Background Extensive genetic diversity in the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (PfCSP) is a major contributing factor to the moderate efficacy of the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine. The transmission intensity and rates of recombination within and between populations influence the extent of its genetic diversity. Understanding the extent and dynamics of PfCSP genetic diversity in different transmission settings will help to interpret the results of current RTS,S efficacy and Phase IV implementation trials conducted within and between populations in malaria-endemic areas such as Ghana. Methods Pfcsp sequences were retrieved from the Illumina-generated paired-end short-read sequences of 101 and 131 malaria samples from children aged 6–59 months presenting with clinical malaria at health facilities in Cape Coast (in the coastal belt) and Navrongo (Guinea savannah region), respectively, in Ghana. The sequences were mapped onto the 3D7 reference strain genome to yield high-quality genome-wide coding sequence data. Following data filtering and quality checks to remove missing data, 220 sequences were retained and analysed for the allele frequency spectrum, genetic diversity both within the host and between populations and signatures of selection. Population genetics tools were used to determine the extent and dynamics of Pfcsp diversity in P. falciparum from the two geographically distinct locations in Ghana. Results Pfcsp showed extensive diversity at the two sites, with the higher transmission site, Navrongo, exhibiting higher within-host and population-level diversity. The vaccine strain C-terminal epitope of Pfcsp was found in only 5.9% and 45.7% of the Navrongo and Cape Coast sequences, respectively. Between 1 and 6 amino acid variations were observed in the TH2R and TH3R epitope regions of PfCSP. Tajima’s D was negatively skewed, especially for the population from Cape Coast, given the expected historical population expansion. In contrast, a positive Tajima’s D was observed for the Navrongo P. falciparum population, consistent with balancing selection acting on the immuno-dominant TH2R and TH3R vaccine epitopes. Conclusion The low frequencies of the Pfcsp vaccine haplotype in the analysed populations indicate a need for additional molecular and immuno-epidemiological studies with broader temporal and geographic sampling in endemic populations targeted for RTS,S application. These results have implications for the efficacy of the vaccine in Ghana and will inform the choice of alleles to be included in future multivalent or chimeric vaccines.

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Cost of fish production can be reduced by replacement of high-priced fishmeal (FM) with insects sourced ingredients. Four months feed experiment was conducted at a fish farm in Baringo County, Kenya to investigate effects of substituting fishmeal (FM) with black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) on survival and growth performance of C. gariepinus under aquaponic system. Three test diets 35% crude protein content (CP) in which FM was substituted by BSFLM at 25%, 50% and 75% were formulated and experimented with commercial diet of 35% CP. Four weeks old C. gariepinus were stocked in 12 tanks at a density of 50 fish/tank and subjected to the diets. Fish were sampled every three weeks; water parameters were sampled weekly and mortality recorded on occurrence. Diet with 50% BSFLM obtained better FCR for formulated diets with no significance (P<0.05) for FCR and survival. Weight gain of control diet (97.07 g) was significant (P<0.05) compared to formulated diets 64.09g, 69.78g and 67.77g for 75%, 50% and 25% of BSFL replacement respectively. Growth performance and survival demonstrated that BSFLM has potential to substitute FM up to 75%. The fish productivity can be improved and feed cost reduced by incorporating fully defatted BSFLM with CP higher than 25.3% used for the diets.

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Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) are herbivores with longer coiled intestines compared to carnivores; mouth characteristics necessary for plant shredding. Hence, several studies have been conducted to replace feed ingredients in the diet of Nile tilapia considering the increasing cost. In this study, Water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) was evaluated as a potential feed ingredient for Nile tilapia. A six months feeding trial was conducted to assess the effects of water spinach fish feed composition on the performance of Nile tilapia fingerlings. Five diets were formulated containing 0% (control diet), 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% water spinach composition. Each treatment was carried out in triplicate using 30 Nile tilapia juveniles per replicate with an initial mean weight of 2±1g. The fish were fed at 5% body weight twice per day. Water quality monitoring was done every morning before feeding. There was no significant (p > 0.05) variation in water quality parameters between all the treatments. The best growth performance was recorded from a fish-fed 5% diet (180.49±0.83 g), while fish fed with a 20% diet had poor growth performance (128.98± 0.80g). The highest SGR was obtained in fish fed with a 5% diet (1.34±0.05) while the lowest was obtained in fish fed with a 20% diet (1.09±0.05). Except for SGR, WG, FL, and FW, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in other growth parameters of all the treatments. Final weight had a significant difference as determined by One-Way ANOVA (F (4,316) =6.363, P=0.00) between 15% and 20% water spinach composition compared to 5% water spinach composition. Therefore, 5% water spinach composition had the best growth performance.

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The Babesia genus has more than 100 species which are transmitted by ticks and infects humans, livestock and wildlife, some of which are zoonotic. New species continue being discovered which are poorly characterized. Locally, Babesia species occur in wildlife and livestock. Published literature on the species infecting dogs is limited.Local management practices enable close interaction between wildlife, livestock and humans. The societal role of dogs enable them serve as conduits for pathogens.Canine babesiosis causes a severe disease in dogs which can be fatal. Treatment required is lengthy and expensive. Current control methods rely on acaricide use. A vaccine against the disease is needed. Genetic characterization of local canine Babesia species would lay foundations for such development and assess any zoonotic potential.Molecular and bioinformatic methods i.e. DNA extraction (143 dogs sampled), PCR, sequencing and bioinformatic analysis were used in the study.13 samples were positive for Babesia canis; prevalence 9.0%, 95% confidence interval, (0.0437 to 0.1381).From the 13 positive samples, 2 were identified as Babesia canis vogeli; prevalence 1.4%, 95% confidence interval, (0.0138 to 0.142).While 11 were identified as Babesia canis rossi; prevalence 7.69%, 95% confidence interval, (0.033 to 0.12).Babesia rossi and Babesia vogeli were 84.6% and 15.4% of cases respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the Kenyan B.rossi sequences to be closely related to B.rossi sequences from black-backed jackals. The B.vogeli sequences were closely related to a B.vogeli sequence obtained from a pet cat in China.Babesia rossi is known to cause the most severe form of canine babesiosis, 84.6% of the cases were positive for this parasite which requires immediate and aggressive medical intervention. The role of wildlife in the maintenance of the parasites especially B.rossi was noted, control measures would of necessity have to incorporate this component of the parasite lifecycle.

BackgroundThere are over 100 Babesia species known to infect vertebrates with some of them being zoonotic. Local dog keeping practices enable extensive and intimate interactions between dogs, livestock, wildlife, and their human owners, thus allowing the possibility of dogs to act as hosts for zoonotic parasites.Canine babesiosis, known to occur in Kenya causes a severe and debilitating illness in dogs which compromises their welfare and capacity to carry out their role in society. Published data on Babesia species circulating among dogs in Kenya is limited. Improved control measures such as vaccines are required against the disease.MethodsThe study design was descriptive and sampling opportunistic. A total of 143 whole blood samples were collected from domestic dogs in Nakuru, Nairobi and Mombasa counties. Total genomic DNA was extracted from each of the samples and screened for Babesia parasites using diagnostic PCR. Babesia species were identified through bioinformatic analysis of Sanger sequences.ResultsA total of 13 samples were positive for Babesia species (95% C.I is 0.0437 to 0.1381). Two were positive for Babesia canis vogeli, eleven were positive for Babesia canis rossi.77% of the Babesia positive samples were from Nairobi county.ConclusionsThe study confirmed that molecular methods can be utilized to detect the presence of Babesia species circulating among dogs in Kenya.85% of the Babesia positive samples were Babesia canis rossi which causes the most severe form of canine babesiosis. Results of the bioinformatic analysis indicate 98.29% to 99.52% sequence identity to Babesia canis rossi obtained from black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas).Babesia canis vogeli although primarily known as a domestic dog parasite has been shown capable of infecting both domestic and wild felines. This demonstrates the capacity of dogs to serve as hosts for pathogens from wildlife and vice versa.