Browsing by Author "Angwech, Harriet"

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    Apparent density, trypanosome infection rates and host preference of tsetse flies in the sleeping sickness endemic focus of Northwestern Uganda.
    (Springer Nature, 2021-11-29) Opiro, Robert; Opoke, Robert; Angwech, Harriet; Nakafu, Esther; Oloya, Francis A; Openy, Geoffrey; Njahira, Moses; Macharia, Mercy; Echodu, Richard; Malinga, Geoffrey M.; Opiyo, Elizabeth A.
    African trypanosomiasis, caused by protozoa of the genus Trypanosoma and transmitted by the tsetse fly, is a serious parasitic disease of humans and animals. Reliable data on the vector distribution, feeding preference and the trypanosome species they carry is pertinent to planning sustainable control strategies. We deployed 109 biconical traps in 10 villages in two districts of northwestern Uganda to obtain information on the apparent density, trypanosome infection status and blood meal sources of tsetse flies. A subset (272) of the collected samples was analyzed for detection of trypanosomes species and sub-species using a nested PCR protocol based on primers amplifying the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA. 34 blood-engorged adult tsetse midguts were analyzed for blood meal sources by sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 1 (COI) and cytochrome b (cytb) genes. We captured a total of 622 Glossina fuscipes fuscipes tsetse flies (269 males and 353 females) in the two districts with apparent density (AD) ranging from 0.6 to 3.7 flies/trap/day (FTD). 10.7% (29/272) of the flies were infected with one or more trypanosome species. Infection rate was not significantly associated with district of origin (Generalized linear model (GLM), χ2 = 0.018, P = 0.895, df = 1, n = 272) and sex of the fly (χ2 = 1.723, P = 0.189, df = 1, n = 272). However, trypanosome infection was highly significantly associated with the fly’s age based on wing fray category (χ2 = 22.374, P < 0.001, df = 1, n = 272), being higher among the very old than the young tsetse. Nested PCR revealed several species of trypanosomes: T. vivax (6.62%), T. congolense (2.57%), T. brucei and T. simiae each at 0.73%. Blood meal analyses revealed five principal vertebrate hosts, namely, cattle (Bos taurus), humans (Homo sapiens), Nile monitor lizard (Varanus niloticus), African mud turtle (Pelusios chapini) and the African Savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana). We found an infection rate of 10.8% in the tsetse sampled, with all infections attributed to trypanosome species that are causative agents for AAT. However, more verification of this finding using large-scale passive and active screening of human and tsetse samples should be done. Cattle and humans appear to be the most important tsetse hosts in the region and should be considered in the design of control interventions.
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    Utilization of malaria control interventions and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Lira City, Northern Uganda
    (Springer Nature, 2026-03-09) Apio, Everline; Angwech, Harriet; Opio, Bosco; Okwir, Gustavio; Opoke, Robert; Malinga, Geoffrey Maxwell; Opiro, Robert
    Malaria remains a major public health concern in Uganda, with prevalence in Lira City rising sharply in recent years despite ongoing interventions. Women of reproductive age are particularly vulnerable, yet little is known about their use of available preventive measures. This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and utilization of malaria control interventions, and examined factors influencing their uptake. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 629 randomly selected women of reproductive age in Lira City. Quantitative data were collected using semi structured questionnaires, while qualitative insights were obtained through focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), intermittent preventive treatment (IPT), and indoor residual spraying (IRS). Chi-square tests were used to examine associations, and multivariate logistic regression was applied to identify predictors of utilization. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically to explore barriers to uptake, and findings were triangulated with quantitative results for validation and deeper interpretation. ITN utilization was high (84.1%), IPT uptake moderate (68%), and IRS coverage low (32.8%). Almost all participants (96.8%) were knowledgeable about ITNs, mainly gained through health workers, and expressed positive attitudes toward malaria prevention (mean score: 4.34, SD = 0.67). While most (91.9%) perceived IRS as effective, concerns included bad odor and discomfort (51.7%), doubt about safety (21.9%), and effectiveness (17.3%). Age, type of house, challenges faced with nets, marital status, and exposure to health education were significant predictors of utilization. Despite widespread ITN use, IRS uptake remains limited due to persistent concerns and misconceptions. Strengthening targeted health education, addressing community fears, and improving access to interventions are critical for enhancing malaria control in high-transmission settings like Lira City.