ABSTRACT Leachate flow from urban municipal dumpsites into surface and ground water sources can be detrimental to the urban population who use these waters sources. Gradual accumulations of contaminants in the water sources can result into high loads of pollutants which are potentially toxic to the users. In Kisii Town River Nyakumisaro that drain through the town and improved ground water wells are the main sources of portable water for most residents. The major aim of the study was to dete...
ABSTRACT In mammals, the surface respiratory macrophages (SM) play a critical role in protecting the respiratory system by providing first line defense through engulfing and destroying inhaled pathogens and harmful particulates. During adaptive immune responses, SM process and present antigens to T lymphocytes. Paucity of SM has been reported in the avian respiratory system. It has been reported that the pulmonary cellular defenses in birds are inadequate. In particular susceptibility to res...
ABSTRACT Fish feed is one of the critical components in aquaculture production and accounts for over 60% of total operational costs with protein component being the most expensive ingredient. Traditionally, fishmeal (FM) has been the primary dietary animal protein source. However, with dwindling capture fisheries, FM has become increasingly scarce and expensive due to its demand from human consumers and livestock feed manufacturers. This in turn makes the cost of fish feeds expensive leading ...
ABSTRACT Antenatal syphilis is a major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Programmes to control syphilis in developing countries are hampered by lack of laboratory services, delayed diagnosis and doubts about the accuracy of the current screening methods. In Kenya, the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test is currently used as the primary screening test for syphilis in health facilities. This method is labour intensive in the screening of large numbers of serum specimens a...
ABSTRACT Determinants of self directed referral of patients at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya Author: Mahinda Faith Wambui Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) is found at the apex of the referral system of health care. Ideally, patients seen at KNH are supposed to have sought care from lower levels of health care in the referral system first before seeking health services at KNH. Referral can assume two forms: Self and Non-self. Self referral refers to the scenario where a patient by...
ABSTRACT Adherence to antiretroviral therapy is a major predictor of the survival of individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Appropriate use of antiretrovirals (ARV’s) has improved the health of many human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive individuals. The effectiveness of HIV treatment depends on sustenance of high levels of adherence to ARV; however, ARV regimens are often complicated and can be affected by varying dosing schedules, failing to have proper dietary requirements and patients d...
ABSTRACT Geothermal energy counts among renewable energies sources, with a long tradition, experience and great potential for the future. However, most of the geothermal power plants globally are located within important conservation sites where endemic and endangered species of birds inhabit. The presence of these geothermal power stations has an impact on biodiversity. The study was carried out between December 2015 to May 2016 within Hell’s Gate National Park. The specific objectives of ...
ABSTRACT HIV/AIDS was originally referred to as “gay disease” because high numbers of initial patients were homosexuals. Understanding causes of homosexuality and related health risks is important in formulating MSM targeted behavioral interventions towards positive health outcomes. Men who have sex with men are in this category of key populations according to World Health Organization. This study’s main objective was to determine predisposing factors to homosexuality and its related he...
ABSTRACT Behavioural profiling (DISC) is a new invention which has recently began to be used in sporting contexts. However, there is scanty information on quantitative data to support conclusions and recommendations. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between behavioural profiles and demographic characteristics of Kenyan elite middle and long-distance runners. The study hypothesized that there is no significant difference in behavioural profiles and demographic character...
ABSTRACT Cryptosporidium causes significant morbidity and mortality in AIDS patients worldwide particularly in developing countries where ART is not widely available or affordable. In Kenya, approximately 8% of the adult population lives with HIV/AIDS and Cryptosporidium has been reported as the leading indicator of death among adult HIV/AIDS patients. There is very little information about the molecular epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis and no documented data on immune responses to Cryptospo...
ABSTRACT Over 1.8 million children under five years of age die from pneumococcal disease (PD) every year worldwide, most of them living in developing countries. In Kenya, pneumococcal infections are the leading cause of hospital admissions among children under five years. In 2008, pneumonia was the second leading cause of death among children under five years, with over 30,000 childhood deaths, accounting for 16% of child mortality in Kenya. Immunization is the cornerstone of health care poli...
ABSTRACT Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) occurs as a complication of untreated, or inadequately treated acute otitis media, commonly in the first five years of life. CSOM is related to poor socio-economic conditions and is the commonest cause of persistent mild to moderate hearing impairment in children and young people in developing countries. When the hearing loss associated with CSOM occurs during the first two years of life, it is likely to have serious effects on (the period...
ABSTRACT The co-occurrence of malaria and schistosomiasis is common in tropical regions of the world. Malaria induces a strong Th1 response while schistosomiasis skews the response to a Th2. Several studies demonstrate a non consistent effect of schistosomiasis infection on progression of malaria. On one hand, schistosomiasis infections protect against cerebral malaria while on the other hand, they are associated with increased malaria severity. This study examined the role of Schistosoma ma...
ABSTRACT This thesis is an assessment of the post drought recovery strategies among pastoralists in Turkana Central district. The main objective of this study was to assess how the pastoralists’ community in drought prone areas of Turkana Central district recovers their livelihoods in the post drought period. The study used structured questionnaires, participant observation and key informant interviews and focused groups discussions to collect both quantitative and qualitative prim...
ABSTRACT Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is any material, device, equipment or clothing used or worn by workers to protect them from exposure or contact with any harmful material or energy which may cause injury, disease or even death. The study assessed utilization of PPE among workers in grain and oil seed milling industries in Nairobi City County. Despite the benefits of using PPE, little information has been documented especially among workers in the food industries not only in Kenya ...