Browsing by Author "Munuo, Lidia"

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Draft genome sequences of six Brucella melitensis isolates collected from humans and livestock in Tanzania
(American Society for Microbiology, 2025-06) Middlebrook, Earl; Hugho, Ephrasia; Lyimo, Beatus; Mathew, Coletha; Mayenga, Charles; Li, Lingling; Amani, Nelson; Lukambagire, AbdulHamid; Kumburu, Happiness; Munuo, Lidia; Lyimo, Samson; Shirima, Gabriel; Kazwala, Rudovick; Byukusenge, Maurice; Mmbaga, Blandina; Makondo, Zachariah; Kapur, Vivek; Buza, Joram; Fair, Jeanne; Katani, Robab
We present genome assemblies of six Brucella melitensis strains isolated from goats and humans in Tanzania’s Kagera region. These sequences provide insight into circulating Brucella strains in Tanzania and East Africa. These data will support future comparative genomics, epidemiological investigations, and regional brucellosis control strategies.
Identification of Bacillus anthracis, Brucella spp., and Coxiella burnetii DNA signatures from bushmeat
(Springer Nature Limited, 2021-07-21) Katani, Robab; Schilling, Megan; Lyimo, Beatus; Eblate, Ernest; Martin, Andimile; Tonui, Triza; Cattadori, Isabella; Francesconi, Stephen; Estes, Anna; Rentsch, Dennis; Srinivasan, Sreenidhi; Lyimo, Samson; Munuo, Lidia; Tiambo, Christian; Stomeo, Francesca; Gwakisa, Paul; Mosha, Fausta; Hudson, Peter; Buza, Joram; Kapur, Vivek
Meat from wildlife species (bushmeat) represents a major source of dietary protein in low- and middle-income countries where humans and wildlife live in close proximity. Despite the occurrence of zoonotic pathogens in wildlife, their prevalence in bushmeat remains unknown. To assess the risk of exposure to major pathogens in bushmeat, a total of 3784 samples, both fresh and processed, were collected from three major regions in Tanzania during both rainy and dry seasons, and were screened by real-time PCR for the presence of DNA signatures of Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis), Brucella spp. (Brucella) and Coxiella burnetii (Coxiella). The analysis identified DNA signatures of B. anthracis (0.48%), Brucella (0.9%), and Coxiella (0.66%) in a total of 77 samples. Highest prevalence rates of B. anthracis, Brucella, and Coxiella were observed in wildebeest (56%), dik-dik (50%), and impala (24%), respectively. Fresh samples, those collected during the rainy season, and samples from Selous or Serengeti had a greater relative risk of being positive. Microbiome characterization identified Firmicutes and Proteobacteria as the most abundant phyla. The results highlight and define potential risks of exposure to endemic wildlife diseases from bushmeat and the need for future investigations to address the public health and emerging infectious disease risks associated with bushmeat harvesting, trade, and consumption.
Perception and Risk Factors Associated with Tuberculosis in the Manyara Region, Tanzania2
(MDPI, 2023-10-06) Masanga, Prudence; Paul, Sarapia; Mbelele, Peter; Daud, Peter; Liyoyo, Alphonce; Munuo, Lidia; Lyimo, Samson; Lyimo, Beatus; Srinivasan, Sreenidhi; Cattadori, Isabella; Katani, Robab; Kapur, Vivek; Mpagama, Stella; Buza, Joram
Tuberculosis (TB) results from infection with members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and represents a major global public health concern. We here sought to assess the perceptions of human and animal TB and the prevalence of circulating MTBCs lineages and associated risk factors through a cross-sectional survey of 335 individuals presenting with symptoms of pulmonary or extrapulmonary TB in the Manyara region of Tanzania. After the enrollment of participants, a questionnaire survey was conducted, samples were collected for bacterial culture, and real-time multiplex PCR was performed to differentiate amongst primary animal and human MTBC lineages. The results show poor TB awareness: 31.6% of the participants were not aware of human TB; 82.4% were unaware of animal TB and 95.2% lacked awareness of zoonotic TB (zTB) transmission. A total of 18 recovered specimens (5%; 95% CI: 3–8%) were positive by culture, all of which were typed as M. tuberculosis sensu stricto using a lineage-specific PCR assay. While no single risk factor was significantly associated with MTBC culture positivity, the survey revealed considerable self-reported high-risk practices for contracting zTB. Together, the results show that Manyara residents have poor knowledge of diseases caused by MTBCs and high evidence of risky practices for contracting zTB
Prevalence, characterization and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Salmonella isolates from healthy broiler and free-range chickens in Morogoro, Tanzania
(AJOL, 2022-06-13) Munuo, Lidia; Katakweba, Abdul; Lyimo, Beatus; Muhairwa, Amandus
Background: Salmonella enterica is a group of bacteria that cause enteric and systemic infection in animals and humans worldwide. Objectives: The study was conducted to determine the prevalence, characterization, and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Non-Typhoidal Salmonella in indigenous free-range and broiler chickens in Morogoro Municipality. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2019 to May 2020 whereby 384 cloaca swab samples from health chickens from Magadu, Mzinga, and Bigwa wards were collected. Identification was done by standard bacteriological methods, serotyping, and genetically confirmed by PCR using Salmonella specific primers pair and Salmonella enterica primer pair (invA and iroB gene primers). A sensitivity test was done using Ampicillin, Tetracycline, Imipenem, Gentamycin, Ciprofloxacin, Sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim, and Cefaclor antimicrobial discs. The descriptive statistic method was used for analysis and paired t-test assuming unequal variance was used for comparing overall prevalence of Salmonella spp between free range and broiler chickens. Results: Out of 384 samples, 11 (2.9%) samples were confirmed to be Salmonella of which 8(4%) were from broilers and 3(1.6%) were from free range chickens. Of the 11 isolates, 8 were from group B serotypes and 3 isolates were from group D serotypes. Susceptibility results showed a variable level of sensitivity to the majority of antibiotics tested; however, levels of resistance were also found in 7/11 isolates resistant to Ampicillin, 4/11 isolates resistant to sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, and 3/11 isolates resistant to tetracycline. Three isolates were found to harbor Sulfamethoxazole(sulII) resistant gene. Conclusion: This study revealed the presence of Salmonella carrier among chickens kept in Morogoro with antimicrobial resistances from both free range and broilers chickens. The results underline the importance of the biosecurity measures in the production and processing of chicken for human consumption, similarly, improvement of management is recommende
Seroprevalence and risk factors for brucellosis amongst livestock and humans in a multi-herd ranch system in Kagera, Tanzania
(Frontiers, 2024-11-01) Lyimo, Beatus; Hugho, Ephrasia; Mathew, Coletha; Mayenga, Charles; Lyimo, Samson; Munuo, Lidia; Byukusenge, Maurice; Withall, Jodie; Mmbaga, Blandina; Bartlow, Andrew; Fair, Jeanne; Shirima, Gabriel; Cattadori, Isabella; Buza, Joram; Katani, Robab
Background: Brucellosis remains a significant health and economic challenge for livestock and humans globally. Despite its public health implications, the factors driving the endemic persistence of Brucella at the human-livestock interface in Tanzania remain poorly elucidated. This study aimed to identify the seroprevalence of Brucella infection in livestock and humans within a ranching system and determine associated risk factors for disease endemicity. Methods: A cross-sectional sero-epidemiological study was conducted in 2023 in Tanzania’s Karagwe District, involving 725 livestock (cattle, goats, sheep) from 10 herds and 112 humans from associated camps. Seroprevalence was assessed using competitive ELISA while epidemiological data were collected via questionnaires. Generalized Linear Models and Contrast Analysis were used to identify risk factors for infection. Results: Overall seroprevalence was 34% in livestock and 41% in humans. Goats exhibited the highest prevalence (69.2%), while cattle had the lowest (22.6%). Mixed-species herds (Odds Ratio, OR = 2.96, CI [1.90–4.60]) and small ruminants-only herds (OR = 6.54, CI [3.65–11.72]) showed a significantly higher risk of seropositivity compared to cattle-only herds. Older cattle (OR = 5.23, CI [2.70–10.10]) and lactating females (OR = 2.87, CI [1.78–4.63]) represented significant risks for brucellosis in livestock. In humans, close contact with animals (OR = 7.20, CI [1.97–36.31]) and handling animals during parturition or aborted fetuses (OR = 2.37, CI [1.01–5.58]) were significant risk factors. Notably, no spatial association was found in seroprevalence between herds and nearby human communities. Conclusion: The lack of spatial correlation between livestock and human seroprevalence suggests complex transmission dynamics, potentially involving endemic circulation in livestock and human infections from multiple sources of exposure to livestock. This study highlights the need for comprehensive zoonotic risk education and targeted intervention strategies. Further research is crucial to elucidate transmission pathways and improve Brucella infection control. This includes developing robust methods for identifying infective species and implementing effective strategies to mitigate Brucella infection in endemic regions.