University of Zambia

About: University of Zambia is a education organization based out in Lusaka, Lusaka, Zambia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Health care. The organization has 2593 authors who have published 4402 publications receiving 122411 citations. The organization is also known as: UNZA.

Antimicrobial sensitivity in enterobacteria from AIDS patients, Zambia.

Abstract: Mycoplasma contamination of the licensed anthrax vaccine administered to military personnel has been suggested as a possible cause of Persian Gulf illness. Vaccine samples tested by nonmilitary laboratories were negative for viable mycoplasma and mycoplasma DNA and did not support its survival. Mycoplasma contamination of anthrax vaccine should not be considered a possible cause of illness.

Investment incentives and the implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control: evidence from Zambia

Abstract: Purpose Policy misalignment across different sectors of government serves as one of the pivotal barriers to WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) implementation. This paper examines the logic used by government officials to justify investment incentives to increase tobacco processing and manufacturing in the context of FCTC implementation in Zambia. Methods We conducted qualitative semistructured interviews with key informants from government, civil society and intergovernmental economic organisations (n=23). We supplemented the interview data with an analysis of public documents pertaining to the policy of economic development in Zambia. Results We found gross misalignments between the policies of the economic sector and efforts to implement the provisions of the FCTC. Our interviews uncovered the rationale used by officials in the economic sector to justify providing economic incentives to bolster tobacco processing and manufacturing in Zambia: (1) tobacco is not consumed by Zambians/tobacco is an export commodity, (2) economic benefits outweigh health costs and (3) tobacco consumption is a personal choice. Conclusions Much of the struggle Zambia has experienced in implementing the FCTC can be attributed to misalignments between the economic and health sectors. Zambia’s development agenda seeks to bolster agricultural processing and manufacturing. Tobacco control proponents must recognise and work within this context in order to foster productive strategies with those working on tobacco supply issues. These findings are broadly applicable to the global context. It is important that the Ministry of Health monitors the tobacco policy of and engages with these sectors to find ways of harmonising FCTC implementation.

Characterization of some Brucella species from Zimbabwe by biochemical profiling and AMOS-PCR

Abstract: Background Bovine brucellosis caused by Brucella abortus is endemic in most large commercial and smallholder cattle farms of Zimbabwe, while brucellosis in other domestic animals is rare. The diagnosis of brucellosis is mainly accomplished using serological tests. However, some Brucella spp. have been isolated from clinical cases in the field and kept in culture collection but their biochemical profiles were not documented. We report biochemical profiling and AMOS-PCR characterization of some of these field isolates of Brucella originating from both commercial and smallholder cattle farming sectors of Zimbabwe.

Age changes in the human laryngeal cartilages

Abstract: Various changes in the human laryngeal cartilages have been studied by the naked eye, radiology, and histology in 28 dissecting room and 20 autopsy specimens (21 male and 27 female) ranging from 14 to 101 years. Except for one 14- and one 20-year-old specimen, radiographic signs of calcification occurred in all and were found in hyaline cartilaginous tissue of the thyroid, cricoid, arytenoid, and the variably occurring triticiate cartilages. A series of stages has been established indicating the pattern of spread of the process in the thyroid cricoid and arytenoid cartilages. Minor differences between the sexes were found in the thyroid and the cricoid, and some correlation was noted between sites of calcification with sites of muscle attachment and sites of greatest mass. The degree of involvement was not, however, found to be a reliable index of age, with wide variations occurring between individuals. Histology showed various degenerative processes, including calcification, but also revealed the occurrence of actual ossification even in some younger specimens. However, some foci of cartilage always persisted even when ossification was well advanced. Naked eye examination detected regions within the cartilages where ossification was well established, dark areas being produced by the presence of marrow. The remaining tissue was found histologically to be composed of cartilage, which might be calcified or might even contain small foci of bone. Radiology was an accurate method for detection of calcification and ossification, which were sometimes distinguishable, larger masses of calcified cartilage having a dense uniform radiographic appearance unlike the trabecular pattern of bone. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Predictors of cigarette smoking among adolescents in rural Zambia: results from a cross sectional study from Chongwe district

Abstract: Available from: http://www.rrh.org.au A B S T R A C T Introduction: Cigarette smoking is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. There are limited data on the prevalence of and factors associated with smoking among in-school adolescents in developing countries. Objectives: To estimate prevalence of those who have smoked cigarettes and to identify associated socio-demographic factors among adolescents in Chongwe district, Lusaka Province, Zambia. Methods: Data used was from the Zambia Global Youth Tobacco Survey, which was conducted using standardized methodology among in-school adolescents in 2002. Data were analyzed to assess if selected socio-demographic variables were associated with having smoked cigarettes. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the associations. Results: A history of having smoked cigarettes ranged from 20.5% among 15 year olds to 37.2% among males younger than 12 years old. In females, 20.7% of 13 year olds and 37.7% of those less than 12 years old had smoked. Parental smoking, friends smoking, a lack of perception that smoking was harmful, and exposure to pro-tobacco advertisements were associated with having smoked cigarettes. Adolescents who had smoked cigarettes were more likely to allow others smoke in their presence. Conclusions: Many adolescents in rural Luangwa, Zambia had tried cigarette smoking. The identification of predictors for smoking should guide the design and implementation of programs aimed to prevent initiation and maintenance of tobacco use among adolescents.