The global tuberculosis burden necessitates the understanding of the nature and extent of genetic variation in the species and phylogenetic relationships among member strains of the M. tuberculosis complex (MTBC). The availability of genome sequence data for MTBC has led to efforts in genome-wide analysis of polymorphic sequences (synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphism and large sequence polymorphisms) which serve as efficient makers for examining phylogenetic relationships. Analyses of SNPS have yielded three principal genetic groups and subsequently nine major genetic groups. LSP...

Knowledge of the transmission dynamics of the HHV-8 is an important step in curbing the burden of this disease. Prevalence of the virus in USA and Western Europe is low and is significantly higher in Africa and in some regions of the Mediterranean. Mode of transmission in Africa is not fully understood. This study looks at the impact of risky sexual behaviour on the transmission of the virus. The study involves assaying for HHV-8 and STDs in two sub population of women classified as high and low risk. Reported high risk behaviours are analyzed as independent variables to assess any...

Lime juice is proposed as a potential topical microbicide based on reports that women use it to prevent sexually transmitted infections. This study evaluated the genetic safety of lime juice and its effect on vaginal Lactobacillus species using a modified Ames mutagenicity spot test and agar dilution method respectively. Resultant mutant strains were verified by their phenotypic characteristics. Susceptibility of Lactobacillus jensenii was verified by zones of inhibition. Escherichia coli strain 0157-NMR1 lost the ability to ferment lactose, glucose and unable to produce indole while strain...