Characterization of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in raw beef from informal and commercial abattoirs.

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli are foodborne pathogens that are mostly associated with beef products and have been implicated in human illness. E.coli-associated illness range from asymptomatic conditions of mild diarrhoea to haemorrhagic colitis which can progress into life threatening haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

The prevalence of non-O157:H7 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in Namibian game meat.

Large game animals play an important role as carriers and transmitters of O157:H7 and non-O157:H7 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in nature. Fresh meat obtained from game animals has been identified as an important source of food-borne STEC infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of the top 6 non-O157 STEC strains (serogroups O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, and O145) in Namibian game meat based on testing for stx, eae, and O-group-specific genes.

Particulate Matter and Respiratory Symptoms among Adults Living in Windhoek, Namibia: A Cross Sectional Descriptive Study.

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and to assess respiratory health risks associated with Particulate Matter (PM) exposure among the residents of Windhoek, Namibia. To measure particulate pollution concentration in Windhoek through monitoring of particulate matter concentration and to identify any associations between particulate pollution, individual location, and respiratory health among the Windhoek resident's. an adapted standardized self-administered questionnaire was used to collect respiratory health related data as well as previous exposure, while PM monitoring was done using the ASTM (American Standard Test Method) D1739 reference method.

Respiratory health effects of occupational exposure to charcoal dust in Namibia.

Background: Charcoal processing activities can increase the risk of adverse respiratory outcomes.

Objective: To determine dose-response relationships between occupational exposure to charcoal dust, respiratory symptoms and lung function among charcoal-processing workers in Namibia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 307 workers from charcoal factories in Namibia.