Article
Environmental Studies
Christina Shitima, Bert Suykens
Summary: This article examines the formalization process and governance of artisanal and small-scale sand mining in the Dar es Salaam Region of Tanzania. It analyzes the key aspects and rationales of formalization by interviewing various stakeholders, explores the perception of formalization in the sand commodity chain and community, and assesses the environmental impacts of sand mining. Given the rapid growth of sand extraction in Sub-Saharan Africa, policymakers should pay attention to the governance efforts in the Dar Es Salaam area and prioritize the formalization of artisanal mining.
Article
Environmental Studies
Alexandra Panman, Nancy Lozano Gracia
Summary: This paper argues that the impact of land formalization projects on the quality of urban housing in developing country cities has been generally disappointing. The lack of attention to contextual features of land markets in project design is identified as a key factor. Evidence from a case study in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania suggests that households may not value formal property rights in cities where broader property rights institutions are incomplete and informal sources of tenure security are strong.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Gaspary O. Mwanyika, Leonard E. G. Mboera, Sima Rugarabamu, Mariam Makange, Calvin Sindato, Julius J. Lutwama, Janusz T. Paweska, Gerald Misinzo
Summary: This study confirmed the presence of Dengue virus (DENV) in Tanzania in 2019 and characterized its genetic features. The research revealed the occurrence of DENV-1 strain during the outbreak in 2019, suggesting the potential intercontinental spread of DENV. It emphasizes the importance of molecular surveillance of dengue viruses during outbreaks to guide public health interventions.
PATHOGENS AND GLOBAL HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gift Lukumay, Lucy Mgopa, Stella L. Mushy, B. R. Simon Rosser, Agnes Massae, Ever W. Mkonyi, Inari Mohammed, Dorkasi Mwakawanga, Maria Trent, James Wadley, Michael Ross, Zobeida Bonilla, Sebalda Leshabari
Summary: Sexual and reproductive health problems are a major issue in the developing world, especially in most African countries. The lack of open discussion about sex in African societies has led to common myths and misconceptions that affect sexual health in the community.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sae -Rom Chae, Haji Lukupulo, Sunkyung Kim, Tiffany Walker, Colleen Hardy, Ahmed Abade, Loveness J. Urio, Janneth Mghamba, Robert Quick
Summary: This study investigated the outbreak response efforts in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The findings revealed that while most respondents were aware of cholera causing diarrhea and would seek treatment, only a small percentage of people knew about the ongoing outbreak in the area. Water testing showed that a significant portion of water samples were contaminated with fecal matter, and there was a lack of detectable free chlorine residual in the water supply. Therefore, the study recommends prioritizing the provision of accessible and adequately chlorinated water supply, as well as promoting household water treatment and use of oral rehydration salts.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Michaela Zwyer, Liliana Rutaihwa, Etthel Windels, Jerry Hella, Fabrizio Menardo, Mohamed Sasamalo, Gregor Sommer, Lena Schmulling, Sonia Borrell, Miriam C. Reinhard, Anna Dotsch, Hellen Hiza, Christoph D. Stritt, George Sikalengo, Lukas Fenner, Bouke De Jong, Midori Kato-Maeda, Levan Jugheli, Joel Ernst, Stefan Niemann, Leila Jeljeli, Marie Ballif, Matthias Egger, Niaina J. Rakotosamimanana, Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, Prince Asare, Bijaya Malla, Horng Yunn Dou, Nicolas Zetola, Robert Wilkinson, Helen Cox, E. Jane Carter, Joachim Gnokoro, Marcel Yotebieng, Eduardo Gotuzzo, Alash'le Abimiku, Anchalee Avihingsanon, Zhi Ming Xu, Jacques Fellay, Damien Portevin, Klaus Reither, Tanja Stadler, Sebastien Gagneux, Daniela Brites
Summary: In Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the tuberculosis epidemic is dominated by multiple Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) genotypes introduced from different parts of the world. These genotypes differ in transmission rates and infectious period duration, but have similar overall fitness. The high prevalence of the L3.1.1 genotype is attributed to its early introduction and high transmission rate.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Enryka Christopher, Ndeye D. Drame, Germana H. Leyna, Japhet Killewo, Till Baernighausen, Julia K. Rohr
Summary: This study examines the prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) among adults aged 40+ years in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania using both list experiments and direct questions. The findings suggest that women are more likely to openly report experiencing physical violence, while IPV experienced by men is often underreported and understudied.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Helga Elineema Naburi, Phares Mujinja, Charles Kilewo, Gunnel Biberfeld, Till Barnighausen, Karim Manji, Goodluck Lyatuu, Roseline Urrio, Niklas Zethraeus, Nicola Orsini, Anna Mia Ekstrom
Summary: Early and appropriate antenatal care (ANC) is crucial for preventing mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV in Tanzania. Research shows that the risk of mother-to-child transmission decreases with the number of ANC visits, with potential cost-saving implications. However, many pregnant women living with HIV in Dar es Salaam initiate ANC late and fail to adhere to the recommended minimum number of visits, highlighting the need for improved ANC attendance.
Article
Immunology
Nchang'wa Nhumba, Bruno Sunguya
Summary: Cervical cancer is a major health issue in Tanzania, and the HPV vaccine is an effective intervention. However, the uptake of the second dose of the vaccine is low, with factors such as age, attitude, and awareness influencing the uptake.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Blandina R. Lugendo, Ismael A. Kimirei
Summary: The study conducted in five mangrove ecosystems in Tanzania revealed anthropogenic nitrogen pollution, with varying degrees of pollution indicated by different nitrogen isotope values. The enrichment of 815N values suggests that polluted sites may receive high loads of domestic sewage from surrounding communities, industries, and agriculture. Proper waste and wastewater management upstream are recommended to protect mangrove ecosystems.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Economics
Samwel Sanga Alananga, Nurdin Husama Igangula
Summary: Despite the advantages of modern and clean cooking energy, the adoption rate in Tanzania is very low due to a preference for a mix of dirty and clean energy rather than purely clean energy. The study found that the transition from dirty energy to clean energy is a longer process, as it is only affordable for a small minority of high-income individuals. This results in the majority of poor people being trapped in the use of dirty energy, despite the growing market for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). To address this issue, policy options include either improving income levels to accelerate the transition or implementing wider electrification measures with appliance subsidies or microfinance to make clean energy more affordable.
Article
Urban Studies
Joyce A. Eledi A. Kuusaana, Jochen Monstadt, Shaun Smith
Summary: The electricity supply in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania is unreliable with frequent power cuts, but urban residents have found innovative and adaptive solutions to cope with the challenges and keep the city functioning.
JOURNAL OF URBAN TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Susannah L. Woodd, Abdunoor M. Kabanywanyi, Andrea M. Rehman, Oona M. R. Campbell, Asila Kagambo, Warda Martiasi, Louise M. TinaDay, Alexander M. Aiken, Wendy J. Graham
Summary: Maternal and newborn infections are significant causes of morbidity and mortality, with cesarean section being the most important risk factor for maternal infection and newborn resuscitation at birth increasing the risk of infection. Improved implementation of pre-operative antibiotic prophylaxis is urgently needed to reduce the risk of infection.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Lilian Nkinda, Eliud Buberwa, Peter Memiah, Alieth Ntagalinda, Martin George, Frank Msafiri, Agricola Joachim, Mtebe Majigo, Kaushik Ramaiya, Bruno Sunguya
Summary: This study assessed impaired fasting glucose and associated factors among perinatally HIV-infected adolescents and youths in Dar es salaam, Tanzania. The study found that about one in three perinatally HIV-infected youths had impaired fasting glucose, with males bearing the biggest burden. Moreover, the level of interleukin-6 was positively associated with the probability of impaired fasting glucose.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Saul Nkini, Erik Nuyts, Gabriel Kassenga, Ombeni Swai, Griet Verbeeck
Summary: This study evaluated the occupants' satisfaction rate and control over indoor environmental performance in 2 certified green office buildings and 15 non-green office buildings in Dar es Salaam. The results show that overall occupants were quite satisfied in all buildings, but there were some differences in air movement, air quality, lighting control, noise levels, and glare from artificial light.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Virology
Gaspary O. Mwanyika, Leonard E. G. Mboera, Sima Rugarabamu, Baraka Ngingo, Calvin Sindato, Julius J. Lutwama, Janusz T. Paweska, Gerald Misinzo
Summary: Dengue fever poses a significant burden on global public health and economies, and in Africa, the dominant serotypes are DENV-1 and DENV-2. Between 2009 and 2020, a total of 2211 cases were reported, with 88.4% occurring during outbreaks. The overall prevalence of dengue was 29%, with 3% during outbreak periods. Old age, lack of mosquito control, urban residence, climate change, and recent travel history are the main risk factors identified.
Article
Virology
Bryony A. Jones, Mana Mahapatra, Daniel Mdetele, Julius Keyyu, Francis Gakuya, Ernest Eblate, Isaac Lekolool, Campaign Limo, Josephine N. Ndiwa, Peter Hongo, Justin S. Wanda, Ligge Shilinde, Maulid Mdaki, Camilla Benfield, Krupali Parekh, Martin Mayora Neto, David Ndeereh, Gerald Misinzo, Mariam R. Makange, Alexandre Caron, Arnaud Bataille, Genevieve Libeau, Samia Guendouz, Emanuel S. Swai, Obed Nyasebwa, Stephen L. Koyie, Harry Oyas, Satya Parida, Richard Kock
Summary: Evidence of PPRV infection was found in wild artiodactyl species in the Greater Serengeti and Amboseli ecosystems of Kenya and Tanzania. The relatively low seroprevalence suggests that sustained transmission of PPRV between wild animals is unlikely, with transmission possibly occurring through spillover from infected small ruminants. Further study of other major wild artiodactyl species in this ecosystem is needed.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Gaspary O. Mwanyika, Leonard E. G. Mboera, Sima Rugarabamu, Mariam Makange, Calvin Sindato, Julius J. Lutwama, Janusz T. Paweska, Gerald Misinzo
Summary: This study confirmed the presence of Dengue virus (DENV) in Tanzania in 2019 and characterized its genetic features. The research revealed the occurrence of DENV-1 strain during the outbreak in 2019, suggesting the potential intercontinental spread of DENV. It emphasizes the importance of molecular surveillance of dengue viruses during outbreaks to guide public health interventions.
PATHOGENS AND GLOBAL HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Edson Kinimi, Jean Nepomuscene Hakizimana, Gerald Misinzo
Summary: This study developed an amplification strategy based on overlapping long-read primers to successfully amplify and sequence the GC-rich fragments of Peste des petits ruminants virus. This provides important genomic data for inferring viral evolution.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGICAL METHODS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Valery Silvery Sonola, Abdul Katakweba, Gerald Misinzo, Mecky Isaac Matee
Summary: The interaction of rodents with humans and chicken in the household environment can facilitate the transmission of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli), causing difficult-to-treat infections. This study investigated the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence genes in MDR E. coli isolated from various sources. The findings suggest that rodents may play a significant role in the dissemination of MDR E. coli strains.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Faith Njeru, Samuel Mwaura, Paul Mbogo Kusolwa, Gerald Misinzo
Summary: This study investigated farmers' maize production practices, their understanding of Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN), and the prevalence of MLN in Kenya. The results indicated that MLN is still prevalent in Kenya with farmers planting susceptible varieties.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Calvin Sindato, Esron D. Karimuribo, Francesco Vairo, Gerald Misinzo, Mark M. Rweyemamu, Muzamil Mahdi Abdel Hamid, Najmul Haider, Patrick K. Tungu, Richard Kock, Susan F. Rumisha, Togolai Mbilu, Francine Ntoumi, Alimuddin Zumla, Leonard E. G. Mboera
Summary: This study conducted serological surveys in three districts of Tanzania and found the presence of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) infection in both humans and animals. Animal handling practices were identified as important determinants of seropositivity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Martina Rueca, Emanuela Giombini, Giulia Gramigna, Cesare Ernesto Maria Gruber, Lavinia Fabeni, Angela Corpolongo, Valentina Mazzotta, Luisella Corso, Ornella Butera, Maria Beatrice Valli, Fabrizio Carletti, Stefano Pignalosa, Francesco Vairo, Emanuele Nicastri, Andrea Antinori, Enrico Girardi, Francesco Vaia, Fabrizio Maggi
Summary: We report two cases of SARS-CoV-2 recombinant variant XE detected in hospitalized patients in Central Italy. The whole-genome sequencing revealed genomes corresponding to the PANGOLIN unclassified lineage and the Nextclade XE Glade. Further analysis showed that these XE-like sequences were phylogenetically separated from classified European and Italian XE strains, highlighting the difficulty in accurately classifying them. Continuous SARS-CoV-2 surveillance through whole-genome sequencing is necessary.
Article
Ecology
C. Yona, M. Makange, E. Moshiro, A. Chengula, G. Misinzo
Summary: Lake Natron Ramsar site in Tanzania is a recognized Ramsar site and Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA), serving as a breeding ground for 75% of the global lesser flamingo population. The quality of water in the area can impact the composition and diversity of plankton, therefore affecting the overall ecosystem abundance. A study was conducted to assess the water quality at Lake Natron Ramsar site after reported mortalities of alkaline tilapines and pelicans.
ECOHYDROLOGY & HYDROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Emmanuel George Kifaro, Mi Jung Kim, Seungwon Jung, Yoon-ha Jang, Sungyeon Moon, Dong-Hun Lee, Chang-Seon Song, Gerald Misinzo, Sang Kyung Kim
Summary: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is an important technology for diagnosing and identifying infectious diseases, but stool samples, which carry a large number of microorganisms and physiological byproducts, remain challenging for molecular pathogen detection. Researchers have demonstrated a novel application of hydrogel microparticles as carriers of viral RNA from stool samples for real-time PCR without prior RNA purification. This technology has the potential for onsite application to improve infectious disease surveillance using stool samples without the need for a laboratory or centrifuge for sample preparation.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Kennedy Makola Mbanzulu, Roger Wumba, Leonard E. G. Mboera, Jean-Marie Ntumba Kayembe, Danoff Engbu, Michael Mondjo Bojabwa, Josue Kikana Zanga, Gerald Misinzo, Sharadhuli Iddi Kimera
Summary: This study assessed the relationship between human exposure to the dengue virus and the distribution pattern of Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus in Kinshasa. The findings suggest that dengue occurrence in Kinshasa overlaps somewhat the geographical and ecological distributions of these mosquito species. The uneven distribution of the mosquitoes may be due to environmental factors. Young, male, and participants in the Mont Amba district were found to be most exposed to dengue.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Massimo Fabiani, Alberto Mateo-Urdiales, Chiara Sacco, Emmanouil Alexandros Fotakis, Maria Cristina Rota, Daniele Petrone, Marco Bressi, Martina Del Manso, Andrea Siddu, Giorgio Fedele, Paola Stefanelli, Antonino Bella, Flavia Riccardo, Anna Teresa Palamara, Giovanni Rezza, Silvio Brusaferro, Patrizio Pezzotti
Summary: This study suggests that a second booster dose of the bivalent (original/BA.4-5) mRNA vaccine administered 7-90 days post-administration, compared to a first booster dose received >= 120 days earlier, has an effectiveness of approximately 60% in preventing severe COVID-19 in individuals aged 60 years and older who have never been infected. The relative effectiveness is also around 60% in those infected for more than 6 months. However, there is no significant additional protection observed in individuals infected 4-6 months prior. It is recommended to consider a second booster vaccination 6 months after the latest infection.
Review
Surgery
Msafiri Birigi, Clement N. Mweya
Summary: This case report presents a successful surgical excision of a pleomorphic adenoma in the submandibular gland of a 37-year-old male patient. The surgery involved making an incision, blunt dissection to approach the tumor, and excision of the entire gland. The patient recovered well without any complications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SURGERY CASE REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Charlie F. Amoia, Jean N. Hakizimana, Nisha K. Duggal, Augustino A. Chengula, Mohammed A. Rohaim, Muhammad Munir, James Weger-Lucarelli, Gerald Misinzo
Summary: The genetic nature of currently circulating Newcastle disease virus (NDV) genotypes in backyard poultry flocks in East Africa is poorly understood. This study characterized the NDV genotypes in Tanzania and found that subgenotype VII.2 is the predominant strain in the region. This information is important for the design of vaccines and disease control efforts.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)