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A Survey of Potential Bacterial Hazards in Salad Vegetables Sold in Lusaka District, Zambia, in 2018

2023-01-09T13:30:15Z

Title: A Survey of Potential Bacterial Hazards in Salad Vegetables Sold in Lusaka District, Zambia, in 2018 Authors: Pule, Chileshe; Ndashe, Kunda; Mfune, Ruth; Chilumunda, Abigail; Mwanza, Grace; Mumba, Bernadette; Silavwe, Lillian Mutesu; Hang’ombe, Bernard Mudenda Abstract: Salad vegetables are a source of fresh nutrition and can also serve a vehicle for foodborne pathogens. This was a cross sectional study conducted in February and March 2018 aimed at isolating some enteropathogens from some salad vegetables. Ten samples of each salad vegetable (carrots, cabbage, cucumbers and tomatoes) were collected from two supermarkets and two open-markets. A total of 160 samples were collected and analysed microbiologically for presence of Shigella spp, Vibrio spp and Salmonella spp. The isolated bacteria were identified by conventional biochemical tests.Vibrio spp were isolated from all the vegetables that were collected from both the two open markets (62.5% and 72.5%) and two supermarkets (67.5% and 77.5%), with the highest isolation rate recorded in cabbages. The frequency of occurrence of Shigella spp and Salmonella spp was higher in supermarkets (50% and 65%; 50% and 15%) than in the open markets (10% and 7.5%; 10% and 35%), respectively. The present study revealed the presence of potential bacterial hazards in salad vegetables sold in both open markets and supermarkets in Lusaka district. The isolated bacterial pathogens are aetiological agents of diarrheal disease that even at low dose could be infectious for sensitive populations. Description: Study undertaken by Ms. Chileshe Pule as partial fulfilment for Bachelor of Science Environmental Health of Lusaka Apex Medical University (LAMU).

Bacteriological Quality of Beef and Hygiene Practices of Food Handlers in Butcheries in Kasama District, Zambia.

2023-01-09T13:30:47Z

Title: Bacteriological Quality of Beef and Hygiene Practices of Food Handlers in Butcheries in Kasama District, Zambia. Authors: Hanyinza, Sara; Ndashe, Kunda; Mfune, Ruth; Chirwa, Emmanuel; Chilimunda, Abigail; Mwanza, Grace; Phiri, Bruno; Mumba, Bernadette; Mubanga, Maron; Hang’ombe, Bernard Abstract: The most common health risk associated with consumption of beef is microbial contamination, therefore the study was aimed to assess the level of bacterial contamination of beef and evaluate the hygienic practices in butcheries in Kasama district. Beef samples were collected from participating butcheries and a structured questionnaire was also administered to the food handlers. Microbiological quality of the beef samples was determined by Aerobic Plate Count (APC), Faecal Coliform Count (FCC) and bacterial isolation such as Salmonella spp and Staphylococcus a\ureus. The APC results revealed 40.7% of the butcheries sold meat in good bacterial condition (<4 Log10 cfu/g) while 40.7% and 18.5% were critical (4-5 Log10 cfu/g) and non-acceptable conditions (>5 Log10 cfu/g), respectively. The FCC revealed that 74.1% of the butcheries sold meat in good bacterial conditions (<2 Log10 cfu/g), while 14.8% and 11.1% were critical (2-3 Log10 cfu/g) and non-acceptable conditions (>3 Log10 cfu/g), respectively. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from 37% of the butcheries, none of the outlets recorded Salmonella spp. Overall, the microbial quality of most (74.1%) of the market ready beef in Kasama district was acceptable for human consumption. Regular bacteriological monitoring and maintaining hygiene in the sales outlets and distribution chain is mandatory. Description: Study undertaken by Ms. Sara Hanyinza as partial fulfilment for Bachelor of Science Environmental Health of Lusaka Apex Medical University (LAMU).

Biometrics and Healthcare Services in Zambia: Implications for Lusaka and Kalomo Districts.

2023-01-09T13:27:33Z

Title: Biometrics and Healthcare Services in Zambia: Implications for Lusaka and Kalomo Districts. Authors: Hamapa, Arnold M.; Mukuka, Euphrasia; Michelo, Charles; Khondowe, Oswell; Hangulu, Lydia; Zulu, Joseph M. Abstract: With the growing need to integrate technological advancements in all spheres of human endeavours, we discursively interrogate the adoption and adaptation of Biometrics in the Zambian healthcare sector. As our locus, we look to the implications and perspectives of the use of Biometrics at selected healthcare centres in Kalomo and Lusaka districts using a qualitative approach. It is revealed, that in the absence of Biometrics, several implications abound including greater costs for the health provider and the end-user, security concerns as information is lost as well as patient misidentification challenges. When used, paper reveals two interrelated perspective which show that Biometrics have the heuristic potential to store records and make information readily available for both the healthcare provider and the end-user while at the same time occasioning a fast way of service delivery to the general public. Description: It is part of Master of Public Health in Health Promotion and Education programme (MPHHPE) under the supervision of Dr. Joseph Mumba Zulu as primary supervisor and Prof. Charles Michelo as co supervisor.

Case Series Of Local Experience In Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Management In The Department Of Nuclear Medicine And Research In Zambia.

2023-01-09T13:11:57Z

Title: Case Series Of Local Experience In Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Management In The Department Of Nuclear Medicine And Research In Zambia. Authors: Musonda, Aubrey; Mumba, Chibamba; Makupe, Alex; Khondowe, Oswell; Hangulu, Lydia Abstract: Thyroid cancer accounts for about 2% of all malignancies in the world. The incidence has tripled in the USA from 1975 to 2009 and worldwide due to incidental detection of small volume papillary carcinomas on imaging studies. The increase in incidence could be related to increased use of imaging modalities and fine needle aspiration with changes in histologic criteria. This maybe similar to the Zambian scenario which has led to early diagnosis and prompt treatment in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate differentiated thyroid cancer management of the first two cases in nuclear medicine department. This was a case series design. It looked at the first two patients who diagnosed and managed at the Department of Nuclear Medicine and research, the university Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia. The cases were selected using convenience sampling and included the first two cases. The participants included two females aged 66 (Case 1) and 48 (Case 2) referred from local clinic and medical admission ward respectively. Case 1 presented with invasive and incompletely excised papillary thyroid carcinoma, classic variant type with no metastases. Case 2 presented with papillary thyroid cancer diffuse variant and no metastases. The treatment plan for both cases included thyroidectomy and I131 ablation with excellent response. The use of radioactive iodine therapy in management of DTC is well established as it may reduce risk of recurrence, improves patients quality of life and overall survival rate.