Western Kenya. Nineteen Salmonella isolates were obtained from the flesh and intestines of fish (n=55) and water collected from eleven fish farms. Two isolates were Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi and 4 were Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium due to the presence of malate dehydrogenase (mdh) gene (261bp). Ninety five percent of the Salmonella isolates were resistant to Ampicillin, 89% to kanamycin, 84% to chloramphenicaJ, 63% to streptomycin, 31% to tetracycline, ]6% to gentamicin, and 11% to cotrimoxazole. BlaTFM, a gene that confers resistance to p-Iactams and cephalosporins was amplified in 61% Salmonella isolates. The incidence of Salmonella spp was 45% in the fish ponds and 15.7%'fish. These findings indicate that fish from fish farms around Maseno University contain MDR Salmonella which may infect humans. It is therefore important that the farmers improve the hygiene of their fish farms and that consumers prepare their fish properly to cut the cycle of infection from man to fish and back to man.
2011-01-01T00:00:00ZToxicity and Mortality of Synergized Crude Essential Oil Extracts from Tagetes Minuta (L.) on Periplaneta Americana (Blattidae)OTENG'O, Antony Otingahttps://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/51612022-04-06T09:00:12Z2011-01-01T00:00:00ZToxicity and Mortality of Synergized Crude Essential Oil Extracts from Tagetes Minuta (L.) on Periplaneta Americana (Blattidae)
OTENG'O, Antony Otinga
Cockroaches are insects that belong to the order Blattodea, suborder Blattaria and family Blattidae. The species that is most common and wide spread in the world is Periplaneta americana(L.). They are increasing in number due to their resistance to synthetic insecticides that are in most cases used in their control. This has made them a public health problem due to their close association with human wastes and they are mechanical transmitters of human disease causing pathogens. Therefore there is need of coming up with an alternative insecticide. Although studies have shown that the Tagetes minuta(L.) has insecticidal properties, this property has not been tested on cockroaches. T minuta's insecticidal compounds have never been synergized with oil components of Sesamum indicum(L). In the present study, synergized crude essential oil extracts from T minuta were tested as a potential fumigant and contact toxicant on P. americana. The study took place in Maseno Division where 35 households were interviewed using questionnaires and P. american a collected from their premise. The crude essential oil extracts were obtained from floral and folia parts of the plant by percolating with methanol and rotorvaping, then synergized with oil components (methanol extract) from S. indicum seeds. The mixture of the two oils was tested for toxicity on the P. americana in the laboratory using bio-assay method; where cockroaches were exposed to insecticide. The tersi, tracheal and nervous systems of the P. american a were histologically examined to establish how the affected cells and tissues differ from the unaffected ones. Biopac MP35 unit was used to discern the physiological effect of the crude essential oil extracts from T minuta by doing extracellular multiunit record on the P. americana. Data from questionnaires was converted into frequency counts and percentages using SAS statistical analysis software. Susceptibility of P. americana to T minuta's crude essential oil extracts was analyzed as a four factorial experiment. ANOVA and Duncan's Multiple Range test were used to test for significance of the experiments at P::;0.05, LCso of T .minuta's synergized and non-synergized extracts were determined using probit analysis method. From the questionnaires, 83% of the households admitted to cockroach menace; 54% use insecticides to control them and 91% said that not all cockroaches die after treatment. LCso of synergized extract was 6.31 g/L while that for non-synergized extract was 8.91 g/L. Non-synergized extract had a mortality of 48 (n=60) while synergized extract had mortality of 60 (n=60). 120 g/L of both synergized and non-synergized extract had knockdowns and kills made within 20 and 25 minutes respectively. Oil .components of S. indicum synergized T minuta's crude essential oil extracts thus reduced knockdown and kill times and increased the cockroaches' mortality. T minuta's insecticidal compounds did not cause anatomical changes on the tersi, tracheal and nervous tissue; it worked physiologically via impairing the function of Na+ ion channels of the neurons thus killing P. americana. In conclusion, cockroaches are a menace. to households of Maseno and they are susceptible to synergized and non-synergized extracts from T minuta.
2011-01-01T00:00:00ZPlasmodium Falciparum Reticulocyte Parasitation in Children and adults With Uncomplicated Malaria: Association With Clinical, Parasitological and Haematological Outcomes in Western KenyaOKOTH, Patrickhttps://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/51602022-04-06T08:22:53Z2011-01-01T00:00:00ZPlasmodium Falciparum Reticulocyte Parasitation in Children and adults With Uncomplicated Malaria: Association With Clinical, Parasitological and Haematological Outcomes in Western Kenya
OKOTH, Patrick
Reticulocytosis is an imp~rtant previously unappreciated surrogate marker of recent
Plasmodium Jalciparum reticulocyte parasitation. Evidence from studies in murine rand
primate models show increased prevalence nf Plasmodium Jalciparum parasitisation of
reticulocytes. The increase in reticulocyte infection has been attributed to compensatory
reticulocytosis and increased parasite densities However, the prevalence of P. falciparum
parasitisation of reticulocytes in human p~Pl-lations in holoendemic areas of malaria is
unknown. Therefore, the current study examier ~the prevalence of P.falciparum parasitation
ofreticulocytes and its association with clinical parasitological and haematological outcomes
in children (n=164) and adults (n=41) with <::\~t.eP. falciparum malaria and healthy malaria
negative controls (children, n=132 and adultr, l=60) from a holoendemic area of malaria of
western Kenya. Malaria diagnosis and species identification was performed using Giemsa
stained thick and thin blood smears while reticrocyte parasitation was determined using New
Methylene Blue- Giemsa counter-stained thini Led films. Results of this study showed that
children with malaria presented with increased lumbers of infected reticulocytes compared to
adults with malaria (p=0.006; Mann- Whitne: ~j test). In addition, children with malaria
presented with higher reticulocyte counts .x» apared to those without malaria (p<0.0001;
Mann-Whitney U test). Dichotomization of': h ldren and adults with malaria into presence or
absence of infected reticulocytes revealec 1 iat presence of infected reticulocytes was
associated with higher parasite densities (p<O.O 101andp<O.OOOI;Mann- Whitney U test) and
increased prevalence ofHDP (high density pan sitaemia, 2::10,000parasites/ul.) (p=O.073 and
p<O.OOOI; Fisher's exact test) in both adults an I»hildren, respectively. Erythrocytic analyses
revealed that increased infection of reticulocyte; in children with malaria was associated with
higher reticulocyte count (p<O.OOOl; Mann if Ltney U test) and increased reticulocytosis
(RPI, reticulocyte production index) (p<O.(j;lOl , Mann-Whitney U test). Correlation analysis
2011-01-01T00:00:00ZEffect of Insecticide-Treated Bed Nets (ITNs) On Multiplicity of Plasmodium Falciparum Infections in Children in Asembo Bay Area of Western KenyaJOHN, Jackton Okeyohttps://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/51582022-04-06T07:53:15Z2011-01-01T00:00:00ZEffect of Insecticide-Treated Bed Nets (ITNs) On Multiplicity of Plasmodium Falciparum Infections in Children in Asembo Bay Area of Western Kenya
JOHN, Jackton Okeyo
Insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) have been shown to significantty reduce malaria transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. Individuals living in areas of high malaria transmission generally harbour multiple parasite strains, which are thought to be responsible for maintaining acquired immunity to malaria. Despite the efficacy of ITNs in reducing bites of infected mosquitoes and parasitaemia, what remains unproven is the impact of ITN on multiple infections of Plasmodium Jalciparum genotypes and the association of multiplicity of infections (MOl) to malaria morbidity indicators. This study used cryopreserved samples collected from children less than 5 years as part a randomized controlled trial of ITNs conducted between October 1996 to February 2001 in Asembo Bay, Rarieda district, western Kenya. Blood samples obtained from 282 malaria-asymptomatic children enrolled at baseline study (BXO) and 5 years after ITN intervention (BX5) had their parasite DNA genotyped. The number of infecting P. Jalciparum genotypes in blood samples was determined by PCR-based genotyping of the merozoite surface proteins 1and 2 (MSP-l and MSP-2). The x2-test and linear regression analysis were used for data analysis. The results indicated extensive polymorphism of P. Jalciparum, except for R033 family of msp-l locus which was poorly polymorphic in .Asembo. There was no significant difference in MOl observed among the children in the ITN and control groups, even 5 years of ITN use. Overall, MOl showed lack of association with malaria morbidity indicators, and an inverse relationship of age with the total number of msp-I and msp-2 genotypes. For msp-2 genotypes, a significant association was shown with auxiliary temperature ~37.5°C (p= 0.021) and parasite . density less than 5,000 parasites/ill (p= 0.014), and specific families such as R033-type of msp-I and FC27-type of msp-2 with parasite density less than 5,000 parasites/ill (p= 0.042 and p= 0.009 respectively). This study found that the use of ITN does not reduce multiplicity of infection and association MOl with malaria morbidity indicators could be strain-specific. This suggests that the use of ITN may not compromise the acquisition of protective immunity in high transmission areas that depend on infections with multiple parasites.
2011-01-01T00:00:00ZPhytochemical Investigation, Mineral Analysts and Propagation of Some Wild Lamiaceae used in Traditional Medicine in URIRI District, KenyaOKACH, Daniel Osiekohttps://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/51572022-04-06T07:43:17Z2012-01-01T00:00:00ZPhytochemical Investigation, Mineral Analysts and Propagation of Some Wild Lamiaceae used in Traditional Medicine in URIRI District, Kenya
OKACH, Daniel Osieko
Plantshave been used for medicinal purposes by many societies across the world, hence in Kenya. In Uriri District, Kenya, the increased use of medicinal plants for traditional medicinehas led to over exploitation of tree species whereas the shrubby and herbaceous speciesremain underutilized. There is scarce literature related to the study, thus the need . for this research. This study was carried out among two main communities of Uriri District,the Luo and Maragoli. The objective of the study was to establish the traditional medicinal use, phytochemical and mineral analysis and propagation of selected Lamiaceaeherbs from Uriri District. Observation, photography and oral interviews were the methods used to collect information. Phytochemical screening involved the qualitativeand calorimetric techniques to test for the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, sterols, cardiac glycosides and tannins, while mineral analysis involve dry ashing technique and qualitative analysis of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), . zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) in the plants selected using atomic absorption spectrophotometer(AAS) and flame photometer. All the analysis were conducted in MasenoUniversity Chemistry Laboratory. Propagation of the target plants was done at the Botanic Garden - Maseno University. Twelve (12) medicinal plants of Lamiaceae familywere collected and identified at the East African Herbarium and it was revealed that they were; Becium obovatum (E.Mey.Ex Benth) N.E.Br, Calamintha nepeta (L) Savi,Fuestia africana T.C.E Fries, Hyptis pectinata (L) Poit, Hoslundia opposita Vahl , Leonotis nepetifolia (R,Br) Ait.F, Leucas calostachys Oliv, Ocimum kilimandscharicum Baker Ex. Gurke, Plectranthus barbatus Andrews, Plectranthus longipes Bak, Pycnostachys speciosa Gurke and Satureja biflora (Ham Ex. D.Don) Brig. The phytochemical screening revealed that all the plant species collected had a wide range of secondary metabolites which included sterols, terpenoids, tannins, saponins alkaloids, flavonoids and glycosides. Mineral analysis on some of the collected plant species revealed the presence of Ca, Fe, Zn and K. Seed propagation was successful for all the plants collected while vegetative propagation was only successful in four species of plants. In conclusion, out of the 12 plants collected 10(83.3 %) were well known to the . interviewees and are of common use in the area. The presence of secondary metabolites in the plants contributed to their medicinal value while the minerals were useful in maintaining proper body healthcare. Seed propagation was the cheapest means of conserving some of the species of Lamiaceae due to their germinability. This research has provided an insight into Lamiaceae plants used in traditional healthcare, the secondary metabolites and minerals contained, and their importance. The research recommends that the plant species collected be subjected to further phytochemical analysis; the extraction of essential oils if exploited will be useful to the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries and institutions be set up to collect and document information on herbal medicine to prevent such knowledge from disappearing due to generational change.
2012-01-01T00:00:00Z