DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY

  • lecturer and Head Of Department of Microbiology & Immunology
  • CUHAS

Dr.Helmut Nyawale

lecturer in the department of microbiology and immunology at the Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences. I hold a doctor of human medicine degree (2009-2014) from the Catholic University of health and allied sciences (CUHAS) and masters of medicine in Microbiology and Immunology from the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences.
My areas of interests
My interests are in the areas of antimicrobial resistances and virology.
Publications
DOI:10.7759/cereus.2993. PMID:30245947 PMCID: PMC6143372

  • Health Laboratory Scientist
  • CUHAS

Mr. Vitus Silago, BSc (CUHAS)

Mr. Vitus Silago is a highly skilled Health Laboratory Scientist with a strong background in medical laboratory sciences, specializing in microbiology. Currently serving as an Assistant Research Fellow, Mr. Silago holds a Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences and a Master's degree in Philosophy in Microbiology, demonstrating his commitment to advancing knowledge and expertise in his field.

View some of his publications and research works at
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Mr. Vitus Silago is a highly skilled Health Laboratory Scientist with a strong background in medical laboratory sciences, specializing in microbiology. Currently serving as an Assistant Research Fellow, Mr. Silago holds a Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences and a Master's degree in Philosophy in Microbiology, demonstrating his commitment to advancing knowledge and expertise in his field.
With a passion for research, Mr. Silago has developed a keen interest in several crucial areas, including molecular epidemiology of infectious diseases, infection prevention and control, and antimicrobial resistance. His research endeavors aim to contribute significantly to the understanding and management of infectious diseases, particularly in the context of evolving epidemiological patterns and emerging antimicrobial resistance threats.
Mr. Silago's expertise encompasses various laboratory techniques, including molecular biology methodologies, which he employs to investigate the transmission dynamics and genetic determinants of infectious diseases. His dedication to advancing infection prevention and control strategies is evident in his research pursuits, where he strives to develop innovative approaches to mitigate the spread of pathogens and improve patient outcomes.
Throughout his career, Mr. Silago has demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in laboratory practice and research. His collaborative nature and interdisciplinary approach enable him to work effectively within research teams, fostering productive partnerships and driving impactful outcomes. With his combination of practical laboratory skills, academic achievements, and research interests, Mr. Vitus Silago is poised to make significant contributions to the field of microbiology and infectious diseases, ultimately enhancing public health efforts and improving healthcare outcomes.

  • Associate Professor,Infectious Disease Immunologist
  • CUHAS

Prof. Mariam M. Mirambo
(BVM, MSc, Postgraduate Dipl., PhD)

Mariam M. Mirambo, PhD; is Associate Professor in Immunology of Infectious diseases. She is among the first two members who established the department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS) and she has been heading the department for the past three years. Currently, she is also serving as a Secretary of the joint CUHAS/BMC research ethics and review committee (CREC) and a member of the national technical working group on surveillance of zoonotic and emerging/re-emerging infectious diseases under “One Health” program in Tanzania. She has served as external examiner for the number of East African Universities

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Mariam M. Mirambo, PhD; is Associate Professor in Immunology of Infectious diseases. She is among the first two members who established the department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS) and she has been heading the department for the past three years. Currently, she is also serving as a Secretary of the joint CUHAS/BMC research ethics and review committee (CREC) and a member of the national technical working group on surveillance of zoonotic and emerging/re-emerging infectious diseases under “One Health” program in Tanzania. She has served as external examiner for the number of East African Universities
She has authored and co-authored more than 90 scientific articles in peer reviewed journals in the field of infectious diseases with Google Scholar h-index of 21 and i10-index of 34. Prof. Mirambo has also authored one book chapter and one book titled ‘Basic Immunology for Beginners’. As part of scholarly activities, she is also a consultant reviewer and editorial team member in a number of local and international peer-reviewed scientific journals. To date, she has mentored 19 postgraduate students (specializing in Paediatrics and child health, and Obstetrics and gynaecology) and more than 90 undergraduate students. She has also served as examiner for several postgraduate dissertations within and outside the university.
Prof. Mirambo has research interest in immunodiagnostics with a focus on sero-epidemiology of viral infections, sexually transmitted infections, vaccinology, transfer of maternal immunity and congenital infections. Also, she is interested in neglected zoonotic and emerging/re-emerging infectious diseases of public health importance.
Prof. Mirambo has research interest in immunodiagnostics with a focus on sero-epidemiology of viral infections, sexually transmitted infections, vaccinology, transfer of maternal immunity and congenital infections. Also, she is interested in neglected zoonotic and emerging/re-emerging infectious diseases of public health importance.

  1. Kwiyolecha E, Groendahl B, Okamo B, Kayange N, Manyama F, Kidenya BR, Mahamba DC, Msanga DR, Gehring S, Majigo M, Mshana SE, Mirambo MM. Patterns of viral pathogens causing upper respiratory tract infections among symptomatic children in Mwanza, Tanzania. Sci. Rep. 2020 Oct 28;10(1):18490. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-74555-2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33116166/
  2. Mirambo MM, Mkumbo E, Selega H, Msemwa B, Mushi MF, Silago V, Seni J, Mshana SE, Kasang C. Hepatitis B virus infections among health professional students in Mwanza city, Tanzania in 2016. Arch Public Health. 2020 Aug 18; 78:76. doi: 10.1186/s13690-020-00459-2. eCollection 2020. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32832080/
  3. Makala R, Majigo MV, Bwire GM, Kibwana U, Mirambo MM, Joachim A. Seroprevalence of Brucella infection and associated factors among pregnant women receiving antenatal care around human, wildlife and livestock interface in Ngorongoro ecosystem, Northern Tanzania. A cross-sectional study. BMC Infect Dis. 2020 Feb 18;20(1):152. doi: 10.1186/s12879-020-4873-7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32070308/

  • Professor,Department of Microbiology & Immunology
  • CUHAS

Prof. Stephen E. Mshana, MD (Dar), M.Med (Makerere), PhD (SAUT), Fell Med. Ed(FAIMER-SAFRI):

Stephen E. Mshana is a professor of Clinical Microbiology and Consultant Clinical Microbiologist at the Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS), and the Bugando Medical Centre (BMC). He is currently a Deputy Vice Chancellor- Planning, Finance and Administration (DVC-PFA) at CUHAS. He is also a member of National antimicrobial resistance (AMR) Multi-sectoral Coordinating Committee (MCC) and chairperson of Tanzania National Immunization Technical Advisory Group. To date, he has mentored a good number of undergraduate, masters and PhD students in the field of infectious diseases. He has examined a good number of postgraduate students and has served as External examiner in various universities in East Africa.

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Prof. Mshana is currently serving as associate editor and reviewer in a number of international journals. His research interests include epidemiology of infectious diseases, molecular epidemiology of multi-drug resistant pathogens focusing on gram negative bacteria and other pathogens of public health importance. He has contributed to and co-authored more than 190 scientific articles.

  • Prof. Jeremiah Seni is an Associate Professor of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at Catholic Universityof Health and Allied Sciences and Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, Tanzania.
  • CUHAS

Prof. Jeremiah Seni, MD (MUHAS – Tanzania), M.Med (Makerere – Uganda), Ph.D (Calgary – Canada)

Jeremiah Seni is an Associate Professor of Microbiology & Infectious Diseases at the Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS) and Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) in Mwanza, Tanzania. He is currently serving as the Director of Postgraduate Studies at CUHAS. He has previously served as the Associate Dean – Weill Bugando School of Medicine (January 2018 – November 2018), and the Head of Department of Microbiology and Immunology (July 2014 to January 2018). For the past twelve years, his research focus has been to delineate dynamics of multi-drug resistant bacteria, viral and fungal infections of public health importance, setting-up hospital based disease surveillance systems, evaluating cost-effective diagnostics, developing evidence-based guidelines on infectious diseases treatment, prevention and control.

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He is a member of the Tanzania National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (2017-2022) in the two technical working groups namely Research and Surveillance, and Antimicrobial Stewardship. He serves as a reviewer in many scientific peer reviewed journals. He has supervised research projects and dissertations for over 60 students. He has provided consultancy services to the Ministry of Health Community Development Gender Elderly and Children – Tanzania, Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Health Organization (WHO), Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, USAID Medicines, Technologies, and Pharmaceutical Services (MTaPS), Mwanza Interventional Trial Unit (MITU) of the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). Therefore, he has an overarching expertise ranging from Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, Public/Global Health Research and Administration. He has published over 55 research articles, and below are five of his most recent works:

  1. Seni J*, Mapunjo SG, Wittenauer R, Valimba R, Stergachis A, Werth BJ, Saitoti S, Mhadu NH, Lusaya E, Konduri N. Antimicrobial use across six referral hospitals in Tanzania: A point prevalence survey. BMJ Open. 2020 Dec 15;10(12):e042819. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042819.
  2. Wiedenmayer K, Msamba VS, Chilunda F, Kiologwe JC, Seni J*. Impact of hand hygiene intervention: a comparative study in health care facilities in Dodoma region, Tanzania using WHO methodology. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control. 2020 Jun 8;9(1):80. doi: 10.1186/s13756-020-00743-4.
  3. Seni J*, Mwakyoma AA, Mashuda F, Marando R, Ahmed M, DeVinney R, Pitout JDD, Mshana SE, Deciphering risk factors for blood stream infections, bacteria species and antimicrobial resistance profiles among children under five years of age in North-western Tanzania: a multicentre study in a cascade of referral health care system. BMC Pediatr. 2019 Jan 26;19(1):32. doi: 10.1186/s12887-019-1411-0.
  4. Seni J*, Tito JN, Makoye SJ, Mbena H, Alfred HS, van der Meer F, Pitout J, Mshana SE, DeVinney R. A multi-centre evaluation of significant bacteriuria among pregnant women in the cascade of referral health care system in North-western Tanzania: bacterial pathogens, antimicrobial resistance profiles and predictors. J Glob Antimicrob Resist. 2019 Jan 6. pii: S2213-7165(19)30006-2. doi: 10.1016/j.jgar.2018.12.024.
  5. Seni J*, Mshana SE, Msigwa F, Iddi S, Mazigo H, Parkhill J, Holmes MA, Paterson GK. Draft genome sequence of a multidrug-resistant caprine isolate of Staphylococcus cohnii subsp. urealyticus from Tanzania encoding ermB, tet(K), dfrG, fusF and fosD. J Glob Antimicrob Resist. 2019 Jul 16;18:163-165. doi: 10.1016/j.jgar.2019.07.006.
 

  • Senior Lecturer of Microbiology and immunology and a consultant medical Microbiologist
  • CUHAS

Martha F. Mushi,
B.Sc. (K.C.M.Co), M.Sc (Makerere), PhD CUHAS

Martha F. Mushi is a Senior Lecturer of Microbiology and immunology and a consultant medical Microbiologist at Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences and Bugando Medical Centre. She is a BMLS coordinator and She is the chairperson of MYCAFRICA; a network to promote medical mycology in Africa. In addition, she is serving as technical consultant of National Council for Technical Education (NACTE) and Health Laboratory Practitioner Council (HLPC). To date, she has supervised a good number of undergraduate and post graduate students at CUHAS. She has examined good number of M.Med/MPH theses and served as external examiner for several universities.

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Martha serve as reviewer and editorial member of several international review journals. She has research interests on the epidemiology of infectious diseases and molecular epidemiology of pathogens of public health importance focusing on the fungal infections, antifungal resistance and diagnostic approaches for fungal diseases. Current I am specifically working on the area of fungi diagnosis, multi drug resistance and control measures of infectious diseases. Martha has authored more than 70 scientific publications in peer review journals on the area of epidemiology, multidrug resistance, diagnosis and control of infectious diseases. Below are the few selected publications:
Martha F. Mushi, Bernard Okamo, David C. Majinge, Uwe Gross, Oliver Bader, Stephen E. Mshana. Diversity of the diploid sequence type of Candida albicans clinical isolates from a tertiary hospital in Mwanza, Tanzania. New Microbes and New Infections. 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nmni.2020.100731
Martha F. Mushi, Uwe Gross, Stephen E. Mshana, and Oliver Bader. High diversity of Candida glabrata in a tertiary hospital—Mwanza, Tanzania. Medical Mycology, 2018, 0, 1–4. doi: 10.1093/mmy/myy151
Martha F. Mushi, Vaileth G Alex, Mwanaisha Seugendo, Vitus Silago, and Stephen E Mshana. C - reactive protein and urinary tract infection due to Gram-negative bacteria in a pediatric population at a tertiary hospital, Mwanza, Tanzania. Afri Health Sci.2019;19(4):3217-3224. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v19i4.45

  • Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology
  • CUHAS

Ms.Prisca Damiano

Prisca Damiano is a skilled pharmacist and clinical microbiologist currently holding the position of Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences.

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