Molecular detection of Imbrasia belina proteins associated with allergic reactions on harvesters and consumers from selected districts in Matabeleland: a comparative study.

Background: Harvesting and consuming insects (entomophagy), particularly Imbrasia belina is widespread in developing countries like Zimbabwe. Due to their extraordinary nutritional content, tastiness, ease of processing and storage, Imbrasia belina has become a delicacy, reachable nutritious complement, and money source for some people in Zimbabwean communities. However, some harvesters and consumers have become allergic to the Imbrasia belina, popularly known as Mopani worms.

Risk factors associated with a high incidence of sexually transmitted infections in Beitbridge, Zimbabwe.

Background:  Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major public health challenge, particularly in developing countries where the health infrastructure is often poor. Despite having a number of interventions in Beitbridge (such as the 24-h wellness centre), Zimbabwe, the incidence and prevalence of STIs is increasing.

Objectives:  This study, therefore, aims to assess the risk factors associated with the high incidence of STIs in urban Beitbridge.

Sensitisation to Imbrasia belina (mopane worm) and other local allergens in rural Gwanda district of Zimbabwe.

Background: The prevalence of allergic diseases is increasing in Zimbabwe and the data relate to local as well as exotic allergen sources. As entomophagy, the practice of eating insects, is a recognised source of local allergens, we sought to measure the prevalence of and risk factors for sensitisation to Imbrasia belina (mopane worm), a popular edible insect. This was investigated alongside other locally relevant allergens in a rural community in Gwanda district, south of Zimbabwe.

A feasibility study to assess Imbrasia belina (mopane worm) sensitisation and related respiratory health outcomes in a rural community in Gwanda district, Zimbabwe.

Background: Allergic diseases are considered to be some of the fastest growing chronic conditions in Africa. Of concern is the paucity of knowledge about the local environment and its role in allergic disease development. In response to this, we explored whether Imbrasia belina, a popular indigenous edible insect commonly known as mopane worm, is a potential allergen of clinical and public health significance in Zimbabwe.

Assessing the nature of asthma in African epidemiological studies: a scoping review protocol.

Background: Asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory conditions in the world and is increasing in prevalence, particularly in Africa and other low-income countries. The disproportionately high numbers of premature deaths and severe or uncontrolled cases in many African countries are indicative of their inability to cope with a costly disease like asthma. Progress has, however, been made in understanding the complex and heterogeneous nature of the disease.

Factors associated with home births in a selected ward in Mberengwa District, Zimbabwe.

Objective: Despite many efforts put by the Government to ensure that women give birth in health facilities under trained personnel supervision; statistics suggest that ward 2 in Mberengwa District in Zimbabwe has the highest home births. This study sought to assess factors that are associated with home births in ward 2 of Mberengwa District in Zimbabwe.

Design: Case- control.

Asthma associated with pesticide exposure among women in rural Western Cape of South Africa.

Background: Few studies have investigated asthma and pesticides among women farm workers in developing countries.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the association between pesticides and asthma among rural women (n = 211). Outcome measurements included respiratory symptoms (European Community Respiratory Health Survey questionnaire), immunological status (Phadiatop, serum IgE to mite allergens) and lower airway inflammation (fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels).