Browsing by Author "Mudenda Steward"

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    A Review of the Antiviral Activity of Ivermectin and Its Use in the Treatment of Coronavirus Disease-2019
    (2021-10-21) Hikaambo Christabel N.; Kampamba Martin; Bwalya Fernando; Mweemba Mutenje; Siamutwe Chipo; Mufwambi Webrod; Chimombe Tadious; Banda Michelo; Mudenda Steward
    Background The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) originated in China and was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 11th March 2020. Since its emergence in December 2019, there have been challenges in developing drugs that are effective against the virus. Currently, COVID-19 is managed using symptomatic and supportive therapies, antiviral agents, cellular and immunotherapy. Besides, most of the treatment modalities are still under investigation and treatment guidelines vary from one country to another. Ivermectin is among the drugs that are being used as part of treatment guidelines in certain countries like the Republic of Peru. However, the WHO recommends that ivermectin only be used in clinical trials. Aim The authors conducted this review to explore published studies on the possible therapeutic effects of ivermectin against active infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), a causative agent of COVID-19. Methods A literature search was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed and EMBASE for articles published from 2016 to 2021. Search words used included ivermectin, antiviral, COVID-19, efficacy, safety, dosing, lower mortality rate, hospitalised patients and the Boolean operator ‘AND’. Results A few clinical trials have shown that ivermectin is safe for use in humans at specific doses and reduces the severity of the infection. Ivermectin was seen to reduce the signs and symptoms associated with COVID-19 in some studies while others showed no significant reduction. However, more studies must be conducted to ascertain its use in treating COVID-19. Conclusion Since many clinical trials are being conducted on the use of ivermectin to treat COVID-19, full evidence will be used to support its use in humans. Currently, some countries that are using ivermectin for treating COVID-19 have reported it to be effective and reduces morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. Therefore, countries should collaborate and provide full evidence for the use of ivermectin in humans to manage COVID-19.
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    Factors Associated with Occurrence of Antibiotic Resistance in Broiler Chickens in Selected Districts, Zambia
    (2025-1-3) Mirisho Robert; Mukuma Mercy; Mainda Geoffrey; Bumbangi Flavien Nsoni; Mudenda Steward; Silwamba Isaac; Phiri Nelson; Muonga Elizabeth Muligisa; Mwansa Mwaba; Munyeme Musso; M’kandawire Ethel; Muma John Bwalya
    A cross-sectional study was conducted in five districts of Zambia. The study aimed to investigate the risk factors associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in broiler chickens in Zambia. A total of 109 broiler farms were included in the study, of which 104 were small-scale farms, two were medium-scale, and three were commercial-scale. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered alongside the collection of cloacal swabs and litter samples to determine the risk factors associated with the occurrence of AMR of food pathogen microorganisms on the selected broiler farms. Data collected was analysed using STATA version 12. The broiler farm-level AMR prevalence was 84.4% (n= 109). Gender, marital status, administration of drugs by veterinary personnel or the farmer and the poultry house drainage destination were among the predictors of AMR on broiler chicken farms. The high prevalence of AMR in broiler chicken farms suggests a high dependence on antimicrobials in poultry production in Zambia. In addition, socio-demographics such as gender and age, as well as farm characteristics and management practices, may primarily contribute to the high prevalence of antibiotic resistance. This study has demonstrated the association between the AMR of foodborne pathogens and the risk factors for AMR during poultry production. It is, therefore, necessary for risk management measures such as biosecurity to be put in place to target the identified AMR predictor variables. There is also a need to strengthen AMR surveillance to ensure intervention strategies are appropriate to the existing risk.