Bio

Prof. Jung'a Bio

Prof. J.O. Jung’a worked as Molecular geneticist Research Scientist at the Institute of Primate Research, National Museums of Kenya for twenty years rising to the level of Senior Scientist in 2004. At the National Museums of Kenya, Prof. Jung’a conducted a great member of research studies on the genetics of African Wildlife large mammal species, before changing interest to study the mechanisms involved in cell growth and death in aquatic species due to environmental stress toxicants.

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(Last updated: April 20, 2016)

Publications

2015

Otieno, OG, Junga JO, Badamana MS, Amimo JO.  2015.  Indigenous knowledge used in Breeding and Management of Capra hircus population in Kajioado and makueni counties, Kenya.. Open Journal of Genetics. 5:111-135.
D.N, T, J.O J'a, J.M K, J.O A, F.M K, K.E G.  2015.  Population Viability Analysis of Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis michaeli) in Lake Nakuru Nationa park Kenya. Biodiversity and Endangered Species. 3(1):2332-2543.
F.Kibegwa, Githui K, J.O.Jung'a, M.S.Badamana.  2015.  Mitochondrial DNA variation and maternal lineage of indigenous goats in Narok and Isiolo Counties of Kenya. ISSN 0931-2668. 1-10

2014

S.S.Lekerpes, J.O.Jung'a, Badamana MS, D.I.Rubenstein.  2014.  Genetics polymorphism of beta-lactoglobulin in Kenyan small East Africa goat breed using PCR-RFLP and sequencing. . Scientific Journal of Animal Science . 3 (8):233-239.
Marete", "AG, Mosi" "RO, Amimo" "JO, Jung'a" "JO.  2014.  Characteristics of lactation curves of the Kenya alphine dairy goats in smallholder farms. Open Journal of Animal Science. 4:92-102.
", "JAO, " "EO, Junga" "JO, " "WOO, " "MNN, " "QW, " "AVN, Saif" "LJ, Djikeng" "A.  2014.  Molecular detection and genetic characterization of kobuviruses and astroviruses in asymptomatic local pigs in East Africa. Archives of Virology. 159(6):1313-1319.
"D.Mbugua", "C.N.Kimwele", "J.O.Jung'a", "E.Gatebe", "F.Gakuya", "M.J.Kinuthia", 'M.M.Mugambi", "E.S.Kwamboka".  2014.  use of cytochrome oxidase 1 gene region: a molecular tool for the domestic and wildlife industry in Kenya. Scientific Journal of Animal Science. 3(3):87-94.

2013

Amimo", "JO, Okoth" "E, Jung'a" "JO, Ogara" "WO, Njahira" "MN, Wang" "Q, Vlavosa" "AN, Saif" "LJ, Djikeng" "A.  2013.  Molecular detection and genetic characterization of kobuviruses and astroviruese in asymptomatic local pigs in East Africa. Arch Virol. 10:00705-0013.

2012

Kimwele C.N, Karisa B.K., SJ'a HSMEMJOO.  2012.  DNA species surveillance: Monitoring bushmeat poaching and trading in Kenya using partial cytochrome b gene. African Journal of Biotechnology. 11(78):14276-14286.

2011

"J.O.Amimo", "S.Thumbi", "B.O.Inyangala", "J.O.Jung'a", "R.O.Mosi".  2011.  Soci-economic characteristics and perceptions of cattle keeepers and constraints to cattle production in Western Kenya. Livestock Research for Rural Development. 23(6)
Faria, PJ, Kavembe GD, Jung'a JO, Kimwele CN, Estes LD, Reilo PR, Mwangi AG, Bruford MW.  2011.  The use of non-invasive molecular techniques to confirm the presence of mountain bongo Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci populations in Kenya and preliminary inference of their mitochondrial genetic variation. Conserv Genet. 10 AbstractWebsite

The mountain bongo antelope Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci has rapidly declined in recent decades, due to a combination of hunting, habitat degradation and disease. Endemic to Kenya, mountain bongo populations have shrunk to approximately 100 individuals now mainly confined to the Aberdares mountain ranges. Indirect observation of bongo signs (e.g. tracks, dung) can be misleading, thus methods to ensure reliable species identification, such as DNA-based techniques, are necessary to effectively study and monitor this species. We assessed bongo presence in four mountain habitats in Kenya (Mount Kenya National Park, Aberdare National Park, Eburu and Mau forests) and carried out a preliminary analysis of genetic variation by examining 466 bp of the first domain of the mtDNA control region using DNA extracted from faecal samples. Of the 201 dung samples collected in the field, 102 samples were molecularly identified as bongo, 97 as waterbuck, one as African buffalo and one as Aders’ duiker. Overall species-identification accuracy by experienced trackers was 64%, with very high error of commission when identifying bongo sign (37%), and high error of omission for waterbuck sign (82%), suggesting that the two species’ signs are easily confused. Despite high variation in the mtDNA control region in most antelope species, our results suggest low genetic variation in mountain bongo as only two haplotypes were detected in 102 samples analyzed. In contrast, the analysis of 63 waterbuck samples from the same sites revealed 21 haplotypes. Nevertheless, further examination using nuclear DNA markers (e.g. microsatellites) in a multi-locus approach is still required, especially because the use of mitochondrial DNA can result in population overestimation as distinct dung samples can potentially be originated from the same individual.
Marete, AG, Jung’a JO, Mosi RO.  2011.  An analysis of inbreeding levels and factors affecting growth and reproductive traits in the Kenya Alpine dairy goat. Abstract

The level of inbreeding of the Kenya Alpine dairy goat was investigated by use of Brian Kinghorn’s Pedigree viewer© software. From 1,067 doe records, data on parentage was extracted and this resulted to 3,516 individual records that were used for calculating individual inbreeding coefficients for the period 1999 to 2009. The rate of inbreeding (ΔF) was estimated as the difference between the individual inbreeding (Ft) and the inbreeding of the parents (Ft-1) divided by (1-Ft-1). The proportion of animals that was inbred increased from 0.00 (average F = 0) in 1990 to 0.38 in 2009 (average F = 0.012). Inbreeding depression on body weight was significant (P<0.05). In general the level of inbreeding in this population was very low. Further investigation on the birth weight and weaning weight was carried out. Regression analysis indicated that birth weight (p<0.05) and weaning weight (p<0.01) had improved in inbreds. The decrease in weight at first service and at first kidding was statistically insignificant. Kidding interval increased (p<0.01) due to inbreeding. Rate of decline in weight at first service and at first kidding, was different from zero (p<0.01). Effect of inbreeding on growth and reproductive traits in Kenya Alpine goats was not very pronounced in the flock.

2010

Thumbi, SM, Samuel M, Jung'a, Joseph O, Mosi, Reuben O, McOdimba F.  2010.  Spatial distribution of African Animal Trypanosomiasis in Suba and Teso districts in Western Kenya. Abstract

Background: Studies on the epidemiology of African Animal Trypanosomiasis (AAT) rarely consider the spatial dimension of disease prevalence. This problem is confounded by use of parasitological diagnostic methods of low sensitivity in field surveys. Here we report a study combining highly sensitive and species specific molecular diagnostic methods, and Geographical information system (GIS) for spatial analysis of trypanosome infection patterns, to better understand its epidemiology. Blood samples from 44 and 59 animals randomly selected from Teso and Suba districts respectively were screened for trypanosomes using PCR diagnostic assays. Spatial distribution of the positive cases was mapped and average nearest neighbour analysis used to determine the spatial pattern of trypanosome cases detected. Findings: Trypanosome prevalence of 41% and 29% in Suba and Teso districts respectively was observed. T. vivax infections were most prevalent in both areas. Higher proportions of T. brucei infections (12%) were observed in Suba, a known sleeping sickness foci compared with 2% in Teso. Average nearest neighbour analysis showed the pattern of trypanosome infections as random. An overlay with tsetse maps showed cases lying outside the tsetse infested areas, mostly being cases of T. vivax which is known to be transmitted both biologically by tsetse and mechanically by biting flies. Conclusion: These findings suggest a need to design control strategies that target not just the biological vector tsetse, but also the parasite in cattle in order to clear the possibly m

2008

M, TS, MacOdimba FO, Mosi RO, Jung'a JO.  2008.  Comparative evaluation of three PCR based diagnostic assays for for detection of pathogenic trypanosomes in cattle blood.. Parasites and Vectors. 1(46)

2005

Jung'a", "JO, Mitema" "ES, Gutzeit" "HO.  2005.  Establishment and comprative analysis of different culture conditions of primary hepatocytes from nile tilapia (oreochmis niloticus) as a model to study stress induction in vitro. In Vitro Cell.Dev.Biol.-Animal. 41:1-6.: University of Nairobi Press AbstractWebsite

OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy and sensitivity of diagnostic peritoneal lavage in the assessment of intra-abdominal injury using the dipstick method. DESIGN: Prospective study, involving the performance of diagnostic peritoneal lavage in the out patient department and surgical wards prior to surgical intervention. SETTING: Kenyatta National Hospital-General Surgical and Orthopaedic wards and outpatient department. The study was conducted over a duration of six months, starting from January 1995 to July 1995. RESULTS: Ninety six patients with penetrating (68) and blunt (28) abdominal trauma underwent diagnostic peritoneal lavage as evaluation of the severity of abdominal trauma. Dipstick (combur 9 strips) was used to evaluate lavage effluent for red blood cells, white blood cells, protein and bilirubin. Forty three patients had positive diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) results, of which 40 (93%) had positive findings at laparatomy and three (7%) had negative findings at laparatomy. The remaining 53 patients had negative DPL results and were managed conservatively. One patient with a negative DPL result became symptomatic and had a positive laparatomy. Conservatively managed patients were discharged after 24 hours observations without any complications. DPL had an accuracy and sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 98%. CONCLUSION: Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is a cheap, safe and reliable method for assessment of abdominal trauma. The method is easy to perform by trained junior doctors in the OPD, or as a bedside procedure. Use of this method reduced negative laparotomy rate from 50% to 6.9% and average duration of stay from 6.5 days to 1.9 days. This method is recommended as a basic tool in the assessment of abdominal trauma patients.

1999

OWINO, DRJUNG&#39;AJOSEPH.  1999.  Agnese, J-F., Adepo-Gourene, Owino J., Pouyand L., and R. Aman, (1999). Genetic characterization of pure relict population of Oreochromis esculentus, an endangered tilapia. J. Fish Biol. 54(5): 1119-1123. East Afr Med J. 2002 Sep;79(9):457-60. : University of Nairobi Press Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy and sensitivity of diagnostic peritoneal lavage in the assessment of intra-abdominal injury using the dipstick method. DESIGN: Prospective study, involving the performance of diagnostic peritoneal lavage in the out patient department and surgical wards prior to surgical intervention. SETTING: Kenyatta National Hospital-General Surgical and Orthopaedic wards and outpatient department. The study was conducted over a duration of six months, starting from January 1995 to July 1995. RESULTS: Ninety six patients with penetrating (68) and blunt (28) abdominal trauma underwent diagnostic peritoneal lavage as evaluation of the severity of abdominal trauma. Dipstick (combur 9 strips) was used to evaluate lavage effluent for red blood cells, white blood cells, protein and bilirubin. Forty three patients had positive diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) results, of which 40 (93%) had positive findings at laparatomy and three (7%) had negative findings at laparatomy. The remaining 53 patients had negative DPL results and were managed conservatively. One patient with a negative DPL result became symptomatic and had a positive laparatomy. Conservatively managed patients were discharged after 24 hours observations without any complications. DPL had an accuracy and sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 98%. CONCLUSION: Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is a cheap, safe and reliable method for assessment of abdominal trauma. The method is easy to perform by trained junior doctors in the OPD, or as a bedside procedure. Use of this method reduced negative laparotomy rate from 50% to 6.9% and average duration of stay from 6.5 days to 1.9 days. This method is recommended as a basic tool in the assessment of abdominal trauma patients.
OWINO, DRJUNG&#39;AJOSEPH.  1999.  Agnese, J-F., Adepo-Gourene, Owino J., Pouyand L., and R. Aman, (1999). Genetic characterization of pure relict population of Oreochromis esculentus, an endangered tilapia. J. Fish Biol. 54(5): 1119-1123. East Afr Med J. 2002 Sep;79(9):457-60. : University of Nairobi Press Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy and sensitivity of diagnostic peritoneal lavage in the assessment of intra-abdominal injury using the dipstick method. DESIGN: Prospective study, involving the performance of diagnostic peritoneal lavage in the out patient department and surgical wards prior to surgical intervention. SETTING: Kenyatta National Hospital-General Surgical and Orthopaedic wards and outpatient department. The study was conducted over a duration of six months, starting from January 1995 to July 1995. RESULTS: Ninety six patients with penetrating (68) and blunt (28) abdominal trauma underwent diagnostic peritoneal lavage as evaluation of the severity of abdominal trauma. Dipstick (combur 9 strips) was used to evaluate lavage effluent for red blood cells, white blood cells, protein and bilirubin. Forty three patients had positive diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) results, of which 40 (93%) had positive findings at laparatomy and three (7%) had negative findings at laparatomy. The remaining 53 patients had negative DPL results and were managed conservatively. One patient with a negative DPL result became symptomatic and had a positive laparatomy. Conservatively managed patients were discharged after 24 hours observations without any complications. DPL had an accuracy and sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 98%. CONCLUSION: Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is a cheap, safe and reliable method for assessment of abdominal trauma. The method is easy to perform by trained junior doctors in the OPD, or as a bedside procedure. Use of this method reduced negative laparotomy rate from 50% to 6.9% and average duration of stay from 6.5 days to 1.9 days. This method is recommended as a basic tool in the assessment of abdominal trauma patients.

1997

OWINO, DRJUNG&#39;AJOSEPH.  1997.  Owino J., Adepo-Gourene, R. Aman and J-F Agnese, (1997). Genetic characterization and possible origin of the Oreochromis niloticus population of Lake Victoria. In: Characterization of Ghanaian tilapia genetic resources for use in aquaculture. ICLARM Confe. East Afr Med J. 2002 Sep;79(9):457-60. : University of Nairobi Press Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy and sensitivity of diagnostic peritoneal lavage in the assessment of intra-abdominal injury using the dipstick method. DESIGN: Prospective study, involving the performance of diagnostic peritoneal lavage in the out patient department and surgical wards prior to surgical intervention. SETTING: Kenyatta National Hospital-General Surgical and Orthopaedic wards and outpatient department. The study was conducted over a duration of six months, starting from January 1995 to July 1995. RESULTS: Ninety six patients with penetrating (68) and blunt (28) abdominal trauma underwent diagnostic peritoneal lavage as evaluation of the severity of abdominal trauma. Dipstick (combur 9 strips) was used to evaluate lavage effluent for red blood cells, white blood cells, protein and bilirubin. Forty three patients had positive diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) results, of which 40 (93%) had positive findings at laparatomy and three (7%) had negative findings at laparatomy. The remaining 53 patients had negative DPL results and were managed conservatively. One patient with a negative DPL result became symptomatic and had a positive laparatomy. Conservatively managed patients were discharged after 24 hours observations without any complications. DPL had an accuracy and sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 98%. CONCLUSION: Diagnostic peritoneal lavage is a cheap, safe and reliable method for assessment of abdominal trauma. The method is easy to perform by trained junior doctors in the OPD, or as a bedside procedure. Use of this method reduced negative laparotomy rate from 50% to 6.9% and average duration of stay from 6.5 days to 1.9 days. This method is recommended as a basic tool in the assessment of abdominal trauma patients.

1993

Kat, PW;, Arctander P;, Kiawa B;, Owino J;, Aman AR.  1993.  The Role Of Genetics In The Conservation Of Biodiversity.

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