Carbon monoxide exposure and respiratory diseases in Wells Estate and Walmer township in Port Elizabeth, South africa
- Authors: Ejesieme, Amarachi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Air -- Pollution -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Carbon monoxide , Respiratory organs -- Diseases , Respiratory infections
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39874 , vital:35496
- Description: To ascertain household exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) and its associations with respiratory diseases in Port Elizabeth, a cross-sectional study was undertaken in Walmer Township and Wells Estate in Port Elizabeth. Ambient and indoor CO levels were measured in each township and compared with national and international air quality guideline. ChromAir® diffusion carbon monoxide badges were used for carbon monoxide measurement. Badges are relatively inexpensive and easy to use and results can be obtained after a 48-hour passive exposure. Exposure to CO was determined by measuring levels in the ambient environment and living rooms of study dwellings. The prevalence of respiratory diseases and symptoms were assessed using the iBhayi study questionnaire. The mean of ambient and indoor CO levels for the total sample was 8.02 (SD 2.43) and 0.68 (SD 1.23) ppm respectively. In this study, 40% of ambient CO measurements exceeded the World Health Organisation (WHO) 8-hour guideline of 8.7 ppm. The Student’s t-test showed that ambient (p = 0.59) and indoor (p = 0.16) CO levels in Walmer Township and Wells Estate were similar. This shows that CO exposure in both townships do not vary significantly. Fever and chills (32%), headache (19%) and runny/blocked nose (19%) were the most prevalent acute respiratory symptoms. The predominant respiratory diseases/conditions were tuberculosis (8.5%) and asthma (5.7%). CO at levels below the WHO 8-hour guidelines was significantly associated with the prevalence of acute respiratory symptoms (AOR = 2.286; 95% CI: 1.220 - 4.283). Ageing emerged as an independent risk factor for high tuberculosis prevalence in the study sites (AOR = 5.837; 95% CI: 1.654 – 20. 596). The study indicated low levels of carbon monoxide exposure in the study areas. From the findings, CO may be associated with an increase in respiratory symptoms in the study population. Increasing community awareness on sources and adverse health effects of CO exposure with improved service delivery will be helpful in reducing the burden of respiratory outcomes in the study sites.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ejesieme, Amarachi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Air -- Pollution -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Carbon monoxide , Respiratory organs -- Diseases , Respiratory infections
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39874 , vital:35496
- Description: To ascertain household exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) and its associations with respiratory diseases in Port Elizabeth, a cross-sectional study was undertaken in Walmer Township and Wells Estate in Port Elizabeth. Ambient and indoor CO levels were measured in each township and compared with national and international air quality guideline. ChromAir® diffusion carbon monoxide badges were used for carbon monoxide measurement. Badges are relatively inexpensive and easy to use and results can be obtained after a 48-hour passive exposure. Exposure to CO was determined by measuring levels in the ambient environment and living rooms of study dwellings. The prevalence of respiratory diseases and symptoms were assessed using the iBhayi study questionnaire. The mean of ambient and indoor CO levels for the total sample was 8.02 (SD 2.43) and 0.68 (SD 1.23) ppm respectively. In this study, 40% of ambient CO measurements exceeded the World Health Organisation (WHO) 8-hour guideline of 8.7 ppm. The Student’s t-test showed that ambient (p = 0.59) and indoor (p = 0.16) CO levels in Walmer Township and Wells Estate were similar. This shows that CO exposure in both townships do not vary significantly. Fever and chills (32%), headache (19%) and runny/blocked nose (19%) were the most prevalent acute respiratory symptoms. The predominant respiratory diseases/conditions were tuberculosis (8.5%) and asthma (5.7%). CO at levels below the WHO 8-hour guidelines was significantly associated with the prevalence of acute respiratory symptoms (AOR = 2.286; 95% CI: 1.220 - 4.283). Ageing emerged as an independent risk factor for high tuberculosis prevalence in the study sites (AOR = 5.837; 95% CI: 1.654 – 20. 596). The study indicated low levels of carbon monoxide exposure in the study areas. From the findings, CO may be associated with an increase in respiratory symptoms in the study population. Increasing community awareness on sources and adverse health effects of CO exposure with improved service delivery will be helpful in reducing the burden of respiratory outcomes in the study sites.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Experiences of undergraduate diagnostic radiography students regarding assessor feedback during summative clinical assessments
- Authors: Hodgson, Hayley Dianne
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Medical education , Teacher-student relationships Communication in education Mentoring in education Radiography, Medical -- Digital techniques
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42296 , vital:36643
- Description: Assessment and feedback are closely interlinked terms. High quality feedback within education and assessment can have a profound influence on learning. Summative clinical assessments and feedback, conducted in clinical training sites, are vital steps in successfully preparing an undergraduate diagnostic radiography student for the desired outcome of a competent, skilled diagnostic radiographer. Feedback has the potential to close the gap between a student’s actual clinical performance and desired clinical performance. Despite the importance of feedback, students across the globe, particularly in the health professions, are dissatisfied with the current feedback systems. Failure to provide effective feedback within the clinical context can be detrimental to patient safety because students have a false impression of their clinical skills and competencies. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of undergraduate diagnostic radiography students regarding assessor feedback during summative clinical assessments. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual research design was used to gain in-depth knowledge of the experiences of undergraduate diagnostic radiography students regarding assessor feedback during summative clinical assessments. Data were gathered from students by means of semi-structured focus group interviews. Data were transcribed verbatim and coded using Tesch’s eight steps. Two principle themes emerged from the data analysis. Theme 1 unpacked whether an assessor is an ally or foe. Theme 2 focussed on key elements that influence the nature of the feedback process. There were various positive experiences regarding assessor feedback during the summative clinical assessments reported by the participants. However, they were dissatisfied with numerous aspects of assessor feedback during their summative clinical assessments and this subsequently impeded their learning experience. Measures to ensure trustworthiness and ethical research practices governed this research study. Based on the findings, the recommendations include that the higher education institution, clinical supervisors, and radiography students, should utilise feedback as a learning tool for skills development during summative clinical assesssments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Hodgson, Hayley Dianne
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Medical education , Teacher-student relationships Communication in education Mentoring in education Radiography, Medical -- Digital techniques
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42296 , vital:36643
- Description: Assessment and feedback are closely interlinked terms. High quality feedback within education and assessment can have a profound influence on learning. Summative clinical assessments and feedback, conducted in clinical training sites, are vital steps in successfully preparing an undergraduate diagnostic radiography student for the desired outcome of a competent, skilled diagnostic radiographer. Feedback has the potential to close the gap between a student’s actual clinical performance and desired clinical performance. Despite the importance of feedback, students across the globe, particularly in the health professions, are dissatisfied with the current feedback systems. Failure to provide effective feedback within the clinical context can be detrimental to patient safety because students have a false impression of their clinical skills and competencies. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of undergraduate diagnostic radiography students regarding assessor feedback during summative clinical assessments. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual research design was used to gain in-depth knowledge of the experiences of undergraduate diagnostic radiography students regarding assessor feedback during summative clinical assessments. Data were gathered from students by means of semi-structured focus group interviews. Data were transcribed verbatim and coded using Tesch’s eight steps. Two principle themes emerged from the data analysis. Theme 1 unpacked whether an assessor is an ally or foe. Theme 2 focussed on key elements that influence the nature of the feedback process. There were various positive experiences regarding assessor feedback during the summative clinical assessments reported by the participants. However, they were dissatisfied with numerous aspects of assessor feedback during their summative clinical assessments and this subsequently impeded their learning experience. Measures to ensure trustworthiness and ethical research practices governed this research study. Based on the findings, the recommendations include that the higher education institution, clinical supervisors, and radiography students, should utilise feedback as a learning tool for skills development during summative clinical assesssments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Levels of selected heavy metals in garden soil in Walmer Township and Wells Estate, Port Elizabeth
- Ogunfowora, Ebunoluwa Juliana
- Authors: Ogunfowora, Ebunoluwa Juliana
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Environmental health -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Environmental chemistry Pollution -- Physiological effect
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42990 , vital:36722
- Description: Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements that have high densities. Heavy metals have been found to have applications in various sectors such as the industrial, domestic, agricultural and medical sectors, thus resulting in environmental pollution which may pose a hazard to human health. Heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, manganese, lead and mercury rank among the priority metals that are of public health significance, and they are commonly found in garden soils. In this study, residential garden soils were sampled in dwelling sites in Wells Estate and Walmer Township, and analysed for mercury, cadmium, arsenic, manganese and lead. A cross sectional design was employed in this study. The research was carried out in two phases; the first phase involved soil sample collection, preparation and laboratory work for the determination of heavy metal concentrations. The second phase focused on the social aspect of the study population which included the use of a pre-approved questionnaire and face-to-face interviews for the collection of human health related information at each dwelling site where soil samples were collected. The research protocol was approved by the Health Sciences Faculty Postgraduate Studies Committees (FPGSC) of Nelson Mandela University. Garden soil from residential yards of Wells Estate (near an industrial site, ̴ 2 km) and Walmer Township (further away from the industrial site (̴ 22 km), but relatively close to Port Elizabeth airport, ̴ 2 km) were sampled over a total of six sampling sessions resulting in 100 soil samples. Fifty soil samples were collected in Wells Estate and fifty soil samples in Walmer Township during the month of May 2017. Surface soil samples were collected from the top 2 cm of the soil using a sterile stainless-steel spoon. In addition to the collection of soil samples, a visual inspection of the house was undertaken to collect information about the house characteristics, geographic location (GPS coordinates) and characteristics of the surrounding area. Soil samples were prepared for analysis by grinding and drying followed by heavy metal determination using an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyser (Bruker s1 TITAN Analyser, USA). A face-to-face questionnaire was administered to a suitable respondent at each dwelling site to obtain information related to health symptoms such as coughing, fever, chest pains, earache, sore throat, headaches, rapid breathing, sneezing, running/blocked nose, teary watery eyes, cancer, hypertension, heart diseases and mental illness. The mean concentrations of heavy metals were in the order manganese>lead>arsenic for both study sites. In Walmer Township soil samples, the mean concentrations of heavy metals determined were 154.8 mg/kg, 84.4 mg/kg and 5.4 mg/kg for manganese, lead, and arsenic, respectively. Mean concentrations of heavy metals as determined in Wells Estate were 322.2 mg/kg, 11.5 mg/kg, and 3.4 mg/kg for manganese, lead and arsenic, respectively. Manganese concentration across the study sites are below the guideline levels for USA (630 mg/kg) and South African (1500 mg/kg). About 2.0% of the sample exceeded the South African lead guideline level of 230 mg/kg, while 4.1% exceeded European lead level of 400 mg/kg in Walmer Township. Lead levels in Wells Estate were all below the South African, European and United States guideline levels. By contrast, 2.0% of the sample exceeded the South African arsenic guideline level of 48 mg/kg, 2.0% exceeded European arsenic guideline level of 50 mg/kg and 2.0% exceeded USA arsenic guideline level of 11 mg/kg in Walmer Township, while 2.0% exceeded USA arsenic guideline level of 11 mg/kg in Wells Estate. Mann Whitney U test showed statistically significant differences between lead levels (U=1527, p < 0.001) and manganese levels (U=2632, p < 0.001) across study sites. Soil manganese level showed significant association with age of house (crude OR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.14-0.83, p =0.016). Using data obtained from the questionnaire, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between soil heavy metals and the various health outcomes. In Walmer Township, manganese showed association with dry cough (OR: 11.35, 95% CI: 1.08-119.20) and sneezing (OR: 11.30, 95% CI: 1.09-116.67). Manganese was also associated with wet cough (OR: 0.19 95% CI: 0.05-0.70), dry cough (OR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.06-0.83) and watery eye (OR: 4.55, 95% CI: 1.01-20.58) in Wells Estate. Dry cough (OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.16-0.64), sneezing (OR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.06-4.48) and watery eye adjusted (OR: 3.71, 95% CI: 1.63-8.48) were also associated with manganese in the total sample. Confounding factors such as overcrowding (adjusted OR = 2.23; 95% CI: 1.11-4.48) and air pollution (adjusted OR = 2.76; 95% CI:1.39-5.50), predicted wet cough and sneezing, respectively, across the total sample. Heavy metal concentration in most of the study dwellings of Walmer Township and Wells Estate were below the safe limit recommended by United States, European and South Africa soil reference levels. Nevertheless, we found a strong association between manganese and respiratory symptoms such as dry cough and sneezing in Walmer Township, as well as a strong association between manganese and watery eyes in Wells Estate. There was no evidence of associations between heavy metal exposure and gastrointestinal symptoms, chronic diseases and mental illness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ogunfowora, Ebunoluwa Juliana
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Environmental health -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Environmental chemistry Pollution -- Physiological effect
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42990 , vital:36722
- Description: Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements that have high densities. Heavy metals have been found to have applications in various sectors such as the industrial, domestic, agricultural and medical sectors, thus resulting in environmental pollution which may pose a hazard to human health. Heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, manganese, lead and mercury rank among the priority metals that are of public health significance, and they are commonly found in garden soils. In this study, residential garden soils were sampled in dwelling sites in Wells Estate and Walmer Township, and analysed for mercury, cadmium, arsenic, manganese and lead. A cross sectional design was employed in this study. The research was carried out in two phases; the first phase involved soil sample collection, preparation and laboratory work for the determination of heavy metal concentrations. The second phase focused on the social aspect of the study population which included the use of a pre-approved questionnaire and face-to-face interviews for the collection of human health related information at each dwelling site where soil samples were collected. The research protocol was approved by the Health Sciences Faculty Postgraduate Studies Committees (FPGSC) of Nelson Mandela University. Garden soil from residential yards of Wells Estate (near an industrial site, ̴ 2 km) and Walmer Township (further away from the industrial site (̴ 22 km), but relatively close to Port Elizabeth airport, ̴ 2 km) were sampled over a total of six sampling sessions resulting in 100 soil samples. Fifty soil samples were collected in Wells Estate and fifty soil samples in Walmer Township during the month of May 2017. Surface soil samples were collected from the top 2 cm of the soil using a sterile stainless-steel spoon. In addition to the collection of soil samples, a visual inspection of the house was undertaken to collect information about the house characteristics, geographic location (GPS coordinates) and characteristics of the surrounding area. Soil samples were prepared for analysis by grinding and drying followed by heavy metal determination using an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyser (Bruker s1 TITAN Analyser, USA). A face-to-face questionnaire was administered to a suitable respondent at each dwelling site to obtain information related to health symptoms such as coughing, fever, chest pains, earache, sore throat, headaches, rapid breathing, sneezing, running/blocked nose, teary watery eyes, cancer, hypertension, heart diseases and mental illness. The mean concentrations of heavy metals were in the order manganese>lead>arsenic for both study sites. In Walmer Township soil samples, the mean concentrations of heavy metals determined were 154.8 mg/kg, 84.4 mg/kg and 5.4 mg/kg for manganese, lead, and arsenic, respectively. Mean concentrations of heavy metals as determined in Wells Estate were 322.2 mg/kg, 11.5 mg/kg, and 3.4 mg/kg for manganese, lead and arsenic, respectively. Manganese concentration across the study sites are below the guideline levels for USA (630 mg/kg) and South African (1500 mg/kg). About 2.0% of the sample exceeded the South African lead guideline level of 230 mg/kg, while 4.1% exceeded European lead level of 400 mg/kg in Walmer Township. Lead levels in Wells Estate were all below the South African, European and United States guideline levels. By contrast, 2.0% of the sample exceeded the South African arsenic guideline level of 48 mg/kg, 2.0% exceeded European arsenic guideline level of 50 mg/kg and 2.0% exceeded USA arsenic guideline level of 11 mg/kg in Walmer Township, while 2.0% exceeded USA arsenic guideline level of 11 mg/kg in Wells Estate. Mann Whitney U test showed statistically significant differences between lead levels (U=1527, p < 0.001) and manganese levels (U=2632, p < 0.001) across study sites. Soil manganese level showed significant association with age of house (crude OR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.14-0.83, p =0.016). Using data obtained from the questionnaire, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between soil heavy metals and the various health outcomes. In Walmer Township, manganese showed association with dry cough (OR: 11.35, 95% CI: 1.08-119.20) and sneezing (OR: 11.30, 95% CI: 1.09-116.67). Manganese was also associated with wet cough (OR: 0.19 95% CI: 0.05-0.70), dry cough (OR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.06-0.83) and watery eye (OR: 4.55, 95% CI: 1.01-20.58) in Wells Estate. Dry cough (OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.16-0.64), sneezing (OR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.06-4.48) and watery eye adjusted (OR: 3.71, 95% CI: 1.63-8.48) were also associated with manganese in the total sample. Confounding factors such as overcrowding (adjusted OR = 2.23; 95% CI: 1.11-4.48) and air pollution (adjusted OR = 2.76; 95% CI:1.39-5.50), predicted wet cough and sneezing, respectively, across the total sample. Heavy metal concentration in most of the study dwellings of Walmer Township and Wells Estate were below the safe limit recommended by United States, European and South Africa soil reference levels. Nevertheless, we found a strong association between manganese and respiratory symptoms such as dry cough and sneezing in Walmer Township, as well as a strong association between manganese and watery eyes in Wells Estate. There was no evidence of associations between heavy metal exposure and gastrointestinal symptoms, chronic diseases and mental illness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Environmental health community service in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Mbola, Patience
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Environmental health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Environmental health -- Administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Environmental health -- Evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32028 , vital:31920
- Description: In terms of the Health Professions Act (Act 56 of 1974), Environmental Health graduates are required to conduct a year of Community Service before they are allowed to register as independent Environmental Health Practitioners at the Health Professions Council of South Africa. The main purpose of Community Service by these graduates is to assist Environmental Health Practitioners in the execution of their daily tasks, thereby contributing to more effective service delivery, especially to the disadvantaged communities, within the sphere of government where they are deployed. Several studies have been conducted in an effort to identify problem areas in other health care professions during the Community Service year, but no such study could be found on Environmental Health. The aim of this study was to do the same for the Environmental Health profession in South Africa, by focusing on problems and challenges during Community Service placement, specifically the 2013 to 2016 intakes of Community Service practitioners in the Eastern Cape Province and the administrators responsible for the program at national, provincial and municipal spheres of government. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research designs (mixed method) and was by nature explorative, descriptive and contextual. Two populations were involved; namely, twenty four Environmental Health graduates who completed their Community Service during 2013 to 2016 within the Eastern Cape Province, and ten Environmental Health Practitioners who were responsible for the administration of the Community Service program at the provincial and municipal spheres of government during the same period. A purposive sample was drawn from each population. Qualitative data was collected by means of interviews and quantitative data through questionnaires. Qualitative data was analysed using Tech’s method of data analysis and quantitative data was statistically analysed. The results of the study revealed that the Eastern Cape Department of Health needs to review the Community Service program for Environmental Health graduates and further initiate resolutions in terms of the identified problems, such as maladministration of Community Service which related to the lack of consistency of communication during the organisation of the Community Service program; declined/decreasing number of Environmental Health Community Service posts in the Eastern Cape Province which led to a shortage of human resources; Inadequate provision of material resources for Community Service; lack of induction training and inconsistent supervision of Environmental Health Community Service practitioners; and lack of evaluation of the success of the Environmental Health Community Service program. The study findings suggest important inequalities and non-compliances which should deserve urgent attention. Based on the challenges that have been identified regarding the organisation and implementation of the Community Service program, this study concludes by presenting recommendations for the improvement of the Community Service program in the Environmental Health profession.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mbola, Patience
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Environmental health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Environmental health -- Administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Environmental health -- Evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32028 , vital:31920
- Description: In terms of the Health Professions Act (Act 56 of 1974), Environmental Health graduates are required to conduct a year of Community Service before they are allowed to register as independent Environmental Health Practitioners at the Health Professions Council of South Africa. The main purpose of Community Service by these graduates is to assist Environmental Health Practitioners in the execution of their daily tasks, thereby contributing to more effective service delivery, especially to the disadvantaged communities, within the sphere of government where they are deployed. Several studies have been conducted in an effort to identify problem areas in other health care professions during the Community Service year, but no such study could be found on Environmental Health. The aim of this study was to do the same for the Environmental Health profession in South Africa, by focusing on problems and challenges during Community Service placement, specifically the 2013 to 2016 intakes of Community Service practitioners in the Eastern Cape Province and the administrators responsible for the program at national, provincial and municipal spheres of government. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research designs (mixed method) and was by nature explorative, descriptive and contextual. Two populations were involved; namely, twenty four Environmental Health graduates who completed their Community Service during 2013 to 2016 within the Eastern Cape Province, and ten Environmental Health Practitioners who were responsible for the administration of the Community Service program at the provincial and municipal spheres of government during the same period. A purposive sample was drawn from each population. Qualitative data was collected by means of interviews and quantitative data through questionnaires. Qualitative data was analysed using Tech’s method of data analysis and quantitative data was statistically analysed. The results of the study revealed that the Eastern Cape Department of Health needs to review the Community Service program for Environmental Health graduates and further initiate resolutions in terms of the identified problems, such as maladministration of Community Service which related to the lack of consistency of communication during the organisation of the Community Service program; declined/decreasing number of Environmental Health Community Service posts in the Eastern Cape Province which led to a shortage of human resources; Inadequate provision of material resources for Community Service; lack of induction training and inconsistent supervision of Environmental Health Community Service practitioners; and lack of evaluation of the success of the Environmental Health Community Service program. The study findings suggest important inequalities and non-compliances which should deserve urgent attention. Based on the challenges that have been identified regarding the organisation and implementation of the Community Service program, this study concludes by presenting recommendations for the improvement of the Community Service program in the Environmental Health profession.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Optimising x-ray referral systems to ensure patient safety during ionising radiographic examination in Nelson Mandela Bay Health District
- Authors: Munnick, Derna Camille
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: X-rays -- Diffraction -- Safety measures , Radiography, Medical , Medical personnel and patients
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22824 , vital:30105
- Description: X-ray request forms are used at hospitals and primary health care centres (PHCC) by health care professionals (HCP) to communicate with radiologists and radiographers when referring patients for ionising radiographic (x-rays) examinations. The x-ray request form and the radiological report are medico-legal documents. However, the importance of adequately completed x-ray request forms, appear to be underestimated. The HCP must write a brief clinical history on the x-ray request form that justifies the ionising radiographic (x-ray) examination referral, enabling radiographers and radiologists to have a better understanding of the patient’s clinical condition. An adequately completed x-ray request form assist the radiographer to make decisions regarding patient safety techniques and standard operating protocols that need to be applied. The radiologist will also have a better understanding of the patient’s clinical condition when reporting on the x-ray projections based on the clinical information supplied on the x-ray request form. The primary objective of this study was to explore and describe the adequacy of completion of x-ray request forms in order to optimise ionising radiographic referrals (x-ray requests) to ensure patient safety during ionising radiographic examinations at PHCC’s in NMBHD. A quantitative research design with an explorative, descriptive, and contextual approach was undertaken. The data was collected using an evaluation form checklist that the radiographer responsible for the requested x-ray examination completed. Data was gathered at all five PHCC’s, offering x-ray services, in the NMBHD by qualified radiographers evaluating the adequacy of completion of the x-ray request forms using an evaluation form checklist with an online program QuestionPro. Strategies to ensure validity and reliability in the study were undertaken. Ethical principles adhered to included informed consent, privacy, anonymity and confidentiality, gaining ethical permission to do the study and approval to enter the research site. The results of the study revealed that none of the 582 x-ray request forms evaluated were adequately completed. The fields on the x-ray request forms that were most frequently completed were the surname, clinical history, examination requested and the referring HCP details all had a total percentage correct completion of 90% and above. The fields most frequently omitted were last menstrual period (LMP) of females of child-bearing age and an indication of previous x-rays. The patient’s age and how to address the patient were also frequently incomplete. The researcher made recommendations to the NMBHD on how the x-ray referral system by means of the x-ray request form could be optimised of in order to increase patient safety during ionising radiographic (x-ray) examinations. Recommendations made to the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD) was based on the findings of the research study to ensure optimisation of x-ray requests concerning the completion of the x-ray request forms to ensure patient safety during x-ray examination procedures. Recommendations to the NMBHD were as follows:Education and training, Distribution of guidelines, Keeping a record of HCP’s qualifications, Consent form must be completed for all female patients of child-bearing age, Redesign the current x-ray request form. The researcher also made recommendations for possible future studies which could also increase patient safety during x-ray examinations and were as follows. The researcher suggested that this research could be applied at both public and private hospitals as well as in other health districts in the Eastern Cape to evaluate the adequacy of the completion of the x-ray request forms in the Eastern Cape. The researcher suggested a research study be done at PHCC’s in NMBHD, on the justification and the dose levels used for the frequently requested x-rays. The researcher recommended an accessible health information exchange system for radiography in Port Elizabeth and surrounding health institutions to reduce repeated x-ray requests for patients who visit different health institutions for the same clinical problem. The researcher concluded from the results of the statistical analyses of the study that generally the adequacy of completion of the x-ray request forms at the PHCC’s in NMBHD was average. Improperly or incomplete fields on the x-ray request forms were observed from the results. Indicating that referring HCP’s at the PHCC’s of NMBHD could optimise the x-ray referral system by means of correct, accurate and comprehensive completion of the x-ray request form to ensure patient safety during ionising radiographic examinations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Munnick, Derna Camille
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: X-rays -- Diffraction -- Safety measures , Radiography, Medical , Medical personnel and patients
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22824 , vital:30105
- Description: X-ray request forms are used at hospitals and primary health care centres (PHCC) by health care professionals (HCP) to communicate with radiologists and radiographers when referring patients for ionising radiographic (x-rays) examinations. The x-ray request form and the radiological report are medico-legal documents. However, the importance of adequately completed x-ray request forms, appear to be underestimated. The HCP must write a brief clinical history on the x-ray request form that justifies the ionising radiographic (x-ray) examination referral, enabling radiographers and radiologists to have a better understanding of the patient’s clinical condition. An adequately completed x-ray request form assist the radiographer to make decisions regarding patient safety techniques and standard operating protocols that need to be applied. The radiologist will also have a better understanding of the patient’s clinical condition when reporting on the x-ray projections based on the clinical information supplied on the x-ray request form. The primary objective of this study was to explore and describe the adequacy of completion of x-ray request forms in order to optimise ionising radiographic referrals (x-ray requests) to ensure patient safety during ionising radiographic examinations at PHCC’s in NMBHD. A quantitative research design with an explorative, descriptive, and contextual approach was undertaken. The data was collected using an evaluation form checklist that the radiographer responsible for the requested x-ray examination completed. Data was gathered at all five PHCC’s, offering x-ray services, in the NMBHD by qualified radiographers evaluating the adequacy of completion of the x-ray request forms using an evaluation form checklist with an online program QuestionPro. Strategies to ensure validity and reliability in the study were undertaken. Ethical principles adhered to included informed consent, privacy, anonymity and confidentiality, gaining ethical permission to do the study and approval to enter the research site. The results of the study revealed that none of the 582 x-ray request forms evaluated were adequately completed. The fields on the x-ray request forms that were most frequently completed were the surname, clinical history, examination requested and the referring HCP details all had a total percentage correct completion of 90% and above. The fields most frequently omitted were last menstrual period (LMP) of females of child-bearing age and an indication of previous x-rays. The patient’s age and how to address the patient were also frequently incomplete. The researcher made recommendations to the NMBHD on how the x-ray referral system by means of the x-ray request form could be optimised of in order to increase patient safety during ionising radiographic (x-ray) examinations. Recommendations made to the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD) was based on the findings of the research study to ensure optimisation of x-ray requests concerning the completion of the x-ray request forms to ensure patient safety during x-ray examination procedures. Recommendations to the NMBHD were as follows:Education and training, Distribution of guidelines, Keeping a record of HCP’s qualifications, Consent form must be completed for all female patients of child-bearing age, Redesign the current x-ray request form. The researcher also made recommendations for possible future studies which could also increase patient safety during x-ray examinations and were as follows. The researcher suggested that this research could be applied at both public and private hospitals as well as in other health districts in the Eastern Cape to evaluate the adequacy of the completion of the x-ray request forms in the Eastern Cape. The researcher suggested a research study be done at PHCC’s in NMBHD, on the justification and the dose levels used for the frequently requested x-rays. The researcher recommended an accessible health information exchange system for radiography in Port Elizabeth and surrounding health institutions to reduce repeated x-ray requests for patients who visit different health institutions for the same clinical problem. The researcher concluded from the results of the statistical analyses of the study that generally the adequacy of completion of the x-ray request forms at the PHCC’s in NMBHD was average. Improperly or incomplete fields on the x-ray request forms were observed from the results. Indicating that referring HCP’s at the PHCC’s of NMBHD could optimise the x-ray referral system by means of correct, accurate and comprehensive completion of the x-ray request form to ensure patient safety during ionising radiographic examinations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Antimicrobial activity of selected plants and their combined preparations against pathogens causing respiratory infections
- Authors: Onyebuchi, Ukwuoma Collins
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Anti-infective agents , Respiratory infections -- Alternative treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21197 , vital:29455
- Description: Bacterial infection of the respiratory system is one of the leading causes of death in the world’s population, killing over four million people annually. Treatment of respiratory infections is usually by antibiotics administration. The emergence of multi-drug-resistant pathogens has led to the search for more effective therapeutic agents especially from medicinal plants, as compounds from plants have been shown to possess some therapeutic potential. The aim of this study is to determine the antimicrobial activity of three plants, Tetradenia riparia, Leonotis leonurus and Salvia africana-lutea and the activity of their various combined preparations against 27 pathogens usually associated with respiratory ailments. Various solvents were used for extraction of the dried powdered plant materials. The agar disc diffusion antimicrobial assay and the micro-dilution assay methods were used to determine the inhibitory activity and the minimum inhibitory concentration of the plant extracts. The nature of phytochemicals present in the extracts was determined by thin layer chromatography. The results obtained in this study, showed that ethanol produced the highest average extract yield in both the individual and combined plant preparations. A two-way analysis of variance for the disc diffusion assay showed no significant difference in the inhibition zones (Appendix 1 and 2). MIC of 0.8 mg/ml was obtained with S. africana-lutea against S. pneumoniae ATCC 49619 and B. cereus ATCC 10976 strains, indicating a strong antibacterial activity. Synergistic interaction (FIC index ranging from 0.20 – 0.50) and a strong antimicrobial activity (MIC values ranging from 0.4 – 0.8 mg/ml), was obtained with the acetone extract of the 1:1 combination of L. leonurus with S. africana-lutea. The XEA and CEF solvent systems eluted the most number of compound spots and produced the best separations. The results obtained in this study validate the traditional use of these plants and their combinations for the treatment of respiratory ailments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Onyebuchi, Ukwuoma Collins
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Anti-infective agents , Respiratory infections -- Alternative treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21197 , vital:29455
- Description: Bacterial infection of the respiratory system is one of the leading causes of death in the world’s population, killing over four million people annually. Treatment of respiratory infections is usually by antibiotics administration. The emergence of multi-drug-resistant pathogens has led to the search for more effective therapeutic agents especially from medicinal plants, as compounds from plants have been shown to possess some therapeutic potential. The aim of this study is to determine the antimicrobial activity of three plants, Tetradenia riparia, Leonotis leonurus and Salvia africana-lutea and the activity of their various combined preparations against 27 pathogens usually associated with respiratory ailments. Various solvents were used for extraction of the dried powdered plant materials. The agar disc diffusion antimicrobial assay and the micro-dilution assay methods were used to determine the inhibitory activity and the minimum inhibitory concentration of the plant extracts. The nature of phytochemicals present in the extracts was determined by thin layer chromatography. The results obtained in this study, showed that ethanol produced the highest average extract yield in both the individual and combined plant preparations. A two-way analysis of variance for the disc diffusion assay showed no significant difference in the inhibition zones (Appendix 1 and 2). MIC of 0.8 mg/ml was obtained with S. africana-lutea against S. pneumoniae ATCC 49619 and B. cereus ATCC 10976 strains, indicating a strong antibacterial activity. Synergistic interaction (FIC index ranging from 0.20 – 0.50) and a strong antimicrobial activity (MIC values ranging from 0.4 – 0.8 mg/ml), was obtained with the acetone extract of the 1:1 combination of L. leonurus with S. africana-lutea. The XEA and CEF solvent systems eluted the most number of compound spots and produced the best separations. The results obtained in this study validate the traditional use of these plants and their combinations for the treatment of respiratory ailments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Experiences of analogue-trained radiographers utilising digital imaging in projection radiography
- Authors: Campbell, Sydney
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Radiography, Medical -- Digital techniques Angiography , Image processing -- Digital techniques Radiography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14796 , vital:27851
- Description: The professional work of a radiographer encompasses both patient care and the use of technology. The technology employed could either be analogue or digital technology. Since 1973, the analogue imaging system has slowly been replaced by digital radiography imaging systems. Despite the many advantages of digital imaging it does present the radiographer with added responsibilities. Furthermore, analogue-trained radiographers have found adjusting to digital imaging especially challenging. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of analogue-trained radiographers utilising digital imaging in projection radiography with the intention of developing guidelines to equip radiography managers to assist analogue-trained radiographers to better utilise digital imaging. The researcher used Schlossberg’s Transition Theory as a lens to look at the experiences of analogue-trained radiographers using digital imaging to produce radiographs. The research study used a qualitative design which was explorative, descriptive and contextual in nature. The target population included all diagnostic radiographers (public and private) in the local municipality who were registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Purposive sampling was employed to select the radiographers that represented all radiographers in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District. The sample included all radiographers who fulfilled the identified selection criteria. The selected participants were recruited to take part in in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews. The data was analysed using a computer-aided qualitative data analysis software package, ATLAS.ti. The trustworthiness of this study was ensured by applying Guba’s model of trustworthiness that includes credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. The ethical principles of respect for persons, beneficence and justice, as espoused by the Belmont Report, were adhered to in order to ensure that the study was conducted in an ethical manner. Two themes emanated from the data, namely the evolution of the radiographer when faced with the advances in technology as well the role that the work environment played in the manner that the participants experienced the change. The experiences of the participants were described using direct quotations from the interviews and a literature control was used to verify the participants’ experiences. Evidence was found of radiographer indifference towards exposure selection, dose optimisation and placement of anatomical side markers when utilising digital imaging. Finally, guidelines were developed to equip radiography managers to assist analogue-trained radiographers to better utilise digital imaging. In addition, the guidelines will assist all other radiographers to better utilise digital imaging.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Campbell, Sydney
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Radiography, Medical -- Digital techniques Angiography , Image processing -- Digital techniques Radiography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14796 , vital:27851
- Description: The professional work of a radiographer encompasses both patient care and the use of technology. The technology employed could either be analogue or digital technology. Since 1973, the analogue imaging system has slowly been replaced by digital radiography imaging systems. Despite the many advantages of digital imaging it does present the radiographer with added responsibilities. Furthermore, analogue-trained radiographers have found adjusting to digital imaging especially challenging. The aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of analogue-trained radiographers utilising digital imaging in projection radiography with the intention of developing guidelines to equip radiography managers to assist analogue-trained radiographers to better utilise digital imaging. The researcher used Schlossberg’s Transition Theory as a lens to look at the experiences of analogue-trained radiographers using digital imaging to produce radiographs. The research study used a qualitative design which was explorative, descriptive and contextual in nature. The target population included all diagnostic radiographers (public and private) in the local municipality who were registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Purposive sampling was employed to select the radiographers that represented all radiographers in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District. The sample included all radiographers who fulfilled the identified selection criteria. The selected participants were recruited to take part in in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews. The data was analysed using a computer-aided qualitative data analysis software package, ATLAS.ti. The trustworthiness of this study was ensured by applying Guba’s model of trustworthiness that includes credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. The ethical principles of respect for persons, beneficence and justice, as espoused by the Belmont Report, were adhered to in order to ensure that the study was conducted in an ethical manner. Two themes emanated from the data, namely the evolution of the radiographer when faced with the advances in technology as well the role that the work environment played in the manner that the participants experienced the change. The experiences of the participants were described using direct quotations from the interviews and a literature control was used to verify the participants’ experiences. Evidence was found of radiographer indifference towards exposure selection, dose optimisation and placement of anatomical side markers when utilising digital imaging. Finally, guidelines were developed to equip radiography managers to assist analogue-trained radiographers to better utilise digital imaging. In addition, the guidelines will assist all other radiographers to better utilise digital imaging.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Knowledge and practice of radiographers regarding infection control in radiology department in Malawi
- Nyirenda, Denis Charles Glad
- Authors: Nyirenda, Denis Charles Glad
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Radiologic technologists , Radiography, Medical -- Practice Cross infection -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47848 , vital:40387
- Description: Infection control is an essential cornerstone of clinical care at all healthcare settings. The changing pattern of infections emphasises the need for all healthcare workers, including radiographers, to implement and strictly adhere to standard infection control precautions (SICP) that will protect both patients and healthcare workers from healthcare associated infections (HAIs). However, implementing SICP can be difficult, especially if radiographers do not have adequate knowledge, and skilled practices, in infection control. As a practicing radiographer and a health educator, the researcher observed that there were discrepancies regarding implementation of SICP by radiographers in Malawi. No study has been conducted to explore and describe the knowledge and practices of radiographers regarding infection control in radiology departments in Malawi. There are also no infection control guidelines. These gaps led to this study being conducted. The aim of the study was to explore, and describe, knowledge and practices of radiographers regarding infection control in radiology departments in government referral hospitals in Malawi in order to develop a draft guideline for infection control to facilitate sound knowledge and practices of radiographers regarding infection control in these departments. The study took place in four government referral hospitals and followed a quantitative, exploratory, and descriptive design that was contextual in nature. The study was conducted in two phases. In the first one a self-administered questionnaire was used to explore and describe the knowledge and practices of radiographers regarding infection control in government referral hospitals in Malawi. The second one included the development of a draft guideline for infection control in order to facilitate sound knowledge and practices of radiographers regarding infection control in government referral hospitals in Malawi. In phase one, the research population consisted of 80 permanently employed radiographers. A census sampling method was used to select 62 respondents. The data were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire that was developed based on a literature review. Some questions were adapted from an existing questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of questions and statements. It had four parts: demographic information (Part A), knowledge regarding infection control (Part B), practices regarding infection control (Part C), and additional relevant information (Part D). Descriptive and inferential statistics, with the help of a statistician, were used to analyse the data. The results of the study revealed that radiographers had average knowledge and practice in terms of infection control. The results revealed a significant association between age and knowledge (P<0.05). In phase two, a draft guideline was developed. The guideline’s content is based on 20 gaps identified in phase one of the study, as well as literature. The draft guideline consists of seven sets of recommendations: hand hygiene, personal hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE), safe handling of sharps and sharp containers, decontamination and cleaning, housekeeping, and routine infection control practices. Reliability and validity were ensured. Ethical considerations were considered throughout the study. Respect for persons, beneficence and justice were adhered to. The study is the first in the field of radiography in Malawi. Results of this study should contribute to the body of knowledge of radiography practice. The results are to be used to inform practicing radiographers, heads of departments, the Ministry of Health and Population, and other health practitioners about the current practices and knowledge of radiographers in government referral hospitals in Malawi. The draft guideline should facilitate sound knowledge and practices regarding infection control among practicing radiographers in these departments. Recommendations include further development and implementation of the draft guideline, and radiography education and development of further research on infection control in the radiography profession, specifically in the African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Nyirenda, Denis Charles Glad
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Radiologic technologists , Radiography, Medical -- Practice Cross infection -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47848 , vital:40387
- Description: Infection control is an essential cornerstone of clinical care at all healthcare settings. The changing pattern of infections emphasises the need for all healthcare workers, including radiographers, to implement and strictly adhere to standard infection control precautions (SICP) that will protect both patients and healthcare workers from healthcare associated infections (HAIs). However, implementing SICP can be difficult, especially if radiographers do not have adequate knowledge, and skilled practices, in infection control. As a practicing radiographer and a health educator, the researcher observed that there were discrepancies regarding implementation of SICP by radiographers in Malawi. No study has been conducted to explore and describe the knowledge and practices of radiographers regarding infection control in radiology departments in Malawi. There are also no infection control guidelines. These gaps led to this study being conducted. The aim of the study was to explore, and describe, knowledge and practices of radiographers regarding infection control in radiology departments in government referral hospitals in Malawi in order to develop a draft guideline for infection control to facilitate sound knowledge and practices of radiographers regarding infection control in these departments. The study took place in four government referral hospitals and followed a quantitative, exploratory, and descriptive design that was contextual in nature. The study was conducted in two phases. In the first one a self-administered questionnaire was used to explore and describe the knowledge and practices of radiographers regarding infection control in government referral hospitals in Malawi. The second one included the development of a draft guideline for infection control in order to facilitate sound knowledge and practices of radiographers regarding infection control in government referral hospitals in Malawi. In phase one, the research population consisted of 80 permanently employed radiographers. A census sampling method was used to select 62 respondents. The data were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire that was developed based on a literature review. Some questions were adapted from an existing questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of questions and statements. It had four parts: demographic information (Part A), knowledge regarding infection control (Part B), practices regarding infection control (Part C), and additional relevant information (Part D). Descriptive and inferential statistics, with the help of a statistician, were used to analyse the data. The results of the study revealed that radiographers had average knowledge and practice in terms of infection control. The results revealed a significant association between age and knowledge (P<0.05). In phase two, a draft guideline was developed. The guideline’s content is based on 20 gaps identified in phase one of the study, as well as literature. The draft guideline consists of seven sets of recommendations: hand hygiene, personal hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE), safe handling of sharps and sharp containers, decontamination and cleaning, housekeeping, and routine infection control practices. Reliability and validity were ensured. Ethical considerations were considered throughout the study. Respect for persons, beneficence and justice were adhered to. The study is the first in the field of radiography in Malawi. Results of this study should contribute to the body of knowledge of radiography practice. The results are to be used to inform practicing radiographers, heads of departments, the Ministry of Health and Population, and other health practitioners about the current practices and knowledge of radiographers in government referral hospitals in Malawi. The draft guideline should facilitate sound knowledge and practices regarding infection control among practicing radiographers in these departments. Recommendations include further development and implementation of the draft guideline, and radiography education and development of further research on infection control in the radiography profession, specifically in the African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Synergistic interactions of selected medicinal plants traditionally used to treat meningitis
- Kamwamba, Thokozani Edson, Zondie, Leyli
- Authors: Kamwamba, Thokozani Edson , Zondie, Leyli
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- Biotechnology Meningitis -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18816 , vital:28729
- Description: The antibacterial and antifungal activities of aqueous, methanol and acetone extracts of the leaves of Geranium incanum, Mangifera indica, Bidens pilosa, Ricinus communis, Carica papaya and fruit pulp of Adansonia digitata as well as activity of their combined preparation were evaluated against selected meningitis causing pathogens. The microorganisms under study were methicillin and oxacillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 43300), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Salmonella typhimurium (ATCC 49416), Escherichia coli (ATCC 35218), Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) and Cryptococcus neoformans (clinical strain). The screening of antimicrobial activities were assessed using an agar well diffusion technique for the different plant extractions. The individual and combined plant extracts that demonstrated antimicrobial effects were further studied using the INT microtitre plate technique to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration. The sum of fractional inhibitory concentration indices were calculated and used to assess the type of antimicrobial interaction. The medicinal plants exerted antimicrobial effects independently and in combination on the bacterial and fungal organisms under study. The antimicrobial activities depended on the test organism and extracting solvents used. In the combination studies, the medicinal plants under study were combined in the ratio of 1:1. Antimicrobial interactions ranging from synergistic to antagonistic effects were noted. Methanol extracts of combinations B. pilosa: M. indica, R. communins: M. indica and C. papaya: M. indica had synergistic effects against P. aeruginosa. On the other hand, aqueous extracts of a mixture of C. papaya: B. pilosa exerted synergistic effects on E. coli and S. typhimurium. Acetone extracts of a mixture of A. digitata: G. incanum, G. incanum: M. indica as well as methanol extract of the combination of C. papaya: G. incanum exhibited synergistic effects against C. albicans. The aqueous extract combination of G. incanum: M. indica displayed the most noteworthy synergistic activity against C. neoformans. In addition, aqueous extracts of the combinations of A. digitata: B. pilosa and R. communis: G. incanum exhibited synergistic effects against C. neoformans. The results validate the traditional healing practices which utilise combinations of different species of plants for treatment of predisposing factors of meningitis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Kamwamba, Thokozani Edson , Zondie, Leyli
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- Biotechnology Meningitis -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18816 , vital:28729
- Description: The antibacterial and antifungal activities of aqueous, methanol and acetone extracts of the leaves of Geranium incanum, Mangifera indica, Bidens pilosa, Ricinus communis, Carica papaya and fruit pulp of Adansonia digitata as well as activity of their combined preparation were evaluated against selected meningitis causing pathogens. The microorganisms under study were methicillin and oxacillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 43300), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Salmonella typhimurium (ATCC 49416), Escherichia coli (ATCC 35218), Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) and Cryptococcus neoformans (clinical strain). The screening of antimicrobial activities were assessed using an agar well diffusion technique for the different plant extractions. The individual and combined plant extracts that demonstrated antimicrobial effects were further studied using the INT microtitre plate technique to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration. The sum of fractional inhibitory concentration indices were calculated and used to assess the type of antimicrobial interaction. The medicinal plants exerted antimicrobial effects independently and in combination on the bacterial and fungal organisms under study. The antimicrobial activities depended on the test organism and extracting solvents used. In the combination studies, the medicinal plants under study were combined in the ratio of 1:1. Antimicrobial interactions ranging from synergistic to antagonistic effects were noted. Methanol extracts of combinations B. pilosa: M. indica, R. communins: M. indica and C. papaya: M. indica had synergistic effects against P. aeruginosa. On the other hand, aqueous extracts of a mixture of C. papaya: B. pilosa exerted synergistic effects on E. coli and S. typhimurium. Acetone extracts of a mixture of A. digitata: G. incanum, G. incanum: M. indica as well as methanol extract of the combination of C. papaya: G. incanum exhibited synergistic effects against C. albicans. The aqueous extract combination of G. incanum: M. indica displayed the most noteworthy synergistic activity against C. neoformans. In addition, aqueous extracts of the combinations of A. digitata: B. pilosa and R. communis: G. incanum exhibited synergistic effects against C. neoformans. The results validate the traditional healing practices which utilise combinations of different species of plants for treatment of predisposing factors of meningitis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Biological activities of selected South African medicinal plants traditionally used to treat urinary tract infections
- Mathobela, Kegomoditswe Prudence
- Authors: Mathobela, Kegomoditswe Prudence
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa , Urinary tract infections -- Treatment , Anti-infective agents -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8059 , vital:24715
- Description: Plants have been an important part of medicine and since the existence of human beings; they have been used to cure a variety of ailments such as diarrhoea, wounds and sexually transmitted diseases. Far from being out-dated, the use of traditional medicinal plants plays a significant role in drug discovery and remains a source of medicine still used by many South Africans. Diseases of the urinary tract can be treated using traditional medicinal plants. Although most cases of urinary tract infections (UTIs) are acute and uncomplicated, a few cases do become chronic and complicated. Resistance of pathogens causing UTIs to antibiotics normally used for treatment is one of the reasons for infections developing into the chronic and complicated state. In this study, medicinal plants indigenous to South Africa and traditionally used to treat UTIs were investigated in vitro for antimicrobial activities against UTI-causing pathogens. The plants investigated were Bulbine latifolia, Eucomis autumnalis, Hypoxis hemerocallidea and Trichilia dregeana. American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) microbial strains together with clinical strains were tested against distilled water, methanol and acetone extracts of the plants. The microbial strains included Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. The agar well diffusion method was used to screen for antimicrobial activity; the microtiter dilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration; and thin layer chromatography fingerprints to separate the mixtures of the extracts and determine the number of active compounds. The study also investigated the scientific rationale for the traditional use of plant combinations to treat diseases. Three plant combinations (1:1) were investigated for potential interactive properties, which were identified through the sum of the fractional inhibitory concentration index (ΣFIC) calculations. The plant combinations studied were Hypoxis hemerocallidea and Bulbine latifolia; Hypoxis hemerocallidea and Eucomis autumnalis; and Hypoxis hemerocallidea and Trichilia dregeana. In the study, more activity was observed in the microtiter dilution method as compared to the agar well diffusion method. This was true in both the studies of the plants independently and the combination studies. The independent plants displayed noteworthy MIC values (≤ 2 mg/ml) against E. coli, Kleb. pneumoniae, P. mirabilis, P. aeruginosa and C. albicans. The plant combinations studied did not show any synergistic interactions (ΣFIC ≤ 0.5). Only non-interactive (ΣFIC >1.0 - ≤4.0) and additive (ΣFIC >0.5-1.0) interactions were observed. The study contributes to the on-going investigation of antimicrobial activities of medicinal plants and highlights the need for further investigations on the synergistic interactions of the medicinal plants used in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Mathobela, Kegomoditswe Prudence
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa , Urinary tract infections -- Treatment , Anti-infective agents -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8059 , vital:24715
- Description: Plants have been an important part of medicine and since the existence of human beings; they have been used to cure a variety of ailments such as diarrhoea, wounds and sexually transmitted diseases. Far from being out-dated, the use of traditional medicinal plants plays a significant role in drug discovery and remains a source of medicine still used by many South Africans. Diseases of the urinary tract can be treated using traditional medicinal plants. Although most cases of urinary tract infections (UTIs) are acute and uncomplicated, a few cases do become chronic and complicated. Resistance of pathogens causing UTIs to antibiotics normally used for treatment is one of the reasons for infections developing into the chronic and complicated state. In this study, medicinal plants indigenous to South Africa and traditionally used to treat UTIs were investigated in vitro for antimicrobial activities against UTI-causing pathogens. The plants investigated were Bulbine latifolia, Eucomis autumnalis, Hypoxis hemerocallidea and Trichilia dregeana. American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) microbial strains together with clinical strains were tested against distilled water, methanol and acetone extracts of the plants. The microbial strains included Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. The agar well diffusion method was used to screen for antimicrobial activity; the microtiter dilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration; and thin layer chromatography fingerprints to separate the mixtures of the extracts and determine the number of active compounds. The study also investigated the scientific rationale for the traditional use of plant combinations to treat diseases. Three plant combinations (1:1) were investigated for potential interactive properties, which were identified through the sum of the fractional inhibitory concentration index (ΣFIC) calculations. The plant combinations studied were Hypoxis hemerocallidea and Bulbine latifolia; Hypoxis hemerocallidea and Eucomis autumnalis; and Hypoxis hemerocallidea and Trichilia dregeana. In the study, more activity was observed in the microtiter dilution method as compared to the agar well diffusion method. This was true in both the studies of the plants independently and the combination studies. The independent plants displayed noteworthy MIC values (≤ 2 mg/ml) against E. coli, Kleb. pneumoniae, P. mirabilis, P. aeruginosa and C. albicans. The plant combinations studied did not show any synergistic interactions (ΣFIC ≤ 0.5). Only non-interactive (ΣFIC >1.0 - ≤4.0) and additive (ΣFIC >0.5-1.0) interactions were observed. The study contributes to the on-going investigation of antimicrobial activities of medicinal plants and highlights the need for further investigations on the synergistic interactions of the medicinal plants used in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Histopathology induced by a medicinal plant indigenous to South Africa that has shown in vitro anti-microbial activity against drug resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Authors: Shauli, Mathulo Mathabiso
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Mycobacterial diseases , Tuberculosis -- Treatment -- South Africa , Medicinal plants -- Microbiology , Traditional medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3990 , vital:20498
- Description: Tuberculosis (TB) still remains a health problem globally with over a million new infections and a mortality rate of 1.5 million individuals annually (Hawn et al., 2014). The emerging multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains that accompany human immune deficiency virus (HIV) infection in high-incidence populations contribute significantly to the health burden of TB (Areeshi et al., 2014). The standard treatment that is advocated by the World Health Organization (WHO) for active tuberculosis includes long-term therapy that incorporates the use of isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinimide and ethambutol as front line drugs (WHO, 2013). Drug resistance against established treatment options for TB makes research into new forms of therapy an imperative in health care (Ntulela et al., 2009). South Africa is currently witnessing a high number of cases of drug-resistant TB. In some parts of the country, one in ten cases of TB is resistant to treatment. It is therefore essential to have new anti-tuberculosis agents, which can be readily and simply produced from some local source (Warner et al., 2014). A logical starting point for this research of new agents would be the herbal medicines which have been used for centuries in rural areas by local healers. Western developed countries have harvested ethno botanical knowledge and have produced drug therapies for conventional medicines for other ailments. The activity of extracts of the active plants and their properties still require study in animal models in order to assess their future as new anti-tuberculosis agents (Lall and Meyer, 1999). This study focuses on qualitative and quantitative experimental findings after the administration of a medicinal plant extract to animals. This will include daily observation of animals, recording of feed consumption, recording of animal weights, macroscopic examination of animals at necropsy, tissue harvesting, histological procedures and microscopy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Shauli, Mathulo Mathabiso
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Mycobacterial diseases , Tuberculosis -- Treatment -- South Africa , Medicinal plants -- Microbiology , Traditional medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3990 , vital:20498
- Description: Tuberculosis (TB) still remains a health problem globally with over a million new infections and a mortality rate of 1.5 million individuals annually (Hawn et al., 2014). The emerging multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains that accompany human immune deficiency virus (HIV) infection in high-incidence populations contribute significantly to the health burden of TB (Areeshi et al., 2014). The standard treatment that is advocated by the World Health Organization (WHO) for active tuberculosis includes long-term therapy that incorporates the use of isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinimide and ethambutol as front line drugs (WHO, 2013). Drug resistance against established treatment options for TB makes research into new forms of therapy an imperative in health care (Ntulela et al., 2009). South Africa is currently witnessing a high number of cases of drug-resistant TB. In some parts of the country, one in ten cases of TB is resistant to treatment. It is therefore essential to have new anti-tuberculosis agents, which can be readily and simply produced from some local source (Warner et al., 2014). A logical starting point for this research of new agents would be the herbal medicines which have been used for centuries in rural areas by local healers. Western developed countries have harvested ethno botanical knowledge and have produced drug therapies for conventional medicines for other ailments. The activity of extracts of the active plants and their properties still require study in animal models in order to assess their future as new anti-tuberculosis agents (Lall and Meyer, 1999). This study focuses on qualitative and quantitative experimental findings after the administration of a medicinal plant extract to animals. This will include daily observation of animals, recording of feed consumption, recording of animal weights, macroscopic examination of animals at necropsy, tissue harvesting, histological procedures and microscopy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Knowledge and understanding of radiographers regarding supraspinatus outlet projection for shoulder impingement syndrome
- Authors: Willians, Razana
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Radiography, Medical , Diagnosis, Radioscopic , Shoulder , Diagnostic imaging
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4456 , vital:20602
- Description: The shoulder is a complex anatomical structure and imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of shoulder conditions. The complexity of the shoulder’s anatomy has led to the development of multiple radiographic projections and techniques within plain film imaging with each projection intended to demonstrate specific aspects of the anatomy of the shoulder. However, reproducing the required projections can be difficult especially if radiographers are not familiar with the projections and their evaluation criteria. Literature has revealed the importance of a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of anatomy, patient positioning, beam direction and centring point, and evaluation criteria to ensure a quality projection for accurate diagnoses. The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge and understanding of radiographers with regard to the supraspinatus outlet projection (SOP) for shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) and its evaluation criteria. The inferences derived from the research findings were used to develop guidelines for a structured in-service training programme for practising radiographers to optimise their knowledge and understanding of the supraspinatus outlet projection in shoulder impingement syndrome. The proposed study followed a quantitative approach. Furthermore, a descriptive, exploratory, contextual design was employed. The research population consisted of practising radiographers working in the public and private hospitals of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. The data were collected by means of a structured self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised of three sections. The first section requested demographic information from the participants. The second section assessed their knowledge and understanding regarding the scapular ‘Y’ and the supraspinatus outlet projections and shoulder impingement syndrome. The third section assessed their knowledge and understanding of anatomy and image evaluation/critiquing. The reliability and validity of the data collection instrument was ensured by conducting a pilot study and comparing the results with those of the main study. In addition, the expertise and guidance of a radiographer experienced in the clinical training of radiographers, the supervisor (who has twenty years’ experience in the teaching of radiographers) and a statistician was obtained. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed by means of a statistical programme and with the guidance of a statistician. The researcher ensured that the study was conducted in an ethical manner by adhering to the ethical principles of beneficence, justice and respect for persons.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Willians, Razana
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Radiography, Medical , Diagnosis, Radioscopic , Shoulder , Diagnostic imaging
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4456 , vital:20602
- Description: The shoulder is a complex anatomical structure and imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of shoulder conditions. The complexity of the shoulder’s anatomy has led to the development of multiple radiographic projections and techniques within plain film imaging with each projection intended to demonstrate specific aspects of the anatomy of the shoulder. However, reproducing the required projections can be difficult especially if radiographers are not familiar with the projections and their evaluation criteria. Literature has revealed the importance of a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of anatomy, patient positioning, beam direction and centring point, and evaluation criteria to ensure a quality projection for accurate diagnoses. The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge and understanding of radiographers with regard to the supraspinatus outlet projection (SOP) for shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) and its evaluation criteria. The inferences derived from the research findings were used to develop guidelines for a structured in-service training programme for practising radiographers to optimise their knowledge and understanding of the supraspinatus outlet projection in shoulder impingement syndrome. The proposed study followed a quantitative approach. Furthermore, a descriptive, exploratory, contextual design was employed. The research population consisted of practising radiographers working in the public and private hospitals of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. The data were collected by means of a structured self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised of three sections. The first section requested demographic information from the participants. The second section assessed their knowledge and understanding regarding the scapular ‘Y’ and the supraspinatus outlet projections and shoulder impingement syndrome. The third section assessed their knowledge and understanding of anatomy and image evaluation/critiquing. The reliability and validity of the data collection instrument was ensured by conducting a pilot study and comparing the results with those of the main study. In addition, the expertise and guidance of a radiographer experienced in the clinical training of radiographers, the supervisor (who has twenty years’ experience in the teaching of radiographers) and a statistician was obtained. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed by means of a statistical programme and with the guidance of a statistician. The researcher ensured that the study was conducted in an ethical manner by adhering to the ethical principles of beneficence, justice and respect for persons.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Genetic diversity and population structure of plasmodium falciparum from four epidemiological locations in Malawi
- Authors: Selemani, George Paul
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Plasmodium falciparum , Parasites -- Molecular genetics , Infection -- Genetic aspects , Disease susceptibility -- Genetic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10359 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021026
- Description: In malaria-endemic regions, Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) infection is characterized by extensive genetic/antigenic diversity. Describing this diversity provides important information about the local molecular epidemiology of infecting P. falciparum parasites. Intriguingly, one of the major obstacles to the development of an effective malaria vaccine has been the genetic polymorphisms exhibited by P. falciparum genes encoding targets of human immune system. This situation has necessitated the development of polyvalent vaccines with wide antigenic coverage that would increase the likelihood of vaccine efficacy that covers wide geographical areas of malaria endemic countries. Limited reports are available on the population genetic diversity and structure of P. falciparum in Malawi, and this is of particular concern as the country has put in place several interventions to combat the disease. The primary aim of the research project was to determine the genetic diversity and population structure of P. falciparum isolates and comparing complexity from four different epidemiological settings in Malawi using msp-2 gene polymorphisms. Samples were collected from four epidemiological locations in the north, centre and southern regions of Malawi. The diversity and genetic differentiation of P. falciparum populations were analyzed based on the highly polymorphic block 3 msp-2 gene. One hundred and twenty patient samples who presented with signs and symptoms of malaria and who had microscopically confirmed P. falciparum infection were enrolled in the study after they had satisfied the inclusion criteria. Parasite DNA was extracted from the blood spot on to filter paper and analyzed by genotyping the msp-2 gene using allele-specific nested PCR. A total of 28 msp-2 block 3 fragments, defined by the size and the allelic types were detected in the 102 patients. The length variants of the PCR product ranged from 240basepairs (bp) to 450bp for the K1/FC and 410bp to 780bp for the 3D7/IC allelic families. Isolates of the 3D7 alleles were predominant in the population (59 percent), compared to isolates of the K1/ FC27 alleles (41 percent) and for 3D7 and K1 most of the isolates were monoclonal infections. In comparisons between the sites, we observed the highest prevalence of mixed infection in Mwanza (46.7 percent) followed by Dwangwa (23.3 percent) compared to Bolero (16.7 percent) and Mitundu (16.7 percent). The difference in prevalence of mixed infections between Mwanza and the other sites was statistically significant (p=0.041). There was also a non-significant trend towards a higher mean genotype number per isolate in the children aged >5 years compared to those below 5 years of age. These data suggest differences in prevalence rates of mixed infections in different geographical/epidemiological settings in Malawi. Further studies are needed to confirm, with larger sample sizes, the observation of a non-significant trend towards higher multiclonality of infection in older children in malaria endemic areas of Malawi.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Selemani, George Paul
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Plasmodium falciparum , Parasites -- Molecular genetics , Infection -- Genetic aspects , Disease susceptibility -- Genetic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10359 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021026
- Description: In malaria-endemic regions, Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) infection is characterized by extensive genetic/antigenic diversity. Describing this diversity provides important information about the local molecular epidemiology of infecting P. falciparum parasites. Intriguingly, one of the major obstacles to the development of an effective malaria vaccine has been the genetic polymorphisms exhibited by P. falciparum genes encoding targets of human immune system. This situation has necessitated the development of polyvalent vaccines with wide antigenic coverage that would increase the likelihood of vaccine efficacy that covers wide geographical areas of malaria endemic countries. Limited reports are available on the population genetic diversity and structure of P. falciparum in Malawi, and this is of particular concern as the country has put in place several interventions to combat the disease. The primary aim of the research project was to determine the genetic diversity and population structure of P. falciparum isolates and comparing complexity from four different epidemiological settings in Malawi using msp-2 gene polymorphisms. Samples were collected from four epidemiological locations in the north, centre and southern regions of Malawi. The diversity and genetic differentiation of P. falciparum populations were analyzed based on the highly polymorphic block 3 msp-2 gene. One hundred and twenty patient samples who presented with signs and symptoms of malaria and who had microscopically confirmed P. falciparum infection were enrolled in the study after they had satisfied the inclusion criteria. Parasite DNA was extracted from the blood spot on to filter paper and analyzed by genotyping the msp-2 gene using allele-specific nested PCR. A total of 28 msp-2 block 3 fragments, defined by the size and the allelic types were detected in the 102 patients. The length variants of the PCR product ranged from 240basepairs (bp) to 450bp for the K1/FC and 410bp to 780bp for the 3D7/IC allelic families. Isolates of the 3D7 alleles were predominant in the population (59 percent), compared to isolates of the K1/ FC27 alleles (41 percent) and for 3D7 and K1 most of the isolates were monoclonal infections. In comparisons between the sites, we observed the highest prevalence of mixed infection in Mwanza (46.7 percent) followed by Dwangwa (23.3 percent) compared to Bolero (16.7 percent) and Mitundu (16.7 percent). The difference in prevalence of mixed infections between Mwanza and the other sites was statistically significant (p=0.041). There was also a non-significant trend towards a higher mean genotype number per isolate in the children aged >5 years compared to those below 5 years of age. These data suggest differences in prevalence rates of mixed infections in different geographical/epidemiological settings in Malawi. Further studies are needed to confirm, with larger sample sizes, the observation of a non-significant trend towards higher multiclonality of infection in older children in malaria endemic areas of Malawi.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Prevalence and resistance gene mutations of multi-drug resistant and extensively drug resistant mycobacterium tuberculosis in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Hayes, Cindy
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mycobacterium tuberculosis -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Microbial mutation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10125 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020374
- Description: The emergence and spread of multi-drug resistant (MDR-TB) and extensively drugresistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) are a major medical and public problem threatening the global health. The objectives of this study were to (i) determine the prevalence of MDR-TB and XDR-TB in the Eastern Cape; (ii) analyze patterns of gene mutations in MDR-TB and (iii) identify gene mutations associated with resistance to second line injectable drugs in XDR-TB isolates. A total of 1520 routine sputum specimens sequentially received within a period of 12 months i.e. February 2012 to February 2013 from all MDR-TB and XDR-TB patients treated by Hospitals and clinics in the Eastern Cape were included in this study, of which 1004 had interpretable results. Samples were analyzed with the Genotype MTBDRplus VER 2.0 assay kit (Hain Lifescience) for detection of resistance to Rifampicin and Isoniazid while solid and liquid culture drug susceptibility tests were used for ethambutol, streptomycin, ethionamide, ofloxacin, capreomycin and amikacin. PCR and sequence analysis of short regions of target genes gyrA, (encode subunit of DNA topoisomerase gyrase), rrs (16S rRNA) and tlyA (encodes a 2’-O-methyltransferase) were performed on 20 XDR-TB isolates. MTBDRplus kit results and drug susceptibility tests identified 462 MDR-TB, 284 pre-XDR and 258 XDR-TB isolates from 267 clinics and 25 hospitals in the Eastern Cape. There was a high frequency of resistance to streptomycin, ethionamide, amikacin, ofloxacin and capreomycin. Mutation patterns indicated differences between the health districts as well as differences between the facilities within the health districts. The most common mutation patterns observed were: (i) ΔWT3, ΔWT4, MUT1 [D516V+del515] (rpoB), ΔWT, MUT1 [S315T1] (katG), ΔWT1 [C15T] (inhA) [39 MDR, 204 XDR-TB and 214 pre XDR-TB isolates], (ii) ΔWT8, MUT3 [L533P+S531L] (rpoB), ΔWT, MUT1 [S315T1] [145 MDR, 18 pre-XDR and 3 XDR-TB solates] and (iii) ΔWT3, WT4 [D516Y+del515] (rpoB), ΔWT, MUT1 [S315T1] (katG) [75 MDR, 1 pre-XDR and 7 XDR-TB isolates]. Mutations in inhA promoter regions were strongly associated with XDR-TB isolates. Two thirds (66.6 percent (669/1004) of the isolates had inhA mutations present with 25.4 percent (170/669) found among the MDR isolates, 39.2 percent (262/669) among the pre-XDR isolates and 35.4 percent (237/669) among the XDR-TB isolates, which implies that these resistant isolates are being spread by transmission within the community and circulating in the province. There was good correlation between XDR-TB drug susceptibility test results and sequence analyses of the gyrA and rrs genes. The majority of XDR-TB isolates contained mutations at positions C269T (6/20) and 1401G (18/20) in gyrA and rrs genes respectively. Sequence analysis of short regions of gyrA and rrs genes may be useful for detection of fluoroquinolone and amikacin/ kanamycin resistance in XDR-TB isolates but the tlyA gene is not a sensitive genetic marker for capreomycin resistance. This study highlighted the urgent need for the development of rapid diagnostics for XDR-TB and raised serious concerns regarding ineffective patientmanagement resulting in ongoing transmission of extremely resistant strains of XDRTB in the Eastern Cape suggesting that the Eastern Cape could be fast becoming the epicenter for the development of Totally Drug-resistant Tuberculosis (TDR-TB) in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Hayes, Cindy
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mycobacterium tuberculosis -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Microbial mutation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10125 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020374
- Description: The emergence and spread of multi-drug resistant (MDR-TB) and extensively drugresistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) are a major medical and public problem threatening the global health. The objectives of this study were to (i) determine the prevalence of MDR-TB and XDR-TB in the Eastern Cape; (ii) analyze patterns of gene mutations in MDR-TB and (iii) identify gene mutations associated with resistance to second line injectable drugs in XDR-TB isolates. A total of 1520 routine sputum specimens sequentially received within a period of 12 months i.e. February 2012 to February 2013 from all MDR-TB and XDR-TB patients treated by Hospitals and clinics in the Eastern Cape were included in this study, of which 1004 had interpretable results. Samples were analyzed with the Genotype MTBDRplus VER 2.0 assay kit (Hain Lifescience) for detection of resistance to Rifampicin and Isoniazid while solid and liquid culture drug susceptibility tests were used for ethambutol, streptomycin, ethionamide, ofloxacin, capreomycin and amikacin. PCR and sequence analysis of short regions of target genes gyrA, (encode subunit of DNA topoisomerase gyrase), rrs (16S rRNA) and tlyA (encodes a 2’-O-methyltransferase) were performed on 20 XDR-TB isolates. MTBDRplus kit results and drug susceptibility tests identified 462 MDR-TB, 284 pre-XDR and 258 XDR-TB isolates from 267 clinics and 25 hospitals in the Eastern Cape. There was a high frequency of resistance to streptomycin, ethionamide, amikacin, ofloxacin and capreomycin. Mutation patterns indicated differences between the health districts as well as differences between the facilities within the health districts. The most common mutation patterns observed were: (i) ΔWT3, ΔWT4, MUT1 [D516V+del515] (rpoB), ΔWT, MUT1 [S315T1] (katG), ΔWT1 [C15T] (inhA) [39 MDR, 204 XDR-TB and 214 pre XDR-TB isolates], (ii) ΔWT8, MUT3 [L533P+S531L] (rpoB), ΔWT, MUT1 [S315T1] [145 MDR, 18 pre-XDR and 3 XDR-TB solates] and (iii) ΔWT3, WT4 [D516Y+del515] (rpoB), ΔWT, MUT1 [S315T1] (katG) [75 MDR, 1 pre-XDR and 7 XDR-TB isolates]. Mutations in inhA promoter regions were strongly associated with XDR-TB isolates. Two thirds (66.6 percent (669/1004) of the isolates had inhA mutations present with 25.4 percent (170/669) found among the MDR isolates, 39.2 percent (262/669) among the pre-XDR isolates and 35.4 percent (237/669) among the XDR-TB isolates, which implies that these resistant isolates are being spread by transmission within the community and circulating in the province. There was good correlation between XDR-TB drug susceptibility test results and sequence analyses of the gyrA and rrs genes. The majority of XDR-TB isolates contained mutations at positions C269T (6/20) and 1401G (18/20) in gyrA and rrs genes respectively. Sequence analysis of short regions of gyrA and rrs genes may be useful for detection of fluoroquinolone and amikacin/ kanamycin resistance in XDR-TB isolates but the tlyA gene is not a sensitive genetic marker for capreomycin resistance. This study highlighted the urgent need for the development of rapid diagnostics for XDR-TB and raised serious concerns regarding ineffective patientmanagement resulting in ongoing transmission of extremely resistant strains of XDRTB in the Eastern Cape suggesting that the Eastern Cape could be fast becoming the epicenter for the development of Totally Drug-resistant Tuberculosis (TDR-TB) in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Antimicrobial activities of three medicinal plants against selected diarrheagenic pathogens
- Authors: Nkosi, Themba Johan
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Anti-infective agents , Drug resistance in microorganisms , Materia medica, Vegetable
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10126 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020759
- Description: Diarrhea is a global concern that the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO), have confirmed to be the second major cause of death in children under the age of five. Major bacterial pathogens that cause diarrhea include Escherichia coli, Salmonella species, Shigella species and Staphylococcus aureus. Antibiotic therapy is recommended depending on the severity and presentation of the disease; however, the appearance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is an emerging global threat to the ability to treat these bacterial infections. This situation could be overcome by the discovery of new natural antibiotics. Plants have been a source of medicine for centuries and have been used to treat diseases including diarrhea. This makes plants a natural potential target to study for their antibiotic properties. The objective of this study was to determine the antibiotic properties of medicinal plants against known pathogens that cause bacterial diarrhea. Three medicinal plants, Cassia abbreviata, Kigelia africana, and Geranium incanum were investigated for their antimicrobial properties against these strains of microorganisms: American Type Culture Collection (ATTC) and Clinical Strains (CS). The plant materials were ground into powder, which was then dissolved in methanol, acetone and distilled water to extract the active compounds. The plant extracts were then used to (i) determine their antibiotic activity, (ii) determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs), (iii) analyze the thin layer chromatography (TLC) fingerprints, and (iv) analyze the autobiography assay. The results obtained in this study met the aim and objectives of this study. The antimicrobial activities of the selected plants were obtained as discussed in Chapter 2 and 3. These results indicated that the traditional plants could be used as antimicrobials. In the screening assays, the test microorganisms were inhibited by the plant extracts, when they were subjected to plant extracts. This was performed on Mueller Hinton agar as sensitivity testing, which revealed clear zones of inhibition. The MIC values for each plant extract were established which ranged from 0.101 to 13.3 mg/dl. The TLC analysis revealed the spots which contained the active compounds which inhibited the bacterial growth. A bioautography assay was performed on the TLC plates, which exposed the exact spots containing the active compound inhibiting the bacteria. These results are clearly consistent with what former scientists have observed. Detailed explanations on the results are in Chapter 3 and 4 of this paper. It is important to note that all the procedures performed in this study were in vitro assays. Some effective in vitro assay activity may not always result in the same effective in vivo activity, because some active compounds may be metabolized and degraded into inactive metabolites. For this reason, the in vitro results obtained in this study, may not reflect the true effectiveness of the compounds in in vivo trials. It is therefore advised that future scientists should take a step further in analyzing the plant extracts through in vivo assays. Further testing and study on these plants at an advanced molecular level will be beneficial in the medical fields in the search for new antibiotics to treat infectious diseases. Purification and further analysis of their products can be helpful in the production of pure natural medicines. This will discover the active ingredients and compounds responsible for inhibition of the microorganisms. This will make the compounds potential candidates for a scientific validation and analysis for future scientists to bring a new dawn in the fight against infectious diseases.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Nkosi, Themba Johan
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Anti-infective agents , Drug resistance in microorganisms , Materia medica, Vegetable
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10126 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020759
- Description: Diarrhea is a global concern that the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO), have confirmed to be the second major cause of death in children under the age of five. Major bacterial pathogens that cause diarrhea include Escherichia coli, Salmonella species, Shigella species and Staphylococcus aureus. Antibiotic therapy is recommended depending on the severity and presentation of the disease; however, the appearance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is an emerging global threat to the ability to treat these bacterial infections. This situation could be overcome by the discovery of new natural antibiotics. Plants have been a source of medicine for centuries and have been used to treat diseases including diarrhea. This makes plants a natural potential target to study for their antibiotic properties. The objective of this study was to determine the antibiotic properties of medicinal plants against known pathogens that cause bacterial diarrhea. Three medicinal plants, Cassia abbreviata, Kigelia africana, and Geranium incanum were investigated for their antimicrobial properties against these strains of microorganisms: American Type Culture Collection (ATTC) and Clinical Strains (CS). The plant materials were ground into powder, which was then dissolved in methanol, acetone and distilled water to extract the active compounds. The plant extracts were then used to (i) determine their antibiotic activity, (ii) determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs), (iii) analyze the thin layer chromatography (TLC) fingerprints, and (iv) analyze the autobiography assay. The results obtained in this study met the aim and objectives of this study. The antimicrobial activities of the selected plants were obtained as discussed in Chapter 2 and 3. These results indicated that the traditional plants could be used as antimicrobials. In the screening assays, the test microorganisms were inhibited by the plant extracts, when they were subjected to plant extracts. This was performed on Mueller Hinton agar as sensitivity testing, which revealed clear zones of inhibition. The MIC values for each plant extract were established which ranged from 0.101 to 13.3 mg/dl. The TLC analysis revealed the spots which contained the active compounds which inhibited the bacterial growth. A bioautography assay was performed on the TLC plates, which exposed the exact spots containing the active compound inhibiting the bacteria. These results are clearly consistent with what former scientists have observed. Detailed explanations on the results are in Chapter 3 and 4 of this paper. It is important to note that all the procedures performed in this study were in vitro assays. Some effective in vitro assay activity may not always result in the same effective in vivo activity, because some active compounds may be metabolized and degraded into inactive metabolites. For this reason, the in vitro results obtained in this study, may not reflect the true effectiveness of the compounds in in vivo trials. It is therefore advised that future scientists should take a step further in analyzing the plant extracts through in vivo assays. Further testing and study on these plants at an advanced molecular level will be beneficial in the medical fields in the search for new antibiotics to treat infectious diseases. Purification and further analysis of their products can be helpful in the production of pure natural medicines. This will discover the active ingredients and compounds responsible for inhibition of the microorganisms. This will make the compounds potential candidates for a scientific validation and analysis for future scientists to bring a new dawn in the fight against infectious diseases.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Biological activities of medical plants traditionally used in the Eastern Cape to treat pneumonia
- Kamanga, Melvin Chalochapasi
- Authors: Kamanga, Melvin Chalochapasi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Communicable diseases -- Eastern Cape , Medicinal plants -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10124 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020051
- Description: Infectious diseases such as pneumonia still pose a major global health concern. Currently, the world is facing widespread emergence of acquired bacterial resistance to antibiotics which constitute one of the chief causes of infectious diseases. The accumulation of different antibiotic resistance mechanisms within the same strains has induced the appearance of the so called “superbugs”, or “multiple-drug resistant bacteria”. Due to antibiotic resistance, attention is currently being drawn towards biologically active components isolated from plant species commonly used as herbal medicine, as they may offer a new source of antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activities. This is the basis of this study. In this study four medicinal plants namely, Cassia abbreviata, Geranium incanum, Pelargonium hortorum and Tecoma capensis were investigated for their antimicrobial potential. In vitro antimicrobial activity using agar disc diffusion method, agar dilution method and broth microdilution plate determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), were carried out against ATCC (American Type Culture Collection) strains and clinical isolates known to cause pneumonia. Aqueous, methanol and acetone extracts from the selected plants were thus tested against strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. The plants exhibited pronounced antimicrobial activity and were more active against Gram-positive bacteria than Gram-negative bacteria. During agar disc diffusion method, the highest inhibition zone was demonstrated by the acetone extract of P. hortorum (IZ=22mm and AI=0.73) against the reference strain of S. pneumoniae (ATCC 49619). The range of zones of inhibition in diameter across strains of S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae was 7mm to 22mm with activity index range of 0.23 to 0.74. The lowest MIC produced by medicinal plants in the study during agar disc diffusion method against S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae strains, was 2.5mg/ml. In broth microdilution plate assay, the lowest MIC demonstrated by C. abbreviata, T. capensis and P. hortorum extracts on tested bacteria was 0.031mg/ml and that of G. incanum was 0.063mg/ml. Candida albicans strains were only inhibited at 20mg/ml by the study plants. The highest activity among the individual extracts was shown by P. hortorum methanol extract which inhibited 71% of the studied bacteria. T. capensis methanol extract was the least and inhibited only 17% of the tested bacteria. The strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae showed the highest resistance to medicinal plants employed in this study. Traditional preparation of selected medicinal plants did not show any significant antimicrobial activity. Bioactive analysis of compounds on study plants was carried out using standard methods which revealed the presence of anthraquinones, flavonoids, phytosterol, saponins, tannins and triterpenoids. Comparison of the inhibitory effect of the plant extracts against some broad spectrum antibiotics revealed that the tested medicinal plants showed greater antimicrobial activity than standard antibiotics. However, there was no correlation between the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the bacteria and the effects of the plants, signifying that plants probably function through different mechanisms. Bioautographic findings on thin-layer chromatography plate, exhibited clear zones of inhibition of bacterial growth with the Rf value range of 0.09 to 0.94. Anti-mutagenic activity was assayed by the Ames mutagenicity test in the plate-incorporation method using histidine mutants of S. typhimurium strains TA 100. The selected plant extracts at 2.5mg/ml and 5mg/ml did not induce mutagenesis in the absence of liver-metabolizing enzymes. The study results indicated that the selected plants are capable of inhibiting the growth of the studied pathogenic microorganisms to a varied degree. The leaves of G. incanum, P. hortorum, T. capensis as well as the stem bark of C. abbreviata could be novel sources of antimicrobial agents that might have broad spectrum activity. The anti-mutagenic properties of the studied medicinal plants may also provide additional health supplemental value to the other claimed therapeutic properties of the plants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Kamanga, Melvin Chalochapasi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Communicable diseases -- Eastern Cape , Medicinal plants -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10124 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020051
- Description: Infectious diseases such as pneumonia still pose a major global health concern. Currently, the world is facing widespread emergence of acquired bacterial resistance to antibiotics which constitute one of the chief causes of infectious diseases. The accumulation of different antibiotic resistance mechanisms within the same strains has induced the appearance of the so called “superbugs”, or “multiple-drug resistant bacteria”. Due to antibiotic resistance, attention is currently being drawn towards biologically active components isolated from plant species commonly used as herbal medicine, as they may offer a new source of antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activities. This is the basis of this study. In this study four medicinal plants namely, Cassia abbreviata, Geranium incanum, Pelargonium hortorum and Tecoma capensis were investigated for their antimicrobial potential. In vitro antimicrobial activity using agar disc diffusion method, agar dilution method and broth microdilution plate determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), were carried out against ATCC (American Type Culture Collection) strains and clinical isolates known to cause pneumonia. Aqueous, methanol and acetone extracts from the selected plants were thus tested against strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. The plants exhibited pronounced antimicrobial activity and were more active against Gram-positive bacteria than Gram-negative bacteria. During agar disc diffusion method, the highest inhibition zone was demonstrated by the acetone extract of P. hortorum (IZ=22mm and AI=0.73) against the reference strain of S. pneumoniae (ATCC 49619). The range of zones of inhibition in diameter across strains of S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae was 7mm to 22mm with activity index range of 0.23 to 0.74. The lowest MIC produced by medicinal plants in the study during agar disc diffusion method against S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae strains, was 2.5mg/ml. In broth microdilution plate assay, the lowest MIC demonstrated by C. abbreviata, T. capensis and P. hortorum extracts on tested bacteria was 0.031mg/ml and that of G. incanum was 0.063mg/ml. Candida albicans strains were only inhibited at 20mg/ml by the study plants. The highest activity among the individual extracts was shown by P. hortorum methanol extract which inhibited 71% of the studied bacteria. T. capensis methanol extract was the least and inhibited only 17% of the tested bacteria. The strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae showed the highest resistance to medicinal plants employed in this study. Traditional preparation of selected medicinal plants did not show any significant antimicrobial activity. Bioactive analysis of compounds on study plants was carried out using standard methods which revealed the presence of anthraquinones, flavonoids, phytosterol, saponins, tannins and triterpenoids. Comparison of the inhibitory effect of the plant extracts against some broad spectrum antibiotics revealed that the tested medicinal plants showed greater antimicrobial activity than standard antibiotics. However, there was no correlation between the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the bacteria and the effects of the plants, signifying that plants probably function through different mechanisms. Bioautographic findings on thin-layer chromatography plate, exhibited clear zones of inhibition of bacterial growth with the Rf value range of 0.09 to 0.94. Anti-mutagenic activity was assayed by the Ames mutagenicity test in the plate-incorporation method using histidine mutants of S. typhimurium strains TA 100. The selected plant extracts at 2.5mg/ml and 5mg/ml did not induce mutagenesis in the absence of liver-metabolizing enzymes. The study results indicated that the selected plants are capable of inhibiting the growth of the studied pathogenic microorganisms to a varied degree. The leaves of G. incanum, P. hortorum, T. capensis as well as the stem bark of C. abbreviata could be novel sources of antimicrobial agents that might have broad spectrum activity. The anti-mutagenic properties of the studied medicinal plants may also provide additional health supplemental value to the other claimed therapeutic properties of the plants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Environmental health work methods and procedures for the surveillance and control of cholera in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa
- Authors: Bigara, Ana Doherty
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Avian influenza -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa -- Prevention , Environmental health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9836 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016073
- Description: The aim of this study was to develop a standardised set of Environmental-Health work methods and procedures, with the purpose of contributing to the effective surveillance and control of Cholera in the KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. The researcher followed a qualitative research design, which was explorative, descriptive, inductive and deductive by nature. The methods of data collection were documentary research and focus-group interviews. A documentary research approach was employed as the primary method of data collection for the study. The researcher has used semi-structured questions to obtain relevant information from the participants in the focus groups. The purpose of using semi-structured questions in the focus groups was to draw on their knowledge and experience of communicable disease surveillance and control in relation to Cholera, as well as to ascertain their views on the role of the Environmental-Health Practitioners in the Communicable - Disease Outbreak- Response Teams at the three different spheres of government. The process of qualitative data analysis was followed. This was based on data reduction and interpretation; and it was conducted as an activity simultaneously with data collection, data interpretation (coding) and narrative writing. The information obtained from the analysed data assisted in the development of the environmentalhealth work methods and procedures for the surveillance and control of Cholera in the KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. In this study, firstly, the epidemiology of Cholera was described and analysed against the background of its manifestation in South Africa. Secondly, the national health care system, with specific reference to the place and role of environmental health practitioners at national, provincial and municipal spheres – in relation to Cholera surveillance and control – was analysed. Thirdly, the relevant research that has been done globally has been analysed against the background of the findings of the above, together with work methods and procedures to be used by environmental-health practitioners during the surveillance and control of Cholera in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. These include, inter alia: Work methods and procedures for Cholera case investigation; Work methods and procedures for sanitary investigations; and Work methods and procedures for identifying the sources of contamination in environmental waters. Finally, the conclusion and limitations was presented, and appropriate recommendations were made. These include: he need to educate all role - players, on the recent developments in the identification of Vibrio cholerae from environmental surface waters; Communication systems should be developed that allow the Director: Environmental Health to communicate urgent environmental health information directly to the Minister of Health; he training of environmental-health practitioners on detailed work methods and procedures for the surveillance and control of Cholera; and the existing national Cholera control guidelines need to be updated to include relevant environmental health situations when emergencies arise.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Bigara, Ana Doherty
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Avian influenza -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa -- Prevention , Environmental health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9836 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016073
- Description: The aim of this study was to develop a standardised set of Environmental-Health work methods and procedures, with the purpose of contributing to the effective surveillance and control of Cholera in the KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. The researcher followed a qualitative research design, which was explorative, descriptive, inductive and deductive by nature. The methods of data collection were documentary research and focus-group interviews. A documentary research approach was employed as the primary method of data collection for the study. The researcher has used semi-structured questions to obtain relevant information from the participants in the focus groups. The purpose of using semi-structured questions in the focus groups was to draw on their knowledge and experience of communicable disease surveillance and control in relation to Cholera, as well as to ascertain their views on the role of the Environmental-Health Practitioners in the Communicable - Disease Outbreak- Response Teams at the three different spheres of government. The process of qualitative data analysis was followed. This was based on data reduction and interpretation; and it was conducted as an activity simultaneously with data collection, data interpretation (coding) and narrative writing. The information obtained from the analysed data assisted in the development of the environmentalhealth work methods and procedures for the surveillance and control of Cholera in the KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. In this study, firstly, the epidemiology of Cholera was described and analysed against the background of its manifestation in South Africa. Secondly, the national health care system, with specific reference to the place and role of environmental health practitioners at national, provincial and municipal spheres – in relation to Cholera surveillance and control – was analysed. Thirdly, the relevant research that has been done globally has been analysed against the background of the findings of the above, together with work methods and procedures to be used by environmental-health practitioners during the surveillance and control of Cholera in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. These include, inter alia: Work methods and procedures for Cholera case investigation; Work methods and procedures for sanitary investigations; and Work methods and procedures for identifying the sources of contamination in environmental waters. Finally, the conclusion and limitations was presented, and appropriate recommendations were made. These include: he need to educate all role - players, on the recent developments in the identification of Vibrio cholerae from environmental surface waters; Communication systems should be developed that allow the Director: Environmental Health to communicate urgent environmental health information directly to the Minister of Health; he training of environmental-health practitioners on detailed work methods and procedures for the surveillance and control of Cholera; and the existing national Cholera control guidelines need to be updated to include relevant environmental health situations when emergencies arise.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Observed pathological changes in male Wistar rats after co-treatment of Type II Diabetes with metformin and sutherlandia frutescens
- Authors: Tili, Siphokazi Pamphilia
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Rats -- Physiology , Rats as laboratory animals , Non-insulin-dependent diabetes -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10123 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012644 , Rats -- Physiology , Rats as laboratory animals , Non-insulin-dependent diabetes -- Research
- Description: Diabetes is a serious condition that affects all the body’s systems including kidneys, heart, eyes and limbs. This alone makes type II diabetes a life threatening disease; an expensive disease and economic burden that many individuals struggle to cope with.The rapid growth type II diabetes in South Africa is associated with the change of life style, and environmental factors brought by westernized way of life living in rural areas. Despite the technical advances in diagnosis and therapy of diabetes many people still use alternative forms of therapy due to the cost, traditional reasons and religion. Some of the people use the conventional medication together with the alternative therapy without informing their doctor and knowing the pathological changes. The aim of the study was to investigate pathological changes in male Wistar rats after co-treatment of type II diabetes with metformin and Sutherlandia frutescens and the possible synergistic and antagonistic effects. The thirty five rats were divided into five groups, seven in each group. There were two control groups and three test groups. Only the first control group was on a low fat diet (normal rat pellets) and second control group and test groups were on a high fat diet which induces obesity, insulin resistance and leads a typical prediabetic state for 12 weeks (Buettner et al., 2006). After 11.5 weeks medication was administered by oral gavaging to the test groups for 4 weeks and control groups received water. Blood was collected for determination of glucose, insulin, lipid profile and the concentrations of the liver enzymes. Pancreas, liver and kidney tissue were removed and used for histology. Urine was collected from the bladder for creatinine analyses. The plant + metformin group co-treatment was better in managing hyperglycemia, liver damages were minimal and also weight control was better when compared to metformin alone.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Tili, Siphokazi Pamphilia
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Rats -- Physiology , Rats as laboratory animals , Non-insulin-dependent diabetes -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10123 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012644 , Rats -- Physiology , Rats as laboratory animals , Non-insulin-dependent diabetes -- Research
- Description: Diabetes is a serious condition that affects all the body’s systems including kidneys, heart, eyes and limbs. This alone makes type II diabetes a life threatening disease; an expensive disease and economic burden that many individuals struggle to cope with.The rapid growth type II diabetes in South Africa is associated with the change of life style, and environmental factors brought by westernized way of life living in rural areas. Despite the technical advances in diagnosis and therapy of diabetes many people still use alternative forms of therapy due to the cost, traditional reasons and religion. Some of the people use the conventional medication together with the alternative therapy without informing their doctor and knowing the pathological changes. The aim of the study was to investigate pathological changes in male Wistar rats after co-treatment of type II diabetes with metformin and Sutherlandia frutescens and the possible synergistic and antagonistic effects. The thirty five rats were divided into five groups, seven in each group. There were two control groups and three test groups. Only the first control group was on a low fat diet (normal rat pellets) and second control group and test groups were on a high fat diet which induces obesity, insulin resistance and leads a typical prediabetic state for 12 weeks (Buettner et al., 2006). After 11.5 weeks medication was administered by oral gavaging to the test groups for 4 weeks and control groups received water. Blood was collected for determination of glucose, insulin, lipid profile and the concentrations of the liver enzymes. Pancreas, liver and kidney tissue were removed and used for histology. Urine was collected from the bladder for creatinine analyses. The plant + metformin group co-treatment was better in managing hyperglycemia, liver damages were minimal and also weight control was better when compared to metformin alone.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Detection and identification of plasmodium species causing malaria in Malawi using rapid diagnostic tests
- Authors: Tegha, Gerald Loiswayo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Malaria -- Diagnosis -- Malawi , Plasmodium
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10127 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021240
- Description: Malaria represents one of the oldest documented diseases among humans and even today organisms in the genus Plasmodium kill more people than any other infectious disease, especially in tropical and subtropical areas. The four most common species which infect humans are Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium malaria. Of these four species, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax account for 95 percent of infections globally. Microscopy has been used since early days for the diagnosis of malaria because this method is simple, does not require highly equipped facilities, and in most cases enables differentiation among the species causing malaria in humans when performed by skilled microscopy readers. However, this method has been misleading in identifying parasite species, especially in the case of low level parasitemia, a mixed parasite infection, or modification by drug treatment as well as in placental malaria. Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) have played a major role in malaria management; particularly in providing blood based diagnosis in remote locations where microscopy based diagnosis is unavailable. These diagnostic tests are fast and easy to perform and do not require electricity or specific equipment. As part of strengthening malaria diagnostics in Malawi, the Ministry of Health and Population strongly recommends the use of malaria RDT’s at all levels of the health care delivery system. However, malaria microscopy remains a gold standard test for malaria. All patients (regardless of age) with suspected uncomplicated malaria should have a confirmed diagnosis with malaria RDT before anti-malaria treatment is administered. Based on field performance evaluations that assessed performance, quality control and production capacities of the manufacturing companies of malaria RDT’s, the Ministry of Health and Population recommended two brands of Histidine Rich Protein 2 (HRP-2), RDT’s for use in Malawi. These are SD Bioline malaria Ag Pf and the New Paracheck malaria Ag Pf. All these RDT’s are able to detect only P. falciparum. However, other species have been reported to exist in the country and there is a need to find proper RDT’s which will be able to detect all other species including P. falciparum. The main aim of this study was to evaluate Paramax-3 Pf/Pv/Pan RDT (Zephyr Biomedicals, India), if used in Malawi, could be able to detect and identify the different species of Plasmodium causing malaria in Malawi. The study recruited a total of 250 adult and infants at Bwaila Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi. Study results showed that the overall sensitivity and specificity of the Paramax-3 RDT used in the study were 100 percent and 83 percent respectively. However, it was observed that the RDT test was not able to identify the P. ovale, and in some cases, the RDT test was positive for P. falciparum when the PCR identified the species as P. ovale. No P. vivax was detected both by RDT and PCR. This study was able to detect and identify the presence of P. malaria and P. ovale in Malawi apart from the P. falciparum. There were no significant differences between microscopy results compared to both the RDT and the PCR, with 94 percent and 98 percent sensitivities of R1 and R2 compared to RDT, as well as 94 percent and 96 percent sensitivities for R1 and R2 compared to PCR respectively. Both R1 and R2 had low specificities for example, R1 had 72 percent and R2 had 80 percent compared to RDT. Comparing R1 and R2 to PCR, the sensitivities were 64.9 percent and 67.2 percent respectively. However, the readers had difficulties differentiating the different species microscopically. The history of anti-malaria treatment had no significant effect on the outcome of the results in both the RDT and PCR.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Tegha, Gerald Loiswayo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Malaria -- Diagnosis -- Malawi , Plasmodium
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10127 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021240
- Description: Malaria represents one of the oldest documented diseases among humans and even today organisms in the genus Plasmodium kill more people than any other infectious disease, especially in tropical and subtropical areas. The four most common species which infect humans are Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium malaria. Of these four species, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax account for 95 percent of infections globally. Microscopy has been used since early days for the diagnosis of malaria because this method is simple, does not require highly equipped facilities, and in most cases enables differentiation among the species causing malaria in humans when performed by skilled microscopy readers. However, this method has been misleading in identifying parasite species, especially in the case of low level parasitemia, a mixed parasite infection, or modification by drug treatment as well as in placental malaria. Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) have played a major role in malaria management; particularly in providing blood based diagnosis in remote locations where microscopy based diagnosis is unavailable. These diagnostic tests are fast and easy to perform and do not require electricity or specific equipment. As part of strengthening malaria diagnostics in Malawi, the Ministry of Health and Population strongly recommends the use of malaria RDT’s at all levels of the health care delivery system. However, malaria microscopy remains a gold standard test for malaria. All patients (regardless of age) with suspected uncomplicated malaria should have a confirmed diagnosis with malaria RDT before anti-malaria treatment is administered. Based on field performance evaluations that assessed performance, quality control and production capacities of the manufacturing companies of malaria RDT’s, the Ministry of Health and Population recommended two brands of Histidine Rich Protein 2 (HRP-2), RDT’s for use in Malawi. These are SD Bioline malaria Ag Pf and the New Paracheck malaria Ag Pf. All these RDT’s are able to detect only P. falciparum. However, other species have been reported to exist in the country and there is a need to find proper RDT’s which will be able to detect all other species including P. falciparum. The main aim of this study was to evaluate Paramax-3 Pf/Pv/Pan RDT (Zephyr Biomedicals, India), if used in Malawi, could be able to detect and identify the different species of Plasmodium causing malaria in Malawi. The study recruited a total of 250 adult and infants at Bwaila Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi. Study results showed that the overall sensitivity and specificity of the Paramax-3 RDT used in the study were 100 percent and 83 percent respectively. However, it was observed that the RDT test was not able to identify the P. ovale, and in some cases, the RDT test was positive for P. falciparum when the PCR identified the species as P. ovale. No P. vivax was detected both by RDT and PCR. This study was able to detect and identify the presence of P. malaria and P. ovale in Malawi apart from the P. falciparum. There were no significant differences between microscopy results compared to both the RDT and the PCR, with 94 percent and 98 percent sensitivities of R1 and R2 compared to RDT, as well as 94 percent and 96 percent sensitivities for R1 and R2 compared to PCR respectively. Both R1 and R2 had low specificities for example, R1 had 72 percent and R2 had 80 percent compared to RDT. Comparing R1 and R2 to PCR, the sensitivities were 64.9 percent and 67.2 percent respectively. However, the readers had difficulties differentiating the different species microscopically. The history of anti-malaria treatment had no significant effect on the outcome of the results in both the RDT and PCR.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Antimicrobial activity of selected Eastern Cape medical plants
- Authors: Mohlakoana, Keneuoe
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Materia medica, Vegetable -- South Africa , Drug resistance in microorganisms -- South Africa , Anti-infective agents -- South Africa , Antibiotics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10120 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1199 , Materia medica, Vegetable -- South Africa , Drug resistance in microorganisms -- South Africa , Anti-infective agents -- South Africa , Antibiotics
- Description: Bacterial resistance to antibiotics has been a great problem for many years. The degree of resistance and the speed with which resistance develops varies with different organisms and different drugs. Enzymes called β-lactamases are produced by bacteria and are one mechanism in which bacteria develop antimicrobial resistance. Gram-negative bacteria producing enzymes called ESBLs because of their wide substrate range are of a particular concern in nosocomial infections. In many countries people still use traditional medicine derived from plants as an alternative to the Western medicine due to increased cost of Western medicine and microbial resistance of antibiotic treatments. Biologically active compounds isolated from plants species are used in herbal medicine. Because of the high prevalence of the ESBLs and their increasing resistance to the antibiotics, this research study was done to test the antimicrobial activities of selected medicinal plants of the Eastern Cape; G. incanum, D. angustifolia and E. autumnalis which were traditionally used to treat various infections. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of three different extracts (acetone, methanol & distilled water) and the traditional preparations of the three plants were tested against the selected strains of ESBL-producing bacteria, non β-lactamase producers and the different fungal species. The extracts were screened against 26 Gram-positive bacterial strains, 53 Gram-negative bacterial strains and 15 fungal strains. The Gram-positive bacteria included strains from S. aureus, B. cereus and E. faecalis. The Gram-negative bacteria included strains from E. ii coli, E. cloacae, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp. The fungal strains included 9 strains of Candida albicans and a single strain of each of the following opportunistic fungi, Mucor sp, Geotrichium sp, Penicillium sp, Fusarium sp and Rhizopus sp. The agar dilution assay was used for the antimicrobial screening of the plants extracts and for the determination of the MICs. The Ames test was performed for the determination of probable carcinogenicity of the extracts of G. incanum and D. angustifolia. The distilled water extracts followed by acetone extracts of the plants revealed the highest antimicrobial activity against the different microbial strains. The extracts of G. incanum followed by the extracts of D. angustifolia inhibited the highest number of microbial strains. The extracts of E. autumnalis did not show any antimicrobial activity against all the pathogens in this study. More of the Gram-positive bacteria were inhibited by the plant extracts. The lowest MIC was obtained with Gram-positive bacteria. The bacterial strains of E. faecalis and P. aeruginosa were not inhibited by any of the plants extracts in the agar dilution assay yet Acinetobacter species which are MDR were inhibited by the distilled water and methanol extracts of G. incanum. A single strain of Mucor sp was the only spore forming fungi that was inhibited by the distilled water extracts of G. incanum. None of the plants extracts showed any mutagenic effects on the TA100 S. typhimurium strains incorporated on the Ames test. Apart from revealing of new antimicrobial agents that may be used against resistant organisms, the proper use of antimicrobial agents should be recommended. The study has highlighted a need for further investigations on the properties of the medicinal plants used in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Mohlakoana, Keneuoe
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Materia medica, Vegetable -- South Africa , Drug resistance in microorganisms -- South Africa , Anti-infective agents -- South Africa , Antibiotics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10120 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1199 , Materia medica, Vegetable -- South Africa , Drug resistance in microorganisms -- South Africa , Anti-infective agents -- South Africa , Antibiotics
- Description: Bacterial resistance to antibiotics has been a great problem for many years. The degree of resistance and the speed with which resistance develops varies with different organisms and different drugs. Enzymes called β-lactamases are produced by bacteria and are one mechanism in which bacteria develop antimicrobial resistance. Gram-negative bacteria producing enzymes called ESBLs because of their wide substrate range are of a particular concern in nosocomial infections. In many countries people still use traditional medicine derived from plants as an alternative to the Western medicine due to increased cost of Western medicine and microbial resistance of antibiotic treatments. Biologically active compounds isolated from plants species are used in herbal medicine. Because of the high prevalence of the ESBLs and their increasing resistance to the antibiotics, this research study was done to test the antimicrobial activities of selected medicinal plants of the Eastern Cape; G. incanum, D. angustifolia and E. autumnalis which were traditionally used to treat various infections. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of three different extracts (acetone, methanol & distilled water) and the traditional preparations of the three plants were tested against the selected strains of ESBL-producing bacteria, non β-lactamase producers and the different fungal species. The extracts were screened against 26 Gram-positive bacterial strains, 53 Gram-negative bacterial strains and 15 fungal strains. The Gram-positive bacteria included strains from S. aureus, B. cereus and E. faecalis. The Gram-negative bacteria included strains from E. ii coli, E. cloacae, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp. The fungal strains included 9 strains of Candida albicans and a single strain of each of the following opportunistic fungi, Mucor sp, Geotrichium sp, Penicillium sp, Fusarium sp and Rhizopus sp. The agar dilution assay was used for the antimicrobial screening of the plants extracts and for the determination of the MICs. The Ames test was performed for the determination of probable carcinogenicity of the extracts of G. incanum and D. angustifolia. The distilled water extracts followed by acetone extracts of the plants revealed the highest antimicrobial activity against the different microbial strains. The extracts of G. incanum followed by the extracts of D. angustifolia inhibited the highest number of microbial strains. The extracts of E. autumnalis did not show any antimicrobial activity against all the pathogens in this study. More of the Gram-positive bacteria were inhibited by the plant extracts. The lowest MIC was obtained with Gram-positive bacteria. The bacterial strains of E. faecalis and P. aeruginosa were not inhibited by any of the plants extracts in the agar dilution assay yet Acinetobacter species which are MDR were inhibited by the distilled water and methanol extracts of G. incanum. A single strain of Mucor sp was the only spore forming fungi that was inhibited by the distilled water extracts of G. incanum. None of the plants extracts showed any mutagenic effects on the TA100 S. typhimurium strains incorporated on the Ames test. Apart from revealing of new antimicrobial agents that may be used against resistant organisms, the proper use of antimicrobial agents should be recommended. The study has highlighted a need for further investigations on the properties of the medicinal plants used in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010