School of Biosecurity, Biotechnolgy and Laboratory Sciences (SBLS) Collection
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ItemPrevalence and predisposing factors of aflatoxin contamination in exotic and local eggs sold in shops across Kawempe Division, Kampala, Uganda(Makerere University, 2026)Aflatoxins are toxic mycotoxins produced mainly by Aspergillus species and are important food-safety hazards because of their carcinogenic and other adverse health effects. Eggs are widely consumed as an affordable source of animal protein, yet limited information exists on aflatoxin contamination of eggs sold in urban retail markets in Uganda. This study determined the prevalence of aflatoxin contamination and assessed selected predisposing factors associated with contamination of local and exotic eggs sold in shops across Kawempe Division, Kampala, Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted using 60 egg samples, comprising 30 local and 30 exotic eggs, collected from shops in Bwaise, Kikoni and Kalerwe markets. Thirty egg retailers were also interviewed using structured questionnaires to obtain information on socio-demographic characteristics, sourcing, storage and handling practices. Aflatoxins were extracted using 70% methanol and detected by thin-layer chromatography under ultraviolet light at 366 nm. Data were analysed using SPSS, and chi-square tests were used to determine associations between selected predisposing factors and aflatoxin contamination at a significance level of p < 0.05. Aflatoxin contamination was detected in 11 (18.3%) of the 60 samples. Local eggs had a higher prevalence of contamination (7/30, 23.3%) than exotic eggs (4/30, 13.3%), although egg type was not significantly associated with contamination (χ² = 1.176, p = 0.278). Most assessed factors, including egg source, storage duration, storage method, inspection for spoilage, storage-area hygiene, reuse of trays, separation of damaged eggs, stock rotation and procurement records, were not significantly associated with contamination. However, mould or dampness in the storage area was significantly associated with aflatoxin contamination (χ² = 4.516, p = 0.034), while exposure to heat or direct sunlight showed a relatively stronger but non-significant association (X² = 2.986, p = 0.084). The study concludes that aflatoxin contamination occurs in both local and exotic eggs sold in Kawempe Division, with mould or dampness in storage areas representing an important associated factor. The findings support strengthened food-safety surveillance, improved storage conditions and retailer education, alongside further studies using larger samples, quantitative aflatoxin analysis and assessment of contamination in poultry feeds to clarify contamination pathways and potential consumer exposure.
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ItemPrevalence of tuberculosis and associanted risk factors among the new HIV patients attending antiretroviral therapy at Komamboga Health Center III(Makerere University, 2026-01-12)Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that most often affects the lungs and is caused by a type of bacteria “Mycobacterium Tuberculosis” MTB. Globally, about 2 million deaths due to tuberculosis occur annually throughout the world). According to World Health Organization (WHO), about 1/3 of the world population is infected by TB half of which are in sub – Sahara Africa. 5 -10% of these will show symptoms and they become sick or infectious at some point, more so if they are HIV positive. The report presents a cross sectional and descriptive study carried out to determine the prevalence of TB among the new HIV patients attending antiretroviral therapy at Komamboga HCIII between 1st December, 2024 and 29th March, 2025. A purposive sampling technique was employed on HIV positive patients. Sputum samples were collected from only HIV patients, processed and examined both microscopically and by Gene-Xpert technology to diagnose TB, and determine the prevalence of TB among the newly diagnosed HIV patients at the study area. Data on age, sex, and diagnostic results for TB among others were collected. The data collected (outcome of the study) was entered into a Microsoft office Excel program 2016 and later exported to SPSS version 20 and analyzed with help of a biostatistian. The analyzed data was presented in table forms, and pie-charts graphs. A total of 154 respondents all known HIV patients aged 10 years and above who visited the Hospital at the time of the study were included in the study. Findings revealed that out of 154 respondents, 17 patients were diagnosed with TB that is 11.0% and 89.0% were diagnosed with TB negative (n=137), the number of females in this cohort was relatively bigger (n=106) compared to the male counterparts (n=48) Therefore the research was aiming at determining the prevalence of TB among the new diagnosed HIV patients attending ART clinic at Komamboga Health Center that was found to be 11.0%. Further research of the same kind should be done to incorporate the persons below 10 years of age because this study was focused on those above that age. From the research, we recommend community awareness to increase knowledge on HIV and TB management. Patients diagnosed with TB should be given ant Mycobacterium drugs.
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ItemIn vivo antivenom potential of methanolic extracts of phytolacca dodecandra and vernonia amygdalina(Makerere University, 2026)The venom from various snake species contains complex bioactive molecules that cause many severe local and systemic effects, potentially leading to death and this poses a significant public health concern. Current antivenoms, though effective, are often costly and inaccessible in high-risk areas. Traditional medicinal plants such as Phytolacca dodecandra and Vernonia amygdalina have been used for centuries in sub-Saharan Africa to treat snakebites, but their antivenom potential has not been thoroughly investigated. This study is aimed at evaluating the antivenom properties of methanolic extracts from these plants and identifying their phytochemical constituents. Experimental studies involved the use of 20 Wister Albino rats that were divided into 5 groups of 4 each ie the normal control, the negative control, Vernonia amygdalina treatment, Phytolacca dodecandra treatment and the combination group. The effect of the methanolic extracts as antivenoms on the animals was measured using time taken to die and the observed clinical signs in every group such as paralysis, irritability, gasping and polyuria. The methanolic extracts from the plants showed good antivenom properties that were dose dependant and showed better results when used at high dosage of 400mg/kg for individual plant extracts. The plant extracts also showed synergism portrayed by the combination of these plant extracts showing better antivenom properties even at lower dosages. There was antivenom potential demonstrated by the methanolic plant extracts in the animal models as they were able to prolong the time taken to die for the animals administered with the venom and the extracts. The plants also contained phytochemicals such as alkaloids, saponins, phenols, tannins and flavonoids that contribute to their antivenom properties.
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ItemAnalysis of the quality of spring water from protected springs in Nakulabye and Kasubi Divisions in Kampala City, Uganda(Makerere University, 2024)Spring water is a major source of domestic water in Kampala sub urban areas (Haruna ,etl 2005). though spring water is visually acceptable for domestic use ,the presence of poorly designed pit latrines,poor waste management and insufficient spring protection lead to pathogenic bacteria contamination of spring water.Especially during the wet season. And as such, the purpose of the study was to assess the water quality of the protected springs in the areas of Nakulabyeand kasubi in kawempedivision. 14 springs were identified and were all suitable for the study .a total of 28 water samples were collected and transported to the laboratory for analysis of the selected water quality parameters. Of the 28 samples, 14 samples were collected during the dry season and 14 samples during the wet season .from the 14 protected springs, the physical chemical parameters tested included the turbidity, true color and PH, while the total coliform and the faecal coliform were the bacteriological parameters which were analyzed. The results showed that in both the dry and wet season, all the physical chemical parameters complied with the Uganda national standards for portable, untreated water, while the bacteriological parameters failed to meet the national standard in both seasons for all the study springs. The relationship between PH and TDS was also observed among the protected springs and there was a significant effect of season on the microbiological characteristics ofthe water from the study springs with total coliform and faecal colirform almost doubling during the wet season. Finally the water from the soring should either be boiled or disinfected before human consumption. since there is presence of faecal matter.
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ItemAnalysis of the quality of spring water from protected springs in Nakulabye and Kasubi Divisions in Kampala City, Uganda(Makerere University, 2024)Spring water is a major source of domestic water in Kampala sub urban areas (Haruna ,etl 2005).though spring water is visually acceptable for domestic use ,the presence of poorly designed pit latrines,poor waste management and insufficient spring protection lead to pathogenic bacteria contamination of spring water.Especially during the wet season. And as such, the purpose of the study was to assess the water quality of the protected springs in the areas of Nakulabyeand kasubi in kawempedivision. 14 springs were identified and were all suitable for the study .a total of 28 water samples were collected and transported to the laboratory for analysis of the selected water quality parameters. Of the 28 samples, 14 samples were collected during the dry season and 14 samples during the wet season .from the 14 protected springs, the physical chemical parameters tested included the turbidity, true color and PH, while the total coliform and the faecal coliform were the bacteriological parameters which were analyzed. The results showed that in both the dry and wet season, all the physical chemical parameters complied with the Uganda national standards for portable, untreatedwater, while the bacteriological parameters failed to meet the national standard in both seasons for all the study springs.The relationship between PH and TDS was also observed among the protected springs and there was a significant effect of season on the microbiological characteristics ofthe waterfrom the study springs with total coliform and faecalcolirform almost doubling during the wetseason. Finally the water from the soring should either be boiled or disinfectedbefore human consumption .since there is presence of faecal matter.