Showing papers by "Makerere University published in 1991"

The development of a community-based HIV/AIDS counselling service in a rural area in Uganda

Abstract: This paper describes the evolution of a counselling service in the context of an HIV/AIDS research programme in rural Uganda. The background to AIDS counselling both in Europe/America and in Africa is outlined first, and the cultural context of the programme explained. The evolution of the counselling procedure is then described and village case studies are used to illustrate the development and the difficulties that have been faced in finding an appropriate counselling model. It is noted that the Euro-American model of person-to-person counselling needs to be adapted to the rural African setting, by placing the emphasis on support for the family. It is emphasized that the approach to counselling needs to remain flexible and sensitive to the sociocultural context in which it is developed.

Altered small-intestinal permeability associated with diarrhoea in human-immunodeficiency-virus-infected Caucasian and African subjects.

Abstract: 1. Small-intestine integrity in Caucasian and African patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus was determined by measuring the permeation across the mucosa of two sugars, lactulose and mannitol. 2. The sugars were assayed by h.p.l.c. and pulsed amperometric detection in 6 h urine samples. Stool microscopy for enteropathogens was performed in all patients. 3. The ratio of lactulose to mannitol recovered in urine was increased in Caucasian and African patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus infection. Asymptomatic human-immunodeficiency-virus-infected subjects had a normal lactulose/mannitol ratio. African patients with diarrhoea showed a twofold reduction in mannitol excretion. Such a change in mannitol absorption was not detected in Caucasian patients and occurred regardless of the presence of enteropathogens. 4. Altered small-intestinal permeability is associated with symptomatic diarrhoea in human immunodeficiency virus infection in both Caucasian and African patients.

Organizational Environment in Africa: A Factor Analysis of Critical Incidents

Abstract: The focus of this study is on the effect of institutional envioronment on organizational decision making in an African state. Three empirical studies were conducted consecutively in Nigeria. The first one provided the instrument for the subsequent studies. The instrument, containing 26 items, was factor analyzed in the second and third studies. In the second, four interpretable factors were identified where a factor containing items concerning the exchange environment accounted for the largest variance. The other factors measured aspects of the institutional environment. In the third study, a similar configuration of item clusters was obtained, though consistency was most observed in the factor measuring the exchange environment. This was taken as evidence for the validity of the exchange environment as well as the reliability of items used to measure it. Three characteristics define this environment. The first is transactional failure or the failure to take possession of a service or good already paid fo...

Family planning in rural Uganda: knowledge and use of modern and traditional methods in Ankole.

Abstract: Ankole has recorded the highest fertility in Uganda over the past several decades. One of the main proximate determinants of fertility in the area is the low level of contraception. A study of knowledge and use of modern and traditional contraceptive methods is reported in this paper. It is shown that higher proportions of women known and practice traditional methods compared with modern ones. Several factors contributing to past low use of modern contraceptives in the area are examined and current contraceptive use is also examined.

Influence of head blast infection on seed germination and yield components of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn)

Abstract: Head blast caused a significant reduction in grain yield, a result of reduction in spikelet length, grain weight and number of grains per head. The correlations between field infection and yield, and between field infection and percentage seed germination, were both statistically non‐significant.

A new approach to community participation in tsetse control in the Busoga sleeping sickness focus, Uganda. A preliminary report.

Abstract: A process is described by which trapping technology is being taught to a rural community which has been affected continuously by an epidemic of sleeping sickness for over a decade. Through a systematic health education programme, people are actively involved in making and setting traps and in learning about the general characteristics of the tsetse fly and the disease. A mono-screen trap has been developed for community use and is being used to trap flies. This is the first time that this kind of community participation has been attempted in tsetse control--and this approach is discussed in relation to other approaches.

Non-isotopic polymerase chain reaction methods for the detection of HIV-1 in Ugandan mothers and infants.

Abstract: Two non-isotopic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods were evaluated by testing blood from 41 HIV-1-seropositive and 16 HIV-1-seronegative Ugandan mothers and 56 of their children (aged 0.5-15.0 months). Amplification of HIV-1 sequences was performed in duplicate using a biotinylated primer pair to the gag region (SK 462-431) and nested primer pairs (JA 17-20) to the pol region of HIV-1. gag sequences were hybridized using a microtiter plate coated with the SK 102 probe followed by colorimetric detection using an avidin-horseradish peroxidase conjugate and tetramethylbenzidine/peroxide substrate. pol sequences were detected on agarose gel stained with ethidium bromide. Results of HIV-1 PCR analysis showed that 40 out of 41 (98%) seropositive mothers and 10 out of 29 (34%) seropositive children had detectable HIV-1 gag and pol sequences. None of the 16 seronegative mothers nor 27 seronegative or Western blot-indeterminate children had detectable HIV-1 sequences. Our results suggest that non-isotopic PCR methods are sensitive, specific, and potentially useful in the early diagnosis of HIV-1 infection in developed and developing countries.

Incidence and causes of maternal mortality in five Kampala hospitals, 1980-1986

Abstract: This report presents results of a descriptive study to estimate the mortality rate, identify the type and the causes of maternal deaths. The study was conducted in 1987 in Kampala hospitals for a period covering seven years from 1st January 1980 to 31st December, 1986. The non abortion maternal mortality rate (NAMMR) was 2.65 per 1000 deliveries while the abortion related maternal mortality rate (ARMMR) was 3.58 per 1000 abortions. There was a statistically significant increase in NAMMR while the increase in ARMMR was almost significant over the seven year period. Of all maternal deaths, 80 per cent were non abortion while 20 per cent were abortion related. The commonest immediate causes of death, in order of importance, were sepsis, haemorrhage, ruptured uterus, anaesthesia and anaemia. The commonest patient management factors which contributed to death, in order of importance, were lack of blood for transfusion, lack of drugs and intravenous fluids, theatre problems and doctor related factors. We feel that a lot happens to the pregnant mother before she finally reaches a health unit for delivery and that there is a great need to improve on the community's gynaecological and obstetrical services as well as ambulance and emergency services. We also feel that maternal mortality in developing countries could be reduced if the health workers were imaginative in respect to each patient, tried not to operate as though they were working in a developed country, and created relevant solutions for the local problems.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Influence of sample type on the interpretation of the oral glucose tolerance test for gestational diabetes mellitus.

Abstract: The World Health Organization (1985) criteria allow evaluation of the oral glucose tolerance test using venous or capillary whole blood or plasma glucose measurements. However, the empirical factors used for interconversion may not reflect observed differences, especially during pregnancy, causing inconsistent classification. To investigate how choice of sample would influence the interpretation of results, venous and capillary blood was taken during oral glucose tolerance tests in 36 pregnant women at risk of gestational diabetes and in 21 non-pregnant control subjects. Glucose was measured on whole blood and plasma by a glucose oxidase method. No cases of gestational diabetes were identified. Eight subjects had gestational Impaired Glucose Tolerance using either venous plasma or venous whole blood results, but only five were similarly classified with capillary whole blood and only four using capillary plasma. Plasma-whole blood differences (venous 0.6 +/- 0.2 (+/- SD) mmol l-1, capillary 0.7 +/- 0.3 mmol l-1) and capillary-venous differences (plasma 0.5 +/- 0.4, whole blood 0.4 +/- 0.5 mmol l-1) at 2 h were lower (all p less than 0.05) than in the WHO criteria (1.1 mmol l-1). When compared with venous plasma, capillary measurements may give a lower incidence and venous whole blood measurements a higher incidence of Impaired Glucose Tolerance in pregnancy.

The value of a clinical definition for epidemic KS in predicting HIV seropositivity in Africa.

Abstract: Kaposis sarcoma (KS) in African adults can present in both endemic (non-HIV related) and epidemic (HIV related) forms and in this paper the authors evaluated the usefulness of a clinical case definition for epidemic KS in predicting HIV seropositivity. A total of 235 patients with KS presenting to the Uganda Cancer Institute from January 1 1988-March 31 1990 were evaluated with history and physical examination. Symptomatic patients underwent chest radiography and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. 174 (80%) underwent HIV ELISA testing with Western blot confirmation. The clinical case definition had a 91% sensitivity and a 95% specificity in predicting HIV seropositivity. Oral KS was the most sensitive specific site of involvement in predicting HIV seropositivity. The clinical case definition is useful in assessing patients to determine prognosis and likelihood of responding to aggressive therapy. (authors)

Mineralogy and genesis of the trench tungsten-molybdenum deposit, mount mulgine, Western Australia

Abstract: The Mount Mulgine Trench deposit is a large, low grade W-Mo resource in Archaean greenstone-granitoid terrain in the Yilgarn Block, Western Australia. The mineralization occupies a quartz vein stockwork zone in a sequence of altered meta-basalts and banded iron formations. The nearby Hill deposit is hosted by a quartzmuscovite greisen on the margin of the synkinematic Mulgine Granite. Fluid inclusion studies show mineralization of the Trench deposit formed over a wide range of temperatures (approximately 500° to 260°C) from a fluid dominated by CaCl2. Scheelite is the dominant W mineral and fluid inclusion data indicate deposition at temperatures of about 420° to 360°C from a fluid containing about 16 wt% CaCl2 equivalent. Field relationships and sulphur isotope studies indicate a magmatic hydrothermal origin related to the Mulgine Granite. Fractures formed during intrusion of the granite provided channels for fluid migration and sites for mineral deposition. Controlling factors on mineral deposition may have been the temperature gradient away from the cooling granite and an increase in aCa2resulting from fluid/rock interaction.

Management issues for patients with HIV infection in Africa.

Abstract: Managing an AIDS patient in Africa is one of the biggest challenges facing health care workers and providers. They are asked to provide comprehensive yet affordable and accessible care in the context of increasing numbers of people infected with HIV inadequate manpower and limited resources. The establishment of effective and appropriate national standard treatment guidelines is a first step in improving medical care training and the estimation of drug requirements. The obstacles to current patient management in Africa can be overcome if all interested parties governments national AIDS control programs international agencies and donors and nongovernmental organizations make a commitment to the provision of proper care. This paper considers the obstacles to good patient management. The medical management of HIV-infected patients is discussed in terms of general principles the diagnosis of HIV infection and AIDS standard treatment guidelines the treatment of infections and cancers prophylactic treatment antiretroviral treatment early identification of HIV status care strategies and standard of care and human resources and training.

Peptic ulcer surgery at a rural hospital in Kenya.

Abstract: In this study, 157 patients who underwent surgery for peptic ulcer disease in a 215-bed mission hospital in Nyeri, Kenya were evaluated. One hundred and thirty seven patients (87.3%) had duodenal ulcer. Vagotomy and drainage was performed in 82.8% with an overall mortality of 1.3%. There were no serious complications during operation but side effects were experienced during the post operative period. Various aspects of peptic ulcer surgery are discussed.

Fauna associated with Cubitermes testaceus mounds (Isoptera: Termitidae)

Abstract: Observations on the fauna that live in close association with mounds constructed by Cubitermes testaceus (Isoptera: Termitidae) were made in a grassland area of Uganda. Termite nests were systematically excavated and dissected and a careful record of the fauna associated with each was made. Arthropods belonging to three different classes were recorded in mounds of C. testaceus and with varying degrees of occurrence. They included insects (93%), chilopods (5%) and diplopods (2%). Ants were found to be the commonest insects in the mounds followed by other termites (21%) Coleoptera (9%) and Dictyoptera (1%). In view of the carnivorous nature of most of the ants recorded, and considering the feeding behaviour observed in the field, it is suggested that they can have considerable effect on C. testaceus populations in the grassland ecosystem at Kaazi.

Anaplasmosis in Uganda. II. Prevalence of bovine anaplasmosis in Uganda.

Abstract: The prevalence of bovine anaplasmosis was studied in 320 Zebu cattle randomly selected from three regions of Uganda: (Central, Southwestern and Northwestern) using dot-ELISA, Western immunoblotting, rapid card agglutination test (RCAT), capillary tube agglutination test (CAT), complement fixation test (CFT), and parasitological techniques. Dried blood on Whatman filter paper No. 1 was eluted in PBS 0.05% Tween 20 prior to testing at an initial dilution of 1:25. The prevalences of parasitaemia were 25% in the central region, 28% in the southwestern region, and 35% in the northwestern region, and the serological prevalence was lowest in the central region and highest in the northwest. Overall, prevalence rates obtained by dot-ELISA (61.9%) and Western immunoblotting (62.5%) were 1.5 times those obtained by RCAT (41%) and three times those obtained by CAT (22.5%). The overall prevalence rates obtained by dot-ELISA and Western immunoblotting compared favourably with the CFT data. The present data utilizing dried blood on filter papers indicate that there is a high prevalence of anaplasmosis in those regions of Uganda surveyed, and confirm our observations and those of others that collecting blood on filter papers is a suitable technique for large scale screening and for seroepidemiological studies.

Agricultural extension and pest control: a case study of Iganga district.

Abstract: An initial study of the extension service and pest control in Iganga district was made between 14 July and 20 August 1987. This was part of a more extensive on-farm study of pest control problems in the district. This study covered 36 small scale farmers randomly picked from the three agricultural sub-zones in the district. It was observed that: (i) information on crop protection was scanty, (ii) the majority of the farmers were aware of the presence of pests on their farms, (iii) there is a minimal use of pesticides on small scale farms in the district, (iv) a number of pests occur in varying frequencies on small scale farms in the district and (v) the extension staff are still too few to handle even the general aspects of crop production.

An outbreak of rinderpest on a farm in the suburban area of Kampala, Uganda, following introduction of illegally moved cattle.

Abstract: Rinderpest was controlled in East Africa in the mid 1960s following the JP15 scheme and subsequent annual vaccination campaigns. Since 1979 rinderpest has reappeared in many African countries due to disruption of annual vaccination campaigns, relaxation in veterinary surveillance (Nawathe and Lamorde, 1983), political unrest and military strife leading to displacement of people and uncontrolled livestock movement across the borders. In 1979 a rinderpest outbreak occurred in cattle in north-eastern Uganda but was controlled in 1981 (Rossiter, Jessett, Wafula et al. , 1983). Localised outbreaks were recorded in Karamoja during 1983 and 1984 and also in West Lango in 1985. The disease spread to Luwero triangle north of Kampala through uncontrolled movement of market cattle (Rossiter, Taylor, Bwangamoi et al., 1987). This note reports on an outbreak of rinderpest in both local and exotic cross cattle in the suburban area of Kampala, following introduction of illegally moved cattle. The farmer introduced a new cow from the Luwero triangle five days before the disease outbreak. The disease was first noticed in a Friesian-cross which was salivating and anorexic. The local veterinarian found a high temperature (41~ and lesions in the mouth. Rinderpest was confirmed by the senior author and reported to the authorities who then took the necessary action. The farm's location surrounded by dairy farms without past history of rinderpest strongly suggests that the disease was introduced with the new cow. The Luwero triangle where the cow came from had been exposed to rinderpest from Lango. Some cattle owners sell sick animals to cattle traders who in turn transl3ort them illegally to the abattoirs without the knowledge of the local veterinary staff thus spreading the disease. Some unscrupulous cattle traders sell cattle intended for slaughter to farmers particularly those who need to replace their animals lost during the war. The fact that the farmer did not have relevant documents strongly suggests that he bought the cow from cattle traders. This case draws attention to the number of illegal stock movements and calls for strict surveillance of such malpractices. Tough measures should be imposed against farmers and cattle traders engaged in illegal cattle movement because rinderpest still constitutes a serious threat to livestock and possibly wild animals in Uganda. It calls for intensified annual vaccinations throughout the country and strong regional cooperation between the neighbouring states to ensure annual vaccinations in order to stamp out rinderpest in the region.

The effect of ammine, ethanoate, trichloro- and trifluoroethanoate ligands on tris(2,4-pentanedionato)chromium(III) formation in high pH aqueous solution

Abstract: The yields of tris(2,4-pentanedionato)chrvmium(III) (Cr(acac)3) formed in the presence of either the ammonia (Am), ethanoate (ET), trichloroethanoate (TCE), or trifluoroethanoate (TFE) ligand in high pH aqueous solution, were compared with those from a medium containing only hydroxyl and water as the principal ligands besides the acac. The presence of Am, ET, and TCE drastically reduced the yields at pH’s 9.5–10.5, 7.5–9.0/9.5–11.0, and 9.0–12.0, respectively in increasing order ET > Am < TCE. The role of Am is attributed mainly to the oxo-bridged species ((OH)m(H2O)nAm5-(m+n)Cr(O)(OH)CrAm5-(m+n)(H2O)n(OH)m)3-2m (1), ((OH)m(H2O)nAm5-(m+n)Cr(O)2CrAm5-(m+n)(H2O)n(OH)m)2-2m (2), and ((OH)m(H2O)nAm5-(m+n)Cr(O)(OH)CrAm4(m+n)(H2O)n(OH)m+1)2-2m (3). 2 is the most deactivating species mainly on the basis that the Cr-O bond of the oxo-bridge is suggested as being stronger than the Cr-O bond of the hydroxo-bridge. As for ET and TCE, oxo-bridged polymeric ethanoato- and trichloroethanoatochromium(III) species are also proposed as the main origin of the drastic deactivation of the reaction not observed for TFE due possibly, to the insignificance of oxo-bridges in tnfluoroethanoatochromium(III) species.

Evaluation of Surface Applied Sewage Sludge as a Source of Inorganic Phosphorus in a Forest Soil

Abstract: (1991) Evaluation of Surface Applied Sewage Sludge as a Source of Inorganic Phosphorus in a Forest Soil East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal: Vol 57, No 1, pp 47-55

Integrated pest management: Options for Uganda

Abstract: The paper acknowledges the need for pesticide usage to boost agricultural production and for disease control in Uganda and elsewhere in Africa. But drawing from some instances of pesticide pollution so far reported in Africa, the paper highlights the need for cautious use of the chemicals in order to avoid further pollution.