Publications by authors named "J M Tembo"

Objectives: Lassa fever (LF) poses a significant health burden in West Africa. The pathophysiology of LF and determinants of clinical spectrum of disease remain poorly understood. We performed a study to understand the correlation of blood inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP), with LF disease severity.

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Background: Infectious disease agents pose significant threats to humans, wildlife, and livestock, with rodents carrying a third of these agents, many linked to human diseases. However, the range of pathogens in rodents and the hotspots for disease remain poorly understood.

Aim: This study evaluated the prevalence of viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens in rodents in riverine and non-riverine areas in selected districts in Zambia.

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Article Synopsis
  • Researchers have identified a rising trend of zoonotic diseases in Zambia, a key transport hub in Southern Africa, where numerous pathogens from bats, rodents, and non-human primates pose public health risks.
  • A review of studies from 1990 to 2022 found that viruses were the most reported pathogens, with notable threats including Ebola, Marburg, and Hantavirus, though many findings are based on short-term investigations.
  • The study highlights a significant lack of surveillance for these diseases in humans and emphasizes the urgent need for improved monitoring and preventive measures to mitigate emerging infectious risks in the region.
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Ticks are widespread arthropods that transmit microorganisms of veterinary and medical significance to vertebrates, including humans. , an ixodid tick frequently infesting and feeding on humans, may play a crucial role in transmitting infectious agents across species. Despite the known association of many ticks with phleboviruses, information on is lacking.

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Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB) are major contributors to morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa including Cameroon. Pharmacogenetic variants could serve as predictors of drug-induced hepatotoxicity (DIH), in patients with TB co-infected with HIV. We evaluated the occurrence of DIH and pharmacogenetic variants in Cameroonian patients.

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