Browsing by Author "Mwesigye, Vicent"

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    A qualitative study of knowledge, experiences, and healthcare needs of people living with lymphedema in Kamwenge District, rural Uganda
    (Springer Nature, 2025-10-27) Mwesigye, Vicent; Tebulwa, Joanita Berytah; Musinguzi, Benson; Agaba, Bosco Bekita; Muyambi, Raul; Asiimwe, Gerevasio Kalemire; Zamarano, Henry; Birungi, Caroline; Bagenda, Charles Nkubi; Bajunirwe, Francis; Bazira, Joel; Itabangi, Herbert; Byarugaba, Frederick; Mulogo, Edgar Mugema
    Background Lymphedema is a long-term, disabling condition caused by dysfunction of the lymphatic system, yet it continues to receive little attention in low-resource settings. In rural areas such as Kamwenge District, Uganda, those affected endure ongoing physical symptoms including swelling, pain, and reduced mobility alongside significant emotional and social challenges. Stigma, cultural misunderstandings, and poor access to timely diagnosis and effective care further hinder their well-being. While global neglected tropical disease (NTD) programs have made progress, many vulnerable communities remain overlooked. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of lymphedema patients and caregivers in Kamwenge, focusing on local beliefs, knowledge gaps, and healthcare barriers to inform context-specific and stigma-sensitive interventions. Methods A community-based qualitative study design was employed. Data were collected through five focus group discussions (FGDs) involving lymphedema patients and caregivers, and seven key informant interviews (KIIs) with local health officials, community leaders, and religious figures. Participants were purposively sampled from Rukunyu Hospital and surrounding communities to capture diverse perspectives. Data were transcribed, translated, and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis approach. Results Seven key themes emerged: (1) patients’ daily struggles with pain, dependence, and economic hardship; (2) stigma leading to social exclusion; (3) gaps in knowledge and culturally influenced misconceptions about causes and treatment; (4) gender-specific vulnerabilities such as abandonment and psychological distress; (5) weak healthcare infrastructure and limited access; (6) reliance on informal coping strategies including herbal remedies, faith, and peer support; and (7) institutional deficiencies alongside community-driven recommendations for improved care and prevention. Despite some health education efforts, misinformation and stigma remain widespread, and affected individuals are often excluded from social support programs. Conclusion Lymphedema in Kamwenge District is a complex issue intersecting health, social stigma, and systemic weaknesses. Urgent, community-focused interventions are critical to closing knowledge gaps, enhancing healthcare services, reducing stigma, and integrating lymphedema management into national health policies.
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    Detection of filarial IgG and IgM antibodies among individuals with lymphedema in the Kamwenge District, Western Uganda
    (Springer Nature, 2025-07-08) Mwesigye, Vicent; Tebulwa, Joanita Berytah; Musinguzi, Benson; Agaba, Bosco Bekita; Bagenda, Charlse Nkubi; Bajunirwe, Francis; Bazira, Joel; Mulogo, Edgar; Herbert, Itabangi; Byarugaba, Frederick
    Filarial infections trigger a complex immune response characterized by the production of different antibodies, particularly immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM). These immunoglobulins play a key role in diagnosing the disease, with IgM typically indicating recent infection and IgG reflecting past or ongoing exposure. Assessing their presence provides valuable insight into an individual's immune response and infection history. This study examined the levels of IgG and IgM in people living with lymphedema in the Kamwenge district, Western Uganda, to better understand their immunological status in relation to filarial infection. This cross-sectional study, conducted in the Kamwenge district, aimed to assess the presence of anti-filarial antibodies among lymphedema patients. A total of 154 participants, predominantly female (71.4%), with a mean age of 54.7 years, were selected through simple random sampling. Serological testing using the Abbexa Filariasis IgG/IgM Rapid Test revealed that 10.4% tested positive for IgG, and 1.9% for IgM antibodies. We enrolled a total of 154 participants, the majority of whom were female 110 (71.4%) while 44 (28.6%) were male. The participants had a mean age of 54.7 years, with a standard deviation of 15.6 years. Overall, 10.4% (n=16) tested positive for filarial antibodies. Specifically, 10.4% (n=16) were positive for filarial IgG, while 1.9% (n=3) tested positive for IgM antibodies. The serological findings demonstrated a low prevalence of recent filarial infections, with a higher occurrence of past or chronic exposure among participants. This suggests that while active transmission may be limited, lymphatic filariasis remains an ongoing public health concern in the Kamwenge district. These results emphasize the need for continued surveillance, early detection, and targeted interventions to effectively manage and mitigate the burden of filarial-related lymphedema in the region.
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    Extracellular hydrolytic enzyme activities and biofilm formation in Candida species isolated from people living with human immunodeficiency virus with oropharyngeal candidiasis at HIV/AIDS clinics in Uganda
    (Elsevier, 2024-12-14) Musinguzi, Benson; Akampurira, Andrew; Derick, Hope; Turyamuhika, Laban; Mwesigwa, Alex; Mwebesa, Edson; Mwesigye, Vicent; Kabajulizi, Immaculate; Sekulima, Tahalu; Ocheng, Francis; Itabangi, Herbert; Mboowa, Gerald; Sande, Obondo James; Achan, Beatrice
    Background: Commensal oral Candida species can become opportunistic and transition to pathogenic causes of oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) in individuals with impaired immunity through ecological cues and the expression of extracellular hydrolytic enzyme activities and biofilm formation. Objective: We evaluated phospholipase, proteinase, hemolysin, esterase, and coagulase enzymatic activities and biofilm formation in Candida species isolated from people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) with OPC. Methods: Thirty-five Candida isolates from PLHIV with OPC were retrieved from a sample repository and evaluated for phospholipase activity using the egg yolk agar method, proteinase activity using the bovine serum albumin agar method, hemolysin activity using the blood agar plate method, esterase activity using the Tween 80 opacity test medium method, coagulase activity using the classical tube method, and biofilm formation using the microtiter plate assay method in vitro. Results: A total of 35 Candida isolates obtained from PLHIV with OPC were included in this study, and phospholipase and proteinase activities were detected in 33/35 (94.3 %) and 31/35 (88.6 %) Candida isolates, respectively. Up to 25/35 (71.4 %) of the Candida isolates exhibited biofilm formation, whereas esterase activity was demonstrated in 23/35 (65.7 %) of the Candida isolates. Fewer isolates (21/35, 60 %) produced hemolysin, and coagulase production was the least common virulence activity detected in 18/35 (51.4 %) of the Candida isolates. Conclusion: Phospholipase and proteinase activities were the strongest in oropharyngeal Candida species.
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    Prevalence of malaria among individuals living with lymphedema in Kamwenge District, Western Uganda
    (Springer Nature, 2025-10-02) Mwesigye, Vicent; Tebulwa, Joanita Berytah; Musinguzi, Benson; Muzafaru, Twinomujuni; Zamarano, Henry; Bagenda, Charles Nkubi; Mulogo, Edgar; Byarugaba, Frederick; Herbert, Itabangi
    Lymphedema, also known as elephantiasis, is a long-term and often debilitating condition characterized by the progressive swelling of limbs due to poor lymphatic drainage. While lymphatic filariasis, a mosquito-borne disease, is a common infectious cause globally, non-infectious forms such as podoconiosis resulting from prolonged exposure to mineral-rich soils are also prevalent in many low-resource, endemic regions. In areas where both malaria and lymphedema occur, malaria may further affect individuals already suffering from chronic swelling. In Kamwenge District, Western Uganda, lymphedema is a recognized public health concern, yet the contributing factors remain poorly understood. This lack of clarity complicates effective diagnosis, treatment, and disease control. This study aimed to assess the presence of malaria among individuals living with lymphedema in this setting. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 154 individuals with clinically confirmed lymphedema, recruited through purposive sampling from Rukunyu Hospital and surrounding communities. Data collection involved structured interviews, physical examinations, and venous blood sampling. Malaria infection was determined through microscopic examination of blood smears. Of the 154 participants, 71.4% were female, with an average age of 54.7 years. Plasmodium falciparum was detected in 3.3% (n=5) of the individuals. The majority (96.8%) had bilateral lower limb lymphedema and resided in rural areas, primarily engaged in subsistence farming. The presence of malaria among individuals with lymphedema highlights the need for integrated healthcare approaches in areas where multiple parasitic diseases are endemic. Although malaria was detected in a small portion of participants, its occurrence alongside lymphedema underscores the importance of continued disease surveillance, targeted interventions, and community education to support affected populations.
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    Sero-antigen prevalence of lymphatic filariasis and risk factors of podoconiosis in Busiriba sub-county, Kamwenge district, Southwestern Uganda, August–September 2018
    (Springer Nature, 2024-05-17) Mwesigye, Vicent; Musinguzi, Benson; Okongo, Benson; Mucunguzi, William; Kakaire, Michael Nyende; Migisha, Richard
    Given the neglected nature of filariasis, especially in Uganda where data are scarce, this cross-sectional study aimed to determine the sero-antigen prevalence of lymphatic filariasis and risk factors associated with non-lymphatic filariasis (podoconiosis) in Busiriba Sub-county, Kamwenge District, Uganda, during August–September 2018, to inform targeted elimination efforts. We enrolled 101 participants, among whom 35 (34.7%) had podoconiosis. The sero-antigen prevalence of lymphatic filariasis was 1.0%. Older age and walking barefoot were associated with increased podoconiosis risk. Specifically, individuals aged 25–49 years with had 7.38 times higher odds of podoconiosis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 7.38, 95% CI: 1.36–40.13) compared to those under 25 years, while those aged ≥ 50 years had even higher odds (aOR = 8.49, 95%CI: 1.44–50.15). Additionally, individuals who reported walking barefoot had 14 times higher odds of podoconiosis (aOR = 14.08; 95% CI: 2.49–79.50).