Abstract: The braconid wasp, Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead), was introduced in Kenya from Hawaii for classical biological control of the invasive tephritid, Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel. Following reports that D. longicaudata had formed new associations with Ceratitis cosyra, laboratory experiments were conducted to assess the interaction between the introduced and the native parasitoid of C. cosyra; Psyttalia cosyrae (Wilkinson) under three scenarios: B. dorsalis only, C. cosyra only ...
Abstract: Recent literature highlights the potential of animal pollinator-dependent (PD) crops in enhancing food and nutrition security, although there is a lack of detailed household-level estimates. In this study, we investigate the nutrient composition, productivity, and contribution of PD and pollinator-independent (PI) crops to household nutrition in four sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. We also evaluate the impact of reallocating resources from PI crops to PD crops on nutrient defc...
Abstract: The African wild silkmoth, Gonometa postica Walker produces silk of high quality. A study on the spatial distribution and biology of G. postica on host and non-host plants and the parasitism rates and reproductive strategy of its parasitoids was conducted during the long and short rainy seasons in 2006 and 2007. Three sites, each in the Imba and Mumoni forests of Mwingi eastern Kenya, were selected for sampling. One hundred trees of the host plants of G. postica were sampled at eac...
Abstract: Integrated pest management (IPM) systems utilizing the use/release of the parasitoid Diadegma semiclausum have been developed to replace the pesticides only approach to diamondback moth (DBM) Plutella xylostella (L.), worldwide the worst insect pest of cabbage family. The successful introduction of the DBM natural enemy in Kenya as a biological control agent under the IPM system is a good achievement towards a solution to excessive insecticides use. Data collections were done for 1...
Abstract: The control of Amblyomma variegatum and other economically important ticks, like Rhipicephalus appendicu/atus, has relied mainly on the use of acaricides worldwide. However, due to the drawbacks of chemical control, future tick control will have to move more in the direction of integrated approaches emphasizing more regular use of environmentally-friendly non-chemical methods, such as tick parasitoids. lxodiphagus hookeri, one of the seven species of tick parasitoids known, occurs ...
Abstract: Cereal stemborers in Kenya include Busseola fusca, B. phaia, Sesamia calamistis, S. botanephaga, Eldana saccharina, Chilo orichalcociliellus, and Ch. partellus. The stemborers cause 50% yield losses in cereal crops including maize, sorghum, and sugarcane. Damage to the host plants results from the feeding and excavating of tunnels by the larvae. The different stemborer control options include pesticides, early planting, intercropping with non-cereals, and host plant resistance. ...
ABSTRACT Cerebral malaria occurs due to abnormality in the function of the brain endothelium. This signifies that the brain endothelium plays a crucial role in the outcome of malaria in children. Regulated balance between angiopoietin-1 and angiopoeitin-2 is responsible for the control of normal endothelial cell function. The angiopoietin-Tie-2 system has been shown to regulate endothelial cell function and vascular integrity. Endothelial Protein C Receptor (EPCR) and Thrombomodulin (TM) are...
Dogs are the most common pet animals worldwide, providing companionship, security and a source of dietary protein. Zoonotic helminthes of dogs is a global problem particularly in the developing countries and these dogs, regardless of their benefits, pose a public health risk as they are potential carriers of some pathogens. This study attempted to bridge the dearth of information on the prevalence of zoonotic helminthes of domestic dogs in Bwari Area Council and to establish some of the risk ...
Plasmodium is a genus of parasitic protozoa, many of which cause malaria in their host. Five species namely; P. falciparum, P. malarae, P. ovale, P. vivax and P. knowlesi cause human malaria. Malaria due to P. falciparum is one of the most severe public health problems worldwide with an annual estimated 207 million clinical episodes and 627,000 deaths. The use of conventional antimalarial drugs as treatment for malaria is greatly hindered by drug resistance exhibited by the parasite. Conseque...
Intestinal parasitic infections caused mainly by protozoa and helminths are most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions of the world where adequate water and proper sanitation are lacking. Helminthiasis has been listed among the three most prevalent diseases in Tharaka-Nithi County. The residents are mainly small scale nonmechanized farmers hence there is frequent contact with the soil. Chronic parasitic infection among students negatively affects their health, nutrition, cognitive dev...
Fish production is an important food contributor to the global and local economy. However, diseases including parasitic infections have been recognized as one of the limiting factors in the production of fish. The increase in fish parasites can be as a result of flooding. The flooding of Lake Baringo that occurred in November 2011 could have caused water pollution that may have brought in parasites that could have caused fish diseases. No recent research had been carried out to investigate ...
ABSTRACT Malaria is the leading cause of death in Africa among pregnant women and children under five years. Each year 350-500 million cases of malaria occur worldwide, and over one million people die, most of them young children in sub-Saharan Africa. In Africa, Anopheles gambiae mosquito is the main vector of Plasmodium falciparum, which causes malaria. All female Anopheles mosquitoes are usually haematophagous; they require a blood meal from a vertebrate host, either before or after matin...
ABSTRACT The occurrence of Entamoeba histolytica as a human intestinal parasite is a serious problem especially in developing countries. Entamoeba histolytica frequently infest as a commensal within the human large intestines with no overt clinical manifestations. However, trophozoites can invade the colonic epithelium and produce ulcers and dysentery, a condition known as Amoebiasis. Amoebic infections in Kyuso Zone, Kyuso District are common. The ecological aspects in the area and particula...
ABSTRACT The World Health Organization estimated annual global malaria mortality to be at 405,000 deaths in 2018 making malaria one of the most important diseases in the world. In Kenya, malaria control measures have been put up, however, the ongoing climate change and climatic variability is proving to be a great challenge. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of climatic variability and malaria control interventions on malaria parasite prevalence and vector abundance in west...
ABSTRACT Schistosomiasis is a chronic parasitic disease caused by a blood fluke of the genus Schistosoma. An estimated 249 million people are infected worldwide in about 78 countries with 85% infections occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. In Kenya, an estimated 5 million people are infected with about 12 million people at risk of infection. Schistosomiasis is a major public health concern due to the morbidities caused. Kagio area borders Mwea irrigation scheme which is an endemic area with a pre...