Raphael Hans Lwesya

Mr. Raphael Hans Lwesya


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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2 November 2024 in Uganda Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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RLRaphael Hans Lwesya
Raphael Hans Lwesya
SWSamuel P. Wamala
Samuel P. Wamala
CMClaire Mugasa
Claire Mugasa
JWJohn K Walakira
John K Walakira
JNJesca L. Nakavuma
Jesca L. Nakavuma
This study aimed to develop a safe bio-control approach for therapy and decontamination of Aeromonas hydrophila. The study focused on determination of the drug susceptibility ofAeromonas isolates from diseased tilapia; and establishment of a stock of partially characterized Aeromonas hydrophila bacteriophages. Eighteen (18) Aeromonas spp isolates were tested for antimicrobial resistance against 10 antibiotics. The susceptibility of the isolates to various antibiotics ranged from 0 to 100%. For bacteriophages, three lytic phages that had the highest host range (78.6% to 92.8%, n=28) were selected. Further characterization revealed a burst period of 20 ± 5 to 40 ± 5 minutes, a latent period that varied from 10 ± 5 to 40 ± 5 minutes; and burst size of 98–171 virions per infected cell. There were no significant changes in phage titers on exposure at 40℃ and 50℃ for 60 minutes (P = 0.05). However, a gradual decrease in the titres was observed at 60℃ while a fast decline was noted at 70℃-90℃. All phages demonstrated at least some activity in the pH range of 1-13. In water stability testing, the phages survived up to 22 days of the experiment, with a sharp decrease of 1 log PFU/mL to have been encountered within the first day. The findings of this study suggest phages as bio-control agents against Aeromonas infection in fish. However, further genomic characterization is required.