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Occurrence Of Aflatoxins In Maize And Maize Products From Selected Locations Of Tanzania And The Effects Of Cooking Preparation Processes On Toxin Levels, Macarius Mtega, Clarence Mgina, Eliangiringa Kaale, Kessy Kilulya

Tanzania Journal of Science

The production and storage of food crops in different countries is affected by aflatoxins contamination, which are known to be carcinogenic and mutagenic to human beings and domestic animals. This study investigated on the occurrence of aflatoxins in maize products and the effects of cooking preparation processes on their concentrations. The maize samples were collected from fields, farmers' stores and markets of selected locations in Tanzania (i.e., Kongwa and Njombe districts). Extracted samples were analyzed for aflatoxins using high performance liquid chromatography. The concentrations of aflatoxins in maize and maize products ranged from below detection limit to 9.99 ± 1.43 …

Extraction, Derivatization, Characterization And Antifungal Investigation Of Limonene From Citrus Sinensis Peels, Ita Uwidia, Bodunde Owolabi, Richard Okafor

Tanzania Journal of Science

Limonene, a cyclic monoterpene is the main component in citrus oils. Oranges (Citrus sinensis) were sourced from a local market, peeled and the peels collected for this study. The orange peels were distilled using steam distillation to obtain the oil. The oil obtained was then distilled to obtain a pure colourless form of limonene (95%). The limonene (2 ml) was dissolved in dry chloroform (25 ml) and freshly distilled hydroiodic acid (57%; boiling point 127 °C) to give the derivative iodo-limonene (1.4 g; 30% yield). Another reaction of epoxidation of limonene was carried out by reacting limonene with hydrogen peroxide …

Assessment Of The Geochemical Characteristics Of Water And Surface Sediments Of Rufiji Mangrove Forest, Tanzania, Dativa Shilla, Daniel Shilla

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study was carried out to investigate the geochemical characteristics of the Rufiji mangrove systems using mineralogy and heavy metal analyses. Rufiji mangrove sediments showed predominance of fine grain size fractions with silt as the major component. Stoichiometric ratios of nutrients revealed phosphorus enrichment in Rufiji sediment. The overall order of heavy metal concentrations in sediments was: Fe > Mg > Mn > Zn > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cu > Co > Cd. There was no relationship between grain size and some of the heavy metal concentrations, except for Co, Cr, Fe, and Mg which negatively correlated with sand, and positively correlated with silt. The findings …

Comparative In Vitro Antioxidant Activities Of Aqueous Extracts Of Garcinia Kola And Buchholzia Coriacea Seeds, Abdulkadir Abubakar, Moshood Olorunkemi, Musa Busari, Rabiat Hamzah, Tawakaltu Abdulrasheed-Adeleke

Tanzania Journal of Science

Comparative in vitro antioxidant activities of aqueous extracts of Garcinia kola and Buchholzia coriacea seeds were carried out using 2, 2-diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activities, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and inhibition of lipid peroxidation assays. Total phenolics, alkaloids, tannins, saponins and flavonoids constituents of the samples were also determined. G. kola seeds contained higher concentrations of secondary metabolites compared to B. coriacea seeds except flavonoids. Both G. kola and B. coriacea exhibited minimum percentage inhibition when compared with the gallic acid. However, B. coriacea exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) higher percentage DPPH scarvenging activities (44.66%) when compared with G. kola (43.62%) at maximum concentration of 100 µg/mL. G. kola on the other hand, showed higher percentage inhibition of lipid peroxidation when compared with B. coriacea at all tested concentrations. Percentage FRAP by B. coriacea was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than G. kola at 100 µg/mL (46.65%, and 38.35%, respectively) and 50 µg/mL (38.75%, and 46.05%, respectively), while lower percentage FRAP of the G. kola than B. coriacea were recorded at 25 µg/mL (24.26% and 38.24%, respectively) and 12.5 µg/mL (34.41% and 37.41%, respectively). Therefore, Garcinia kola and B. coriacea showed appreciable antioxidant activities at varying concentrations and this may be due to the presence of various phenolic compounds in both samples Keywords:    Buchholzia coriacea; Garcinia kola; Antioxidant; DPPH free radicals; Secondary metabolites.

Variability Of Selected Mineral Contents In Marine Fish From Local Markets In Tanzania, Stella Shija, Matobola Mihale, Daniel Shilla

Tanzania Journal of Science

Mineral contents (K, Na, Ca and Mg) in selected marine fish species (Alectis ciliaris, Lethrinus harak, Rastrelliger kanagurta and Siganus canaliculatus) from local fish markets were analysed in wet and dry seasons. The processing methods (frying and boiling) were also assessed for their influence on the mineral contents. Samples were randomly collected from Tanga, Bagamoyo, Dar es Salaam and Mtwara seaports, analysed using established methods and determined by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Mean mineral contents in individual and all analysed fish species were high during dry season compared to wet season except Ca and the difference was statistically significant …

Geochemical Characteristics Of Soil In Relation To Occurrence Of Entomopathogenic Nematodes (Epns) In Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria, Mohammed Rufai, Abidat Shittu, Monsuru Adeleke

Tanzania Journal of Science

The occurrence and abundance of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) vary across locations, and this has been attributed to many factors including soil physico-chemical properties. This study examined the influence of selected soil chemicals on the occurrence of EPNs under different cultivated lands in Osun state, Southwestern Nigeria. EPNs were isolated from 23.33% of the soil samples in selected sites using decantation and centrifugation method and nematodes observed under standard microscopy were identified based on morphological analysis of infective juveniles (IJs). This study has revealed the presence of nematodes of the families Steinernema and Heterorhabditis in the sampled soils. Soil chemical properties, …

Effects Of Onion Juice And Moringa Oleifera Leaf Juice On The Shelf Life Of Sugarcane Juice, Joshua Boniface, Lilian Kaale, Hildelitha Msita, Leonard Rweyemamu

Tanzania Journal of Science

Effects of onion juice and Moringa oleifera leaf juice on the shelf life of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) cultivar R579 juice were studied. R579 sugarcane cultivar was selected based on its juice yield (1500 ml/2.5 kg) compared to Saccharum officinarum cultivars R570 (1000 ml/2.5 kg), Bungara (1200 ml/2.5 kg) and Galagaza (800 ml/2.5 kg). The concentrations for onion and Moringa oleifera leaf juice were chosen based on recommended dietary allowance (RDA) where design expert software was used to establish the ratios. There was a significant growth of microbes in non-pasteurized sugarcane juice and stored at room temperature. The yeast/mould and Leuconostoc …

Validation Of The Perceived Self-Efficacy Scale (Pse) Among Cassava Farmers In Tanzania, Fatihiya Ally Massawe, Fatihiya Ally Massawe, Amani Angumbwike Mwakalapuka

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

This paper validated the Perceived Self-Efficacy (PSE) scale as a measurement tool for farmers’ self-efficacy. From the social cognitive theory, self-efficacy is the key determinant of many social-cognitive behaviours, including the adoption of farming technologies. In this paper, PSE was adopted and tested in a two-stage study among cassava farmers in Mara, Mwanza, and Kagera regions of Tanzania. In the first stage, 200 respondents in Serengeti District of Mara region were exposed to the 13 items of PSE scale, while in the second the adopted tool with 11 items was administered to a total of 360 participants in Mara, Mwanza, …

Survivorship Of The Reintroduced Kihansi Spray Toads Nectophrynoides Asperginis In A Soft Release Experiment At The Kihansi Gorge, Tanzania, Flora John Magige, Nassoro Mohamed

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

The Kihansi Spray Toad (KST) Nectophrynoides asperginis is endemic to the unique wetland habitat surrounding the Kihansi Falls, Tanzania, with which it was associated. The species was declared extinct in the wild in 2009 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), following the loss of its unique habitat due to the diversion of the Kihansi River for hydropower production. This study is an initial attempt to determine the survivorship and possible sources of mortality of newborn and adult KSTs placed in cages in their original habitat in the Upper Spray Wetland (USW) and Lower Spray Wetland (LSW) areas. …

Religious Leader’S Support Toward Individual At Risk Ofhiv/Aids To Attend Voluntary Counselling And Testing Service, Imelda Februati Ester Manurung, Chatarina Umbul Wahyuni, Ari Probandari

Kesmas

Religious leader is a figure who is believed to have the gift of healing. A person with illness will follow any advice the religious leader gives for his/her recovery.Based on the phenomenon, religious leader is a potential local figure to give support for individuals at risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) andacquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). This study aimed to determine factors related to religious leader’s support toward individuals at risk of HIV andAIDS to attend voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) service. This study was an observational analytical with cross-sectional design. The population of thisstudy was religious leader in Kupang …

Effects Of Traditional Processing Techniques On The Nutritional And Microbiological Quality Of Four Edible Insect Species Used For Food And Feed In East Africa, Dorothy N. Nyangena, Christopher Mutungi, Samuel Imathiu, John Kinyuru, Hippolyte Affognon, Sunday Ekesi, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Komi K.M. Fiaboe

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Edible insects are increasingly being considered as food and feed ingredients because of their rich nutrient content. Already, edible insect farming has taken-off in Africa, but quality and safety concerns call for simple, actionable hazard control mechanisms. We examined the effects of traditional processing techniques—boiling, toasting, solar-drying, oven-drying, boiling + oven-drying, boiling + solar-drying, toasting + oven-drying, toasting + solar-drying—on the proximate composition and microbiological quality of adult Acheta domesticus and Ruspolia differens, the prepupae of Hermetia illucens and 5th instar larvae of Spodoptera littoralis. Boiling, toasting, and drying decreased the dry matter crude fat by 0.8–51% in the order: …

The Efficacy Of Hand Washing And Cleaning And Disinfecting Methods, Christina J. Amoruso

Virtual 2020 Spring Student Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry

Potentially pathogenic microorganisms are often used in teaching laboratories. Several different cleaning methods are available and implemented in these laboratories. This project was originally aimed to determine the most efficient method of cleaning lab surfaces and student hands. The topic of this investigation became even more relevant due to the recent development with the COVID-19 pandemic. Efficient hand washing and cleaning methods are more important now than ever. The purpose of hand washing is to reduce the number of microorganisms from the hands (Michaels, 2002). Proper hand washing with friction and soap is necessary to decontaminate hands (Miller, 2011).

Genetic Diversity Among Tilapia Species Farmed At Chita In Kilombero, Morogoro Region, Tanzania, Mussa G. Mndeme, Amon P. Shoko, Samwel M. Limbu, Chacha J. Mwita

Tanzania Journal of Science

The development of aquaculture industry in Tanzania cannot cope with the expected substantial increase in demand for fish and fish products due to several bottlenecks including unavailability of good quality feeds and fingerlings. Fish farmers often complain about slow growth rate of the farmed fish necessitating genetic characterization. This study identified and determined the genetic diversity of tilapia species farmed in Kilombero Districts at Chita earthen ponds. Fish samples were collected from nine earthen ponds belonging to small-scale fish farmers for genetic characterization. Total DNA was extracted by using the phenol-chloroform technique. The genetic diversity was calculated by using the …

Evaluation Of The Potential Of Freshly Bred Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato Varieties In Combating Vitamin A Deficiency, Badi M. Bao, Leonard W.T. Fweja

Tanzania Journal of Science

Orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) is advocated as a rich and readily accessible source of vitamin A. This study was done to evaluate the potential of the newly bred OFSP varieties in combating vitamin A deficiency. OFSP varieties and white fleshed sweet potato (WFSP) varieties were used for the study. β-carotene was extracted with acetone and  its spectrophotometric reading at 450 nm used to calculate its concentration. The optimum amount of OFSP required to meet vitamin A needs for children of different age groups were established. Results indicate that β-carotene was below detection levels in WFSP varieties but was detectable in …

A Survey Of Fish Parasites From Pangani Catchment And Lake Kitangiri In Singida, Tanzania, Fred D. Chibwana, Johnson G. Mshana, Jestina V. Katandukila

Tanzania Journal of Science

Inland water fisheries are a significant source of dietary protein to human populations, and consequently they are essential economic activities worldwide. However, both natural waters and aquaculture systems, which form the freshwater fisheries are faced with a problem of fish parasitic diseases which may result in reduced productivity and market value. The present study, therefore, carried out a survey on fish parasites from the Pangani catchment (Nyumba ya Mungu dam and Lake Jipe) and Lake Kitangiri in Singida Region in Tanzania to seal the gap of occurrence, diversity and abundance of helminths. Three species of fish viz. 111 African sharptooth …

Density And Aboriginal Uses Of Wild Tree Species In Milawilila Forest Reserve In Morogoro Region, Tanzania, David Sylvester Kacholi

Tanzania Journal of Science

This study assessed density and local uses of wild tree species in Milawilila forest reserve, Morogoro rural district. A total of six transects were set in the forest for assessing density and diversity of trees. In each transect, three plots of 20 m x 20 m were established and all trees with Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) ≥ 10 cm were identified, counted and DBH recorded in each plot. A semi structured questionnaire was used to obtain data on the use of tree species by the locals. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and Statistical Package for Social Science software. …

Assessment Of The Phytotoxic Effects And Ecological Risks To Phaseolus Vulgaris Planted On Crude Oil Spiked Soils, Doris F. Ogeleka, Patrick C. Bokolo, Gloria O. Omoregie

Tanzania Journal of Science

Crude oil can contaminate environmental matrices during extraction, production, refining, loading and offloading. This study evaluated the phytotoxic effects and ecological risks to beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) planted on native soils spiked with concentrations of crude oil with a secondary aim to phytoremediate the soil. The results showed a decrease in plant heights (60.80 ± 2.11 to 25.30 ± 1.10 cm), leaf areas (40.00 ± 1.70 to 23.60 ± 1.40 cm2), leaf number (14.00 ± 0.00 to 8.00 ± 0.00), and stem girth (1.57 ± 0.06 to 1.33 ± 0.06 cm) with increasing crude oil concentrations. The total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) …

Spore Germination For Three Edible Zimbabwean Mushrooms Using Biostimulants, Melody Pamire, Wilson Parawira

Tanzania Journal of Science

Spores play critical roles in the population and community development of ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF), which grow naturally in the presence of host plants. EMFs have not been cultivated commercially in most countries including those in Africa. In vitro germination of their spores is refractory and has been witnessed only in the presence of stimulants. In this study, germination of spores for three wild ectomycorrhizal fungi commonly collected in Zimbabwe was investigated under the influence of three biostimulants in Murashige and Skoog (MS) and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) media for the first time. The stimulatory capacity of tomato or potato roots …

Epidemiological Significance Of Parasitic Infections In Olive Baboons (Papio Anubis) At Gombe National Park, Tanzania, Jared S. Bakuza

Tanzania Journal of Science

Several parasites of significant health importance have been observed in baboons at Gombe National Park in western Tanzania.  However, little is known on impacts these infections have on baboon health. Baboon stools were examined for parasites using formol-ethyl technique and their health and troop membership associated with parasitic infections. Observed nematode parasites were; Streptopharagus sp., Physaloptera sp., unidentified nematodes, hookworms and Trichuris sp. Trematode parasites included Schistosoma mansoni and unidentified trematode, with the latter’s intensity being highest in DB troop baboons. Parasite egg counts (epg) for nematodes ranged from 9 to 12, and that of trematodes from 4 to 40 …

Surveillance Of Culex And Aedes Mosquitoes In Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska, William Noundou

Department of Entomology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

In 2018, West Nile virus (WNV) was identified as the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. In response to this very serious problem, the Lincoln-Lancaster County Public Health Department (LLCHD) reinforced their mosquito surveillance program, which constitutes one of the best available tools to fight against this serious threat to human health. The objectives of this study were to 1) expand knowledge of the activity and relative abundance of mosquito communities in understudied areas and 2) evaluate differences in mosquito communities by urban and rural location, especially focusing on known vector species. A total of 6 …

On Tanzania’S Precipitation Climatology, Variability, And Future Projection, Krishna Borhara, Binod Pokharel, Brennan L. Bean, Liping Deng, Shih-Yu (Simon) Wang

Plants, Soils, and Climate Faculty Publications

We investigate historical and projected precipitation in Tanzania using observational and climate model data. Precipitation in Tanzania is highly variable in both space and time due to topographical variations, coastal influences, and the presence of lakes. Annual and seasonal precipitation trend analyses from 1961 to 2016 show maximum rainfall decline in Tanzania during the long rainy season in the fall (March–May), and an increasing precipitation trend in northwestern Tanzania during the short rainy season in the spring (September–November). Empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis applied to Tanzania’s precipitation patterns shows a stronger correlation with warmer temperatures in the western Indian Ocean …

Surveillance Of Culex And Aedes Mosquitoes In Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska, William Noundou

Department of Entomology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

In 2018, West Nile virus (WNV) was identified as the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. In response to this very serious problem, the Lincoln-Lancaster County Public Health Department (LLCHD) reinforced their mosquito surveillance program, which constitutes one of the best available tools to fight against this serious threat to human health. The objectives of this study were to 1) expand knowledge of the activity and relative abundance of mosquito communities in understudied areas and 2) evaluate differences in mosquito communities by urban and rural location, especially focusing on known vector species. A total of 6 …

Altered Tropical Seascapes Influence Patterns Of Fish Assemblage And Ecological Functions In The Western Indian Ocean, D. H. Chacin, C. D. Stallings, M. Eggertsen, C. Åkerlund, C. Halling, C. Berkström

Marine Science Faculty Publications

The arrangement and composition of habitats within landscapes and fine-scale habitat characteristics influence community structure and ecological processes. These aspects can be altered by anthropogenic activities, thus influencing associated assemblages. Farming of macroalgae is a common practice in tropical settings and alters the natural composition of seascapes by introducing monoculture patches. The farmed macroalgae may also differ in palatability compared to naturally-occurring macroalgae, influencing herbivory. This study assessed how these farms may differ from natural macroalgal beds in terms of habitat heterogeneity, fish assemblages, and herbivory. We surveyed fish assemblages and deployed macroalgal assays within macroalgal beds, farms and at …

Lack Of Cd8+ T-Cell Co-Localization With Kaposi’S Sarcoma- Associated Herpesvirus Infected Cells In Kaposi’S Sarcoma Tumors, Salum J. Lidenge, For Yue Tso, Owen Ngalamika, Jaydeep Kolape, John R. Ngowi, Julius Mwaiselage, Charles Wood, John T. West

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

Despite the close association between Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) and immune dysfunction, it remains unclear whether tumor infiltrating immune cells (TIIC), by their absence, presence, or dysfunction, are mechanistically correlated with KS pathogenesis. Therefore, their potential capacity to serve as prognostic biomarkers of KS disease progression or control is unclear. Because epidemic-KS (EpKS) occurs with HIV-1 co-infection, it is particularly important to compare TIIC between EpKS and HIV-negative African endemic-KS (EnKS) to dissect the roles of HIV-1 and Kaposi Sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) in KS pathogenesis. This cross-sectional study of 13 advanced KS (4 EnKS, 9 EpKS) patients and 3 healthy controls …

Prevalence Of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus And Transfusion-Transmissible Infections In Tanzanian Blood Donors, Salum J. Lidenge, Tara Tran, For Yue Tso, John R. Ngowi, Danielle M. Shea, Julius Mwaiselage, Charles Wood, John T. West

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

Objective: Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the causative agent for Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), one of the most common cancers in Tanzania. We have investigated KSHV prevalence and factors associated with KSHV infection in Tanzania.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of voluntary blood-donors from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Plasma was screened for KSHV, HIV-1, HBV, HCV and Treponema pallidum (syphilis). Associations between KSHV sero-status and risk factors were analyzed. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) are reported to evaluate risk factors of KSHV infection. All tests were 2-tailed, and P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results: The overall KSHV seroprevalence was 56.9%. Significantly …

Viral And Immunological Analytes Are Poor Predictors Of The Clinical Treatment Response In Kaposi’S Sarcoma Patients, Salum J. Lidenge, For Yue Tso, Yasaman Mortazavi, John R. Ngowi, Danielle M. Shea, Julius Mwaiselage, Charles Wood, John T. West

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV) is the etiologic agent for Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS). The prognostic utility of KSHV and HIV-1 (human immunodeficiency virus) viremia as well as immunological parameters in clinical management of participants with KS is unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate viral and immunological parameters as predictors of KS treatment responses in participants with KS from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Plasma KSHV-DNA, HIV-1 viral load, total anti-KSHV antibody, KSHV-neutralizing antibody (nAb), cytokine/chemokine levels, and T-cell differentiation subsets were quantified before and after KS treatment in 13 participants with KS and in 13 KSHV-infected asymptomatic control individuals. …

Outcome Markers Of Art-Treated Hiv+ Patients With Early Stage Kaposi’S Sarcoma, Owen Ngalamika, For Yue Tso, Salum Lidenge, Sody Munsaka, Danielle Shea, Charles Wood, John West

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

HIV-associated/epidemic Kaposi’s sarcoma (EpKS) is an AIDS-defining angio-proliferative malignancy. It can be treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) alone or with ART plus cytotoxic chemotherapy. ART-treated EpKS can either respond or worsen upon treatment. This study aimed at identifying immunological markers of ART-treatment response. We compared responders (those with clinical EpKS tumor regression) versus poor responders (those with progressive or non-responsive EpKS). We measured plasma cytokine and chemokine levels using cytometric bead assays. Kaposi’s sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) neutralizing antibody (nAb) responses were also quantified to test associations with treatment outcome. Interleukin (IL)-5 levels were significantly elevated in responders versus poorresponders at …

Changes In Chemical And Microbiological Quality Of Semi-Processed Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia Illucens L.) Larval Meal During Storage, E. Kamau, C. Mutungi, J. Kinyuru, S. Imathiu, S. Ekesi, S. Ekesi, D. Nakimbugwe, K. K.M. Fiaboe

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Edible insects are receiving attention as a protein source in the food and feed sector. However, successful commercialisation requires mass production matched with appropriate processing and storage techniques. The quality of dried and pulverised black soldier fly larvae stored in woven polypropylene (PP) sacks, polyethylene (PE) bags and plastic containers with screw lid (PL) in ambient and refrigerated environments was monitored over six months. Chemical indicators (oxidation, fatty acid profile), microbiological parameters (total viable counts, yeast and moulds, Enterobacteriaceae, presumptive coliforms, Salmonella) and colour change were examined. Temperature and relative humidity of the storage environments were monitored. In the ambient …

How The Cervical Microbiota Contributes To Cervical Cancer Risk In Sub-Saharan Africa, Cameron Klein, Crispin Kahesa, Julius Mwalselage, John T. West, Charles Wood, Peter C. Angeletti

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

Despite ongoing efforts, sub-Saharan Africa faces a higher cervical cancer burden than anywhere else in the world. Besides HPV infection, definitive factors of cervical cancer are still unclear. Particular states of the cervicovaginal microbiota and viral infections are associated with increased cervical cancer risk. Notably, HIV infection, which is prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, greatly increases risk of cervicovaginal dysbiosis and cervical cancer. To better understand and address cervical cancer in sub-Saharan Africa, a better knowledge of the regional cervicovaginal microbiome is required This review establishes current knowledge of HPV, HIV, cervicovaginal infections, and the cervicovaginal microbiota in sub-Saharan Africa. Because …

The Kaposi’S Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus (Kshv) Gh/Gl Complex Is The Predominant Neutralizing Antigenic Determinant In Kshv-Infected Individuals, Yasaman Mortazavi, Salum J. Lidenge, Tara Tran, John T. West, Charles Wood, For Yue Tso

Nebraska Center for Virology: Faculty Publications

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the etiological agent of Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), one of the most prevalent cancers of people living with HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. The seroprevalence for KSHV is high in the region, and no prophylactic vaccine against the virus is available. In this study, we characterized the antigenic targets of KSHV-specific neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) in asymptomatic KSHV-infected individuals and KS patients with high nAbs titers. We quantified the extent to which various KSHV envelope glycoproteins (gB, ORF28, ORF68, gH, gL, gM, gN and gpK8.1) adsorbed/removed KSHV-specific nAbs from the plasma of infected individuals. Our study revealed that …