Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Tecla Chelagat, Gilbert Kokwaro, Joseph Onyango, Jim Rice
Summary: The sustainability of institutional improvement projects implemented in public and private health facilities in Kenya post-leadership training depends on factors such as program design, stakeholder buy-in, communication, coaching, presence of change champion, devolution and political good-will. However, sustainability can be hindered by human resources constraints, policy implementation, misalignment of projects with daily operations, and devolution and political interference. These findings are crucial for planning and implementing similar health systems strengthening interventions in low-income countries.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Josphat Muema, Harriet Oboge, Nyamai Mutono, Anita Makori, Julius Oyugi, Zipporah Bukania, Joseph Njuguna, Christine Jost, Brian Ogoti, Sylvia Omulo, S. M. Thumbi
Summary: This study investigated the seroprevalence and risk factors of brucellosis in pastoralist communities in Marsabit County, Kenya. The results showed that brucellosis is endemic in this area and there is a significant association between human and animal brucellosis at the household level. This highlights the importance of public health education and continuous screening for brucellosis in humans and animals.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tariq Jamil, Aman Ullah Khan, Muhammad Saqib, Muhammad Hammad Hussain, Falk Melzer, Abdul Rehman, Muhammad Zubair Shabbir, Mumtaz Ali Khan, Shahzad Ali, Asim Shahzad, Iahtasham Khan, Mudassar Iqbal, Qudrat Ullah, Waqas Ahmad, Muhammad Khalid Mansoor, Heinrich Neubauer, Stefan Schwarz
Summary: Brucellosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease that affects many animal species and can be transmitted to humans via direct contact or via contaminated food. Despite being a serious health hazard, public health concern for brucellosis has been neglected in many countries. In countries like Pakistan, where brucellosis is endemic, the disease continues to be significant.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Shuai-Bing Dong, Di Xiao, Jing-Yao Liu, Hui-Mei Bi, Zun-Rong Zheng, Li-Da Wang, Xiao-Wen Yang, Guo-Zhong Tian, Hong-Yan Zhao, Dong-Ri Piao, Zhi-Feng Xing, Hai Jiang
Summary: This study evaluated the value of Fluorescence Polarization Immunoassay (FPA) for the diagnosis of human brucellosis in China by recruiting 320 suspected cases. FPA showed high diagnostic value with a cutoff value of 88.5 mP, and when combined with ELISA, the sensitivity of diagnosis was significantly improved. FPA may have potential as a diagnostic method for human brucellosis in China.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Edwine Barasa, Lizah Nyawira, Anita Musiega, Angela Kairu, Stacey Orangi, Benjamin Tsofa
Summary: The financing of public health facilities influences their performance. Understanding the factors that influence public health facility financial autonomy is important for addressing challenges. The factors that affect financial autonomy are not only structural, but also procedural and political, and interact in complex ways.
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Diana Lynette A. Onyango, Javier Guitian, Imadidden Musallam
Summary: The study highlighted inadequate hygiene practices among pastoralists in handling milk, with poor knowledge on hygiene practices and the risk of infection from consuming raw milk. Poor milk hygiene poses a significant public health risk, especially with the practice of consuming raw milk.
VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Kamaru Edith Kwobah, Sitienei Robert Kiptoo, Florence Jaguga, Felicita Wangechi, Saina Chelagat, Francis Ogaro, W. K. Aruasa
Summary: This study explored the incidents that jeopardize the safety of patients and staff in mental health facilities in Kenya, including verbal aggression and physical assault. Contributing factors include poor infrastructure, limited human resources, and inadequate medication. Recommendations to improve safety include strengthening surveillance systems, increasing specialized healthcare workers, and providing adequate medication supplies.
BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mark W. Moses, Julius Korir, Wu Zeng, Anita Musiega, Joyce Oyasi, Ruoyan Lu, Jane Chuma, Laura Di Giorgio
Summary: The public healthcare systems at the county-level in Kenya generally performed well, with delays in the flow of funding identified as a significant factor affecting their performance. This highlights the importance of establishing a strong and robust public financial management system to ensure the benefits of Universal Health Coverage are realized.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Angela K. K. Moturi, Laurissa Suiyanka, Eda Mumo, Robert W. W. Snow, Emelda A. A. Okiro, Peter M. M. Macharia
Summary: Periodic assessment of geographic accessibility is crucial for planning and achieving universal health coverage. Previous evaluations in Kenya relied on outdated public health facility lists. This study provides an updated geocoded list of public and private health facilities in 2021 and assesses geographical accessibility to all health providers. Findings demonstrate regional disparities in accessibility and identify areas with dual burden that require prioritization to reduce health inequities and attain universal health coverage.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Giovanni Di Bonaventura, Silvia Angeletti, Andrea Ianni, Tommasangelo Petitti, Giovanni Gherardi
Summary: Brucella spp. are responsible for brucellosis, a common zoonotic infection in specific geographic areas with underreported cases. Laboratory diagnosis is crucial for human cases, with culture, serological tests, and PCR-based methods being the main approaches. Despite advancements in serological tests and NAATs, culture remains the gold standard due to clinical relevance. Further development of NAATs is needed before commercialization for brucellosis diagnosis.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nelly M. A. Waringa, Lilian W. Waiboci, Lilly Bebora, Peter W. Kinyanjui, Philemon Kosgei, Stella Kiambi, Eric Osoro
Summary: Human brucellosis diagnosis in Brucella-endemic areas like Baringo County, Kenya remains a challenge. This study evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of the Febrile Brucella Antigen agglutination test (FBAT) for brucellosis diagnosis and identified the Brucella species present in the study area. The results showed that FBAT had a sensitivity of 76.47% and specificity of 71.19%.
Article
Immunology
Margaret L. Lind, Olivia L. Schultes, Alexander J. Robertson, Amy J. Houde, Derek A. T. Cummings, Albert Ko, Byron S. Kennedy, Robert P. Richeson
Summary: Through evaluation of the BinaxNOW rapid antigen test in different collection frequency strategies, this study provides evidence for the utility of serial rapid antigen test collection in congregate facility settings. The findings demonstrate high diagnostic accuracy of serial antigen test collection, supporting its use in outbreak investigation, screening, and situations requiring rapid detection.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Danson Kareri Mwangi
Summary: This study explores the implementation and practice of One Health in Kenya, revealing challenges faced by the approach such as insufficient funding and competing priorities. The study also highlights the existence of lay one health practices in Nthongoni, prompting reflection on the role of traditional healers and the meaning of health for people and animals. Incorporating traditional health knowledge and practitioners into One Health may enhance healthcare's robustness and cultural responsiveness.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sosina Bezu, Peter Binyaruka, Ottar Maestad, Vincent Somville
Summary: This study examines the impact of a payment-for-performance scheme on bypassing practices among expectant women in Tanzania. The results show that the P4P scheme significantly reduced bypassing. The study identified facility type and distance to the closest hospital as the main predictors of bypassing.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Economics
Cohen Ang'u, Nzioka John Muthama, Mwanthi Alexander Mutuku, Mutembei Henry M'IKiugu
Summary: Limited access to modern energy is a critical issue, especially in developing countries like Kenya. This study investigates energy poverty in Kenya and its impact on human health, using a multidimensional energy poverty framework. The results reveal a high level of energy poverty in the North Eastern parts of Kenya, and a significant correlation between energy poverty and health. Policy actions are needed to improve access to affordable modern energy and to integrate health considerations into energy policies.
Article
Immunology
Aitor Elizalde-Bielsa, Beatriz Aragon-Aranda, Maite Loperena-Barber, Miriam Salvador-Bescos, Ignacio Moriyon, Amaia Zuniga-Ripa, Raquel Conde-Alvarez
Summary: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Gram-negative bacteria of the genus Brucella, which can cause long-lasting infections. The use of mice as in vivo models for investigating bacterial virulence is limited due to ethical and practical considerations. Galleria mellonella larvae have been increasingly used as an alternative model, showing lower mortality and delayed death upon Brucella infection compared to mice.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Titus Mutwiri, Anne W. T. Muigai, Japhet Magambo, Erastus Mulinge, Lucy Gitau, Patrick Muinde, Judy M. Bettridge, Mike Rogan, Eric M. Fevre, Laura C. Falzon
Summary: There is a risk of zoonotic parasites carried by free-roaming domestic dogs in western Kenya, which poses a threat to human and livestock populations. This study identifies the presence of Echinococcus canadensis and Taenia multiceps in western Kenya, as well as a potential sylvatic cycle of coenurosis by T. serialis. Recommendations include ongoing surveillance of dog feces, broader assessment of dog parasites with zoonotic potential, adherence to slaughterhouse management practices, and dog-ownership programs highlighting the importance of deworming and restricted dog movements.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Alejandra Matamoros-Recio, Javier Merino, Alicia Gallego-Jimenez, Raquel Conde-Alvarez, Manuel Fresno, Sonsoles Martin-Santamaria
Summary: LPS plays a crucial role in bacterial infection and can be recognized by TLR4. The chemical structure of LPS affects its function and immune response. Computational techniques can help understand the interaction between TLR4 and atypical LPSs from opportunistic bacteria, providing insights into immune evasion mechanisms.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Ted J. Lawrence, Justin M. Vilbig, Geoffrey Kangogo, Eric M. Fevre, Sharon L. Deem, Ilona Gluecks, Vasit Sagan, Enbal Shacham
Summary: Climate change and population growth have had a significant impact on agriculture in Kenya. The study found that suitable areas for primary crops decreased by 28%, while suitable areas for pastoralism increased by 12% over the past 40 years. The population growth has put pressure on agricultural resources, highlighting the need for policies and strategies to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
OUTLOOK ON AGRICULTURE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ted J. J. Lawrence, Justin M. M. Vilbig, Geoffrey Kangogo, Eric M. M. Fevre, Sharon L. L. Deem, Ilona Gluecks, Vasit Sagan, Enbal Shacham
Summary: Human-induced climate change has caused significant shifts in climate zones in Kenya, resulting in changes to agricultural land use and ecosystems. Temperature has increased by approximately 1 degree Celsius, with large areas shifting to hotter and drier zones. These changes have negative impacts on ecosystem and climatic diversity, as well as global drylands.
REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Tessa Rose Cornell, Lian Francesca Thomas, Elizabeth Anne Jessie Cook, Gina Pinchbeck, Judy Bettridge, Lauren Gordon, Velma Kivali, Alice Kiyong'a, Eric Maurice Fevre, Claire Elizabeth Scantlebury
Summary: Despite being recognized as a priority disease in Kenya, there is a lack of research on histoplasmosis. This study examined the seroprevalence and risk factors of Histoplasma capsulatum in rural western Kenya, providing valuable information for further research and policy-making.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Oumou Camara, Mamadou Camara, Laura Cristina Falzon, Hamidou Ilboudo, Jacques Kabore, Charlie Franck Alfred Compaore, Eric Maurice Fevre, Philippe Buscher, Bruno Bucheton, Veerle Lejon
Summary: This study assessed the diagnostic performance of various clinical presentations, rapid diagnostic tests, and reference laboratory tests on dried blood spots for the diagnosis of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) in Guinea. The results showed that the presence of swollen lymph nodes, important weight loss, severe itching, or motor disorders are simple but accurate clinical criteria for HAT referral. The diagnostic performances of HAT Sero-KSet and SD Bioline HAT are sufficient for referring positives to microscopy.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Nicholas Bor, Alessandro Seguino, Derrick Noah Sentamu, Dorcas Chepyatich, James M. M. Akoko, Patrick Muinde, Lian F. F. Thomas
Summary: The growing human population and urbanization have led to an increased demand for animal-sourced proteins, resulting in intensified livestock production and the use of antibiotics. Kenya, lacking legislation requiring antibiotic residue testing in meat, poses a high risk of antibiotic residues. This study examined pig carcasses and pork samples for residues, finding a prevalence of 41.26% and no significant association between lesions and antibiotic residues. Routine testing of carcasses and further research on farming practices contributing to residue prevalence are recommended.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Isaac Joseph Mengele, Gabriel Mkilema Shirima, Shedrack Festo Bwatota, Shabani Kiyabo Motto, Barend Mark de Clare Bronsvoort, Daniel Mushumbusi Komwihangilo, Eliamoni Lyatuu, Elizabeth Anne Jessie Cook, Luis E. Hernandez-Castro
Summary: Bovine brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic disease in Tanzania. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors of brucellosis in smallholder dairy cattle. The results showed a seroprevalence of 2.39%, with the highest percentage in the Njombe Region. Risk factors identified were the presence of goats and a history of abortion. Education of farmers and a One Health approach are recommended to control the disease.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Edgardo Moreno, Earl A. Middlebrook, Pamela Altamirano-Silva, Sascha Al Dahouk, George F. Araj, Vilma Arce-Gorvel, Angela Arenas-Gamboa, Javier Ariza, Elias Barquero-Calvo, Giorgio Battelli, Wilson J. Bertu, Jose Maria Blasco, Mile Bosilkovski, Simeon Cadmus, Clayton C. Caswell, Jean Celli, Carlos Chacon-Diaz, Esteban Chaves-Olarte, Diego J. Comerci, Raquel Conde-Alvarez, Elizabeth Cook, Silvio Cravero, Maryam Dadar, Xavier De Boelle, Fabrizio De Massis, Ramon Diaz, Gabriela I. Escobar, Luis Fernandez-Lago, Thomas A. Ficht, Jeffrey T. Foster, Bruno Garin-Bastuji, Jacques Godfroid, Jean-Pierre Gorvel, Leyla Gueler, Sevil Erdenlig-Guerbilek, Amayel M. Gusi, Caterina Guzman-Verri, Jiang Hai, Gabriela Hernandez-Mora, Maite Iriarte, Nestor R. Jacob, Anne Keriel, Maamar Khames, Stephan Kohler, Jean-Jacques Letesson, Maite Loperena-Barber, Ignacio Lopez-Goni, John McGiven, Falk Melzer, Ricardo Mora-Cartin, Jacob Moran-Gilad, Pilar M. Munoz, Heinrich Neubauer, David O'Callaghan, Reuben Ocholi, Angel Onate, Piyush Pandey, Georgios Pappas, J. Tony Pembroke, Martin Roop, Nazaret Ruiz-Villalonos, Michael P. Ryan, Miriam Salvador-Bescos, Felix J. Sangari, Renato de Lima Santos, Aristarchos Seimenis, Gary Splitter, Marcela Suarez-Esquivel, Darem Tabbaa, Marcos David Trangoni, Renee M. Tsolis, Nieves Vizcaino, Gamal Wareth, Susan C. Welburn, Adrian Whatmore, Amaia Zuniga-Ripa, Ignacio Moriyon
Summary: Brucellae and Ochrobactrum spp. should be classified separately due to significant differences in structure, physiology, genomic traits, and pathogenicity.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
James M. Hassell, Dishon M. Muloi, Kimberly L. VanderWaal, Melissa J. Ward, Judy Bettridge, Nduhiu Gitahi, Tom Ouko, Titus Imboma, James Akoko, Maurice Karani, Patrick Muinde, Yukiko Nakamura, Lorren Alumasa, Erin Furmaga, Titus Kaitho, Fredrick Amanya, Allan Ogendo, Francesco Fava, Bryan A. Wee, Hang Phan, John Kiiru, Erastus Kang'ethe, Sam Kariuki, Timothy Robinson, Michael Begon, Mark E. J. Woolhouse, Eric M. Fevre
Summary: Urbanization is a key factor in the emergence of diseases transmitted by animals to humans. However, the mechanisms by which this occurs are not well understood. A study in Nairobi, Kenya, showed that low biodiversity, livestock management practices, and densely populated urban environments are associated with the sharing of bacterial genes between animals and humans, providing empirical support for the hypotheses about cross-species transmission of pathogens in urban areas.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Cianjo M. Gichuyia, Lian F. Thomas, Christine Makena, Linnet Ochieng, Peter B. Gathura, Joshua O. Onono, Eric M. Fevre
Summary: Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) is found in pigs in a rural pork value chain in western Kenya with contamination rates ranging from 18.1% to 28.0% in different stages of the chain. Hygiene measures should be improved to prevent human exposure to NTS.
TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ted J. Lawrence, Bryce P. Takenaka, Aastha Garg, Donghua Tao, Sharon L. Deem, Eric M. Fevre, Ilona Gluecks, Vasit Sagan, Enbal Shacham
Summary: Ecological niche modeling (ENM) is an effective method for predicting the emergence of emerging infectious diseases. The study shows that biotic, abiotic, and mobility factors play important roles in explaining ecological niches, while social factors are less considered. The algorithms and model selection procedures used in the studies are mostly well-recognized, but uncertainty analysis is rarely reported.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Bernard Chege, Gideon Ndambuki, Maurice Owiny, Alice Kiyong'a, Eric M. Fevre, Elizabeth A. J. Cook
Summary: A sanitation-based intervention was conducted in Busia County, Kenya to reduce the prevalence of porcine cysticercosis. The results showed a reduction in the prevalence of lingual cysts in pigs after the intervention, indicating that improved sanitation can reduce the occurrence of porcine cysticercosis.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)