The relevance of the use of molecular tools in the global epidemiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) cannot be undermined. Molecular epidemiological studies of the MTBC in Nigeria are not extensive, and to date, there has only been one detailed report. More strains are therefore needed to be genotyped in order to give a clear indication of disease transmission chains and to highlight routes of infection particularly with respect to zoonotic tuberculosis. This study therefore focuses on the identification and genotyping of MTBC isolates in south western Nigeria, with emphasis on interactions occurring at the human/livestock interface. The molecular epidemiology of M. bovis strains in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in South Africa was also undertaken. Prior to this study, a pilot study was initially done to establish techniques, using samples from Belgium. Mycobacterium bovis strains were first identified in Belgium using the Multiple locus [variable number of tandem repeats] (MLVA) technique and analysis was done using capillary electrophoresis. In this study, the Belgium isolates were repeated using MLVA and analysis by agaorse gel electrophoresis and the two analysis techniques compared. Human isolates (136) and livestock isolates from cattle (50), pigs (12) and goats (5) isolated in Nigeria were also used and species identification of the members of the MTBC were done using the deletion analysis PCR technique amplifying RD1mic, RD2seal, RD4 andRD9 regions as well as spoligotyping. Seventy four positive MTBC strains (humans and livestock) were genotyped using 16 VNTR loci. The discriminatory ability of the 16 loci MLVA was compared with spoligotype data on 33 MTBC strains. Mycobacterium bovis isolates from buffalo in HluhluweiMfolozi Park (HiP) South Africa, were also genotyped using the 16 loci MLVA and spoligotyping. Results indicated that agarose based MLVA is as discriminatory as the capillary based MLVA. Furthermore, the relevance of molecular techniques in the rapid identification and genotyping of members of the MTBC, especially in a tuberculosis endemic setting like Nigeria, is also highlighted. This was clearly seen in the identification of undescribed spoligopatterns of the LAM 10-CAM M. tuberculosis strains in humans as well as the identification of undescribed M. bovis spoligopatterns in livestock isolates. The prevalent M. bovis strain (SB0944) in Nigeria was also identified in a human isolate. Also, two classical M. bovis strains were identified in two human isolates obtained from cattle traders, thus suggesting the influence of close interaction between infected animals and man as a means of zoonotic tuberculosis transmission. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was also identified in three isolates, from cattle, pig and goat; with the goat isolate having a spoligopattern (EAI5) typical of strains indigenous to East Africa and India. This study demonstrated the prevalent strains of M. bovis and M. tuberculosis circulating in Nigeria with SB0944 the predominant M. bovis spoligotype and LAM10-CAM the predominant M. tuberculosis spoligotype. The MLVA results revealed the occurrence of interspecies transmission of mycobacterial species, which was seen as isolates from different animal species having identical VNTR profiles and thus belonging to the same genotype. In the HiP, two strains of M. bovis were identified, a strain previously described in cattle and buffalo in other regions of South Africa and a new undescribed strain, thus giving an indication of the circulating strains in HiP and also suggesting possible sources of introduction of novel species in HiP. The relevance of a detailed molecular epidemiological study was clearly demonstrated in both Nigeria and HiP. Strain relatedness and interactions occurring at human/livestock interface and domestic/wild life interface could also clearly be demonstrated. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Veterinary Tropical Diseases / unrestricted

In theory, education will lead to better healthcare, literacy rates, less poverty, increased tolerance for diversity, and increased career opportunities. More education will help ensure a brighter future for generations to come and help set a positive, successful example of development for countries that may still be grappling with issues related to unsuccessful development. Once a country has achieved steady development and stability, participation in the international economy will become easier, trade will become more fair and free, and a positive international reputation attractive to foreign investors will help set that society well on the path of more sophisticated checks and balances, transparency, accountability, and legitimacy. With all of this comes the replacement of the cycle of underdevelopment by the forward motion of progress with hope for fair political participation, equal rights, a vast array of educational and career opportunities, and happy and healthy futures for generations to come. Unfortunately, Sub-Saharan Africa has suffered from an endemic cycle by varying degrees of underdevelopment and resource mismanagement which has prevented most countries from reaching the aforementioned ideal situation. Using three case studies from the region, this research explores the economic background, social background, economic background, political background, historical evolution, education system settings, goals, and post-colonial educational development that has either led to positive growth and self-reliance as is the case with South Africa, continues to baffle Kenyans, or the complete lack thereof causing stagnation and exacerbation of current national social, political, and economic problems as is the case with Nigeria.

This study investigates the history of the phenomenon illiteracy and the response of the public library in selected countries for about one hundred and fifty years with particular focus on the Republic of south Africa. The influence that this manifestation has on the individual Black urban adult, the society in which the illiterate adult lives and the economy of the country are sharply focused. The principal argument is that public libraries have historically adapted their services to meet new social challenges, and in South Africa illiteracy among Black urban adults constitutes such a challenge. As an extension of its traditional educational function, the public library is beginning to meet this challenge in the role of literacy support. The reasons for the high illiteracy rate among the Black adult urban population are discussed in their historical context. As far as the methodology is concerned, extensive literature studies were undertaken on international as well as local data bases. Correspondence was entered into with overseas research institutes, academics and consultants. Interviews were conducted to ascertain the most recent developments relating to the literacy problem in a well-defined geographical region. Conclusions are made to the effect that there is a historical imperative for the South African public library system to fully discharge its responsibility to Black South Africans. In order to achieve this the public library in South Africa should re-examine, re-interpret and extend its educational function to include the challenge of the role of literacy support. It is further reconunended that the Provincial Library services in south Africa should coordinate disparate efforts and activities in this regard. The marketing of the public library has become more important in the prevailing economic climate. If the public library wishes to remain an indispensable social institution in the lives of the citizens of South Africa and specifically if it takes the role of literacy support seriously, it will of necessity have to market its services. Other organizational implications for public libraries of this new challenge of literacy support are spelled out clearly and areas requiring further research are indicated. / Information Studies / D. Litt. et Phil.

This study investigates the history of the phenomenon illiteracy and the response of the public library in selected countries for about one hundred and fifty years with particular focus on the Republic of south Africa. The influence that this manifestation has on the individual Black urban adult, the society in which the illiterate adult lives and the economy of the country are sharply focused. The principal argument is that public libraries have historically adapted their services to meet new social challenges, and in South Africa illiteracy among Black urban adults constitutes such a challenge. As an extension of its traditional educational function, the public library is beginning to meet this challenge in the role of literacy support. The reasons for the high illiteracy rate among the Black adult urban population are discussed in their historical context. As far as the methodology is concerned, extensive literature studies were undertaken on international as well as local data bases. Correspondence was entered into with overseas research institutes, academics and consultants. Interviews were conducted to ascertain the most recent developments relating to the literacy problem in a well-defined geographical region. Conclusions are made to the effect that there is a historical imperative for the South African public library system to fully discharge its responsibility to Black South Africans. In order to achieve this the public library in South Africa should re-examine, re-interpret and extend its educational function to include the challenge of the role of literacy support. It is further reconunended that the Provincial Library services in south Africa should coordinate disparate efforts and activities in this regard. The marketing of the public library has become more important in the prevailing economic climate. If the public library wishes to remain an indispensable social institution in the lives of the citizens of South Africa and specifically if it takes the role of literacy support seriously, it will of necessity have to market its services. Other organizational implications for public libraries of this new challenge of literacy support are spelled out clearly and areas requiring further research are indicated. / Information Studies / D. Litt. et Phil.