Browsing by Author "Munyeme Musso"

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A Cross-Sectional Study on Socio-Ecological and Socio-Anthropological Determinants of COVID-19 in Lusaka Province of Zambia
(2022-9-28) Fonchin Alyce Fri; Mumba Chisoni; Basikolo Linda; Kallu Simegnew Adugna; Kainga Henson; Mwiinde Jezreel; Benhard Vistorina; Muma John Bwalya; Munyeme Musso
The COVID-19 disease constitutes a pandemic that has created an international public health emergency. Besides the significant health challenges, the impact of the COVID-19 disease has been the restriction of movements that have heavily affected the global economy. The first case of COVID-19 in Zambia was identified on March 18th, 2020. By the end of November 2020, the number of districts reporting COVID-19 infections had increased from 68 to 96, with reports of the highest transmission in the capital city, Lusaka, the Copperbelt, and Ndola districts. As COVID-19 spread across the nation of Zambia, several factors are responsible for the spread of the virus. Despite the extensive collection of research done on determinants of COVID-19 disease, the spatial distribution of the disease along socio-demographical and socio-ecological domains remains speculative and infectious diseases have been less looked into in the areas of anthropological dynamics. This study used a cross-sectional design to investigate the ecological and anthropological determinants of COVID-19 disease in four compounds in the Lusaka district of Zambia. A guided questionnaire was used to collect data from 301 participants. A descriptive analysis of all independent variables was done. Analysis for associations of dependent and independent variables and multivariate analysis of the independent variables significant at the bi-variate level was conducted to investigate the association between the dependent variable (Knowledge of anyone infected with COVID-19 virus) and the independent variables. The bi-variate analysis results showed that 14 independent variables with odds ratios greater than one were significantly associated with the spread of COVID-19. Two variables were found to be highly significant in the multivariable logistic regression analysis model. These included beliefs about COVID-19 (odds = 3.0; p = 0.003; CI 1.2-3.3), and participants area of residence (odds = 2.6; p = 0.003; CI = 1.2-5.5). Other significant multivariate variables were ecological variable; climate and anthropological variables; hand hygienic practices. The current research provides further insight into the potential role ecology and anthropology contribute to the spread of communicable diseases. The study recommends awareness of the population to enhance preparedness and response to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
A Deterministic Risk Assessment of the Human Exposure to Cadmium, Lead and Chromium Through the Consumption of Well and Bottled Water in Lusaka District, Zambia
(2023-2-28) Banda Mkuzi; Muma John Bwalya; Bumbangi Flavien N.; M'kandawire Ethel; Mukuma Mercy; Munyeme Musso; Musawa Grace; Ndaki Enock M; Benhard Vistorina; Mumba Chisoni
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number six is to ‘Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, which is an essential component for human survival. Access to safe drinking water is essential for health, a basic human right and a component of effective policy for health protection. Safe drinking water implies that the water does not represent any significant risk to health over a lifetime of consumption, including different sensitivities that may occur between life stages. However, water is prone to contamination with heavy metals through natural and anthropogenic sources, making it unsuitable for human consumption due to the cumulative potential risks associated with the presence of heavy metals. This study was conducted to assess the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk of human exposure to cadmium, lead and chromium through the consumption of well and bottled water in Lusaka district of Zambia. Secondary data was used to determine the mean concentrations of heavy metals in well and bottled water in Lusaka district as well as to calculate the hazard index (non-carcinogenic risk) and cancer risk for the metals under study. The results revealed that a hazard index for cadmium, lead and chromium in both well and bottled water was higher than 1, indicating adverse effects on human health over a lifetime of consumption. Similarly, the total cancer risk through exposure to cadmium and chromium in well and bottled water was 1.2 x 10-1 and 2.25 x 10-1, respectively, higher than the safe threshold limit set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) of 1 × 10−4. The study concludes that there is a possible non-carcinogenic risk of exposure to cadmium, lead and chromium through the consumption of well and bottled water in Lusaka district. Further, the study concludes that there is a possible carcinogenic risk of exposure to cadmium and chromium through the consumption of both well and bottled water. Owing to the proportion of both well and bottled water samples that exceeded the Zambia Bureau of Standards threshold limit, cadmium poses the greatest concern and requires intervention to reduce exposure. Therefore, it is recommended that heavy metal concentrations in drinking water should be periodically monitored to minimize health risks to consumers.
A Quantitative Risk Assessment of Human Exposure to Brucellosis Through the Consumption of Contaminated Raw Cow Milk in Arusha, Tanzania
(2023-2-28) Ndaki Enock Magoke; Muma John Bwalya; M'kandawire Ethel; Musawa Grace; Mukuma Mercy; Karimuribo Ezron; Banda Mkuzi; Benhard Vistorina; Munyeme Musso; Mumba Chisoni
The study aimed to assess the risk of exposure to brucellosis through the consumption of cow milk in the Arusha region, of Tanzania. Primary data related to milk consumption was collected through a structured questionnaire from 400 cattle farmers. Data was directly coded and entered into IBM SPSS version 20 and analysed for frequencies and descriptive statistics. Stochastic Monte Carlo simulation in @risk Software (Version 8.1) platform was used to estimate the risk of human exposure to brucellosis through the consumption of contaminated milk. Results revealed that 96.5% of the population consumed milk in three (3) portions: morning, afternoon, and night. More than 70% of the people in the area consume 500ml-1000ml of milk daily. People in rural settings (71%) reported consuming raw milk, compared to 10% of people in urban settings. The probability of getting infected with Brucella through the consumption of raw milk was estimated at 0.64 (95%CI 0.333-0.861). The model also predicted the number of people likely to get infected with Brucella in Arusha region in a one-year consumption period to be 1,084,358 (95%CI: 565,000-1458,000) out of 1,694,310 people following consumption of contaminated raw milk. The risk of exposure was estimated to be high when dairy cows were infected with Brucella at the farm and when the milk portions were consumed raw. The risk of human exposure to the brucella pathogen is high. To reduce the risk of human exposure, there is a need to create awareness about brucellosis in the study communities concerning how the disease is transmitted to humans, its associated effects, and the preventive and control measures. Further studies are required to assess the risk of exposure to brucellosis through other pathways, such as the consumption of soft cheese and contact with cattle.
Antimicrobial Use Survey and Detection of ESBL-Escherichia coli in Commercial and Medium-/Small-Scale Poultry Farms in Selected Districts of Zambia
(2024-5-20) Sinyawa Taona; Shawa Misheck; Muuka Geoffrey M.; Goma Fusya; Fandamu Paul; Chizimu Joseph Yamweka; Khumalo Cynthia Sipho; Mulavu Malala; Ngoma Masuzyo; Chambaro Herman Moses; Kamboyi Harvey Kakoma; Kajihara Masahiro; Sawa Hirofumi; Suzuki Yasuhiko; Higashi Hideaki; Mainda Geoffrey; Munyeme Musso; Muma John Bwalya; Nyantakyi Christian Owusu; Egyir Beverly; Hang’ombe Bernard Mudenda
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among Escherichia coli from food animals is a rising problem, and heavy antimicrobial use in poultry is a contributing factor. In Zambia, studies linking poultry-associated AMR and antibiotic use (AMU) are rare. This study aimed to investigate commercial and medium-/small-scale poultry farmers’ usage of antimicrobials based on a questionnaire survey in ten districts of Zambia. In addition, the study characterized extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli isolates obtained from poultry in the same districts. Data regarding knowledge and usage of antimicrobials were collected from commercial and medium-/small-scale poultry farmers using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. At the same time, cloacal samples were collected and analyzed. One hundred and fifty E. coli isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility using eight antibiotic classes. The isolates were further screened for ESBL production by streaking them on cefotaxime (CTX)-supplemented MacConkey agar, then subjecting them to sequencing on a NextSeq. The questionnaire survey showed that more medium-/small-scale than commercial poultry farmers used antimicrobials (OR = 7.70, 95% CI = 2.88–20.61) but less prescriptions (OR = 0.02, 95% CI = 0.00–0.08). Susceptibility testing revealed that resistance was highest to ampicillin (128/148, 86.5%) and tetracycline (101/136, 74.3%) and that the prevalence of multidrug resistance (MDR) (28/30, 93.3%) was high. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of eight (8/30, 26.7%) isolates with CTX Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) ≥ 4 µg/mL revealed the presence of ESBL-encoding genes blaCTX-M-14, blaCTX-M-55, and blaTEM. WGS also detected other AMR genes for quinolones, aminoglycosides, phenicols, tetracycline, macrolides, and folate-pathway antagonists. Altogether, the questionnaire survey results showed a higher proportion of AMU and lower prescription usage among medium-/small-scale farmers. In addition, our results emphasize the circulation of ESBL-producing E. coli strains with associated MDR. It is critical to educate farmers about AMR risks and to encourage responsible usage of antimicrobials. Furthermore, there is a need to strengthen regulations limiting access to antimicrobials. Finally, there is a need to establish a one health system to guide public health response.
Assessment of the Price Elasticity of Demand for Veterinary Services: A Case Study of the University of Zambia Veterinary Hospital
(2021-10-27) Banda Nelly; Bwalya Eugene C; Munyeme Musso; Muma John Bwalya; Mumba Chisoni
Developing a price policy that ensures financial viability in order to continue providing a service. The same is true for veterinary services whose economic nature has to be understood for practitioners to adjust prices for smooth income flows to the business. However, veterinary practitioners’ prices often vary across practices without a clear understanding of the economic nature of animal healthcare or elasticity of demand for the services they provide. This study, therefore, aimed to assess the price elasticity of demand for veterinary services using the University of Zambia Veterinary Clinic (UNZAVET) as a case study. To meet this objective, historical five-year data (2014-2018) was collected from the clinics’ medical and financial records. The data was then entered and analysed using both Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS Version 20. The price elasticity of demand was calculated using an end-point method. The association between inflation rate and revenue was estimated using Simple Linear Regression Analysis. Overall, the results showed that most of the services offered at UNZAVET were relatively inelastic (<1). However, demand for the services gradually declined while total revenue was steadily increased due to the overall increase in prices. The study demonstrated that the country's inflation rate had a direct effect on the rise in prices and a decline in demand for animal health services. There was no significant statistical association (p=0.35) between annual revenue and inflation rate, nevertheless, a unit increase in inflation reduced income by K29, 815.81 (≈$2000) per annum. The study concludes that prices for veterinary services are traded in monopolistic competition, with mostly inelastic commodities. The study recommends that Veterinarians should consider inflation and price elasticity of demand for each animal health commodity before changing prices. Veterinary practitioners must know that within their practice, there are some veterinary services that if you raise their price, consumers will still buy the same amount, and practitioners will make more money. Similarly, there are other commodities which if practitioners lowered their prices; consumers would buy more hence increasing their income on such services.
Emergence of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria at the Human–Livestock–Environment Interface in Zambia
(2023-3-18) Zulu Mildred; Malama Sydney; Monde Ngula; Kainga Henson; Tembo Rabecca; Mwaba Florence; Saad Shereen Ahmed; Daka Victor; Mukubesa Andrew N.; Ndebe Joseph; Shambaba Obi; Munyeme Musso
The prevalence of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections and disease is rising worldwide due to increased research, diagnostics capabilities, and awareness of the disease. There is limited prevalence data for NTM from different sources in Zambia. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and species distribution of NTM at the human–livestock–environment interface. A cross-section study was conducted in Namwala, Chipata, and Lundazi Districts of Zambia from April 2020 to December 2021. Sputum samples were collected from tuberculosis presumptive patients from different health centers, cattle tissues were collected from different abattoirs during routine post-mortem, and water samples were collected from different drinking points for humans and animals such as taps, boreholes, wells, rivers, dams and ponds, and then cultured following standard mycobacteriology procedures. Capilia TB-Neo assay was used to identify NTM from the positive cultures. DNA was extracted and the 16S to 23S rRNA (internal transcribed spacer region) (ITS) was amplified and sequenced to identify the species. The overall prevalence of NTM from humans, cattle, and water was 9.1% (72/794, 95% CI 7.2–11.3). The prevalence in humans was 7.8% (33/421, 95% CI 5.54–10.94), in cattle it was 10.6% (15/142, 95% CI 6.2–17.1), and in water it was 10.4% (24/231, 95% CI 6.9–15.2). Our study has shown, for the first time in Zambia, simultaneous isolation of NTM at the human–livestock–environment interface; M. avium complex and M. fortuitum were the most commonly isolated species. M. fortuitum and M. gordonae were isolated from all three sources, while M. abscessus was isolated from humans and water. The isolation of similar NTM species at the interface which are potentially pathogenic is a public health problem which merits further investigation.
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.