Cloning Cellulase Genes from Victoria Falls Rainforest Decaying Logs Metagenome.

The Victoria Falls rainforest is a protected site whose forest floors harbor a host of cellulolytic microorganisms involved in biomass degradation. This study collected decaying logs and soil from the rainforest for bioprospecting cellulases from their metagenomes. Metagenomic DNA was isolated from the compound sample.

SARS-CoV-2 Serological testing in frontline health workers in Zimbabwe.

Background: In order to protect health workers from SARS-CoV-2, there is need to characterise the different types of patient facing health workers. Our first aim was to determine both the infection status and seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in health workers. Our second aim was to evaluate the occupational and demographic predictors of seropositivity to inform the country's infection prevention and control (IPC) strategy.

Reduction of visual acuity decreases capacity to evaluate radiographic image quality.

Introduction: To determine the impact of reduced visual acuity on the evaluation of a test object and appendicular radiographs.

Methods: Visual acuity was reduced by two different magnitudes using simulation glasses and compared to normal vision (no glasses). During phase one phantom images were produced for the purpose of counting objects by 13 observers and on phase 2 image appraisal of anatomical structures was performed on anonymized radiographic images by 7 observers.

Mutations in rpoB and katG genes of multidrug resistant mycobacterium tuberculosis undetectable using genotyping diagnostic methods.

Introduction: Tuberculosis remains the leading causes of death worldwide with frequencies of mutations in rifampicin and isoniazid resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates varying according to geographical location. There is limited information in Zimbabwe on specific antibiotic resistance gene mutation patterns in MTB and hence, increased rate of discordant results and mortality due to inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions. The rpoB and katG genes molecular markers are used for detecting rifampicin and isoniazid resistance respectively.

Molecular analysis of selected paramphistome isolates from cattle in southern Africa.

Paramphistomes are parasites of domestic and wild ruminants, the effects of which in animal health remain underestimated. Very few studies in Africa have been done using molecular techniques to resolve situations associated with taxonomical groupings and epidemiology of these parasites. In this study, the genetic variability of nine representative paramphistome isolates collected from southern African countries, namely Botswana, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe, was assessed using both morphological and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) rDNA sequence data.