Serotype markers in a Streptococcus agalactiae strain collection from Zimbabwe.

Objective: Group B streptococci (GBS) from Southern African areas have been less well characterized. Our objective was to study serotype and serovariant distribution of carrier GBS strains as part of a study of the epidemiology of GBS carriage in pregnant women from Zimbabwe. Materials and Methods: We studied GBS isolated from 121 healthy pregnant women living in Harare and surrounding areas, Zimbabwe. Capsular polysaccharide (CPS) testing for serotype determination and surface-anchored protein testing for serosubtype determination were done by gene-based serotyping (PCR), except for the proteins R3 and a novel protein called Z, which were detected by antibody-based methods. Results: Strains of the CPS types Ia (15.7%), Ib (11.6%), II (8.3%), III (38.8%), V (24.0%) and NT (1.7%) were detected along with the strain-variable proteins Cί (15.7% of isolates), Cα (19.8%), Alp1 (epsilon-22.3%), Alp3 (5.0%), R4/Rib (46.3%), R3 (27.3%), Z (27.3%), and SAR5 (28.9%), which encodes the R5 protein. Up to four of the protein genes could be possessed or the gene product expressed by one and the same isolate. A total of 32 serovariants were detected. The findings assessed by us as most important were the very low prevalence of the gene Alp3 (Alp3 - 4.9%), high prevalence of R4 (Rib - 46.2%), the proteins R3 (27.3%), Z (27.3%), and of SAR5 (R5 - 28.9%). The low prevalence of Alp3, notably in GBS type V strains, differed from findings with CPS type V GBS from non-African areas. Bacteria of the various CPS types showed distinct CPS/protein-marker associations. Conclusion: The results are of importance in relation to regional variations of GBS phenotypes and genotypes and thus, of importance in planning and research in the context of future vaccine formulations.

Zimbabwe's environmental dilemma : balancing resource inequities

One of the most controversial issues in post-independence Zimbabwe is how the country can tackle the land question in a way that will only address the gross wrongs of the past but also leave its relatively well-developed commercial agricultural sector intact. Indeed; the cautiousness of the Zimbabwe government in developing its land policy and implementing a major land reform programme is as much a result of the Lancaster House Constitution. The message of this book is unequivocal: land redistribution is the only way by which the country can move into the path of sustainable development. Without major reform; it is argued;the spectre of ecological disaster will continue to loom over the country. There is more to benefit than to lose in a major land reform exercise aimed at resolving the conflict over resources which characterises the present situation

Zimbabwe's environmental dilemma : balancing resource inequities

One of the most controversial issues in post-independence Zimbabwe is how the country can tackle the land question in a way that will only address the gross wrongs of the past but also leave its relatively well-developed commercial agricultural sector intact. Indeed; the cautiousness of the Zimbabwe government in developing its land policy and implementing a major land reform programme is as much a result of the Lancaster House Constitution. The message of this book is unequivocal: land redistribution is the only way by which the country can move into the path of sustainable development. Without major reform; it is argued; the spectre of ecological disaster will continue to loom over the country. There is more to benefit than to lose in a major land reform exercise aimed at resolving the conflict over resources which characterises the present situation