Limpopo Province Research Articles

Tourism resilience and challenges in Limpopo, South Africa: A post-COVID-19 analysis

ABSTRACT This study investigates the impact, recovery and resilience of COVID-19 on South Africa's Limpopo Province's tourism industry. The study utilises surveys (n = 115) and interviews (n = 50) to examine the impact, recovery, resilience, success and challenges of various tourism-related businesses, including national parks, restaurants, and hotels. Despite minimal government support and significant challenges like erratic utilities, high inflation, and a global economic downturn, the sector showed resilience, with few business failures. While some businesses in the accommodation sector diversified into areas like student accommodation, some survived by cutting the number of staff, tapping into savings, borrowing and adopting various cost containment measures to survive the pandemic. Post the pandemic, the sector faces issues like decreased demand due to technological changes in meetings and conferences and employee mental health concerns. The study underscores the need for strategic management and specific policy interventions to ensure the sector's resilience and survival post-pandemic.

Ethnolinguistic vitality in Thulamela Local Municipality: A case of Xitsonga

The use and status of a language in a given speech community can reveal the prospects of its elevation or lack thereof. Furthermore, one can determine whether a language will be elevated or undermined in a community by exploring the perceptions of its speakers towards its status and use. Hence, this article investigated the status and use of Xitsonga at the Thulamela Local Municipality (TLM) in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, with particular interest in the Vatsonga’s perceptions of the ethnolinguistic vitality of Xitsonga in the TLM. Guided by the Ethnolinguistic Vitality Theory, this article probed the demographics of Xitsonga in the TLM, explored the role played by the TLM authorities in promoting Xitsonga as a language, and highlighted the implications of the perceived ethnolinguistic vitality of Xitsonga in the TLM. The study employed a qualitative method to collect data through face-to-face semi-structured interviews from 13 Xitsonga L1 speakers who participated in the study. It was found that Xitsonga speakers preferred to be addressed in their language during the municipality’s formal gatherings – a courtesy they believe is both effective in and necessary for the preservation and promotion of Xitsonga at the TLM. Also noteworthy, despite Xitsonga being dominated by Tshivenḓa in the TLM, Xitsonga speakers nevertheless maintained positive perceptions towards their language. This is commendable, considering that the TLM is located in Ṱhohoyanḓou, the economic hub of Vhembe District, where there is a university, malls and shopping complexes – spheres that encourage acculturation and language shift.Contribution: The findings of this study may contribute to the ongoing discourse on the equal use, preservation, and promotion of indigenous languages in South Africa.

The acceptability of a donor human milk bank and donated human milk among mothers in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Breastfeeding is a crucial public health approach that reduces infant morbidity and mortality by providing essential nutrients and antibodies, and breast milk is easily digested. Breastfeeding and donated milk serve as a preventative measure against necrotising enterocolitis. Additionally, they protect against viruses and nosocomial sepsis. When a birthing parent's own milk is unavailable, alternative enteral nutrition for preterm or low-birth-weight infants is either donor human milk (DHM) or artificial formula. This study aimed to understand mothers' acceptance of the donor human milk bank (DHMB) and DHM. A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study used purposive sampling to select 23 mothers in postnatal and neonatal wards. Data collection was via in-depth interviews using a semistructured interview guide. Manual data analysis using an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) framework was used to coding. Concepts were grouped to generate themes. Three themes and nine subthemes were generated: (1) DHMBs (2) cultural perspective of DHMB, and (3) health considerations of DHM. Participants were unaware of the DHMB. Hesitancy in accepting DHM due to fear of contracting HIV was observed. Cultural beliefs are an influencing factor for use, while donation was driven by altruistic reasons, preventing waste, helping othersand having previously benefited from DHM. The study found that mothers are willing to donate human milk. Willingness to donate can be increased by raising awareness about DHMB and addressing cultureand safety concerns at antenatal clinics.

Educators in Transition: A Case Study on the Challenges and Adaptations during Rationalisation and Redeployment

Rationalisation and redeployment of educators is a problem in South African schools and internationally. The purpose of this article is to explore the challenges and adaptations of educators during rationalisation and redeployment in public schools in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The argument is that the criteria used to declare educators redundant are not consistent. A qualitative instrumental case study was applied using social constructivism as a theoretical base. Interviews with six redeployed educators were conducted. Purposive snowball sampling was used to identify and recruit participants. Permission to conduct this study was granted by the Limpopo Department of Education. Data were coded and analysed by qualitative content analysis. Empirical data revealed that educators do not like redeployment. Educators who are declared redundant choose to resign rather than face redeployment. It can be concluded that educators face a dilemma related to rationalisation and redeployment which makes them fearful and resistant to the process. Education authorities should, thus, ensure that decision-making processes are transparent and inclusive, and should provide professional development and support to educators undergoing redeployment and rationalisation to ensure equitable and successful transitions.

Effects of SNPs on TNF-α and IL-10 cytokine expression in TB and HIV patients in the Capricorn district, Limpopo Province, South Africa.

The impact of Tuberculosis (TB) places an immense burden on the health care system. Infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a significant risk factor in the development and progression of TB disease. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter region of Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and Tumour Necrotic Factor-Alpha (TNF-α) may play a major role in the disease mechanism and understanding these mechanisms might prove to be a useful diagnostic tool in evaluating the immune regulation and progression of the disease. This study aimed to determine the relationship between cytokine levels and gene variants of Interleukin-10 and Tumour Necrotic Factor Alpha in TB and HIV-infected participants. Cytokine levels were determined by ELISA, and SNPs were determined by MassArray®. The levels of TNF-α were higher in the TB group than the HIV (p < 0.001) and TB-HIV (p = 0.011) groups, but similar to the TNF-α levels in the control group. In the HIV group, IL-10 levels were higher than those of the TB (p < 0.001) and control groups (p = 0.039), whereas there was no difference between the IL-10 levels in the HIV and the TB-HIV infection groups. The ratio was determined and there were no differences between the four infection groups. In this study, no associations were detected between the circulating plasma levels of TNF-α and IL-10 and their genotypes. Our data showed that the gene variants were not associated with circulating plasma levels of TNF-α and IL-10 in our study population. A pro-inflammatory environment was found in the TB and TB-HIV groups, which is suggesting of bacterial clearance, while an anti-inflammatory environment was found in the HIV group, which suggests the suppression of viral replication.

The impact of school violence on teaching and learning in secondary schools in the Capricorn South District of Limpopo Province

Violence in schools has become a concern to the learners, teachers, parents and other stakeholders in Mphahlele Circuit at Capricorn South District of Limpopo Province. The learners fight amongst themselves and against their teachers. In some instances they stab one another. The teachers and the learners are not safe at their schools, whereas schools are supposed to be safe havens for teaching and learning. Given all these challenges in Mphahlele schools, the proposed study sought to investigate if really there is violence in the schools and also to explore the nature thereof. Also, the study sought to investigate the contributory factors and the preventative measures to violence. The study followed a mixed-method research strategy and used surveys and interviews. The researcher used purposive sampling to select participants for the research. Twelve (12) participants were selected for qualitative study which used interviews. The questionnaires were used to collect data from fifty (50) participants in quantitative research. Data was analyzed using the codes and themes. The study revealed that the learners bully each other, bring weapons to school, and have gangs. The learners and teachers miss contact time during disciplinary hearings and that impacts negatively on the performance of the learners and the completion of the syllabus. The social problems, economic and family instabilities, drugs and alcohol abuse seemed to be the contributing factors. The study recommended that parents, churches, government and non-governmental organizations and the schools should collaborate to minimize violence, as one strategy in isolation cannot prevent school violence.

Association of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes and Soil Physicochemical Properties in Tomatoes in Turfloop, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Turfloop constitutes an area in Mankweng, situated in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, where several villages are home to smallholder farmers who specialize in vegetable farming. Among the most crucial crops cultivated in this region is tomato, a fruit that has gained significant commercial importance due to its high demand and versatility in various culinary applications. To determine the relationship of plant-parasitic nematodes and soil physicochemical properties, soil samples were collected from tomato fields. Overall, our results showed that seven nematode genera were in the tomato fields. There was a significant positive correlation between the number of Meloidogyne and potassium (r = 0.903) and a negative correlation with Na (r = −0.684). In contrast, there was no association between the number of Meloidogyne spp. and the pH and texture of the fields. The number of Criconema in the field was negatively correlated with pH (r = −0.732). Soil texture percentages, including clay (r = 0.744), sand (r = −0.744), and silt (r = 0.706), were only correlated with the number of Criconema. The number of dagger nematodes, Xiphinema, was only correlated negatively with NH4+ (r = −0.589) and positively with boron (B) (r = 0.779). None of the soil variables were correlated with the number of Pratylenchus. The principal component analysis (PCA) placed soil samples of tomatoes together, in which the number of Meloidogyne was not correlated to any soil sample site. In conclusion, plant-parasitic nematodes that were associated with tomatoes are of high economic importance as they can reduce the yield. Criconema was found to be sensitive to the soil’s physicochemical properties. In addition, Helicotylenchus was found in all soil samples. Our results suggest that the plant-parasitic nematodes in tomatoes have high diversity with the potential to reduce crop production.

Social support experiences of adolescents living with perinatal HIV in rural Limpopo, South Africa.

Adolescents with perinatal HIV (APHIV) experience emotional turmoil, which is worsened by real or perceived negative impacts on the adolescents' relationships, aspirations for their careers, and aspirations for their families. To explore the experiences of APHIV with regard to social support on their mental health and general well-being in the Vhembe District of Limpopo province. A mixed-methods sequential exploratory design was employed to conduct in-depth one-on-one interviews in the Vhembe District of the Limpopo province of South Africa. The interviews were conducted in selected community health centres and clinics over a period of four months (April 2019 - July 2019). This study included APHIV between the ages of 10 years and 19 years who had been initiated on antiretroviral therapy before the age of 10 years. Two major themes emerged. Theme 1 - Experiences within the family - included the sub-themes experience of positive social support within the family, and lack of support in the family. Theme 2 - Experiences outside the family - included the sub-themes experiences at the clinic, experiences at community level, and experiences at school and with friends. Adolescents with perinatal HIV are in need of social support from their loved ones as well as the community. Expansion of household programmes and intervention through integration of services by the multidisciplinary team might assist with alleviating the social support needs which will improve their mental health and adherence to treatment.

The contributions of smallholder farmers toward household food security in Chabelane village, Limpopo province, South Africa

Although South Africa is considered to be food secure at the country level, large numbers of households within the country remain food insecure (De Cock et al. 2013). Food inaccessibility in many rural areas of South Africa has manifested itself in many formats but has positioned poor households to struggle to meet their basic household requirements and be more vulnerable to food insecurity. Details of such food insecurity, however, may differ (De Cock et al. 2013; D’Haese et al. 2013). This study aimed to investigate the contributions of smallholder farmers toward household food security in Chabelane Village, in Limpopo Province, South Africa. A quota sampling method was used to select 20 smallholder farmers in Chabelane Village. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and the analysis of data was done using thematic analysis. This study has highlighted the prevalence of food security status among smallholder farmers. Household food security in rural areas is a significant matter, as it is necessary to have appropriate access to healthy foods that lead to active life. Furthermore, the study highlighted the smallholder farmers’ agricultural practices which are crop farming and livestock farming. Moreover, increased food supply, job opportunities, and income generation were highlighted as the contributions of the smallholder farmers toward household food security. However, the smallholder farmers in this study area experienced challenges such as lack of finances, water shortages, and lack of access to formal market. This study recommends access to financial aid through access to loans from the banks, raising awareness among smallholder farmers about the knowledge on how to access formal markets. Additionally, the Department of Agriculture or local municipality to provide water tanks or boreholes for smallholder farmers to have undisrupted access to water for productive farming practices. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the contributions of smallholder farmers towards household food security by providing valuable insights into the relationship between food security and smallholder farmers, particularly in Chabelane Village, Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Effects of Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride-co-Hexafluoropropylene) Nanocomposite Membrane on Reduction in Microbial Load and Heavy Metals in Surface Water Samples

In this work, nanocomposite membranes were prepared using silver nanoparticles (Ag) attached to poly(amidoamine) dendrimer (P)-functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) blended with poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropene) (PVDF-HFP) polymeric membranes (i.e., AgP-CNT/PVDF-HFP) via the phase inversion method. The nanocomposites were characterised and analysed via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. The TEM and EDX analyses confirmed the presence of Ag nanoparticles on the nanocomposites, while the SEM and BET data showed the spongy morphology of the nanocomposite membranes with improved surface areas. The sample analysis of surface water collected from the Sekhukhune district, Limpopo Province, South Africa indicated that the water could not be used for human consumption without being treated. The nanocomposite membranes significantly reduced the physicochemical parameters of the sampled water, such as turbidity, TSS, TDS and carbonate hardness, to 4 NTU, 7 mg/L, 7.69 mg/L and 5.9 mg/L, respectively. Significant improvements in microbial load (0 CFU/mL) and BOD (3.0 mg/L) reduction were noted after membrane treatment. Furthermore, toxic heavy metals such as chromium, cadmium and nickel were remarkably reduced to 0.0138, 0.0012 and 0.015 mg/L, respectively. The results clearly suggest that the AgP-CNT/PVDF-HFP nanocomposite membrane can be used for surface water treatment.

Prevalence and determinants of refractive errors at Sekororo District Hospital in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Background: Refractive errors are common eye disorders affecting people of all age groups worldwide.Aim: To determine the prevalence and determinants of refractive errors among patients attending a rural-based optometry clinic from January 2018 to December 2019.Setting: The study was conducted at Sekororo District Hospital in Mopani District of Limpopo Province, South Africa.Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study comprising two stratified random samples (2018 and 2019) was conducted based on the clinical records of patients who consulted the clinic. Data were analysed with Statistics or Data Analysis software, STATA ed. 15. Determinants of refractive errors were identified using regression analysis and reported as odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI).Results: In the 2018 sample, the prevalence of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism in the right eyes was 10% (95% CI: 7.0–14.2), 7.5% (95% CI: 4.5–1.3) and 43.4% (95% CI: 37.6–49.3), respectively. Left eyes had myopia 16.1% (95% CI: 12.2–21.0), hyperopia 7.5% (95% CI: 4.5–1.3) and astigmatism 40.1% (95% CI: 34.5–46.0). For the 2019 sample, the prevalence of myopia in right eyes was 13.3% (95% CI: 9.5–18.3), hyperopia 3.8% (95% CI: 2.0–7.3) and astigmatism 33.8% (95% CI: 28.0–40.1). Left eyes had myopia 17.5% (95% CI: 13.1–23.0), hyperopia 8.1% (95% CI: 5.2–12.4) and astigmatism 26.9% (95% CI: 21.6–33.0).Conclusion: Across the samples (2018 and 2019) and to laterality (right and left eyes), myopia prevalence ranged from 10% to 17.5% while hyperopia ranged from 3.8% to 8.1%. Astigmatism was most prevalent (ranging from 26.9% to 43.4%).Contribution: This article provides useful information about the prevalence of REs in the district hospital setting. The Department of Health Authority may use the results for policy decisions.

Parents’ Perceptions on Parental Involvement in Their Children’s Education in Giyani Municipality Rural-based Schools, Limpopo Province, South Africa

The importance of parental involvement in children’s education cannot be overemphasized. This study aimed to explore the role that parents play in the education of their children in the Giyani Municipality, Limpopo Province South Africa. The study followed Epstein's model of school-parent-community partnerships to understand the participation of parents in the education of their children. A qualitative approach was employed to guide the gathering and analysis of the data. Fifty-eight parents that were purposively selected from the four rural schools participated in the focus group discussions that were audio-recorded. Inductive qualitative thematic analysis was used, and the ethics were observed. The findings revealed the role of parental involvement in their children’s education as working with schools, home-schooling, modelling positive attitudes, emotional support, and career counselling. This study has implications for policy and practice in a parent-teacher relationship in rural schools by suggesting that parents should be involved in policy development such as when the curriculum changes.

Analysis of the Contribution of Home Gardens to Household Food Security in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Addressing food security is one of the national priorities in South Africa, enshrined under the country's constitution, yet there is a growing percentage of households struggling to meet their food requirements. Food insecurity and malnutrition remain severe problems in rural communities and can be addressed through home gardening. This study aimed to assess the contributions of home gardens to food security in Limpopo Province. This study employed a quantitative research methodology. A total of 2043 rural households were selected using multistage stratified random sampling. The Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) was used to measure household food insecurity levels of home garden participants. Results showed that 46% of participants were food secure, 24% were severely food insecure, 17% were moderately food insecure and 13% were mildly food insecure. The results from the endogenous switching Poisson regression model showed that gender, household size, wage/salary, access to land, agriculture-related assistance and market distance had a positive influence on household food security of home garden participants. On the other hand, employment status and receiving any social relief had a negative association with household food security of home garden participants. The results also showed that employment status had a positive influence on the food security of home garden non-participants, while education, access to land, wage/salary and age had a negative influence. The results from average treatment effects (ATEs) showed that households that participated in home garden production had a negative and significant (p-value < 0.05) impact on household food insecurity. This study concludes that involvement in home gardening improves food security. Household food security can be enhanced through agricultural training and skills enhancement directed at increasing participation in home gardening in rural areas, thus addressing income and food security challenges. Agricultural education needs to be introduced and facilitated at school levels so that an understanding of food systems, nutrition and food security can be attained from younger age groups.

Hydrogeochemical and microbial constituents of groundwater in Lephalale municipality, Limpopo province, South Africa

This study assessed the hydrogeochemical characteristics and microbial constituents of groundwater in Lephalale Municipality, South Africa. A total of 71 borehole water samples were collected from 15 villages within the Lephalale Municipality between April 2019 and October 2020. The results of the parameters such pH, EC, TDS, and alkalinity range from 6.69 to 7.87, 620.30 to 1937.00 μS/cm, 330.35 to1035.50 mg/L and 50.00-390.00 mg/L, respectively. The mean values of major cations and anions were found to be in the order of Na+>Ca2+>Mg2+>K+ and HCO3−>Cl−>NO3−>SO42−>F−, respectively. About 35 % of the tested samples had F− concentrations above 1.5 mg/L recommended by the world health organization (WHO) to eliminate the risk of fluorosis. The hydrogeochemical facies determined using a piper diagram revealed the dominance of mixed CaMgCl and CaHCO3 water types. The Gibbs plot analysis revealed that the main composition-controlling hydrogeochemical processes in the study area is the rock-water interaction. The microbial constituent's analysis showed that faecal coliform in groundwater samples were ranging between 0 and 71 CFU/ 100 mL with an average of 0.56 CFU/100 mL, while total coliform (TC) counts were between 0 and 360.5 CFU/100mL with the average of 30.81 CFU/100mL, respectively. This study revealed that groundwater in some boreholes from Lephalale Municipality poses risk of fluorosis and pathogen related diseases. Therefore, the study recommends improving of water quality within the study area prior to consumption.

Molecular study of Enterobacter associated with roots of maize (Zea mays L.) using 16S rDNA in Limpopo Province, South Africa

One of the most significant grain crops in South Africa, white maize, is grown all throughout the country in a wide variety of climates and soil types due to its high economic value. White maize cultivation is expanding at a staggering rate, for which accurate identification of root-associated bacteria is necessary. Among the various bacterium affecting maize, Enterobacter species a gram-negative, motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped, facultatively anaerobic bacteria are dangerous pathogenic bacteria causing drastic reduction in yield if not properly identified and managed. Therefore, this study was conducted to isolate and identify Enterobacter from maize fields in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The molecular study was done in 2022 at the Aquaculture Research Unit, University of Limpopo. To identify the bacterium associated with maize, for extraction DNA, the Chelex method was used then 16S rDNA marker was used. The bacterium was identified as Enterobacter. The Nblast analysis showed South African Enterobacter has 97% similarity with a population from Korea (KC355340). Phylogenetic analysis using maximum likelihood placed this species with those molecularly identified as Enterobacter in the same clade with highly supported (100) bootstrap values. In conclusion, this species is identified using 16S rDNA properly. However, other DNA markers are recommended to better understand Enterobacter phylogeny.

Molecular characters of Pandoraea, a bacterium associated with tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) using 16S rDNA from Limpopo Province, South Africa

Tomato is one of the premier vegetables in the world and is widely cultivated for higher yield and economic importance; thus, the area under cultivation is increasing. Pandoraea species can be a risky pathogenic bacterium to tomato plants, impacting the yield. They are gram-negative, motile, and rod-shaped. In 2022, the University of Limpopo conducted a study to identify and name the Pandoraea bacterium found in a tomato field located in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Molecular methods were employed, and the Chelex approach was utilized to extract the 16S rDNA marker, enabling the identification of bacteria present in the soil of tomato fields in South Africa. After conducting tests using specific primers to amplify the 16S rDNA, we have identified the bacterium as Pandoraea. Our analysis indicates that the strain of Pandoraea found in South Africa shares a 90% similarity with a population from Belgium (LR536859). Furthermore, maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis indicates that this species is grouped with other Pandoraea species, with highly supported (100) bootstrap values. While the 16S rDNA method successfully identified this species, we recommend utilizing other DNA markers for a more comprehensive understanding of the Pandoraea phylogeny.

Molecular characters of Pseudomonas cichorii using 16S rDNA isolated from spinach, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Pseudomonas is a genus of Gram-negative, Gammaproteobacteria, belonging to the family Pseudomonadaceae. Pseudomonas cichorii is a Gram-negative soil bacterium that is pathogenic to plants. It has a wide host range and can have an important economic impact on lettuce, celery, and chrysanthemum crops. Pseudomonas cichorii can be a risky pathogenic bactererium in vegetables, including spinach, and therefore have an effect on the fresh production of spinach. This study was conducted to isolate and identify P. cichorii from a spinach field in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The molecular study was conducted in 2023 at Limpopo University to identify the bacterium from South Africa's soils using 16S rDNA marker. The DNA was extracted using the Chelex method. The bacterium was identified as P. cichorii. The Nblast analysis showed South African P. cichorii had 99% similarity with a population from South Africa (FJ477103). Phylogenetic analysis using maximum likelihood placed this species with those molecularly identified as P. cichorii in the same clade with highly supported (100) bootstrap values. The species was identified using 16S rDNA however, the use of other DNA markers can be evaluated for a better understanding of P. cichorii phylogeny.

Development and validation of an intervention for childhood trauma and exposure to violence in Vhembe District, South Africa

Most strategies are implemented; however, South Africa needs to evaluate and develop trauma interventions. The study aims to develop, test and validate childhood trauma exposure intervention in the Vhembe district, Limpopo province. Donabedian's structure-process-outcome model will guide the study. The study will employ multiphase mixed methods with five phases. Phase 1 will be a thorough systematic evaluation of literature on childhood trauma and exposure to violence interventions to describe existing interventions. Phase 2, stage 1: Will explore the experiences of children exposed to trauma and violence regarding their experiences of the treatment they received, using semi-structured qualitative interviews. Non-probability purposeful sampling techniques will be used to select participants. The Thoyondou Victim Empowerment's database will select participants. The researchers will conduct semi-structured and unstructured interviews with youngsters exposed to violence and trauma. Stage 2 will be a qualitative study of trauma centre managers and personnel sampled from the contact record. IPA will analyze data. Phase 3 will conceptualize Phase 1 and the empirical phase into Donabedian's SPO framework for Phase 4. Phase 4 develops the intervention using Phase 3′s conceptual framework and tests and validates it.

Determination of anti-COVID-19 IgG and IgM seroprevalence among pregnant women at Pietersburg Hospital, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Background. COVID-19 has been a major public health concern globally, leading to a higher mortality rate, especially among immunosuppressed individuals, who include pregnant women, people with HIV and people living with other comorbidities. Pregnant women are considered to be a special population group owing to their specific susceptibility to some infectious diseases. Objective. To determine the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic. Method. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that tested blood samples from pregnant women who attended the antenatal clinic from March to July 2022 using the Orient Gene Biotech lateral flow immune-chromatographic assay according to manufacturer instructions. The assay detects IgM and IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Results. A total of 2 649 blood samples were tested; 2 039 (77.0%) samples tested positive for IgG, 7 (0.3%) tested positive for IgM, and 100 (3.7%) tested positive for both IgG and IgM. The study found a seroprevalence of 80.7% of IgG. Conclusion. The study findings showed evidence of acute COVID-19 infection in our patient population despite the consensus that COVID-19 infection is dissipating.

Molecular study of Serratia marcescens, a bacterium associated with roots of maize (Zea mays L.), using 16S rDNA in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Maize the most important grain crop in South Africa produced under diverse environments is prone to dangerous pathogenic bacteria which needs better control and management. One of the bacteria that can affect maize yield is Serratia a gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, motile bacterium. Colonies on (aerobic) nutrient agar plates are circular and have a dark red to pink colour. This study isolated and identified Serratia bacterium from maize fields in Limpopo, South Africa. The molecular study was done in 2022 at the Aquaculture Research Unit, University of Limpopo. To identify the bacterium associated with maize, for extraction DNA Chelex method was used then 16S rDNA marker was used. The bacterium was identified as S. marcescens. The Nblast analysis showed South African S. marcescens had 97% similarity with a population from Brazil (MH127785), and South Korea (MN082049). Phylogenetic analysis using maximum likelihood placed this species with those molecularly identified as S. marcescens in the same clade with highly supported (100) bootstrap values. In conclusion, this species is identified using 16S rDNA properly. However, using other DNA markers to understand S. marcescens phylogeny better is recommended.