Abstract: Dolichogenidea gelechiidivoris (Marsh) (Syn. Apanteles gelechiidivoris) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a konoibiont larval endoparasitoid of the South American tomato pinworm Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), was imported into Kenya in 2017 for the first classical biological control of T. absoluta in Africa. We determined the thermal thresholds of D. gelechiidivoris, with T. absoluta as host, using life cycle simulation modelling. Life-table data of D. gelechiidivoris were generated at six cons...
Abstract: Tsetse transmit African trypanosomiasis, which is a disease fatal to both humans and animals. A vaccine to protect against this disease does not exist so transmission control relies on eliminating tsetse populations. Although neurotoxic insecticides are the gold standard for insect control, they negatively impact the environment and reduce populations of insect pollinator species. Here we present a promising, environment-friendly alternative to current insecticides that targets the...
Abstract: Tungiasis, a neglected tropical parasitosis, disproportionately afects children. Few empirical studies have reported neurocognitive and mental health outcomes of children with ectoparasitic skin diseases like tungiasis. Pathophysiology of tungiasis suggests it could detrimentally afect cognition and behaviour. This study pioneered the investigation of neurocognitive and mental health outcomes in children with tungiasis
Abstract: Odor-baited traps (OBTs) are increasingly being considered for use in sampling, surveillance and control of malaria mosquitoes. Most odor baits contain carbon dioxide, which apparently enhances trap catches given its role as a mosquito activator. Unfortunately, organic CO2, which is the most locally amenable source of the gas, must be replaced after each experimental night. This precludes the application of carbon dioxide-based odor baits for prolonged area-wide use. This study exp...
Abstract: Wildlife-livestock interfaces are hotspots for tick-borne livestock diseases, which cause high mortalities and morbidity. Wild bovines in these interfaces play a major role in maintaining tick vectors and tick-borne pathogens. This study explored the diversity of ticks infesting blue wildebeests (Connochaetes taurinus), cattle and sheep as well as the diversity of protozoan pathogens harboured by these ticks in the Maasai Mara which is one of the wildlife – livestock interfaces i...
Abstract: Many successful laboratory studies have demonstrated the potential of using the entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana against malaria mosquitoes. This study focussed on infection of wild malaria mosquitoes with the entomopathogeriic fungus B. bassiana under field conditions. Four experiments were carried out under laboratory conditions by use of World Health Organization bioassay cones, for exposure of3-6 days old, non-blood fed laboratory-reared Anopheles arabiensis mosquito...
Abstract: Malaria is an infectious disease that continues to be associated with considerable morbidity and mortality and significant social and economic impact on developing societies. Approximately 300 million people worldwide are affected and between 1 and 1.5 million people die from it every year. The disease is caused by a protozoan parasite of the genus Plasmodium. Four species are known to cause malaria in man; these are Plasmodium falciparum, P, vivax, P.ovale and P malariae. The para...