Research Articles (University of Pretoria)

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This collection offers open access to the full text of research articles published by staff, students and affiliates of the University of Pretoria. These items are identical in content to their published counterparts. It is linked to the Research Information System and complements the Annual Research Report.

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Nematode diversity in Mastomys rodents (Rodentia: Muridae) across a wildlife-human/domestic animal interface and molecular characterization of Trichuris species from M. natalensis
Mutesasira, Jesse Mukisa; Matthee, Sonja; Byaruhanga, Charles; Troskie, Milana; Marufu, Munyaradzi Christopher (Springer, 2025-06-11)
Nematodes comprise many species with diverse life histories and zoonotic potential. Globally, over 10,500 nematode species were reported in mammals, particularly rodents. In South and southern Africa, data on nematode diversity in native rodent populations remains limited. The current study aimed to address this gap by reporting nematode diversity in two Mastomys species (Mastomys coucha and M. natalensis) and conducting molecular analysis of an unidentified Trichuris species recovered from M. natalensis. A total of 68 M. natalensis and 27 M. coucha rodents were trapped across a wildlife-human/domestic animal interface in South Africa during October 2020. Gastrointestinal nematodes were recovered and morphologically identified. Morphometric assessment and Sanger sequencing of mitochondrial markers, internal transcribed spacer 1 and 2 (ITS1, ITS2) and cytochrome b (cytb) were performed on the unidentified Trichuris species. In total, 46 nematodes were identified representing two genera, Trichuris and Abbreviata, with an overall prevalence of 21.1%. Trichuris sp. dominated in M. natalensis and anthropogenically transformed habitats, while Abbreviata sp. was associated with M. coucha in the natural habitats. Morphometrics of the unidentified Trichuris sp. aligned with reported ranges for the genus, while phylogenetic analyses revealed a novel clade distinct from known Trichuris spp. The current study emphasises the importance of integrating morphometric and molecular analyses for accurate nematode identification. The potential public health threat of the novel Trichuris sp. in M. natalensis needs further investigation, given the zoonotic capability of Trichuris spp. and the proximity of rodents to humans in the study area.
Description of a new species of sucking louse Hoplopleura kuhnludwigi (Phthiraptera: Anoplura: Hoplopleuridae) from the Cape York rat Rattus leucopus cooktownensis (Rodentia: Muridae) in Australia using conventional methodology and novel epiflourescence microscopy
Constantinoiu, Constantin; Wang, Wei; Firth, Cadhla; Duffy, Richard; Picard, Jaqueline; Gummow, Bruce (Elsevier, 2025-06)
A new species of sucking louse, Hoplopleura kuhnludwigi (Phthiraptera: Hoplopleuridae), from the Cape York rat Rattus leucopus cooktownensis Tate, 1951 (Rodentia: Muridae) is described and illustrated with photos and drawings. The host rat(s) were trapped in Northeast Queensland, Australia and identified using morphological characters and DNA sequencing. Hoplopleura kuhnludwigi is the first louse species to be described on R. leucopus. The morphology of the new louse species is contrasted with the morphology of Hoplopleura spp. previously described in Australian murids and shown to be different from other louse species that infest Australian native murids. Both conventional lice processing and staining methodology and a novel method, based on autofluorescence of chitin, have been used to describe and illustrate the diagnostic characters of H. kuhnludwigi. Processing of H. kuhnludwigi for epifluorescence microscopy (EM) is fast and easy, and the examination of the lice processed by this method can improve the accuracy of the description and identification of the lice species from genus Hoplopleura and potentially other louse species.
Transformative innovation policy in energy transition and digitalization : a geopolitical and security perspective
Kivimaa, Paula; Daniels, Chux; Jayaram, Dhanasree (Oxford University Press, 2025)
Geopolitics and global security increasingly shape the conditions for energy innovation and innovation-industrial policies and, hence, also transformative innovation policy (TIP) that aims for systemic innovation generating environmentally and societally beneficial systemic change. Connections between TIP and security/geopolitics have been less explicit previously but have heightened after the global geopolitical context has become more turbulent, with many countries increasingly oriented to protectionism and narrow conception of security. This paper contributes to an emerging debate on TIP, security, and geopolitics, drawing examples from the energy and digital sectors. It centres on the core principle of TIP—directionality—to explore potential interconnections with geopolitics and security. It also provides an overview of the interconnections between transformative innovation and geopolitics/security in three continental contexts: energy transition in Europe and Asia, and digitalization in Africa. Via exploring the phenomenon in the three contexts, we find that, although increasing attention is given to directionalities towards environmental and social sustainability, the prioritization of economic growth and traditional security appear to undermine them. Directionality is essential for realizing sustainability in a world undergoing energy transitions and rapid digitalization. Yet, recent global security and geopolitics developments may mostly hinder TIP-based directionalities in practice, unless specific policy focus and experimentation is placed at finding and employing synergies.
Application of innovative and emerging technologies for the remediation of POP-contaminated sites-a comprehensive review
Ivbanikaro, Anna E.; Okwuosa, Raissa; Maepa, Charity E. (Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, 2025-11-23)
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are toxic chemical substances with a distinctive blend of physic-chemical properties that sustain their persistency for long periods when released into the environment. Many of these compounds were made initially for industrial application, crop production and the control of pests and diseases. Unfortunately, studies have revealed the extremely detrimental effects of the POPs to humans and the environment, due to the poor management of the chemicals. Some of these chemicals are hormone disruptors, linked to diseases like reproductive defects and cancer. A critical assessment of the most current developments in POP remediation technologies for soil is contained in this review. The effective and innovative types of POPs remediation technology were evaluated in this article. Furthermore, innovative and emerging techniques with high remediation performance such as the advanced oxidation processes, nanotechnology, and phytoremediation were thoroughly reviewed. In addition to analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of each technique, this comprehensive review emphasizes the importance of integration strategy in water treatment technologies. The information provided on the emerging, diverse clean-up techniques for remediating POPs contaminated sites would be of great benefit to researchers, policy makers, and environmental professionals facing the challenges of POPs removal from soil.
Public health impact of waste-related air pollution in Africa : scoping review
Muthelo, Livhuwani; Ngwenya, Mxolisi Welcome; Shirinde, Joyce (Bentham Open, 2025-11-27)
BACKGROUND : In the reforming world, with the expeditious development of urbanisation and industrialisation; environmental issues have become a global crisis that requires immediate interventions and has posed a major threat to the health of the population. Air pollution is identified as one of the major environmental health hazards. However, there is a dearth of comprehensive data on the public health impact of waste-related air pollution in Africa. Thus, this scoping review seeks to explore and describe the effects of waste-related air pollution on public health in Africa. METHODS : We followed the 2018 PRISMA Scoping Review Guidelines for reporting this review. We browsed literature from 2014 to 2024 using keywords such as “Air pollution”, “Health impact” and “Africa”. From the yielded potential literature, only 23 studies were eligible for the review. RESULTS : The review revealed four themes. Among the themes are sources of pollution, pollutants of air pollution, understanding the health impact of air pollution among the vulnerable population, and factors impeding the mitigation of air pollution. CONCLUSION : The review revealed the sources and the health effects of air pollution. It underscored the role that socio-economic injustices, corruptions, and political issues have in exacerbating air pollution, particularly in rural areas. Therefore, this study recommends the development and implementation of innovative improvement strategies to remediate air pollution in remote areas of Africa.
Exploring alternative teaching and learning platforms in post-COVID-19
Umera, Ozioma R.; Baror, Stacey Omeleze (Foundation of Advanced Science Education, 2025-06-10)
Learning for undergraduate students at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Gwagwalada study center, has significantly shifted toward e-learning since the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigates how NOUN students use e-learning platforms and the challenges they face. Using a survey design with qualitative methods, data from 364 participants were collected through questionnaires and interviews. Guided by the Technology Acceptance Theory, the study finds that students predominantly use emails, LMS, video conferencing, and social media for academic activities. Key benefits include flexibility, convenience, equitable access, and enhanced critical thinking. However, infrastructure and policy gaps persist. The study highlights the importance of ongoing improvements in e-learning systems and recommends that NOUN regularly conduct faculty training and digital literacy workshops to enhance participation and reduce barriers.
A bibliometric assessment of urban agriculture indexed in Scopus and Wos from 1978-2023
Idamokoro, Emrobowansan Monday; Niba, Augustine Suh; Akuru, Eunice Amaka (Science Publications, 2025-09)
Urban agriculture is a system of food production in and around urban settlements aimed at ameliorating the challenge of food shortage. The goal of this study is to explore emergent worldwide publication trends, contemporary focus and gaps in urban agriculture research over the last four decades (1978-2023). Despite the numerous research work on urban agriculture, gap existed in literatures on a research to qualitatively quantify the collective global outputs of studies done on urban agriculture. A Bibliometric approach was employed to analyse the research publications extracted from the combination of WoS and Scopus data banks. A total of 3817 articles were recovered from these two databanks with an average citations per doc and co-authors per document ratio of 18.34 and 3.29, respectively. Studies on urban agriculture researches were positively correlated with the number of years (R2 = 0.6507; y = 7.5651x - 95.562) suggesting a rise in the number of publications on the subject matter. The USA was ranked in the top position in terms of outputs and citation numbers (n = 605; 15612), followed by China (n = 284; 4648) and Germany (n = 181; 4786). The study indicated that urban agriculture is increasingly attracting global attention with an impressive rise in research publications from 2002 to 2023. The investigation on urban agriculture is mostly carried out in financially stable economies with minimal representations from developing nations and institutions. Some main emphasis and hotspot within the field of urban agriculture research is tailored towards food security, urban farming, urban gardening, sustainability, community gardening and climate change with minimal work on research in the aspects of policy and governance, thus signifying the direction for future investigations.
Identification of insect-specific viruses in mosquitoes collected from wildlife and rural areas in north-eastern parts of South Africa using a metagenomic RNA sequencing approach
Kacnik, Sascha; MacIntyre, Caitlin; Guarido, Milehna M.; Venter, Marietjie (BioMed Central, 2025-12-20)
BACKROUND : Next generation sequencing (NGS) has expanded virus detection capabilities beyond the limitations of sequence-specific methods. While mosquito collections in South Africa (SA) have been investigated for the major arbovirus genera (Alpha-, Orthobunya-, and Orthoflavivirus), research on insect-specific viruses (ISVs) is limited. METHODS : Here we used an RNA-sequencing viral-metagenomics approach to investigate arboviruses and ISVs in mosquitoes collected in SA. Ten archived mosquito pools, representing up to 50 mosquitoes per pool, previously tested for the major arbovirus genera were investigated for the presence of additional viruses using NGS. These pools included known arbovirus mosquito vectors from the Aedes, Anopheles, Culex, and Mansonia genera, collected from wildlife areas in the Kruger National Park (Mpumalanga/Limpopo) and rural areas of Jozini (KwaZulu-Natal). Extracted RNA was DNA-depleted, subjected to Sequence Independent Single Primer Amplification (SISPA), and sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform. RESULTS : Although no mammalian arboviruses were detected, bioinformatic analysis detected several ISVs in pools of Aedes aegypti, Ae.ochraceus, and Anopheles squamosus mosquitoes. These ISVs included the cell fusing agent-, Tesano aedes-, Fako-, formosus-, verdadero-, Aedes partiti-like virus 1 and the Kwale mosquito virus and several novel ISVs within the Iflavivirus genus as well as some unclassified viruses. CONCLUSION : This study confirms the value of sequence independent metagenomics approaches to detect novel viruses in mosquito pools. Such studies provide insight into viral diversity and mosquito-virus interactions, supporting the future evaluation of ISVs as biological control agents. This in turn can contribute to protecting the health of animals and humans within a One Health approach.
Safe, sustainable, legal use and trade in wild species : testing a new five-dimensional sustainability assessment
Timoshyna, A.; Roe, D.; Aust, P.; Compton, J.; Hiller, C.; Kagembe, Q.; Long, N.; Natusch, D.; Taylor, William Andrew; Rock, K. (Elsevier, 2025-12)
The Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted by the UN Convention on Biological Diversity in 2022, sets ambitious targets to ensure that the use, harvesting and trade of wild species is sustainable, safe and legal. While the definition of ‘sustainable’ is traditionally inclusive of ecological, social, and economic dimensions, many practically applied standards and regulations often exclude non-ecological perspectives such as human health and animal welfare. Recognising the challenge of assessing sustainability in a comprehensive, but accessible, way, a five-dimensional sustainability assessment framework (5DSAF) was developed, explicitly focusing on social, ecological, economic, animal welfare, and human health dimensions of sustainability. This paper documents the experiences of applying and testing the 5DSAF in multiple species use examples: geographically, by different sectors, and socio-economically. Its application in the United Republic of Tanzania (game meat industry), in South Africa (game meat sector), in Indonesia (reticulated python skins), and in Zimbabwe (Nile crocodile) is discussed. It proposes the steps for the future adaptations, and application of 5DSAF beyond the initial case studies aiming to assist conservation practitioners, policymakers, as well as indigenous peoples and local communities and private sector actors to demonstrate that the use of wild animal species and products is safe, legal and sustainable and, meeting the objectives of One Health approach, and where it is not, to identify the necessary improvements that need to be made.
Listeria monocytogenes in organic and conventional farming : epidemiology, risks, and solutions within a one health framework
Ryzhova, Ekaterina; Wichmann, Janine; Howlett-Downing, Chantelle; Holý, Ondřej (Elsevier, 2025-12)
Listeria monocytogenes is a resilient, zoonotic pathogen that poses significant challenges across human, animal, plant, and environmental health systems. This review explores the epidemiology of L. monocytogenes within the One Health framework, emphasizing its transmission dynamics, risk factors, and implications for food safety. The pathogen's ability to persist in diverse environments, form biofilms, and withstand extreme conditions highlights its role as a major public health concern, particularly for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, and the elderly. The review examines the intersection of organic and conventional farming practices with L. monocytogenes contamination, noting the unique risks associated with organic fertilizers, wildlife exposure, and limited antimicrobial interventions. In contrast, conventional systems face challenges such as crowded animal housing and antimicrobial resistance. The role of plants as vectors, particularly through contaminated soil, irrigation water, and fertilizers, is underscored, with a focus on the risks linked to minimally processed and ready-to-eat foods. Environmental reservoirs, including soil, water, and biofilms, are identified as critical contributors to the pathogen's persistence and transmission. Climate change, agricultural practices, and industrial processes further exacerbate the complexity of L. monocytogenes control, necessitating cross-disciplinary approaches. The review concludes with a call to strengthen the One Health framework through integrated surveillance, sustainable farming practices, public awareness campaigns, and innovative technologies. By addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by L. monocytogenes, this approach aims to ensure food safety, promote ecological sustainability, and protect public health in an increasingly interconnected and climate-impacted world.
Beyond spillover : leveraging zoonotic disease research to advance biodiversity conservation
De Vries, Marinda; Kearney, Teresa; Monadjem, Ara; Taylor, Peter J.; Markotter, Wanda (Elsevier, 2025-12)
Biodiversity and conservation are at the forefront of global well-being and should form an integral part of One Health collaborative research in efforts aimed at achieving optimal health for people, animals and ecosystems. To address biodiversity conservation, international policy frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 15), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the more recent Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), have been developed. While many local, national, and international initiatives continuously strive to define, monitor, and protect in-country biodiversity, these efforts are often constrained by financial limitations and/or insufficient technical expertise and resources.
Open tibial fractures Part 1 : a narrative review of initial treatment and potential applicability to the Southern African context
Hohmann, Erik; Molepo, Maketo; Laubscher, Maritz; Tetsworth, Kevin (Taylor and Francis, 2025-09-03)
Treatment guidelines for open tibial fractures are well established in high-income countries, but their implementation in low-resource settings remains challenging. To date, only one African country has attempted to formulate national, consensus-based guidelines that cover key aspects such as antibiotic administration, initial stabilization, surgical debridement, wound management, and definitive fixation. This narrative review summarizes current principles for the initial management of open tibial shaft fractures and evaluates their relevance in the Southern African context, particularly in rural and resource-constrained environments. Given the limited availability of advanced imaging, specialized implants, and soft-tissue coverage expertise, clinicians must adapt existing protocols to local capacities. This review highlights areas where treatment recommendations from high-income settings may not be feasible and identifies practical considerations for applying initial management principles in Southern Africa. The need for context-specific, resource-appropriate guidelines is emphasized.
An evaluation of African animal trypanosomiasis control strategies in remote communities of Eastern Zambia
Mulenga, Gloria M.; Chilongo, Kalinga; Mubamba, Chrisborn; Gummow, Bruce (Cambridge University Press, 2024-10-30)
Communities living in African animal trypanosomiasis (AAT) endemic areas of Zambia use several control strategies to protect their livestock from the devastating effects of trypanosomiasis. Several studies have reported the effectiveness of trypanosomiasis control strategies based on retrospective data. In this study, we assessed incidence rates of AAT in cattle (n = 227) using a prospective cohort study comprising 4 treatment groups, i.e., Diminazene aceturate, Isometamidium chloride, Cyfluthrin pour-on and Cypermethrin treated targets. The study was conducted in Mambwe district in Eastern Zambia between February 2019 and March 2020. The endemic prevalence of AAT for each group was determined using ITS-PCR prior to application of treatments. High endemic trypanosome pre-treatment rates were found in all Groups (Diminazene aceturate (61%), Isometamidium chloride (48%), Cyfluthrin pour-on (87%) and Cypermethrin targets (72%)). The overall apparent prevalence for the Mambwe district was 67% (152/227) and true prevalence at 95%CI was 63–71%. Once treatments were implemented, 12 monthly follow-ups were conducted. The average monthly incidence rates without standardization recorded: Diminazene aceturate (67%) Isometamidium chloride (35%), Cyfluthrin pour-on (55%) and Cypermethrin targets (61%). Incidence rates were standardized considering the endemic level of disease for each Group and the average standardized monthly incidence rate in the Diminazene aceturate Group was 7%; the Isometamidium chloride Group −13%; the Cyfluthrin Group −26%; and the Cypermethrin target Group, −17%. All Groups showed a decrease in incidence of AAT over the period of the study with the Cyfluthrin group showing to be the most effective in reducing AAT incidence in cattle.
Prevalence, diagnostic evaluation, and disease associations of vector-borne pathogens in domestic dogs across Namibia : a multi-modal approach
De Villiers, Lourens; Schoeman, Johan P.; Penzhorn, Barend Louis; Molini, Umberto; De Villiers, Mari; Makgabo, Sekgota Marcus; Byaruhanga, Charles; Collins, Nicola E.; Thompson, P.N. (Peter N.); Zealand, Samantha; Stoltsz, Wilhelm Heinrich; Baines, Ian J.M.; Khaiseb, Siegfried; Oosthuizen, Marinda C. (BioMed Central, 2025-07-10)
BACKGROUND : Due to limited documentation on vector-borne pathogens of companion animals in Namibia, a country-wide, multi-site field study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of these pathogens in domestic dogs. METHODS : Samples of whole blood and serum from 375 dogs in 15 towns across eight regions were analysed. Vector-borne pathogens were screened by light microscopic examination of blood smears, point-of-care serology, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Haematology and serum biochemistry analyses were also performed. RESULTS : Collectively, the SNAP® 4Dx® Plus Test provided 64% seropositive results, comprising Ehrlichia species (59%), Anaplasma species (45%), Dirofilaria immitis (2%), and Borrelia burgdorferi (< 1%). Altogether, prevalence as determined by probe-based qPCR assays was 54%, comprising Ehrlichia canis (27%), Hepatozoon canis (25%), Anaplasma species (13%), and Babesia vogeli (8%). Light microscopy yielded the least number of positives, indicating a collective positive result of only 11% in screening for Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Hepatozoon, Babesia, and microfilaria species. On the whole, Kunene and Otjozondjupa regions showed the highest pathogen prevalence (75%), and the lowest was from Erongo region (38%), on qPCR testing. Significant associations between tick presence and infection by E. canis (P = 0.001), Anaplasma species (P = 0.006), and B. vogeli (P = 0.008) were demonstrated. Likewise, relevant associations between haemoparasite infection and variables of patient signalment, history, and various disease manifestations were shown. Finally, significant associations were found between pathogen infection and numerous clinical pathology abnormalities of the erythron, leukon, and thrombon, including thrombocytopenia (P = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS : Diagnostic modalities should be used contextually to test for canine pathogens, with due consideration of the limitations. Appropriate diagnostic testing such as qPCR, guided by relevant known associations with disease manifestation, should guide responsible treatment strategies and identify potential zoonotic risks in pets.
A comparison of manual and carbon dioxide trap sampling of Ornithodoros soft ticks from warthog resting sites in South Africa
Mapendere, Cynthia; Bastos, Armanda D.S.; Etter, Eric Marcel Charles; Heath, Livio Edward; Jori, Ferran J. (BioMed Central, 2025-07)
BACKGROUND : In East and Southern Africa, the African swine fever (ASF) virus is maintained in an ancient sylvatic cycle involving warthogs (Phacochoerus spp.) and Ornithodoros soft ticks inhabiting warthog burrows. Although carbon dioxide (CO2) traps have previously been used to collect ticks from pigsties in Portugal, this method has never been tested in the context of the ASF sylvatic cycle in Africa. As warthogs adapt their resting site preferences in response to different levels of habitat transformation, our study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of CO2 traps versus traditional manual collection of soft ticks inhabiting two warthog resting sites: warthog burrows (natural) and house decks (anthropogenic). METHODS : The study was performed in Mjejane Game Reserve, a wildlife conservancy adjacent to the Kruger National Park in South Africa. Sixty-one warthog resting sites (31 natural burrows and 30 house decks) were sampled to compare Ornithodoros tick numbers using manual and CO2 trap methods during wet (summer) and dry (winter) seasons. RESULTS : The number of ticks collected with CO2 traps (n = 2024) was significantly higher than those collected with the manual method (n = 885, P < 0.001) for both resting site types. Moreover, the number of ticks collected using CO2 traps from house decks (n = 1399) was significantly higher (P < 0.001) compared to burrows (n = 625). There were no differences in the number of ticks collected between seasons. Our results suggest that CO2 traps are highly efficient for collecting Ornithodoros ticks from the two warthog resting site types evaluated in our study area. They also confirm that warthogs can adapt to different levels of habitat transformation and human presence. CONCLUSIONS : The standardised use of the CO2 trap method facilitates investigations on the distribution of tick-related ASF cycles in sub-Saharan Africa and improves our understanding of the eco-epidemiology of ASF and other Ornithodoros tick-borne diseases.
Developing a national atlas to support the progressive control of tsetse‑transmitted animal trypanosomosis in Zambia
Muyobela, Jackson; Chilongo, Kalinga; Mukumbwali, Milner; Sihoka, Chris; Paone, Massimo; Cecchi, Giuliano (BioMed Central, 2025-11-10)
BACKGROUND : Tsetse flies (Diptera: Glossinidae) are the sole cyclical vectors of African trypanosomosis, a parasitic disease affecting both animals and humans. The national atlas of African animal trypanosomosis (AAT) and its tsetse vectors in Zambia is an initiative by the Tsetse and Trypanosomosis Control Unit (TTCU) within the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock that aims to improve AAT surveillance and its progressive control by enhancing disease intelligence and data management. METHODS : All field data collected by the TTCU from April 2009 to July 2025 were systematically assembled, georeferenced and harmonised. The data included entomological information on tsetse flies collected using mobile and stationary trapping devices, as well as animal trypanosomosis data obtained through the buffy coat technique (BCT). RESULTS : Tsetse trapping was conducted in 3463 sites using mobile devices and in 478 locations using stationary traps. A total of 20,185 and 5189 flies were caught using the two data collection tools, respectively. Five species and subspecies of Glossina were detected: G. morsitans morsitans (65%), G. m. centralis (32%), G. pallidipes (2%), G. fuscipes martinii (0.8%) and G. brevipalpis (0.2%). As for AAT, 7652 animals (7348 cattle, 294 goats and 10 dogs) were tested in 148 locations. Of these, 329 animals (321 cattle, 7 goats and 1 dog) were found to be infected, with a prevalence of 4.37%. Trypanosoma congolense accounted for the highest number of infections (86%), with Trypanosoma vivax and Trypanosoma brucei representing 12% and 2% of the total infections, respectively. CONCLUSION : The national database of AAT and tsetse presented here established an effective information system to manage epidemiological data for the planning and monitoring of interventions against tsetse and trypanosomosis in Zambia. The atlas is planned to be regularly and promptly updated to ensure that current information is available to the TTCU, planners and other stakeholders involved in tsetse and AAT control.
RNA-sequencing in elucidating immune responses to Haemonchus contortus infection infection in small ruminants : systematic review
Ndaba, Bongeka Sylvia; Faber, Erika; Marufu, Munyaradzi Christopher; Pretorius, Alri; Tshilwane, Selaelo Ivy (Wiley, 2025-05)
Haemonchus contortus poses a major threat to small ruminant production in subtropical regions worldwide. Unfortunately, there is growing anthelmintic resistance, and the only licensed vaccine has limitations. This paper aims to review the use of RNA‐sequencing in understanding the immune responses of small ruminants to H. contortus infection, focusing on identifying differentially expressed genes and elucidating key immune pathways associated with resistance and susceptibility. This review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses Statement guidelines and Population, Intervention, Control, and Outcome framework covering publications from January 2015 to December 2023. RNA‐seq identified the activation of key immune pathways, such as Th1/Th2, NK cell, B cell receptor signalling, MAPK, CAMs, and TNF signalling. There was upregulation of a range of PRRs, including TLRs and CLECs, in the resistant sheep, suggesting a crucial role for trained innate immune cells in resistance. However, there are no direct comparisons of TLR and CLEC expression between resistant and susceptible goats. This shows that there is a gap in understanding of the immune response mechanisms in goats. Addressing these knowledge gaps will lead to the development of more effective and sustainable control strategies.
Diversity of haemosporidian parasites in cranes : description of Haemoproteus balearicae and its phylogenetic position within the H. antigonis clade
Chaisi, Mamohale E.; Mabunda, Ndzalama; Gey, Delphine; Modise, Nkitseng Oageng; De Bruyn, Marli; Lécu, Alexis; Laidebeure, Sylvie; Saillier, Anaïs; Thorel, Milan; Iezhova, Tatjana; Valkiunas, Gediminas; Mwale, Monica; Duval, Linda (EDP Open, 2025-10-13)
ENGLISH : Haemosporidian parasites from the genera Haemoproteus, Plasmodium, and Leucocytozoon are significant avian pathogens. This study aimed to identify and characterize these parasites in cranes (family Gruidae), using combined morphological and molecular methods. The results confirmed the presence of Haemoproteus balearicae, redescribed here from Balearica regulorum and associated with cytb lineage hBAREGI210. This lineage, previously assigned to Haemoproteus antigonis, is reassigned to H. balearicae, suggesting possible cryptic speciation within the H. antigonis complex. The findings broaden the known host range and geographic distribution of H. balearicae, detected in captive-born cranes in France and captive cranes housed in conservation facilities in South Africa. Phylogenetic analyses revealed three distinct Haemoproteus clades in Gruidae, corresponding to at least three species, including H. balearicae and lineages representing H. antigonis. These crane-specific parasites may require taxonomic revision as a separate subgenus or genus, pending further studies on their life cycles and vectors. Additionally, several novel cytb lineages of Plasmodium and Leucocytozoon were detected, many unassigned to morphospecies. Notably, the pCATUS05 lineage, a member of the Plasmodium lutzi group previously reported only in the Americas, was detected for the first time in South African cranes, along with Leucocytozoon aff. californicus (lCIAE02), a widespread lineage lacking morphological description. Together, these findings reveal underestimated genetic diversity of haemosporidian parasites in cranes and highlight the importance of combining morphological and molecular data to clarify parasite taxonomy and host associations. This study advances our understanding of avian parasite ecology and systematics, with implications for crane conservation and disease management.
Tuberculosis treatment adherence and associated factors in the Butha-Buthe district, Lesotho : a retrospective cohort study
Rangoanana, Motlatsi; Ngah, Veranyuy; Tamuzi, Jacques Lukenze; Maphalale, Sele; Molete, Mabatho; Ratikoane, Retselisitsoe; Maama, Llang; Fwemba, Isaac; Daramola, Olawande; Ogunrombi, Modupe; Nyasulu, Peter Suwirakwenda (Pan African Medical Journal, 2025-04-02)
INTRODUCTION : Lesotho remains one of the world's 30 high-tuberculosis (TB) burden countries. In Butha-Buthe district, unfavourable TB treatment outcomes were higher than those set forth by the WHO. This study's objective was to evaluate TB treatment adherence and treatment resistance among patients enrolled in the 12 health facilities in Butha-Buthe. METHODS : data were collected from the medical records of patients with sputum smear-positive TB and extra-pulmonary forms of TB between January 2015 and December 2020. Results were presented in frequencies and percentages. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with treatment adherence. RESULTS : among 1,792 patients who were enrolled, 1,320 were included in the study. The overall mean TB treatment adherence rate was estimated at 37.20%. Factors found to be associated with treatment adherence in multivariate analysis were age ≥60 years (aOR: 0.59, 95%CI: 0.54- 0.66; P<0.001), being a mine worker (aOR 1.09, 95%CI: 1.03-1.14; P<0.001), having pulmonary TB (aOR: 1.23, 95%CI: 1.17-1.29, P<0.001), being in the continuation phase of the treatment (aOR 1.38, 95%CI: 1.33, 1.45; P<0.001) and category 2 (aOR 0.93, 95%CI: 0.88-0.99; P = 0.016). Regarding TB contact support, family members (aOR: 1.08, 95%CI: 1.03-1.14; P<0.001), friends (aOR 1.30, 95%CI: 1.19-1.41; P<0.001), spouses (aOR: 1.24, 95%CI 1.16-1.34; P<0.001), and unreported contacts (aOR 1.18, 95%CI: 1.09-1.27; P = 0.015) all showed increased TB adherence. CONCLUSION : the overall adherence to TB therapy was poor in Butha-Buthe district. Lesotho urgently needs district-level strategies to improve TB treatment adherence and reduce treatment resistance.
Understanding black women opportunity entrepreneurs' networking behavior : navigating intersectionality in South Africa's entrepreneurial ecosystem
Pettersen, Inger Beate; Scheepers, Caren Brenda; Botha, Melodi; Moos, Menisha; Moos, Menisha (Emerald, 2026)
PURPOSE : Globally, black women entrepreneurs represent the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs, driving significant economic and social impact. This research timely responds to calls aiming for varied research contexts and for investigating women entrepreneurs in non-Western contexts. This study examines networking within South Africa's entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) to contextualize theory across diverse cultural and socio-economic settings, thereby deepening understanding of the compounded barriers faced by black women entrepreneurs at the intersection of race and gender. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : A qualitative research design was adopted to explore individual experiences while identifying patterns and connections that can enhance our understanding of black women's networking behavior to navigate the EEs in South Africa. FINDINGS : The study's findings reveal three unique themes which contribute to women's proactive networking behavior, involving cross-gender and cross-race relations. Furthermore, we learn how black women entrepreneurs exploit strategic networking opportunities to grow their tech ventures and navigate intersectionality through resilience of being part of a minority group. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS : EE actors should deliberately introduce allyship programs to enhance black women's position and belonging in various settings through, e.g. mentorship and training programs. Policymakers in other countries could gain key insights from the South African Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) policy, which positively influence women entrepreneurs' position in EEs. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : Our study links the Intersectionality Theory with Social Network Theory. Previous studies considered gender and networking behavior, without referring to the intersection between gender and race and how this intersection might influence networking behavior.

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