Browsing by Author "Moonga Ladslav"

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Antimicrobial Potential of Combretum molle Leaf Extracts: Insights from Zambia
(2025-5-19) Ngwisha Joshua; Hangómbe Bernard Mudenda; Choongo Kennedy; Nyirenda James; Mwenechanya Roy; Zombe Kadango Zombe; Kabwali Emmanuel; Moonga Ladslav; Samutela Mulemba Tilika; Phiri Bruno Stephen July; Zulu Mbawe; Mabhena Soneni Charlotte
The global rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) necessitates innovative solutions. This study investigates the antimicrobial activity and phytochemical composition of Combretum molle, a native Zambian plant, to explore its potential as a cost-effective source for novel antimicrobial agents. Exhaustive extraction using solvents of varying polarities was performed on dried leaf extracts of C. molle. These extracts were tested against a panel of clinically significant gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial isolates and screened for phytochemicals. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of steroids, terpenoids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and glycosides. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using disk diffusion and broth microdilution techniques, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) determined through spectrophotometry and spot inoculation. The results revealed substantial antimicrobial activity, with hexane extracts showing the highest efficacy (MIC range: 3.6 to 50.4 mg/ml) and ethanol extracts exhibiting comparable activity to tetracycline (inhibition zones: 6 to 26 mm, P-value < 0.05). These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of C. molle extracts and support their possible integration into ethnomedicine as alternatives to conventional antimicrobials. By tapping into nature's arsenal, this study contributes to the search for effective strategies against multi-drug resistance, offering hope in the fight against AMR.
Phylogenetic Analysis of Newcastle Disease Virus Isolated from Poultry in Live Bird Markets and Wild Waterfowl in Zambia
(2024-2-8) Kalonda Annie; Saasa Ngonda; Kajihara Masahiro; Nao Naganori; Moonga Ladslav; Ndebe Joseph; Mori-Kajihara Akina; Mukubesa Andrew Nalishuwa; Sakoda Yoshihiro; Sawa Hirofumi; Takada Ayato; Simulundu Edgar
Poultry production is essential to the economy and livelihood of many rural Zambian households. However, the industry is threatened by infectious diseases, particularly Newcastle disease virus (NDV) infection. Therefore, this study employed next-generation sequencing to characterise six NDV isolates from poultry in Zambia’s live bird markets (LBMs) and wild waterfowl. Four NDV isolates were detected from 410 faecal samples collected from chickens in LBMs in Lusaka and two from 2851 wild birds from Lochinvar National Park. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the four NDVs from LBM clustered in genotype VII and sub-genotype VII.2 were closely related to viruses previously isolated in Zambia and other Southern African countries, suggesting possible local and regional transboundary circulation of the virus. In contrast, the two isolates from wild birds belonged to class I viruses, genotype 1, and were closely related to isolates from Europe and Asia, suggesting the possible introduction of these viruses from Eurasia, likely through wild bird migration. The fusion gene cleavage site motif for all LBM-associated isolates was 112RRQKR|F117, indicating that the viruses are virulent, while the isolates from wild waterfowl had the typical 112ERQER|L117 avirulent motif. This study demonstrates the circulation of virulent NDV strains in LBMs and has, for the first time, characterised NDV from wild birds in Zambia. The study further provides the first whole genomes of NDV sub-genotype VII.2 and genotype 1 from Zambia and stresses the importance of surveillance and molecular analysis for monitoring the circulation of NDV genotypes and viral evolution.