Prof. Abdul Katakweba

The focus of my research is primarily on public health aspect of humans, livestock, pet animals, poultry and wild ungulates. The zoontic diseases of interest are Plague, Leptospirosi and Toxoplasmosis. As you can see in my research projects I have been mostly involved in the above mentioned diseases.

My research has also dealt with rodents and shrews because are the main reservoir of zooonotic diseases causing agents. Identification of ectoparasites in rodents especially fleas have been studied widely to link their presence and the zoonotic diseases.

Further more research on the pesticides to control fleas was also carried out. Isolation and typing of the causative agents of Leptospirosis and Toxoplasmosis was carried out and confirmed the presence of those organisms in Tanzania.

My research has contribution in the reduction of Plague ourbreak in the country and I have created awaereness to livestock keepers and farmers to take pricaution on Leptospirosis and Toxoplasmosis diseases.

Apart from zoonotic diseases I am involved in the study of antimicrobial resistance in indicator bacteria namely E. coli, Enterococcus spp and S. aureus and this was the study of my PhD research work. Resistance of E. coli and Enterococcus spp was carried from faecal samples of humans, pigs, beef and dairy cattle, exotic and indigenous chickens, buffalo, wildebeest and zebra. For S. aureus the study was carried in humans, pigs and dogs.

This was the first study in Tanzania to link the antimicrobial resistance in humans and other animals sharing the same environment. Commonly antimicrobials that are used in humans and animals were tested and found Tetracyline and Sulphamethazole to be highly resisted by indicator bacteria. For the first time ESBL was reported from animals samples that resisted Cefotaxime.

My findings have been submitted to responsible ministries and policy makers for their necessary actions. My research area and interests has been also disseminated to students as indicated in the list of supervised students.

1. Prevention of sanitary risks linked to rodents at the rural/peri-urban interface: Acronym RATZOOMAN (2003 – 2006). Rodent zoonosis management of Plague, Leptospirosi and Toxoplasmosis). It was funded by EU through EU-ENCODEV 01 project fund. The project covered four Africa countries (Tanzania, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and South Africa). Project Team Member as a Research Assistant.
2. Development of ecologically-based rodent management for the SADC region. Acronym: ECORAT (January 2007 – December 2009). Was funded by European Union through SADC in a project EU-ICART CRARF. I was a Project Team Member collaborating researcher on zoontic diseases (Plague, leptospirosis and haemoparasites of zoonotic importance). Other African countries included Namibia, Swaziland and South Africa.
3. Spatial and Temporal prevalence of rodent-borne zoonotic diseases affecting public health in the Rift Valley in Tanzania. It was a 2 years project (October 2010 to 2012). Acronym: RIP. Funded by VLIR-OUS Programme. This project was sponsored by Belgian government through VLIR PROGRAMME. Specific academic objective was to establish the diversity of rodents, prevalence of zoonosis and risks of human infection in the northern wing of the Rift Valley. Specific developmental objective was management of practices for zoonotic diseases developed and disseminated to local communities in the Rift Valley Regions. I was a Project Team Member collaborating researcher on zoonotic diseases of public health importance (Plague, leptospirosis and Toxoplasmosis).
4. Rodent ecology and management (REM PROJECT) in selected cereal crops in eastern zone, Tanzania (2010 – 2013) – Funded by ZARDEF through Eastern Zone of Tanzania – I was Project Team Member as collaborating researcher on zoontic diseases of public health importance (Plague, leptospirosis and haemoparasites of zoonotic importance).
5. Investigation of the performance of system of rice Intensification (SRI) and rodent ecology and prevalence of zoonotic diseases under SRI and traditional rice growing systems in Tanzania (2012 – 2015) – Funded by Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) – Project Team Member.
6. Transforming Smallholder Livestock Farms into Profitable Enterprises (Livestock nterprises Project – LEP). Was sponsored by Denmark through DANIDA in the project with grant number 66-08-LIFE. Was a three years project (Jan 2009 – Dec 2012). I was a PhD student sponsored by the project. The project was researching on the antibiotic resistance in indicator bacteria from Indigenous chickens, Exotic chickens, Pigs, dogs, Cattle and humans.
7. Surveillance of Canine Leptospirosis and Associated Carrier animals in Urban and Rural Dogs in Morogoro, Tanzania (2016-2017). Funded by Africa Small Companion Animal Network (AFSCAN)-Priciple Investigator. The projects aims at establishing factors associated with occurrence of leptospirosis in apparently healthy and clinically sick dogs owned in urban and rural Tanzania. Specifically, the project will determine whether occurrence of disease differs between dogs kept under confinement and the free roaming dogs. The study will also investigate a selected number of febrile and non-febrile dogs submitted at the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) Animal Hospital for leptospirosis. The results will add knowledge to the field and clinical epidemiology of leptospirosis in dogs in Tanzania and assist animal health policy enforce measures to control canine leptospirosis in Tanzania.

Journal Articles and Book Chapters

2018

• Abdul A.S. Katakweba, Amandus P.Muhairwa, Athumani M. Lupindu, Peter Damborg, Jesper T. Rosenkrantz, Usweg  M. Minga, Madundo M.A. Mtambo, and John E. Olsen (2018). First Report on a Randomized Investigation of Antimicrobial Resistance in Fecal Indicator Bacteria from Livestock, Poultry, and Humans in Tanzania. Microbial Drug Resistance, Vol. 24, No. 3: 260-268.
• Nyambuli Sosthenes, Ofred Jonas Mhongole, Abdul Ahamed Selemani Katakweba, Anders Dalsgaard, Robinson Hammerthon Mdegela (2018). Prevalence, Pathogenic Markers and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Vibrio cholerae in Sardines, Water and Phytoplankton in Lake Tanganyika,Tanzania. International Journal of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Vol. 6, No. 2, 2018, pp. 29-34.
• Jan Petruˇzelaa,, Radim,Sumbera, Tatiana Aghová, Anna Bryjová, Abdul S. Katakweba, Christopher A. Sabuni, Wilbert N. Chitaukalie, Josef Bryja, (2018). Spiny mice of the Zambezian bioregion – phylogeny, biogeography and ecological differentiation within the Acomys spinosissimus complex Mammalian Biology 91: 79–90.
•  Henry D. Kissinga, Festo Mwombeki, Khadija Said, Abdul A. S. Katakweba, Hezron E. Nonga and Amandus P. Muhairwa (2018). Antibiotic susceptibilities of indicator bacteria scherichiacoli and Enterococci spp.isolated from ducks in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania. Kissinga et al. BMC Res Notes (2018) 11:87 https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-018-3201-4.
•  S. H. Gwandu, H. E. Nonga, R. H. Mdegela, A. S. Katakweba, T. S.Suleiman, and R. Ryoba (2018).  Assessment of Raw Cow Milk Quality in Smallholder Dairy Farms in Pemba Island Zanzibar, Tanzania. Veterinary Medicine International. Article ID 1031726, 9 pages https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/1031726.
•  K. Said, G. G. Bakari, R. Machang’u, A. S. Katakweba, and A. P. Muhairwa (2018) Seroprevalence of canine leptospirosis, in Urban and Periurban, Morogoro, Tanzania, African Journal of Microbiology Research. Vol. 12(21), pp. 481-487. Said,
• K., G. G. Bakari, R. Machang’u, A. S. Katakweba, and A. P. Muhairwa (2018) Seroprevalence of canine leptospirosis, in Urban and Periurban, Morogoro, Tanzania, African Journal of  Microbiology Research. Vol. 12(21), pp. 481-487.

2016

•       Claudius Luziga, Bui Thi To Nga, Isaac Kashoma, Abdul Katakweba, Yamamoto Yoshimi (2016). Localization Profile of Cathepsin L in the Brain of African Giant Rat (Cricestomys gambianus). Anatomy Journal of Africa. Vol 5 (1): 618-630.
•     Abdul S Katakweba, Amandus P Muhairwa, Carmen Espinosa-Gongora, Luca Guardabassi, Madundo MA Mtambo, John Elmerdahl Olsen (2016). spa typing and antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus from healthy humans, pigs and dogs in Tanzania. Journal of Infection in Developing Countries 10(2):143-148. doi:10.3855/jidc.6790
•     Loth S. Mulungu, Victoria Ngowo, Mashaka E. Mdangi, Abdul S. Katakweba, Protas Tesha, Furaha P. Mrosso, Margare Mchomvu, Apia W. Massawe, Ara Monadjem, Bukheti Kilonzo and Steven R. Belmain (2016). Survival and recruitment of the ultimammate mouse, Mastomys natalensis (Smith 1834), in a rice agro-ecosystem. Mammalia 80(2): 205–210
•     OND_REJ MIKULA, RADIM _SUMBERA, TATIANA AGHOV_A, JUDITH S. MBAU, ABDUL S. KATAKWEBA, CHRISTOPHER A. SABUNI & JOSEF BRYJA (2016). Evolutionary History and Species Diversity of African Pouched Mice (Rodentia: Nesomyidae: Saccostomus). Zoologica Scripta (Accepted

2015

• ABDUL A.S. KATAKWEBA, GINETHON G. MHAMPHI, DISMAS C. MWALIMU, GEOPHREY MCHAU, THOMAS J. MBISE, RAMADHANI M. LUGENDO, BENNY BORREMANS and BUKHETI S. KILONZO (2015) Laboratory and field tests of Carbaryl 5% against fleas in Lushoto district, Tanzania Tanzania Journal of Health Research Volume 17, Number 2.
• A.A.S. Katakweba, K.S. Møller, J. Muumba, A.P. Muhairwa, P. Damborg, J.T. Rosenkrantz, U.M. Minga, M.M.A. Mtambo and J.E. Olsen (2015). Antimicrobial resistance in faecal samples from buffalo,wildebeest and zebra grazing together with and without cattle in Tanzania. Journal of Applied Microbiology. 118, 966—975.
• Mulungu, L.S., Mrosso, F.P., Katakweba A.A.S., Mdangi, M.E., Tesha, P.P.H., Ngowo, V., Mchomvu, M., Kilonzo, B.S. (2015) Farmer’s knowledge, attitude and practice on rodent management in lowland irrigated rice in Central-eastern, Tanzania. International Research Journal of Plant Science, 6(1): 7-14.
• Loth S. Mulungu, Borremans, B., V. Ngowo, M. Mdangi, A.S. Katakweba, P. Tesha, F.P. Mrosso, M. Mchomvu, Bukheti S. Kilonzo (2015) Comparative study of the movements of Mastomys natalensis in irrigated rice and fallow fields in eastern Tanzania. African Journal of Ecology, 53(4): 473-479.
• Mgode GF, Machang’u RS, Mhamphi GG,Katakweba A, Mulungu LS, Durnez L, et al. (2015) Leptospira Serovars for Diagnosis of Leptospirosis in Humans and Animals in Africa: Common Leptospira Isolates and Reservoir Hosts. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 9(12):e0004251.
• Rhodes H. Makundi, Apia W. Massawe, Benny Borremans, Anne Laudisoit and Abdul Katakweba (2015). We are connected: flea–host association networks in the plague outbreak focus in the Rift Valley, northern Tanzania Wildlife Research. 42, 196–206.

2014

• Borremans, B., Hughes, N.K., Reijniers, J., Sluydts, V., Katakweba, A.A.S., Mulungu, L.S., Sabuni, C.A., Makundi, R.H., Leirs, H. (2014). Happily together forever: temporal variation in spatial patterns and complete lack of territoriality in a promiscuous rodent. Population Ecology 56 (1): 109-118.
• Loth S. Mulungu, Mlyashimbi, E.C.M, V. Ngowo, M. Mdangi, A.S. Katakweba, P. Tesha, F.P. Mrosso, M. Mchomvu, Kilonzo, B.S. and S.R. Belmain (2014) Food preferences of the Multi-mammate mouse, Mastomys natalensis (Smith 1834) in irrigated rice field in eastern Tanzania. International Journal of Pest Management, 60 (1): 1-8.
• Georgies F Mgode, Abdul S Katakweba, Ginethon G Mhamphi, Frank Fwalo, ohamed Bahari, Mashaka Mdangi, Bukheti S Kilonzo, Loth S Mulungu (2014). Prevalence of leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis: A study of rodents and shrews in cultivated and fallow land, Morogoro rural district, Tanzania. Tanzania Journal of Health Research 16 (3), 7.
• Georgies F Mgode, Ginethon G Mhamphi, Abdul Katakweba, Michael Thomas (2014). Leptospira infections in freshwater fish in Morogoro Tanzania: a hidden public health hreat. Tanzania Journal of Health Research 16(2), 2.
• Loth S Mulungu, Valency Sixbert, Victoria Ngowo, Mashaka Mdangi, Abdul S Katakweba, Protas Tesha, Furaha P Mrosso, Margaret Mchomvu, Bukheti S Kilonzo, Steven R Belmain (2014). Spatio-temporal patterns in the distribution of the multi-mammate mouse, Mastomys natalensis, in rice crop and fallow land habitats in Tanzania. Mammalia79:2 177-184.

2013

• Loth S. Mulungu, V. Ngowo, M. Mdangi, A.S. Katakweba, P. Tesha, F.P. Mrosso, M. Mchomvu, P.M. Sheyo, B.S. Kilonzo (2013) Population dynamics and breeding patterns of Multi-mammate mouse, Mastomys natalensis (Smith 1834) in irrigated rice field in Eastern Tanzania. Pest Management Science, 69:371-377.
• A.A.S. Katakweba, M.J. Kipanyula, L. Durnez, G.F. Mgode, G. Mhamphi C. Luziga and R.S. Machang’u (2013). Rodents and Shrews as Vectors of Zoonotic Spirochetes and Trypanosomes in Tanzania. Tanzania Veterinary Journal 26 (1): 14-19.

2012

• Katakweba A A S, Mtambo M M A, Olsen J E and Muhairwa A P (2012). Awareness of human health risks associated with the use of antibiotics among livestock keepers and factors that contribute to selection of antibiotic resistance bacteria within livestock in Tanzania. Livestock Research for Rural Development. Volume 24, Article #170. Retrieved , from http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd24/10/kata24170.htm.
• Apia W. Massawe, Rhodes H. Makundi, Loth S. Mulungu, Abdul Katakweba & Teresia N. Shayo (2012) Breeding dynamics of rodent species inhabiting farm-fallow mosaic fields in Central Tanzania, African Zoology. 47(1): 128–137
• Abdul A.S. Katakweba, Mulungu, L. S., Eiseb, S. Mahlaba, T.A, Makundi, R., Massawe, A., S.R. Belmain (2012). Prevelence of haemoparasite, leptospires and cocobacili with potential for human infection in the blood of rodents and shrews from selected localities in Tanzania, Namibia and Swaziland. African Zoology, 47(1): 119–127
• Ladislaus L Mnyone, Kija R Ng’habi, Hamphrey D Mazigo, Abdul A Katakweba and Issa Lyimo (2012). Entomopathogenic fungi, Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassina reduce the survival of Xenopsylla brasiliensis larvae (Siphanaptera: Pulicidae). Parasite and Vectors 5:204

2011

• Lies Durnez, Abdul Katakweba Harrison Sadiki, Charles R Kitholi , Robert R Machangu, Rudovick Kazwala, Francoise Portaels, Robert R Machangu, Francoise Portaels Herwig Leirs (2011). Mycobacteria in Terrestrial Mammals on Cattle Farms in Tanzania. Veterinary Medical International. Article ID 495074.
• Loth S. Mulungu, Themb’alilahlwa A, Mahlaba, Apia W. Massawe, Jen Kennis, Dieter rauwels, Seith Eiseb, Ara Monadjem, Rhodes Makundi, Abdul, A.S. Katakweba, Herwig Leirs and Steven R. Belmain (2011). Dietary difference of the multimammate mouse, Mastomys natalensis (Smith 1834), across different habitats and seasons in Tanzania and Swaziland. Wildlife Research, 38 (7): 640-646.
• Meheretu YONAS, Kiros WELGERIMA, Anne LAUDISOIT, Hans BAUER, Kideya GEBREHIWOT, Seppe DCKERS, Abdul KATAKWEBA, Rhodes MAKUNDI and Herwig LEIRS (2011). Pleriminary investigation on roden-ectoparasite accociations in the highlands of Tigray, Northen Ethiopia: Implication for potential zoonoses. Integrative Zoology 6: 366-374.
• Loth S. Mulungu, Apia W. Massawe, Jan Kennis, Dieter Crauwels, Seth Eiseb, Themb’alilahlwa A. Mahlaba, Ara Monadjem, Rhodes H. Makundi, Abdul A.S. Katakweba, Herwig Leirs & Steven R. Belmain (2011) Differences in diet between two rodent species of Mastomys natalensis and Gerbilliscus vicinus in fallow land habitat of Central Tanzania. African Zoology, 46(2): 387-392.

2009

• Lies Durnez, Harrison Sadiki, Abdul Katakweba, Robert R Machangu, Rudovick Kazwala, Herwig Leirs, Francoise Portaels (2009). The prevalence of Mycobacterium bovis infection in atypical mycobacteriosis in cattle in and around Morogoro Tanzania. Tropical Animal health and Production. 41: 1653-1659.
• Stephan Günther, Guy Hoofd, Remi Charrel, Christina Röser, Beate Becker-Ziaja, Grahman Lloyd, Christopher Sabuni, Ron Verhagen, Guido van der Groen, Jan Kennis, Abdul Katakweba, Robert Machang’u, Rhodes Makundi and Herwig Leirs (2009). Mopeia Virus – related Arenavirus in Natal Multimammate Mice in Morogoro, Tanzania. Emerging Infectious Diseases 15(12): 2008-2012.
• Rhodes H Makundi, Apia W Massawe, Loth S Mulungu and Abdul Katakweba (2009). Species Diversity and Population Dynamics of Rodents in Farm-Fallow Field Mosaic Systems in Central Tanzania. African Journal of Ecology, 48: 313-320.

2008

•               Rhodes H. Makundi, Apia W. Massawe, Loth S. Mulungu, Abdul Katakweba. Thomas,J. Mbise and Georgies Mgode (2008) Potential mammalian reservoir in bubonic plague outbreak focus in Mbulu District, northern Tanzania, in 2007. Mammalia, 72(3):253-257

• Phiri E.E.J.H, Chibunda R.T, Pereka A.E, Mtengeti E.J, Urio N.A and Katakweba A (2008). Haematological and metabolic profiles of smallholder dairy cows in relation to wether patterns in Southern highlands of Tanzania. Tanzania Veterinary Journal (The Tropical Veterinarian). 25 (2): 111 – 120

2007

• Katrine, M; Herwig, L; Katakweba, A and Machang’u, R (2007). Monitoring rodents movements with a biomarker around introduction and feeding foci in an urban environment in Tanzania. African Zoology, 42(2): 294 – 298.
• Lies Durnez, Miriam Eddyani, Georges F. Mgode, Abdul Katakweba, Charles R Kitholi, Robert R Machangu, Rudovick Kazwala, Francoise Portaels, Herwig Leirs (2007) First findings of mycobacteria in African rodents and isectivores using stratified pool screening. Applied Environmental Microbiology. 18 : 605 – 608.
• Rhodes H. Makundi, Apia W. Massawe, Loth S. Mulungu, Abdul Katakweba. Thomas, J. Mbise and Georgies Mgode (2008) Potential mammalian reservoir in bubonic plague outbreak focus in Mbulu District, northern Tanzania, in 2007. Mammalia, 72(3):253-257.
• Phiri E.E.J.H, Chibunda R.T, Pereka A.E, Mtengeti E.J, Urio N.A and Katakweba A (2008). Haematological and metabolic profiles of smallholder dairy cows in relation to wether patterns in Southern highlands of Tanzania. Tanzania Veterinary Journal (The Tropical Veterinarian). 25 (2): 111.

2005

• Mgode, G.F; Mhamphi; G; Katakweba, A.A.S; Paemelaere, E; Wilkens,N; Machang’u, R.S and Hartskeerl, R.A (2005). PCR detection of Leptospirosis DNA in Rodents and Insectivores in Morogoro Tanzania. Belgian Juournal of Zoology, 135 (supplement) : 17-19.

Leadership at the university

• Acting Director Institute of Pest Management 2022 –

Supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students

• Mwombeki Festo (2012): Determination of carrier rate of Antibiotic resistance with associated factors in Enterococci spp isolated from domestic ducks in Morogoro Municipality Tanzania.
• Onduru, O, G (2012): Drug resistance profile of E.coli and non-typhi Salmonella isolated from livestock farming systems in Urban and Peri Urban, Morogoro.
• Kissinga Henry D (2012): Determination of carrier rate of antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli among free range ducks (Cairina moschata) in Morogoro municipality.
• Sissa, G. A (2012): Prevalence of Leptospirosis in Rodents and Shrews in Mvomero District Morogoro.
• Ndiwu P (2012): Determination of Haemoparasites from Rodents and Shrews in Mvomero District Morogoro.
• JASSON B. MUTAYABARWA (2013): Occurrence of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus among students and dogs at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Tanzania.
• Mohamed Bahari (2013): Determination of the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Rodents from Mikese Morgoro Rural District.
• Frank Fwalo (2013): Prevalence of Leptospirosis in Rodents and Shrews at Mikese Morgoro Rural District.
• MHINA BARTIMAYO (2016): Prevalence of Yersinia pestis Infection in Domesticated Dogs in Irente -Lushoto District.
• JONAS DANIEL KIRA (2015): Prevalence and Microbial Susceptibility of Bacteria in Herbal Medicines Vended in Morogoro, Tanzania.
• SOSTHENES Nyambuli (2016): Prevalence, virulence characteristics and antibiotic susceptibility of Vibrio holerae in sardines from Lake Tanganyika, Tanzania.

Membership in committees, boards and professional organizations