Ednah Masila

By Moses Okoth Olum, Edna Masila, Victor Agevi Muhoma, Erick Too, Erick Ouma Mungube and Monicah Maichomo

Research and clinical works have documented various species of campylobacter in Africa. Thermophilic campylobacter has been shown to be endemic in the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region, and the prevalence is suspected to be increasing. To define the geographic boundaries of SSA, the United Nations macrogeographic definition of Africa has been used in several studies https://unstats.un.org/unsd/methodology/m49/. According to this UN definition, sub-Saharan Africa is divided into East Africa, Central Africa, Southern Africa, and West Africa. The zoonotic potential of campylobacter has been extensively studied and documented in the SSA region. Children are the most affected by campylobacter infections, and the infections exhibit seasonal patterns. Research has shown varied sources of infection such as foods of animal and plant origins, as well as unpasteurized milk and water, but animal meat is the most common source of infection. This chapter will delve into finding more recent information on campylobacter in the region such as the species, their prevalence, virulence, and risk factors. It will also explore the options in management such as vaccines and recommended diagnosis therapeutic protocols in humans and animals.

Part of the book: Bacterial Infectious Diseases Annual Volume 2023

By Eric Too and Ednah Masila

Bacterial evolution, ecology, and environmental adaptability are all linked processes that facilitate its survival. Enterococci are opportunistic pathogens with an ability to form biofilms during infections and this process is influenced by several virulence factors. The species constitute a substantial group of commensal bacteria and have been found to have a number of virulence factors that are thought to be crucial in aggravating diseases that they cause. These pathogens are essentially resistant to antibiotics and this capability is attributed to their ability to acquire and transfer drug-resistant genes via horizontal gene transfer leading to diverse phenotypes. Enterococci have several virulence factors that confer their resistant nature and they are broadly categorized into two: surface factors that aid with colonization of the host and proteins that are secreted by the pathogen to damage the host tissues. Biofilm formation by enterococci is attributed to its surface components and aggregation substances that aid in the adherence to the host’s surface and hence limiting antibiotic penetration. Bacterial biofilms also contribute to its resistance to antimicrobial drugs and hence posing a challenge in attempts to eradicate the pathogen. Therefore, the interconnection between virulence, biofilm formation, and horizontal gene transfer leads to pathogenesis in enterococci.

Part of the book: Enterococcus - Unveiling the Emergence of a Potent Pathogen [Working title]