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Browsing by Author "Budambula, Nancy"

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Agro-Morphological Characterization of Kenyan Slender Leaf (Crotalaria brevidens and C. ochroleuca) Accessions
(Hindawi, 2020-04) Mwakha, Fridah A.; Gichimu, Bernard M.; Neondo, ohnstone O.; Kamau, Peter K.; Odari, Eddy O.; Muli, Joshua K.; Budambula, Nancy
Slender leaf (Crotalaria spp) is among the indigenous and underutilized vegetables in Kenya whose production is limited to the Western and Coastal regions of the country. For a long time, this crop has been neglected in terms of research and genetic improvement. *ere is therefore scanty information on its morphological diversity and agronomic performance, hence the need for this study. Field experiments were carried out for two seasons in October to December 2018 and March to May 2019. *e experiments were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with 29 accessions and replicated three times. Both qualitative and quantitative data were recorded from the accessions based on the Crotalaria descriptors. Quantitative data were subjected to analysis of variance using XLSTAT Version 2019, and accession means were separated using Student’s Newman Keuls test at 95% level of conﬁdence. Both qualitative and quantitative data were subjected to multivariate cluster analysis, and a dendrogram was constructed using the unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic average. *e principal component analysis was conducted to obtain information on the importance of the characters. Signiﬁcant variation in agro-morphological traits was found within and between the two species. Cluster analysis grouped the accessions into seven major classes with a between-classes diversity of 75.13% and a within-classes diversity of 24.87%. *is study sets the basis for genetic improvement of slender leaf in Kenya since the observed diversity can be exploited in selection for intraspeciﬁc and interspeciﬁc hybridization.
Antibiotic resistance of bacteria isolated from Nairobi River
(2006) Budambula, Nancy; Mwachiro, E.C.; Gitonga, N.M.
This study aimed to evaluate the antibiotic resistance of bacteria isolated from six sites along the pollution gradient of Nairobi River. Bacteria were isolated by standard methods and grouped into 3 categories; enteric Gram negative bacteria, non enteric Gram negative bacteria and Gram positive bacteria. They were identified using standard biochemical techniques and API Kits. The bacteria were tested against 16 antibiotics using the disc agar diffusion technique. The highest incidence of antibiotic resistance was recorded with nystatin (80.0%), followed by trimethoprim (63.3%) and cephalothin (55.8%). The enteric Gram negative bacteria recorded the highest incidence of antibiotic resistance while Gram positive bacteria showed the least antibiotic resistance. Pollution by animal and human waste contributes to the bacterial load of aquatic ecosystems. Pollution enhances the incidence of antibiotic resistance, which is of medical concern.
Antimicrobial activity of Warbugia ugandensis against gramnegative multi‐drug resistant bacteria
(Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, 2014) Budambula, Nancy; Kiiru, J.; Njire, M.M.
The rise in antibiotic resistance has resulted in decreasing numbers of effective antimicrobial agents available to treat infections caused by multi‐drug resistant (MDR) bacteria. This has necessitated a search for new antimicrobial agents. Herbal remedies may offer alternative treatment options especially because they elicit little or no transferable resistance if used in optimal concentrations. This study evaluated the antimicrobial properties of W. ugandensis against eight multi drug resistant (MDR) Gram‐negative bacterial isolates. The herbal extracts were obtained using methanol as an organic solvent and water as an inorganic solvent. Determination of the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) and the sub‐lethal concentrations of the effective extracts was done using broth inoculation method followed by colony count. The test isolates were habituated in sub‐lethal extract concentrations (SLC) for 72 h to investigate effect on their sensitivity to conventional antibiotics. Methanol extracts from the root and stem‐bark of W. ugandensis were active against the test strains and their inhibitory effect was significantly different (p<0.05) from that of other extracts. We determined that the extracts had an inhibitory rather than a lytic (cidal) mode of action. The extracts from this plant had an effective MIC of 42 μg/ml and exhibited an inhibitory mode of action and did not elicit resistance to conventional antibiotics. Methanol extracts from the root and bark of this plant may provide potential sources for further development of alternative antimicrobial agents for the treatment of MDR infections.
Assessment of Risk Predisposition to Human Papilloma Virus through Cervical Infections Screening of Women Attending an Outpatient Health Facility In Nairobi, Kenya
(IISTE, 2014) Omire, Agnes; Budambula, Nancy; Ochieng, Washingtone; Baliach, Caroline; Kerosi, Danvas; Langat, Hillary; Okemwa, Minda; Kirumbi, Leah; Aman, Rashid; Ogutu, Bernhardts; Lwembe, Raphael
There is limited data on comparative disposition to cervical cancer among HPV infected women in Kenya. We aimed to determine the distribution of HPV infection, cervical abnormalities and infections commonly reported on cervical pap smears among both HIV positive and HIV negative women attending a reproductive health clinic at the largest national hospital in Kenya. A total of 187 women aged 18 to 50 years attending the reproductive clinic at Kenyatta National Referral Hospital in Nairobi were recruited into the study. All consenting subjects were screened for HIV by serology and their cervical smears taken and immediately fixed on slides for Papanicolaou (Pap) staining. A second endocervical swab was collected in the same sitting for HPV DNA extraction and PCR amplification of the HPV LI region. Of the 187 women studied, 27 (14.4 %) were positive for HIV and 90 (48.1%) had one or more infection associated with bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, cervicitis or inflammation of the cervix of unknown cause. Eight (4.3%) women had abnormal cervix, 3/8 being of high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), 1/8 of low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), 1/8 had adenocarcinoma while the remaining 3 had atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US). The remaining 89/187 (47.6%) women had normal smears with no infection. Of the 89 women with normal smears, 82 (92.1%) were HIV negative. A total of 66 (35.3%) women were positive for HPV L1 DNA by PCR and included 30 of the 89 women with normal cytology. Of the 27 HIV positive women, 14 (51.9%) were also positive for HPV LI DNA. 52 of the 160 (32.5%) HIV negative women were positive for HPV L1 DNA. We report more cases of cervical intraepithelial lesions among HIV positive than HIV negative women. Similarly, the other infections commonly found on Pap smear tests were higher among HIV negative than HIV positive women. HPV prevalence among these clinic-attending women was higher in those with normal cytology, indicating an increased underlying risk of cervical cancer in a setting where routine diagnostic screening is limited or non-existent.
Assessment of Risk Predisposition to Human Papilloma Virus through Cervical Infections Screening of Women Attending an Outpatient Health Facility In Nairobi, Kenya
(2014) Omire, Agnes; Budambula, Nancy; Ochieng, Washingtone; Baliach, Caroline; Kerosi, Danvas; Langat, Hillary; Okemwa, Minda; Kirumbi, Leah; Aman, Rashid; Ogutu, Bernhardts; Lwembe, Raphael
There is limited data on comparative disposition to cervical cancer among HPV infected women in Kenya. We aimed to determine the distribution of HPV infection, cervical abnormalities and infections commonly reported on cervical pap smears among both HIV positive and HIV negative women attending a reproductive health clinic at the largest national hospital in Kenya. A total of 187 women aged 18 to 50 years attending the reproductive clinic at Kenyatta National Referral Hospital in Nairobi were recruited into the study. All consenting subjects were screened for HIV by serology and their cervical smears taken and immediately fixed on slides for Papanicolaou (Pap) staining. A second endocervical swab was collected in the same sitting for HPV DNA extraction and PCR amplification of the HPV LI region. Of the 187 women studied, 27 (14.4 %) were positive for HIV and 90 (48.1%) had one or more infection associated with bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, cervicitis or inflammation of the cervix of unknown cause. Eight (4.3%) women had abnormal cervix, 3/8 being of high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), 1/8 of low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), 1/8 had adenocarcinoma while the remaining 3 had atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US). The remaining 89/187 (47.6%) women had normal smears with no infection. Of the 89 women with normal smears, 82 (92.1%) were HIV negative. A total of 66 (35.3%) women were positive for HPV L1 DNA by PCR and included 30 of the 89 women with normal cytology. Of the 27 HIV positive women, 14 (51.9%) were also positive for HPV LI DNA. 52 of the 160 (32.5%) HIV negative women were positive for HPV L1 DNA. We report more cases of cervical intraepithelial lesions among HIV positive than HIV negative women. Similarly, the other infections commonly found on Pap smear tests were higher among HIV negative than HIV positive women. HPV prevalence among these clinic-attending women was higher in those with normal cytology, indicating an increased underlying risk of cervical cancer in a setting where routine diagnostic screening is limited or non-existent.
Cervical Dysplasia, Infection, and Phylogeny of Human Papillomavirus in HIV-Infected and HIV-Uninfected Women at a Reproductive Health Clinic in Nairobi, Kenya
(Hindawi, 2020-06) Omire, Agnes; Budambula, Nancy; Kirumbi, Leah; Langat, Hillary; Kerosi, Danvas; Ochieng, Washingtone; Lwembe, Raphael
High risk human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections ultimately cause cervical cancer. Human Immunodeﬁ ciency Virus (HIV) infected women often present with multiple high-risk HPV infections and are thus at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. However, information on the circulating high-risk HPV genotypes in Kenya in both HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women is still scanty. This study is aimed at determining the phylogeny and the HPV genotypes in women with respect to their HIV status and at correlating this with cytology results. This study was carried out among women attending the Reproductive Health Clinic at Kenyatta National Hospital, a referral hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. A cross-sectional study recruited a total of 217 women aged 18 to 50 years. Paired blood and cervical samples were obtained from consenting participants. Blood was used for serological HIV screening while cervical smears were used for cytology followed by HPV DNA extraction, HPV DNA PCR ampliﬁ cation, and phylogenetic analysis. Out of 217 participants, 29 (13.4%) were HIV seropositive, while 68 (31.3%) were positive for HPV DNA. Eight (3.7%) of the participants had abnormal cervical cytology. High-risk HPV 16 was the most prevalent followed by HPV 81, 73, 35, and 52. One participant had cervical cancer, was HIV infected, and had multiple highrisk infections with HPV 26, 35, and 58. HPV 16, 6, and 81 had two variants each. HPV 16 in this study clustered with HPV from Iran and Africa. This study shows the circulation of other HPV 35, 52, 73, 81, 31, 51, 45, 58, and 26 in the Kenyan population that play important roles in cancer etiology but are not included in the HPV vaccine. Data from this study could inform vaccination strategies. Additionally, this data will be useful in future epidemiological studies of HPV in Nairobi as the introduction or development of new variants can be detected.
Characterization of antibiotic resistance in environmental enteric pathogens from Kibera slum in Nairobi-Kenya
(2012-08) Budambula, Nancy; Christabel, Muhonja; Kiiru, John; Kariuki, Samuel
Kibera slum is characterized by poor sanitation hence the frequent outbreaks of diarrheal diseases. Emergence of antibiotic resistance by diarrhoea-causing bacteria is an inevitable challenge in the area. Diarrhea-causing bacteria were isolated from water, soil, vegetables, meat and dry foods samples and their antibiotic susceptibility was characterized. 237 samples were aseptically collected and analyzed. Morphological and biochemical characterization was done using Bergey’s manual of determinative bacteriology as a reference. 174 Escherichia coli, 8 Salmonella and 6 Shigella isolates were identified. Drug susceptibility of the isolates was done using disk diffusion method where 9 antibiotics from 5 classes of antibiotics were used. The frequencies of resistant isolates to antibiotics were as follows: ampicillin (56.79%), trimethoprim+ sulphamethoxazole (29.63%), augmentin (27.16%), tetracycline (18.52%), streptomycin (13.57%), chloramphenicol (7.41%), nalidixic acid (4.94%), gentamycin (2.47%) and ciprofloxacin (0%). Polymerase chain reaction was done to amplify the antibiotic determinants tet-A, sul 1 and dfrb1. Gel electrophoresis revealed presence of tet-A gene and sul 1 genes but absence of dfrb1 in 15 isolates that were resistant to tetracycline and SXT. Plasmid extraction and profiling was done and plasmid sizes compared to plasmids of E. coli V517 and 39R861. Large and small plasmids were present in the isolates with tet-A and sul 1 genes. Plasmid of 63 bp was present in all isolates. Conjugation experiments confirmed 100% transfer of 63 bp plasmid and 90% complete phenotype in all cases. This study showed presence of contamination of the area by antibiotic resistant diarrhea-causing pathogens, hence proper hygiene procedures and adherence to correct drug prescriptions need to be reinforced.
Characterization of antibiotic resistance in environmental enteric pathogens from Kibera slum in Nairobi-Kenya
(Academic Journals, 2012-10) Muhonja, Christabel; Budambula, Nancy; Kiiru, John; Kariuki, Samuel
Kibera slum is characterized by poor sanitation hence the frequent outbreaks of diarrheal diseases. Emergence of antibiotic resistance by diarrhoea-causing bacteria is an inevitable challenge in the area. Diarrhea-causing bacteria were isolated from water, soil, vegetables, meat and dry foods samples and their antibiotic susceptibility was characterized. 237 samples were aseptically collected and analyzed. Morphological and biochemical characterization was done using Bergey’s manual of determinative bacteriology as a reference. 174 Escherichia coli, 8 Salmonella and 6 Shigella isolates were identified. Drug susceptibility of the isolates was done using disk diffusion method where 9 antibiotics from 5 classes of antibiotics were used. The frequencies of resistant isolates to antibiotics were as follows: ampicillin (56.79%), trimethoprim+ sulphamethoxazole (29.63%), augmentin (27.16%), tetracycline (18.52%), streptomycin (13.57%), chloramphenicol (7.41%), nalidixic acid (4.94%), gentamycin (2.47%) and ciprofloxacin (0%). Polymerase chain reaction was done to amplify the antibiotic determinants tet-A, sul 1 and dfrb1. Gel electrophoresis revealed presence of tet-A gene and sul 1 genes but absence of dfrb1 in 15 isolates that were resistant to tetracycline and SXT. Plasmid extraction and profiling was done and plasmid sizes compared to plasmids of E. coli V517 and 39R861. Large and small plasmids were present in the isolates with tet-A and sul 1 genes. Plasmid of 63 bp was present in all isolates. Conjugation experiments confirmed 100% transfer of 63 bp plasmid and 90% complete phenotype in all cases. This study showed presence of contamination of the area by antibiotic resistant diarrhea-causing pathogens, hence proper hygiene procedures and adherence to correct drug prescriptions need to be reinforced.
Chemical Properties Associated with Guts, Soil and Nest Materials of Odontotermes and Macrotermes Species from Kenya
(Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, 2010) Budambula, Nancy; Makonde, H. M.; Muwawa, E. M.; Osiemo, Z. L.; Boga, H. I.
Changes in carbon and nitrogen cycles in tropical soils affect soil functioning and ecosystem activity. Termites play important roles in carbon and nitrogen cycles, thus determination of levels of such compounds is essential. This study was aimed at determining the levels of various forms of nitrogen, carbon and pH in the guts, soil and nest materials associated with Odontotermes and Macrotermes termite species. Macro- and micro-elements such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, iron and copper were also evaluated. The standard soil analyses and concentrations of various forms of nitrogen, carbon and pH in the samples were performed using calometric and Bremmer’s methods. Results showed the texture grade of the soils ranged between sandy clay loamy to loamy sand across the samples. The clay content for most mounds was comparably higher than in the surrounding soil. Most of the concentrations of ammonia, nitrate and total organic carbon between the termites and within the gut sections were significantly different (p < 0.05). This was observed between and within the termite mounds. Levels of ammonia (3.00 – 6.00 ppm) and nitrate (6.00 - 11.50 ppm) were highest in the hindguts of all termites analyzed than the respective foreguts and midguts sections. Notably, levels of ammonia (6.00 – 14.50 ppm), nitrate (16.00 – 83.00 ppm) and organic carbon (31.00 – 37.00 %) were highest in the fungus comb samples. Likewise, levels of all macro- and micro-elements investigated were highest in the fungus combs. anganese had the highest concentration (20.28 ppms) while copper had the least concentration (0.11ppms).
Chemical properties associated with guts, soil and nest materials of Odontotermes and Macrotermes species from Kenya
(2010) Muwawa, E.M; Makonde, H.M; Budambula, Nancy; Osiemo, Z.L.
Changes in carbon and nitrogen cycles in tropical soils affect soil functioning and ecosystem activity. Termites play important roles in carbon and nitrogen cycles, thus determination of levels of such compounds is essential. This study was aimed at determining the levels of various forms of nitrogen, carbon and pH in the guts, soil and nest materials associated with Odontotermes and Macrotermes termite species. Macro- and micro-elements such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, iron and copper were also evaluated. The standard soil analyses and concentrations of various forms of nitrogen, carbon and pH in the samples were performed using calometric and Bremmer’s methods. Results showed the texture grade of the soils ranged between sandy clay loamy to loamy sand across the samples. The clay content for most mounds was comparably higher than in the surrounding soil. Most of the concentrations of ammonia, nitrate and total organic carbon between the termites and within the gut sections were significantly different (p < 0.05). This was observed between and within the termite mounds. Levels of ammonia (3.00 – 6.00 ppm) and nitrate (6.00 - 11.50 ppm) were highest in the hindguts of all termites analyzed than the respective foreguts and midguts sections. Notably, levels of ammonia (6.00 – 14.50 ppm), nitrate (16.00 – 83.00 ppm) and organic carbon (31.00 – 37.00 %) were highest in the fungus comb samples. Likewise, levels of all macro- and micro-elements investigated were highest in the fungus combs. Manganese had the highest concentration (20.28 ppms) while copper had the least concentration (0.11ppms).
Cultural Characterization of Fungi Isolated From Oil Contaminated Soils
(IISTE, 2015) Catherine, Catherine; Budambula, Nancy; Okoth, Sheila; Kagali, Robert; Matiru, Viviene
Application of Fungi for effective removal of hydrocarbon contamination from soil is being considered as the better option when it comes to biodegradation. Other method like physical and chemical bioremediation leads to production of toxic compounds and these methods are not cost effective. In the present study, soil samples from four different oil contaminated soils were assessed for any recovery of fungi present. Cultural characterization was used as preliminary identification using keys. Initial isolation from the oil contaminated soil was done using potato dextrose agar. Colonies were observed and characterized morphologically. The isolates were grown at varied temperatures and pH. Eight fungal isolates were recovered from polluted soils namely, Trichoderma viride, Trichoderma spirale, Neosartorya pseudofischeri, Neosartorya aureola, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus terreus, Penicillium griseofulvum and Trichoderma longibrachiatum. The optimum growth temperature range for the eight fungi was 30oC and 40oC. There was no growth at 50oC for all isolates except some slight growth by Aspergillus flavus. Optimum growth at pH 7 and pH 9 and poor growth at pH 5 was noted. This study will contribute to the database on locally available fungal diversity and their ecology.
Detection and Profiling of AntibioticResistance among Culturable Bacterial Isolates in Vended Food and Soil Samples
(Hindawi, 2020-08) Muriuki, Susan W.; Neondo, Johnstone O.; Budambula, Nancy
+e emergence and persistence of antibiotic resistance remain formidable health challenges. +is study aimed at detecting and profiling antibiotic resistance of bacterial contaminants in vended food and the environment. Seventy antibiotic-resistant bacterial isolates were isolated from fried fish, African sausages, roasted meat, smokies, samosa, chips (potato fries), vegetable salads, and soil samples collected from Embu Town and Kangaru Market in Embu County, Kenya. +e antibiotic susceptibility test, morphological and biochemical characterization, antibiosis assay, polymerase chain reaction-based detection of antibiotic resistance genes, and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene were done. Analysis of variance on all measured data was done, and Tukey’s honest test was used to compare and separate mean diameters of zones inhibition. Resistance of bacterial isolates to antibiotics was chloramphenicol (90%), cefotaxime (84.29%), nalidixic acid (81.43%), tetracycline (77.14%), amoxicillin (72.86%), gentamycin (48.57%), streptomycin (32.86%), and trimethoprim + sulphamethoxazole (30%). Isolate KMP337, Salmonella spp., exhibited highly significant antibiosis against S. aureus recording a mean inhibition diameter and standard error (SE) of 16.33 ± 0.88 mm, respectively, at P � 0.001. +e 70 bacterial isolates belonged to Bacillus, Paraclostridium, Lysinibacillus, Virgibacillus, and Serratia genera. +e study isolated Bacillus wiedmannii (KC75) which is a risk group 2 as well as Serratia marcescens (KMP95) and Bacillus anthracis (KS606) which are risk group 3 organisms. +e presence of antibiotic resistance genes Tet A, BlaTEM, StrB, Dfr A, Amp, and FloR genes was confirmed by a polymerase chain reaction. Samples from Kangaru Market recorded a higher (88.57%) proportion of resistant isolates as compared to isolates from Embu Town (11.43%). +e study confirmed the presence of antibioticresistant bacteria in vended fast food and the soil in Embu Town and Kangaru Market. +is study calls for continuous monitoring of bacterial status and hygienic handling of vended food.
Drought Response in Selected Tropical Inbred Maize Lines and Relative Expression of PARP2 Gene under Limited Water Conditions
(Science Publishing Group, 2018-04) Muli, Joshua K.; Budambula, Nancy; Mweu, Cecilia; Anami, Sylvester E.
Drought is the leading single factor that limits maize production thus inhibiting the crops genetic potential. In response to drought, maize and other plants synthesize Poly ADP-Ribose (PAR) protein. This process is controlled by the Poly ADP-Ribose Polymerase (PARP) genes and consumes cellular energy, leading to plant death. This study evaluated four tropical inbred maize (Zea mays L.) lines; CML 216, CML 144, A04 and E04 for their response to growth limiting water stress and their relative expression of PARP2 gene under drought and non-drought conditions. The leaf lengths and growth rates of the fourth leaf were monitored for 21days post emergence while fresh and dry weights of drought stressed and non-stressed seedlings were recorded a month after emergence of the fourth leaf. The relative expression of PARP2 gene was determined using rtPCR after isolating RNA from drought stressed and non-stressed maize seedlings. There was no significant difference in the mature lengths of the fourth leaf in the four genotypes when the maize seedlings were not subjected to drought and when subjected to severe drought stress. However, subjecting maize seedlings to mild drought resulted in a significant difference in the mature leaf lengths based on the different genotypes (P= 0.0066). The growth rate of maize seedlings based on the fourth leaf was observed to be affected by drought, with a higher mean growth rate (1.74 cm day-1) registered in seedlings which were not subjected to drought and those subjected to moderate drought (1.78 cm day-1). A slower growth rate (1.37 cm day-1) was observed in seedlings subjected to severe drought stress. Fresh and dry weights of maize seedlings were also observed to be significantly different based on the level of drought exerted (P = < 0.0001) and the genotype (P = < 0.0001). The expression of PARP2 gene was found to be directly proporti
Effectiveness of antituberculosis treatment among patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy at Vihiga District Hospital in 2007
(2010) Budambula, Nancy; Kwange, S.O.
In Kenya there is need for proper co-ordination of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and tuberculosis (TB) treatment as most (60%) of the TB patients are also human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive. This study aims to determine the difference in response to TB treatment among HIVnegative TB patients and HIV-positive TB patients receiving delayed highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) at Vihiga District Hospital.
Effectiveness of antituberculosis treatment among patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy at Vihiga District Hospital in 2007
(2010) Budambula, Nancy; Kwange, S.O.
PURPOSE: In Kenya there is need for proper co-ordination of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and tuberculosis (TB) treatment as most (60%) of the TB patients are also human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive. This study aims to determine the difference in response to TB treatment among HIVnegative TB patients and HIV-positive TB patients receiving delayed highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) at Vihiga District Hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 116 patients were diagnosed using direct smears from sputum prepared and stained using the Ziehl-Neelsen procedure. The patients were offered HIV testing and counselling, and then categorized into category A (PTB with HIV n=50) and category B (PTB without HIV coinfection n=66). They were put on the same TB chemotherapy of a short course comprising of: Two months of Rifampicin-R, Isoniazid-H, Pyrazinamide-Z and plain Ethambutal-E, followed by six months of Ethambutal and Isoniazid. The main outcome measured was the sputum conversion rate from positive sputum to negative sputum. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test the null hypothesis. RESULTS: Fifty patients (43%) were found to be HIV positive and were put on HAART. The other 66 patients (57%) were HIV negative. The sputum conversion rate for HIV positive TB patients after two months and five months was 88 and 94%, respectively. The sputum conversion rate for HIV negative TB patients at two months and after five months was 92 and 97%, respectively. However, there was no significant difference in the bacteriological outcome responses to TB chemotherapy between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The high sputum conversion rates in the two groups indicated good control and management of TB. Findings in this study indicated that delayed use of HAART during TB treatment leads to better outcome in TB treatment. The study recommends more concerted efforts to provide TB treatment to HIV positive TB patients in Kenya
Evaluation of prokaryotic diversity of five hot springs in Eritrea
(BioMed Central, 2017-09) Ghilamicael, Amanuel M.; Budambula, Nancy; Anami, Sylvester E.; Mehari, Tadesse; Boga, Hamadi I.
Background: Total community rDNA was used to determine the diversity of bacteria and archaea from water, wet sediment and microbial mats samples of hot springs in the Eastern lowlands of Eritrea. The temperatures of the springs range from 49.5 °C to 100 °C while pH levels varied from 6.97 to 7.54. Akwar and Maiwooi have high carbonate levels. The springs near the seashore, Garbanabra and Gelti, are more saline with higher levels of sodium and chlorides. Elegedi, situated in the Alid volcanic area, has the highest temperature, iron and sulfate concentrations. Results: The five hot springs shared 901 of 4371 OTUs recovered while the three sample types (water, wet sediment and microbial mats) also shared 1429 OTUs. The Chao1 OTU estimate in water sample was significantly higher than the wet sediment and microbial mat samples. As indicated by NMDS, the community samples at genus level showed location specific clustering. Certain genera correlated with temperature, sodium, carbonate, iron, sulfate and ammonium levels in water. The abundant phyla included Proteobacteria (6.2–82.3%), Firmicutes (1.6–63.5%), Deinococcus-Thermus (0.0–19.2%), Planctomycetes (0.0–11.8%), Aquificae (0.0–9.9%), Chlorobi (0.0–22.3%) and Bacteroidetes (2.7–8.4%). Conclusion: There were significant differences in microbial community structure within the five locations and sample types at OTU level. The occurence of Aquificae, Deinococcus-Thermus, some Cyanobacteria and Crenarchaeota were highly dependent on temperature. The Halobacterium, unclassified Thaumarchaeota, Actinobacteria and Cyanobacteria showed significant correlation with salinity occurring abundantly in Garbanabra and Gelti. Firmicutes and unclassified Rhodocylaceae were higher in the microbial mat samples, while Archaea were prominent in the wet sediment samples.
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Doum Palm (Hyphaene compressa) Using Genotyping by Sequencing
(Frontiers, 2022-02) Omire, Agnes; Neondo, Johnstone; Budambula, Nancy; Wangai, Laura; Ogada, Stephen; Mweu, Cecilia
Doum palm (Hyphaene compressa) is a perennial economic plant primarily growing in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs). It is heavily relied upon for food, animal feed, construction materials and medicine, making it an ideal plant for resource sustainability. However, the limited information on its genetic resources has hindered its breeding and conservation studies. This study used the genotyping by sequencing approach to identify Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms. These SNPs were further used to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of 96 H. compressa accessions from Coastal, Northern and Eastern ASAL regions of Kenya using two approaches; reference-based and de novobased assemblies. STRUCTURE analysis grouped the sampled accessions into two genetic clusters (Cluster 1 and Cluster 2). Cluster 1 included accessions from the Northern region, whereas Cluster 2 included all accessions from Eastern and Coastal regions. Accessions from Kwale (Coastal) had mixed ancestry from both Cluster 1 and Cluster 2. These STRUCTURE ﬁndings were further supported by principal components analysis, discriminant analysis of principal components and phylogenetic analysis. Analysis of molecular variance indicated greater genetic variation within populations (92.7%) than among populations (7.3%). An overall FST of 0.074 was observed, signifying moderate genetic differentiation among populations. The results of this study will provide information useful in breeding, marker-assisted selection and conservation management of H. compressa.
Genetic diversity and use of African indigenous vegetables especially slender leaf
(Taylor and Francis, 2020-10) Muli, Joshua K.; Neondo, Johnstone O.; Kamau, Peter K.; Budambula, Nancy
African indigenous (AIVs), and traditional, vegetables play a role in food security. This review examines distribution, use, diversity, and techniques used to study AIVs with special interest on Crotalaria species. Google scholar, PubMed, and the open web were searched for published articles between 1990 and 2020. The AIVs are distributed in almost all African countries but are mostly consumed in East and West Africa. The distribution and genetic diversity of some common AIVs has been documented. There is a need to create awareness on the use and conservation of AIVs because of their role in food security and livelihoods.
Genetic Improvement of African Maize towards Drought Tolerance: A Review
(IISTE, 2016) Budambula, Nancy; Muli, Jushua K.; Mweu, Cecilia; Imbo, Mary C.; Anami, Sylvester E.
Africa supports a population of over 1 billion people with over half of them depending on maize for food and feed either directly or indirectly. Maize in Africa is affected by many stresses, both biotic and abiotic which significantly reduce yields and eventually lead to poor production. Due to the high demand for maize in the region, different improvement strategies have been employed in an effort to improve production. These include conventional breeding, molecular breeding, high throughput phenotyping techniques and remote sensing-based techniques. Conventional breeding techniques such as open pollination have been used to develop drought avoiding maize varieties like the Kito open pollinated variety (OPV) of Tanzania and Guto OPV of Ethiopia. A combination of conventional breeding and molecular biology techniques has led to improved breeding strategies like the Marker Assisted Back Crossing (MABC) and Marker Assisted Recurrent Selection (MARS). These techniques have been used to improve drought tolerance in existing inbred maize lines like the CML 247 and CML 176. Through genetic engineering, different genes including C4-PEPC, NPK1, betA, ZmNF-YB2, cspB, ZmPLC1 and TsVP have been cloned in maize. Transgenic maize crops expressing these genes have shown increased tolerance to drought stress. Although there is substantial progress towards developing drought tolerant maize, many African farmers are yet to benefit from this technology. This is due to lack of an enabling policy framework as well as a limited financial investment in biotechnology research.
Genetic Transformation of Sweet Potato for Improved Tolerance to Stress: A Review
(2016-10) Imbo, Mary C.; Budambula, Nancy; Mweu, Cecilia M.; Muli, Joshua K.; Anami, Sylvester E.
The sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas Lam) is a major staple food in many parts of the world. Sweet potato leaves and tubers are consumed as food and livestock feed. Biotic and abiotic stresses affect yield leading to a reduction in production. This review analyzes factors limiting sweet potato production and the progress made towards stress tolerance using genetic transformation. Genetic transformation could enhance yield, nutritional value and tolerance to stress. Transgenic sweet potatoes tolerant to biotic and abiotic stress, improved nutritional value and higher yields have been developed. Sweet potato expressing the endotoxin cry8Db, cry7A1 and cry3Ca genes showed lower sweet potato weevil infestation than non-transformed lines. Transgenic cultivar ‘Xushu18’ expressing the oryzacystatin-1 (OC1) gene showed enhanced resistance to sweet potato stem nematodes. Sweet potato line ‘Chikei 682-11’ expressing the coat protein (CP) exhibited resistance to the sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV). Transgenics expressing the rice cysteine inhibitor gene oryzacystatin-1 (OC1) also exhibited resistance to the SPFMV. Transgenic cultivar ‘Kokei’ expressing the spermidine synthetase gene FSPD1 had higher levels of spermine in the leaves and roots, and displayed enhanced tolerance to drought and salt stress. ‘Shangshu’ variety expressing the IbMas has shown enhanced tolerance to salt stress. Transgenic ‘Lixixiang’ expressing IbMIPSI showed an up-regulation of metabolites involved in stress response to drought, salinity and nematode infestation. Transgenic ‘Yulmi’ sweet potato transformed with copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) gene showed an enhanced tolerance to methyl viologen induced oxidative and chilling stress. Similarly, transformation of cultivar ‘Sushu-2’ with betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH) gene resulted in transgenics tolerant to salt, chilling and oxidative stress. Sweet potato varieties ‘Kokei14’ and ‘Yulmi’ transformed with the bar gene were shown to be tolerant to application of the herbicide Basta. The development of stress tolerant varieties will immensely increase the area under sweet potato production and eventually promote the adoption of sweet potato as a commercial crop. Sweet potato research and breeding for stress tolerance still faces technical and socio-political hurdles. Despite these challenges, genetic transformation remains a viable method with immense potential for the improvement of sweet potato.

Browsing by Author "Budambula, Nancy"

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