Browsing by Author "Kimanya, Martin"

Now showing 1 - 20 of 28

A Cross‐Sectional Association Between Serum Aflatoxin and Micronutrient Status Among Children Aged 6–24 Months in Rural Tanzania
(John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., 2025) Mshanga, Naelijwa; Kassim, Neema; Suchaya Sonto; Haikael, Martin; Pirani, Monica; Sally Moore; Auma, Carolyn; Kimanya, Martin; Yun Yun Gong
Micronutrient deficiencies are a significant public health problem, particularly affecting children under five, caused by inadequate intake of micronutrient‐rich foods or environmental factors like aflatoxin exposure. Three hundred sixty‐nine children aged 6–24 months from Tanzania's Babati and Hanang districts participated in this study. Serum aflatoxin albumin adduct (AF‐alb) levels were assessed as measures of aflatoxin exposure. Haemoglobin levels, serum ferritin, C‐reactive protein, zinc and vitamins A, B9, and B12 were assessed to determine anaemia and deficiencies in iron, zinc and vitamins A, B9 and B12 based on WHO cut‐off points. Seventy per cent of the children had detectable levels of AF‐alb. The AF‐alb geometric mean was 5.99 (95% CI: 5.99, 6.87) pg/mg. Of those with measured micronutrient markers, 37% were anaemic, and 33%, 75%, 4%, 4% and 73% were deficient in iron, zinc, vitamins A, B9 and B12, respectively. The child's age, gender and stunting were all significantly associated (p < 0.05) with anaemia and deficiencies in zinc, vitamin A and B12. Moreover, AF‐alb was associated with iron deficiency even after adjusting for confounders; children with high AF‐alb levels ( > 6.07 pg/mg) were 1.40 times more likely to be iron deficient (AOR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.74). The high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies and its association with aflatoxin exposure among young children highlights the urgent need for comprehensive intervention strategies, such as improving dietary diversity and enhancing food safety to reduce aflatoxin exposure. Importantly, longitudinal research is needed to understand the causal effect relationship between aflatoxin exposure and micronutrient deficiencies.
Antimicrobial use in the poultry industry in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania and public health implications
(American Journal of Research Communication, 2014) Mubito, Ezekiel; Shahada, Francis; Kimanya, Martin; Buza, Joram
A structured questionnaire was administered to Dar es Salaam poultry farmers and pharmaceutical outlets/shops to obtain information on antibiotic usage, awareness of withdrawal periods and public health concerns on drug residues. Of 100 layer’s chicken production farmers interviewed in this study, 54% were females and 46% males. The average flock size was 560. All interviewed participants apply antibiotics through oral route of drug administration. Of these participants, 93% treat their chicken in accordance with directives from veterinary drug vendors, 4% follow the manufacturer’s instructions and 3% depends on their own experience. The survey found that most frequently used antibiotic drugs belong to the group of tetracycline and sulfonamides. Furthermore, some prohibited antimicrobial agents like furazolidone were found in some veterinary drug stores and poultry farms. All interviewed poultry farmers were aware of drug withdrawal period but none of them declared to observe this requirement because they fear investment losses. It was concluded that there is high risk of exposure to unacceptable levels of drug residues from poultry products, as a result of failure to observe antibiotic withdrawal periods. Consulted efforts involving various stake holders such the producers of poultry products, consumers and regulatory authorities are needed to bring awareness on public health implications associated with drug residues in foods.
Childhood dietary exposure of aflatoxins and fumonisins in Tanzania: A review
(Taylor & Francis Online, 2020-12-24) Mollay, Clara; Kassim, Neema; Stoltzfus, Rebecca; Kimanya, Martin
Aflatoxins (AFs) and Fumonisins (FBs) are common contaminants of maize, from secondary metabolites of fungi. Presence of AFs and FBs in maize-based complimentary food is evident in various studies conducted in Tanzania and elsewhere. Consequently, Infant and Young children (IYC) aged between 6 and 24 months in Tanzania who consume monotonous maize-based foods are at a high risk of exposure to these toxins. The AF or FB exposures have been linked to low awareness and inadequate knowledge or limited skills of IYC feeding practices among mothers and caregivers. This review reveals that more researches are needed to identify appropriate feeding practices in Tanzania to improve child growth. Meanwhile, stakeholders should direct efforts on education to subsistence farmers including mothers and caregivers on interventions to minimize mycotoxin contamination of cereal and nut-based complementary foods in the country.
Complementary feeding in Kongwa, Tanzania: Findings to inform a mycotoxin mitigation trial.
(John Wiley & Sons Ltd., 2021-05-04) Mollay, Clara; Kassim, Neema; Stoltzfus, Rebecca; Kimanya, Martin
Complementary feeding of 6- to 24-month-old infants and young children with adequate, safe and developmentally appropriate food is essential to child health. Inappropriate complementary foods and feeding practices are linked to the high incidences of undernutrition among infant and young children in most developing countries, including Tanzania. Mycotoxin risk is an additional concern, given the documented presence of aflatoxin and fumonisin in food systems of Africa, especially maize and groundnut. In preparation for a trial of mycotoxin mitigation, we conducted focus group discussions and recipe trials to explore complementary foods and feeding practices in Kongwa, a rural district of central Tanzania. Sixty mothers of infants from 6 to 18 months of age in five villages across the district were purposefully sampled. During focus group discussions, mothers reported to mostly feed their children with cereal and groundnut-based foods as thin or thick porridges. The most common porridge preparations contained cereal (mostly, maize) ranging from 66.7% to 80.0% by weight and groundnuts from 7.7% to 33.3%. The ratio of cereal to groundnut ranged from 3:1 to 4:1. For the recipe trial sessions, mothers chose similar ingredients reported during discussions to prepare complementary foods. The reliance on maize and groundnuts in complementary foods predisposes the children to undernutrition and exposure to aflatoxins and fumonisins. These formative research results suggest multiple intervention points to improve complementary feeding and reduce mycotoxin exposure in this population, including education messages package on feeding practices, mycotoxin control practices and complementary food formulation.
Effect of Aflasafe TZ01® on Aflatoxin Reduction and Emerging Challenges with Fusarium Mycotoxins in Maize from Rural Tanzania
(Toxins, 2025-08) Fundikira, Sambwe; Kimanya, Martin; Suleiman, Rashid; De Boevre, Marthe; Tesfamariam, Kokeb; De Saeger, Sarah
Aflatoxins are carcinogenic secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus species and are common contaminants of many crops including maize. Atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus strains, formulated as biocontrol products such as Aflasafe® TZ01, that comprises a mixture of four native atoxigenic strains, are used as pre-harvest agents to suppress toxigenic strains and reduce aflatoxin levels. This study assessed the intended and potential unintended impacts of Aflasafe® TZ01 on mycotoxin contamination in maize. A total of 158 samples 79 from treated and 79 from untreated fields were collected from Chemba and Kiteto districts in Tanzania. Multi-mycotoxin analysis was conducted using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Detected toxins included aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2), trichothecenes, and fumonisins (FB1, FB2, FB3). Non-parametric paired t-test analysis showed significant reductions in AFB1 (62%, p = 0.024) in treated samples. The mean concentrations of Fusarium mycotoxins such as NIV, T2, and ZEN were higher in treated maize. However, statistical analysis showed that these differences were only numerical trends, and were not significant (p > 0.05). These findings confirm the efficacy of Aflasafe® TZ01 in reducing aflatoxins, while underscoring the importance of continued monitoring for other mycotoxins as part of integrated mycotoxin management strategies to mitigate both aflatoxins and co-occurring toxins.
Efficacy of Different Doses of Multiple Micronutrient Powder on Haemoglobin Concentration in Children Aged 6–59 Months in Arusha District
(Hindawi Scientiﬁca, 2019-02-03) Kejo, Dyness; Petrucka, Pammla; Martin, Haikael; Mosha, Theobald; Kimanya, Martin
In Tanzania’s Arusha District, anaemia is a signiﬁcant public health problem. Recently, home fortiﬁcation with multiple micronutrient powder was recommended, and daily use of one sachet has shown to be eﬀective. However, it is a challenge for deprived families with low income to aﬀord the daily sachet. aim of this study was to compare the eﬃcacy of diﬀerent administration frequencies of micronutrient powder in reducing anaemia in children aged 6–59 months. Is research used a community-based, randomized longitudinal trial design with the intent to treat anaemia. Children aged 6 to 59 months (n = 369) were randomly assigned to one of four intervention groups which received, on a weekly basis, either ﬁve sachets (n=60), three sachets (n=80), two sachets (n = 105), or one sachet (n = 124) for six months; 310 children completed the study. Using the Hemo Cue technique, a ﬁnger-prick blood was taken at baseline, middle, and end points of the intervention to determine haemoglobin levels. The eﬀect of treatment on haemoglobin was assessed with analysis of covariates with Bonferroni post hoc to test group diﬀerence (p > 0.05) from each other. At the end, haemoglobin levels were signiﬁcantly higher in participants who received three or ﬁve sachets of micronutrient powder per week compared to those who received one or two micronutrient powder sachets per week (p < 0.05). The prevalence of illnesses was reduced from 65% to 30.5% in all groups. This ﬁnding indicates that economically challenged families may opt for three times per week sachet administration rather than a more costly daily administration.
Estimating the risk of aflatoxin-induced liver cancer in Tanzania based on biomarker data.
(PLOS ONE, 2021-03-11) Kimanya, Martin; Routledge, Michael; Ezekiel, Chibundu; Shirima, Candida; Gong, Yun; Mpolya, Emmanuel
Evidence about the magnitude of the aflatoxin menace can help policy makers appreciate the importance of the problem and strengthen policies to support aflatoxin mitigation measures. In this study, we estimated aflatoxin-induced liver cancer risk in 2016 for Tanzania and used the information to estimate the health burden due to the aflatoxin exposure in the country. The burden of aflatoxin-induced liver cancer was assessed based on available aflatoxin biomarker data from a previous epidemiology study, hepatitis B virus infection prevalence and population size of Tanzania in 2016. The health burden due to aflatoxin-induced liver cancer was estimated using disability adjusted life years (DALYs). The aflatoxin exposures ranged from 15.0-10,926.0 ng/kg bw/day (median, 105.5 ng/kg bw/day). We estimated that in 2016 there were about 1,480 (2.95 per 100,000 persons) new cases of aflatoxin-induced liver cancer in Tanzania and assumed all of them would die within a year. These morbidity and mortality rates led to a total loss of about 56,247.63 DALYs. These results show, quantitatively, the cases of liver cancer and related deaths that could be avoided, and the healthy life years that could be saved, annually, by strengthening measures to control aflatoxin contamination in Tanzania.
Evaluation of a point-of-use device used for autoantibody analysis and its potential for following microcystin leucine-arginine exposure
(Frontiers, 2024-02-09) Ma, Hui; Loscher, Christine; Parle-McDermott, Anne; Fitzgerald, Jenny; Meneely, Julie; Elliott, Christopher; Welten, Richard; Mchau, Geofrey; Makule, Edna; Machunda, Revocatus; Gong, Yun; Kimanya, Martin; Crawley, Aoife; Maguire, Ivan; Murphy, Caroline; Kennedy, Richard
Introduction: Globally, the need for measuring exposure to algal toxins has become urgent due to ever-increasing reports of contamination in sea and freshwater, in shellfish and fish stocks and in aerosols. Methods: To address this issue, we evaluated the potential of determining autoantibodies to a panel of biomarkers known to be elevated following exposure to the hepatotoxin microcystin leucine-arginine. The presence of autoantibodies, specific to four selected stress-response, metabolomic and chaperone biomarkers, namely, Heat shock protein 1, Triosephosphate isomerase, Peroxiredoxin 1 and Peroxiredoxin 2 was employed in screening 371 serum samples from microcystin-exposed individuals in Tanzania. In addition, the capacity of the LightDeck fluorescence-based detector, a point-of-use device, to monitor these autoantibody responses in comparison to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was evaluated. Results: By using the determination of autoantibodies to this novel panel of biomarkers an altered response was observed following microcystin exposure, with levels generally upregulated. The presence of elevated levels of microcystin leucine-arginine in water, as well as in food sources in Tanzania, may potentially have significant health effects on the population. Discussion: This novel biomarker panel may have potential for the detection of microcystin leucine-arginine exposure as well as various microcystin exposure-associated cancers (e.g., hepatocellular cancer and colorectal cancer). In addition, the utilisation of the LightDeck point-of-use device proved successful for the rapid analysis of this biomarker panel.
Factors Influencing Willingness to Pay for Multiple Micronutrient Powder (Virutubishi) Supplements for Young Children in Arusha, Tanzania
(Journal of Health & Medical Economics, 2018-11-21) Kejo, Dyness; Martin, Haikel; Mosha, Theobald; Petrucka, Pammla; Kimanya, Martin
Background: Multiple micronutrient powders have shown a positive effect on anaemia prevention in children 6-59 months. For the purposes of uptake and sustainability, we explored ‘‘willingness to pay’’ for these health products at the household level for potential of co-investment in multiple micronutrient powders. Methods: During the intervention (six months), household surveys were conducted once with mothers of children 6-59 months in the Arusha District regarding willingness to pay for the multiple micronutrient powders. Results: Results from the survey show that about 66% of the target mothers are willing to pay for multiple micronutrient powders required for feeding of children at 0.068$ per sachet. Willingness to pay was associated with higher paternal education, higher maternal age, and families which do not keep animals. Conclusion: The results findings help to know the market situation of nutritional products. This information is useful for health policy planners in assessing economic viability and sustainability of the distribution of multiple micronutrient powders to consumers to avert micronutrient deficiencies and their effects on young children.
Feeding practices and nutrient content of complementary meals in rural central Tanzania: implications for dietary adequacy and nutritional status
(Kulwa et al. BMC Pediatrics, 2015-11-06) Kulwa, Kissa; Mamiro, Peter; Kimanya, Martin; Mziray, Rajab; Kolsteren, Kolsteren
Background: Stunting and micronutrient deficiencies are significant health problems among infants and young children in rural Tanzania. Objective of the study was to assess feeding practices, nutrient content of complementary meals, and their implications for dietary adequacy and nutritional status. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in six randomly selected villages in Mpwapwa District, Tanzania during the post-harvest season. Information on feeding practices, dietary consumption and anthropometric measurements of all infants below the age of one year were collected. Forty samples of common meals were collected and analysed for proximate composition, iron, zinc and calcium. Results were expressed per 100 g dry weight. Results: Energy, protein and fat content in porridge ranged from 40.67–63.92 kcal, 0.54–1.74 % and 0.30-2.12 %, respectively. Iron, zinc and calcium contents (mg/100 g) in porridge were 0.11–2.81, 0.10–3.23, and 25.43-125.55, respectively. Median portion sizes were small (porridge: 150–350 g; legumes and meats: 39–90 g). Very few children (6.67 %) consumed animal-source foods. Low meal frequency, low nutrient content, small portion size and limited variety reduced the contribution of meals to daily nutritional needs. Conclusions: Findings of the study highlight inadequate feeding practices, low nutritional quality of meals and high prevalence of stunting. Feasible strategies are needed to address the dietary inadequacies and chronic malnutrition of rural infants.
Harmful algal bloom and associated health risks among users of Lake Victoria freshwater: Ukerewe Island, Tanzania
(J Water Health, 2019-07-24) Mchau, Geofrey; Makule, Edna; Machunda, Revocatus; Gong, Yun; Kimanya, Martin
There is a global concern regarding the occurrences of harmful algal blooms (HABs) and their effects on human health. Lake Victoria (LV) has been reported to face eutrophication challenges, resulting in an increase of bloom-forming cyanobacteria. This study is aimed at understanding the association of HABs and health risks at Ukerewe Island. A cross-sectional study conducted on 432 study subjects and water samples for cyanobacteria species identification were collected at LV shores. The results reveal that concentrations of cyanobacteria cells are beyond (WHO) acceptable limits; species of Microcystis aeruginosa range from 90,361.63 to 3,032.031.65 cells/mL and Anabaena spp. range from 13,310.00 to 4,814,702 cells/mL. Water usage indicates that 31% use lake water, 53% well water and 16% treated supplied pipe water. Vomiting and throat irritation was highly reported by lake water users as compared to wells and pipe water (P < 0.001). Gastrointestinal illness (GI) was significantly elevated among lake water users as compared to pipe and well water users (P < 0.001). Visible blooms in lake water were associated with GI, skin irritation and vomiting as compared to water without visible blooms (P < 0.001). The concentration of cyanobacteria blooms poses greater risks when water is used without treatment.
Heavy Metals Contamination in Agricultural Soil and Rice in Tanzania: A Review
(Science Publishing Group, 2016-02-17) Simon, Fides; Mtei, Kelvin; Kimanya, Martin
Heavy metals contamination in agricultural soil is a potential environmental threat to the safety of agricultural food crops such as rice which is consumed by majority of Tanzanians. The aim of this review is to put together available information on sources of heavy metals, their extent of contamination in agricultural soil and in rice, the risk of exposure through rice consumption as well as the relationship between heavy metals contamination in agricultural soils and in rice in Tanzania. There are several methods of determining the concentrations of heavy metals in soils and in rice. These include Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP – MS) and Energy Dispersive X – ray Fluorescence spectrometer (EDXRF). It has been mostly reported that the extent of heavy metals contamination in agricultural soils is influenced by their closeness to mining or industrial areas. The use of river waters in mining areas or wastewater from industries for irrigation has been associated to increasing levels of heavy metals in agricultural soils. The elevated level of heavy metals in agricultural soils leads to their accumulation in crops especially rice which upon consumption poses health effects to human and the ecosystem at large. This review suggests the need for determining the extent of heavy metals contamination in agricultural soils around potential areas such as mining and to link this with exposure assessment on heavy metals through rice consumption in Tanzania. This information is necessary to establish the extent at which rice consumers in Tanzania are at risk of heavy metals exposure.
Household vegetable processing practices influencing occurrence of pesticide residues in ready‐to‐eat vegetables
(John Wiley & Sons, 2019-11-19) Kiwango, Purificator; Kassim, Neema; Kimanya, Martin
Influence of vegetable processing on pesticide residues in ready‐to‐eat vegetables studied at the experimental level does not necessarily reflect actual situation at household level. This study assessed influence of household vegetable processing practices on pesticide residues in ready‐to‐eat vegetables at household level in Arusha, Tanzania. Data on vegetable handling practices were collected through observations and physical interviews in 70 households. Samples of raw and ready‐to‐eat vegetables were collected from the households for pesticide residues analysis. Detectable pesticide levels were found in 46% of raw and 14% of ready‐to‐eat vegetable samples. Pesticide residues detected were in the groups of organophosphates (22.8%), pyrethroids (14.3%), organochlorines (7.14%), benzoic acids (7.14%), and carbamates (5.71%). Unauthorized pesticides (dichlorvos, tetramethrin, and bendiocarb) and environmentally persistent pesticide (dieldrin) were found at levels above their respective maximum residue levels. Washing of vegetables twice or more (p = .01) or peeling (p = .008) was significantly associated with reduction of pesticide residues. There was a significant association between occurrence of pesticide residues in ready‐to‐eat vegetables and washing of minor ingredients with the water used to wash major ingredients (p = .001). Household practices of washing of vegetables with portable water followed with peeling can reduce pesticide residue levels significantly.
An In Vitro Evaluation of the Capacity of Local Tanzanian Crude Clay and Ash-Based Materials in Binding Aflatoxins in Solution
(MDPI, 2018-12-03) Ayo, Emmanuel; Matemu, Athanasia; Laswai, Germana; Kimanya, Martin
Aflatoxins in feeds cause great health hazards to animals, and thus eventually to humans as well. The potential of clays from Arusha (AC), Kilimanjaro (KC), the Coast (CC), and Morogoro (MC), as well as volcanic ash (VA) and rice husk ash (RA), were evaluated for their capacity to adsorb aflatoxins B1 (AFB1), B2 (AFB2), G1 (AFG1), and G2 (AFG2) relative to a commercial binder Mycobind® (R) using in vitro technique. On average, CC, VA, KC, MC, AC, RA, and R adsorbed 39.9%, 51.3%, 61.5%, 62.0%, 72.6%, 84.7%, and 98.1% of the total aflatoxins from solution, respectively. The capacity of AC and RA was statistically (p < 0.05) better in binding aflatoxins next to R. The adsorption capacity seemed to follow the trend of the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of these materials. The CEC (meq/100 g) of CC, MC, KC, VA, AC, RA, and R were 7.0, 15.4, 18.8, 25.4, 27.2, 27.2, and 38.9, respectively. On average 96.3%, 42.7%, 80.8%, and 32.1% of AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2 were adsorbed, respectively. The binding capacity of the clays and ashes relative to Mycobind® was about 100% for AC and RA, 50% for KC, MC, and VA, and 33.3% for CC. The AC and RA seem to be promising resources in binding aflatoxins in solution.
Inadequate management of complementary foods contributes to the risk of aflatoxin exposure and low nutrition status among children
(World Mycotoxin Journal, 2018-11-22) Makori, Nyabasi; Matemu, Athanasia; Kimanya, Martin; Kassim, Neema
Early exposure to aflatoxins through complementary food is linked to impaired growth in childhood. The current study assessed the household’s practices on management of complementary foods in relation to the risk of aflatoxin exposure and poor nutritional status among infant and young children in Tanzania. A cross-sectional study of complementary feeding practices, aflatoxin exposure and nutritional status was conducted to 101 infants and young children aged between 6-23 months in Dodoma region of Tanzania. The intake of complementary food was estimated by using repeated 24 h dietary recall. Flour used as complementary food was sampled from each of the 101 families and aflatoxins were analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography. A deterministic approach was used to estimate dietary exposure of aflatoxins in the complementary foods. Anthropometric measurements were taken and rates of stunting, underweight and wasting estimated according to the WHO standard procedures. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between feeding practices and aflatoxin exposure or the growth performance among subjects. The average consumption of complementary flour was 118 g per child per day and 52% of the flours contained groundnuts. AFB1 was detected in 42.5% of the flour and levels ranged from 0.3 to 2,128.0 μg/kg (mean 228.11±49.84 μg/kg). Dietary exposures of aflatoxin B1 ranged from 0.1 to 23,172.81 ng/kg body weight per day (mean 1,337±392.5 ng/kg). Of the subjects, 40.4% (95% CI; 29.8; 50.9) were stunted and significant association was found between stunted growth and dietary exposure of AFB1 (adjusted odd ratio (AOR)=5.9; 95% CI: 0.019-0.028). Early introduction of cereal-and groundnut-based complementary foods in Tanzania is associated with high risk of aflatoxin exposure and impaired growth in children. There is need to integrate aflatoxin management measures in the guidelines for Infant and Young Children Feeding of Tanzania.
Influence of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Practices on Common Infections among Under-Five Children in Longido and Monduli Districts of Arusha, Tanzania.
(Hindawi, 2017-09-25) Mshida, Hoyce; Kassim, Neema; Kimanya, Martin; Mpolya, Emmanuel
The study aimed at assessing water, sanitation, and hygiene practices and their influence on infectious diseases among under-five children in semipastoral communities of Arusha. The study was cross-sectional in design. Prevalence of infectious diseases among under-five children was derived from patients' attendance register. Mothers randomly sampled from households were interviewed using questionnaire. Information regarding child morbidity and sociodemographic and WASH characteristics was gathered. Hospital data revealed that 2/3 of under-five patients visited the hospitals annually were suffering from infectious diseases. Mean percentage of diarrhea prevalence for years 2013-2015 in Longido was higher than the mean of the respective years prevalence in Monduli ( = 0.02). Households' survey showed that 15.5% of under-five children were suffering from diarrhea. Children who consumed foods kept in ( < 0.001) or used unboiled cows' milk ( = 0.01) or were drinking surface water ( = 0.04) or born to uneducated mothers ( = 0.01) had increased risk of developing diarrhea compared to their counterparts. Storing complementary foods in was strongly associated with diarrhea among under-five children. To address the problem, communities under study need to be motivated through health education on food hygiene, proper handling of food storage containers, and domestic water treatment at the household level.
Main complementary food ingredients contributing to aflatoxin exposure to infants and young children in Kongwa, Tanzania
(Elsevier Ltd., 2021-11-23) Mollay, Clara; Kimanya, Martin; Kassim, Neema; Stoltzfus, Rebecca
Complementary foods (CFs) provided to infants and young children (IYC) in sub-Saharan Africa contain ingredients that are susceptible to aflatoxin contamination. Chronic dietary exposure to aflatoxins is associated with health consequences. This study assessed the risk of exposure of IYC (6-12-month-old) in Kongwa, Tanzania to aflatoxins through CFs. The intake of aflatoxin susceptible flours (ingredients) in CFs by 35 IYC was estimated through multiple-pass 24-hrdietary recalls. Samples of the ingredients were tested for aflatoxins using High-PerformanceLiquid Chromatography. Exposure of a child to aflatoxins was estimated by a deterministic approach. The contribution of an ingredient to the overall exposure was estimated statistically. The key ingredients of CFs consumed by the IYC were maize, sorghum, pearl millet, rice, and groundnuts (pre-or post-blended with the other ingredients). Cereal and groundnut-based CFs weregiven as thin or stiff porridge. The average per capita daily intake of CFs was 89.45 g. About 82.14% of the CF ingredients were contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in the range of 0.27– 317 μg/kg, with a median of 3.96 μg/kg. AFB1 exposures ranged from 0.33 to 1168 ng/kg bw/day(median of 23.06 ng/kg bw/day). The Margins of Exposure were less than 10,000 for all the IYC, signifying a public health concern. Post-blended groundnut flour, followed by maize, contributed the most to the exposure of IYC to AFB1. Groundnut and maize used as CFs in Kongwa are likelyto be the main contributors to the exposure of IYC to AFB1. Caregivers should be advised to replace maize and groundnuts with well-processed less susceptible cereals like pearl millet and other legumes, respectively.
Pesticide exposure from fresh tomatoes and its relationship with pesticide application practices in Meru district
(Cogent OA, 2016-06-16) Kariathi, Victoria; Kassim, Neema; Kimanya, Martin
Tomato pesticides health risk was assessed in Meru district of Arusha region, one of the key tomato producers in Tanzania. Tomato samples and consumption information were collected from 50 farmers using Food and Drug Administration standards and twice administered twenty-four hour recall questionnaire respectively. Analysis for pesticide residues was done using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry. Dietary pesticide exposure was estimated deterministically by combining pesticide residue levels and tomato consumption levels. Pesticide levels were detected for; permethrin (mean, 5.2899 mg/kg), chlorpyrifos (mean, 7.5281 mg/kg) and ridomil (mean, 2,854.279 mg/kg) in 18% of samples. Health Risk Indices, determined as ratio of estimated daily intake to acceptable daily exposure, for chlorpyrifos, permethrin and ridomil were greater than one. This implies that, lifetime consumption of fresh tomatoes can pose health risk for chlorpyrifos, permethrin and ridomil. Awareness raising on good practices for pesticide application and food safety strengthening are recommended to protect public health against pesticides.
Phycocyanin as a proxy for algal blooms in surface waters: case study of Ukerewe Island, Tanzania
(IWA Publishing, 2019-01-08) Mchau, Geofrey; Makule, Edna; Machunda, Revocatus; Gong, Yun; Kimanya, Martin
Knowledge of the parameters that contribute to water body eutrophication is essential for proper monitoring and management of water quality for human consumption. This study assessed water quality parameters in relation to phycocyanin (PC) as a proxy indicator for harmful algal blooms (HABs). Samples were collected from 23 water sources – lakes, wells, springs and boreholes – in selected villages, for six months. Parameters measured included temperature, pH, redox potential, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, nitrate nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen, phosphorus, reactive phosphate and total chlorophyll, which were related to (PC) occurrence. The PC concentration detected in Lake Victoria ranged from 5 to 58.4 μg/l above the WHO alert level and exceeded that in other water sources by almost 30 μg/l (P < 0.001). Univariate relationship between water quality parameters and PC indicates association with temperature, redox potential, total chlorophyll, nitrate nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen, phosphate and reactive phosphorus (P < 0.001). The multivariate model indicates that redox potential, nitrate nitrogen and phosphorus are significant statistically (P < 0.05). A predictive model indicates that nitrate nitrogen and reactive phosphorus contribute significantly to PC occurrence whereby unit (1 mg/l) increases in these parameters increase PC by 9.55 and 4.38 μg/l (P < 0.05) respectively. This study demonstrates that water quality parameters can be used to predict increases in PC and hence as a proxy for HABs. It remains important to be able to classify algal blooms, to understand which species are present and their potential cyanotoxin production.
Prevalence and predictors of undernutrition among underfive children in Arusha District, Tanzania
(Wiley Periodicals, Inc., 2018) Kejo, Dyness; Mosha, Theobald; Petrucka, Pammla; Martin, Haikael; Kimanya, Martin
Childhood undernutrition is a global health challenge impacting child growth and survival rates. This deficit in nutritional status contributes to the increasing chronic disease prevalence and economic burden in individuals and throughout developing contexts. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Arusha District of Tanzania to determine the prevalence and predictors of undernutrition in 436 children. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic and socio- economic factors as well as feeding practices and prevalence of preventable childhood diseases. Anthropometric data were collected through the measurement of length/height and weight of all children. The prevalence of undernutrition was estimated based on Z-scores indices below −2SD of the reference population for weight for age (underweight), height for age (stunting), and weight for height (wasting). Fifty percent, 28%, and 16.5% of the children were stunted, underweight, and wasted, respectively. The age above 2 years and being a male were associated with stunting. The age above 2 years, nonexclusive breastfeeding children, and living at Seliani and Oturumeti were associated with being underweight. Similarly, morbidity, none exclusively breastfed children, living at Oturumeti, and being born to a mother 35 years and above were associated with wasting. In this study, we found the prevalence of child undernutrition in Arusha District is high in comparison with national and regional trends and appears to be associated with being a male. It is recommended that nutritionists and health planners should focus on these key predictors when planning nutrition interventions to address the problem of undernutrition among under-five children in Arusha District.