Philip M. Ngumbi

Identification of phlebotomine sandfly bloodmeals from Baringo district, Kenya, by direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

Direct enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to identify the sources of bloodmeals in phlebotomine sandflies from Baringo District, Rift Valley Province, Kenya. Some bloodmeals had been stored for over 4 years before being analysed. Among 356 sandflies identified, 62.9% were Phlebotomus martini, 14.8%Sergentomyia antennatus, 10%S.schwetzi, 6%S.clydei, 1.9%S.adleri, 1.6%P.duboscqi, 1.4%S.africanus and 0.8%S.bedfordi. Out of 224 P.martini bloodmeals, host source was identified for 69. The order of host preference for P.martini was: goat 28.5%, rabbit 22.7%, human 8.9% and others 8.9%. Evidence of mixed feeding was shown by four species comprising sixteen specimens, twelve of which were P.martini. The most effective methods for trapping bloodfed P.martini were sticky paper traps in termite hills, followed by light‐traps. Of the 224 P.martini trapped, 58.9% were collected with traps in termite hills, and 22.7% with light traps. Roles of the three most popular hosts for P.martini should be investigated to ascertain whether they act as reservoirs in the transmission of Leishmania donovani causing visceral leishmaniasis in Kenya.

Host feeding preference of Phlebotomus guggisbergi, a vector of Leishmania tropica in Kenya.

Abstract. Recently the sandfly Phlebotomus guggisbergi was found to be a vector of Leishmania tropica causing cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Laikipia focus, Kenya, but extensive searches have shed no light on the identity of the rural reservoir host(s). In order to discover more about the biology of the vector, a host feeding preference study was conducted on wild sandflies in their natural cave environment over a 6‐month period. Solid state Army miniature (SSAM) traps, without light bulb, were suspended over cages with potential hosts or an empty cage control. The animals tested included sheep, goat, dog, cat, hamster, rabbit, giant rat (Cricetomys gambianus), crested rat (Lophiomys imhausi) and rock hyrax (Procavia capensis), all of which (except hamsters) are normally found in the vicinity of the study site. Sandfly collections from traps baited with goat, sheep, cat, dog, rabbit, or wild rodent species were significantly higher than the control, whereas trap collections with hamster and rock hyrax were not significantly different from the control. Numbers of sandflies collected from the goat, sheep and cat were significantly greater than from the rabbit and rodents. The sex ratio also varied between collections: larger animals attracted a higher proportion of female P.guggisbergi than did the smaller animals (P>0.05). Therefore greater emphasis should be placed on surveying larger animals to assess their status as reservoir hosts for L.tropica in Kenya.

A new focus of kala-azar due to Leishmania donovani sensu lato in Kenya

Three Masai children from Kekonyokie South Location, Kajiado District were diagnosed with visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar). Leishmanial isolates from the patients were characterized as Leishmania donovani sensu lato, by cellulose acetate electrophoresis. Case histories indicated that the disease was acquired locally. A survey of 409 children at 7 local primary schools and one nursery school revealed no additional case. Sandfly surveys using light traps and sticky paper traps recovered 10 species of sandfly, including 2 Phlebotomus species. P. martini was prevalent throughout the area. P. orientalis was only rarely encountered, but it was the first collection record of this species in the southern portion of the Rift Valley in Kenya. Although no Leishmania-infected sandfly was found, P. martini is probably the vector of kala-azar in the location, as it is elsewhere in Kenya.

From Mud and Stick-walled Houses to Corrugated Iron sheet Houses: A New Strategy for Preventing Human-Vector Contact in Marigat Sub-county a Leishmaniasis-endemic Area in Kenya

Department of Technical and Applied Biology, Technical University of Kenya, Kenya 2 Department of Science and Health, Daystar University, Kenya 3 Centre for Biotechnology, Research and Development, Leishmaniasis Laboratory, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kenya

A Descriptive Survey on Knowledge, Attitude, Practices and Beliefs (KAPBs) on Kala-azar among the Residents of Marigat Sub-County, Baringo County -

ABSTRACT Objective: To establish the level of knowledge, attitude, practices and beliefs (KAPBs) related to kala-azar among residents of Marigat sub- County, Baringo County. Methods: The sub- County is divided into 37 sub-locations and of these 8 herein referred to as villages were considered for this study. A total of 670 households were randomly drawn from the 8 villages and this formed the sample population. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and in depth interviews of key informants. Results: The findings indicated that the respondents were well informed on kala-azar; the cause and treatment. They also had favorable attitude towards the disease. They were aware that the disease was curable and sought treatment from health facilities as opposed to traditional alternatives. In seeking treatment, the residents were faced with challenges such as the long distance to the health facility, long period of treatment and the attendant cost of caring for a leishmaniasis patient. The respondents were aware that the disease was spread by an insect however, they were not aware of preventive measures. Most live in destitute houses which predisposed them to the infective bite of the vector. Most of the respondents are not employed and the cost of treatment, in addition to attendant costs places a heavy economic burden on them. Conclusion: The results showed good awareness of leishmaniasis, positive attitude and practices among the respondents which are important attributes in community participation. These findings are quite encouraging to researchers planning control programs because such a community would be more receptive to suggested control measures.