Browsing by Author "Kimaro, Esther"

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A framework for managing infectious diseases in rural areas in low- and middle-income countries in the face of climate change—East Africa as a case study
(PLOS Glob Public Health, 2025-01-30) Worsley-Tonks, Katherine; Angwenyi, Shaleen; Carlson, Colin; Guéladio Cissé,; Deem, Sharon; Ferguson, Adam; Fèvre, Eric; Kimaro, Esther; Kimiti, David; Martins, Dino; Merbold, Lutz; Mottet, Anne; Murray, Suzan; Muturi, Mathew; Potter, Teddie; Prasad, Shailendra; Wild, Hannah; Hassell, James
Climate change is having unprecedented impacts on human health, including increasing infectious disease risk. Despite this, health systems across the world are currently not prepared for novel disease scenarios anticipated with climate change. While the need for health systems to develop climate change adaptation strategies has been stressed in the past, there is no clear consensus on how this can be achieved, especially in rural areas in low- and middle-income countries that experience high disease burdens and climate change impacts simultaneously. Here, we highlight the need to put health systems in the context of climate change and demonstrate how this can be achieved by taking into account all aspects of infectious disease risk (i.e., pathogen hazards, and exposure and vulnerability to these pathogen hazards). The framework focuses on rural communities in East Africa since communities in this region experience climate change impacts, present specific vulnerabilities and exposure to climate-related hazards, and have regular exposure to a high burden of infectious diseases. Implementing the outlined approach can help make health systems climate adapted and avoid slowing momentum towards achieving global health grand challenge targets.
Assessment of resistant Escherichia coli in groundwater sources and sanitary inspection for contamination risk in Bagamoyo, Tanzania
(Research square, 2024-03-16) Mduda, Joram; Msuya, Hajirani; Rugaika, Anita; Mzee, Tutu; Laizer, Tajiri; Mkindi, Catherine; Kimaro, Esther
Background Two billion people globally are using faecal-contaminated water. E. coli poses a health risk due to its potential to cause diseases which highlights the need for understanding its antimicrobial resistance profile and associated factors for contamination. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Bagamoyo district council that involved 163 groundwater sources with sanitary inspection and isolation of E. coli was conducted using a Membrane filtration method and CHROMagar CCA. In this study, antibiotic susceptibility was carried out according to CLSI guidelines by disk diffusion methods. E. coli strain ATCC 25922 was used as the control strain in isolation and susceptibility tests. Results The current study found that 44.8% of groundwater samples were contaminated with E. coli, with 83.6% of isolates were resistant to antibiotics. High resistance was observed to cefazolin (56.16%), nitrofurantoin (54.79%), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (45.21%), and ceftriaxone (42.47%). Also, the study reveals that 70% of E. coli isolates had multidrug resistance. On the other hand, sanitary inspection showed that 46.2% of dug wells were at a high sanitary risk level, 32.8% of tube wells with hand pumps were at High and low sanitary risk level, respectively and 73.3% of boreholes were at a low sanitary risk level. However, the study showed a high rate of E. coli contamination in boreholes at a low sanitary risk level. Also, tube wells with hand pumps and dug wells at high sanitary risk levels had a high rate of E. coli contamination. Moreover, resistant E. coli in groundwater across varying contamination risk levels revealed a significant prevalence of contamination.
Building the future One Health workforce in Eastern and Southern Africa: Gaps and opportunities
(CABI, 2025-04-10) Wako, Buke; Richards, Shauna; Grace, Delia; Mutie, Ianetta; Caron, Alex; Nys, Helen; Goregena, Brighton; Kgosimore, Moatlhodi; Kimaro, Esther; Qekwana, Nenene; Tadesse, Yordanos; Knight-Jones, Theo; Mutua, Florence
The Quadripartite comprised of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Health Organization (WHO), World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), and the One Health High Level Expert Panel collectively support enhancing the One Health (OH) capacities of the workforce addressing OH issues; however, competencies for this workforce are not generally agreed upon, applied uniformly, or always relevant in the global South. The objectives of this study were to (1) develop an inventory of OH education offered by higher education institutes in Eastern and Southern Africa, and (2) define OH competencies relevant for OH training in Eastern and Southern Africa. A survey in 11 Eastern and Southern African countries was conducted with OH key informants purposively selected from higher education institutes offering OH education (n = 1–3/higher education institutes). Snowball sampling was used to identify additional higher education institutes/individuals. Results were validated by OH country representatives. Data were collected using questionnaires, and descriptive statistics were used to present the results. Forty-two questionnaires were completed from 29 higher education institutes, and 166 OH education interventions were reported with 69% being courses contributing to a degree, 21% as degree/diploma awarding, and the remainder were missing data (n = 16). Masters were the most common OH degree program of which the highest number of students taught were from public health/OH, food safety, and applied epidemiology. There are many OH educational courses and activities on offer in Eastern and Southern Africa; however, their total breadth is difficult to assess due to limited awareness of the availability of OH education not only between higher education institutes in a country but also even within a higher education institute between faculties. Numerous cross-cutting and technical competencies were considered essential to work in OH; however, this level of expertise is rarely logistically possible to provide in any single degree program. For OH education to be consistently applied, competency frameworks that are relevant to a region are necessary. Technical competencies are important from a disciplinary context; however, necessary cross-cutting competencies should be a focus in developing the future OH workforce.
Cage-Cultured Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Farming: A Third Generation of Pollution in Lake Victoria, Tanzania
(John Wiley & Sons Ltd., 2025-07-23) Komba, Richard; Mwita, Chacha; Kimaro, Esther
This study was carried out along the Mwanza Gulf, Lake Victoria, Tanzania, where water samples for the determination of physico chemical parameters were collected from March to October 2023. NH4+-N, NO3−-N, NO2−-N, and PO4+-P were analyzed using standard methods. Temperature (◦C), electrical conductivity (µS/cm), dissolved oxygen (mg/L), pH, and turbidity were measured in situ. Water temperature ranged from 27.9◦C at Misungwi to 29.1◦C at Nyamagana. Dissolved oxygen (DO) was high at Ilemela (6.70 mg/L) and declined (5.78 mg/L) at Nyamagana. Electrical conductivity and water turbidity increased as the number of cages sampled increased. Nitrate increased from 0.09 mg/L (90 µg/L) at Ilemela to 0.15 mg/L (150 µg/L) at Nyamagana, ammonia concentration from 0.26 mg/L (260 µg/L) to 0.45 mg/L (450 µg/L) at Nyamagana, and phosphate increased from 0.26 mg/L (260 µg/L) to 1.41 mg/L (1410 µg/L). When the results of this study were compared to those reported before 2015, the variations were significant at all levels. We conclude that inputs from cage fish farming are contributing immensely to nutrients loading and thus pollution in the lake. The riparian governments around the lake are urged to take measures that will ensure sustainable cage fish farming without jeopardizing the environmental quality of Lake Victoria with the consequential collapse of the existing fishery.
Characterization of population connectivity for enhanced cross-border surveillance of yellow fever at Mutukula and Namanga borders in Tanzania
(Elsevier, 2024-12) Kakulu, Remidius; Msuya, Mwanahamis; Makora, Said; Lucas, Athanas; Kapinga, Josephine; Mwangoka, Nisalile; Mehta, Kanan; McIntyre, Elvira; Boos, Alexandra; Lamb, Gabriella; Mponela, Marcelina; Gatei, Wangeci; Merrill, Rebecca; Ward, Sarah; Seleman, Amour; Massa, Khalid; Kimaro, Esther; Mpolya, Emmanuel
Objectives Yellow fever (YF) remains a public health threat in Sub-Saharan Africa and South America, with an estimated 200,000 cases and 30,000 deaths annually. Although the World Health Organization considers Tanzania to be at low risk for YF because no YF cases have been reported, the country remains at alert to importation of the virus due to ecological factors and high connectivity to high-risk YF areas in other countries. This study aimed to identify points of interest with connectivity to high-risk YF areas to guide preparedness efforts in Tanzania. Methods Using the Population Connectivity Across Borders (PopCAB) toolkit, the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences), in collaboration with the Tanzania Ministry of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, implemented 12 focus group discussions with participatory mapping in two high-risk borders of Mutukula and Namanga. Results Participants identified 147 and 90 points of interest with connectivity to YF risk areas in Kenya and Uganda, respectively. The identified locations are important for trade, fishing, pastoralism, tourism, health-seeking, agriculture, mining, religious activities, education, and cross-border marriages. Conclusions The Tanzania Ministry of Health used the results to update cross-border surveillance and risk communication strategies and vaccination guidelines to prevent the importation of YF into Tanzania.
Development of a practical framework for sustainable surveillance and control of ticks and tick-borne diseases in Africa
(Veterinary World, 2020-09-19) Nchu, Felix; Nyangiwe, Nkululeko; Muhanguzi, Dennis; Nzalawahe, Jahashi; Nagagi, Yakob; Nagagi, Yakob; Msalya, George; Joseph, Natala; Kimaro, Esther; Mollel, Margaret; Temba, Violet; Harouna, Difo
A workshop on ticks and tick-borne diseases (T&TBDs) was held on June 25 and 26, 2019, at the Tropical Pesticides Research Institute, Division of Livestock and Human Diseases Vector Control, Arusha, Tanzania. The objectives of the workshop were to discuss the current situation and to formulate actionable strategies to improve surveillance and control of T&TBDs in Africa. The workshop was funded by the National Research Foundation and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and attended by livestock health providers, farmers, and researchers from East, West, and Southern African countries. During the workshop, experts presented recent surveillance data focused on T&TBDs; participants discussed research opportunities and community engagement. The primary outcome of the workshop was the creation of a new research consortium known as The African Consortium for T&TBDs. The consortium is intended to function as a community for researchers, students, farmers, policymakers, extension workers, and community members who are interested in the advancement of T&TBD control. The consortium will engage in research activities that focus on comprehensive surveillance of T&TBDs, developing tick acaricide resistance, alternative tick control programs, and policy development and education. These areas were identified as top priorities to be developed to improve T&TBD control on the continent
Effectiveness of Point of Entry Health Screening Measures among Travelers in the Detection and Containment of the International Spread of COVID-19: A Review of the Evidence
(MDPI, 2024-03-28) Kakulu, Remidius; Kimaro, Esther; Mpolya, Emmanuel
COVID-19 remains a communicable disease with the capacity to cause substantial damage to health and health systems. Enhanced health screening at points of entry (POEs) is a public health measure implemented to support early detection, prevention and response to communicable diseases, such as COVID-19. The purpose of this study was to review the available evidence on the effectiveness of POE health screening in the detection and containment of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study was registered under PROSPERO and followed PRISMA guidelines in which the literature between 2019 and 2022 was retrieved from Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Global Health, CINAHL, Embase, Google Scholar and international organizations. A total of 33,744 articles were screened for eligibility, from which 43 met the inclusion criteria. The modeling studies predicted POE screening able to detect COVID-19 in a range of 8.8% to 99.6%, while observational studies indicated a detection rate of 2% to 77.9%, including variants of concern depending on the screening method employed. The literature also indicated these measures can delay onset of the epidemic by 7 to 32 days. Based on our review findings, if POE screening measures are implemented in combination with other public health interventions such as rapid tests, they may help detect and reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Entomopathogenic fungi (Aspergillus oryzae) as biological control agent of cattle ticks in Tanzania
(Academic Journals, 2022-07-31) Msangi, Sylvia; Zekeya, Never; Kimaro, Esther; Kusiluka, Lughano; Shirima, Gabriel
Ticks are the most important ectoparasites that are responsible for severe economic losses in livestock industry. The use of chemical acaricides is the most common method used to control ticks in livestock. This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of Aspergillus oryzae as an alternative biological agent in controlling ticks to enhance livestock productivity. The efficacy of A. oryzae at different concentrations was evaluated against larvae and adults of the hard tick genera Rhipicephalus, Boophilus, and Amblyomma using an immersion test under laboratory conditions. Field trials were conducted in two purposively selected cattle herds in Monduli district, northern Tanzania. A. oryzae at a concentration of 1 × 106 conidial/ml was sprayed on all cattle tick-infested areas. The results demonstrated a concentration-related increase in mortality for both larvae and adult female engorged ticks. The mean mortality of larvae and female engorged ticks was statistically significant at p ˂ 0.05 and p ˂ 0.001, respectively. Egg production was found to decrease with increased A. oryzae concentration. Additionally, there was a statistically significant difference in egg production index and oviposition reduction (p = 0.009) while there was no significant difference in egg hatching and product effectiveness at p = 0.089 and p = 0.004, respectively between the tested ticks’ genera. Under field conditions, the bio-acaricide demonstrated a statistically significant tick reduction in all the treated cattle. This study concludes that A. oryzae has good acaricidal activity against ticks and hence, is one of the potential tick control methods for sustainable tick control schemes.
Epidemiology and Economic Importance of African Animal Trypanosomiasis
(IGI Global, 2021) Kimaro, Esther; Abiola, Popoola
African animal trypanosomiasis (AAT), also called Nagana, is a vector-borne parasitic disease caused by an extracellular protozoan belonging to the genus Trypanosoma. It has serious effects on the health status and welfare of domestic mammals which considerably results in a reduction in their productivity. In this review, a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology of AAT was provided with a special focus on its general clinical aspects (the clinical signs and pathogenesis as well as its transmission cycle), the parasite (Trypanosoma spp.), the parasite life cycle and transmission, its vector (Glossina spp.), tsetse fly lifecycle and reproduction, risk factors of AAT, and economic importance of AAT in the affected countries. The present work gave a detailed account of epidemiology in the context of infestation patterns, the parasite causing it, its vector, and the economic impacts of the disease on different livestock species.
Factors associated with poor compliance to rabies post-exposure prophylaxis among dog bite victims in Maswa District in Tanzania: a cross-sectional study
(Public health, 2024-05-22) Walwa, Budodi; Kimaro, Esther; Mpolya, Emmanuel; Sambo, Maganga
Introduction: administering rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in a timely and appropriate manner remains the most fundamental measure for preventing human rabies. However, a number of barriers to accessing and completing PEP exist. Methods: a cross-sectional study was carried out from April to July 2022 to examine individual and societal barriers to accessing human rabies PEP in Maswa in Maswa District, Tanzania. Dog bite patients were interviewed to gather information about the circumstances of the bite, as well as the availability, affordability, and compliance with PEP. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted to address the research question. Results: of the 264 bite patients, 57.6% were male and 67.2% were under 15 years old. Dog bites accounted for the highest proportion of cases 95.5% (n=252) and category-III bites were most frequently observed 63% (n=167). About 45.1% (n=119) of patients traveled over 25 kilometers (km) from their residences to reach PEP clinics. The average cost for obtaining PEP doses was USD 51.1. Only 3.8% (n=10) of patients received all five recommended PEP doses. Travel distances and costs were significant factors for poor PEP compliance. Patients who traveled by bicycle to health facilities had higher odds of PEP compliance (aOR =17.12: 95% CI: 14.12 - 23.42) than those who walked (aOR = 6.88: 95% CI: 1.28 - 26.13). Furthermore, patients who utilized buses were four times more likely to comply to PEP (aOR = 4.23, 95% CI: 1.06 - 16.46) than those using motorcycles. Bite patients from urban areas were 6 times more likely to complete the recommended PEP (aOR = 5.79, 95% CI: 1.29 - 15.20) than their rural counterparts. Conclusion: findings from this study inform measures to improve compliance to rabies PEP among dog bite victims. These measures include subsidizing the cost of PEP, improving PEP accessibility, and raising awareness about the dangers of rabies particularly in seeking and completing the recommended PEP focusing on rural communities
A framework for managing infectious diseases in rural areas in low-and middle-income countries in the face of climate change—East Africa as a case study
(Public Library of Science, 2025-01-30) Worsley-Tonks, Katherine; Angwenyi, Shaleen; Carlson, Colin; Cissé, Guéladio; Deem, Sharon; Ferguson, Adam; Fèvre, Eric; Kimaro, Esther; Kimiti, David; Martins, Dino; Merbold, Lutz; Mottet, Anne; Murray, Suzan; Muturi, Mathew; Potter, Teddie; Prasad, Shailendra; Wild, Hannah; Hassell, James
Climate change is having unprecedented impacts on human health, including increasing infectious disease risk. Despite this, health systems across the world are currently not prepared for novel disease scenarios anticipated with climate change. While the need for health systems to develop climate change adaptation strategies has been stressed in the past, there is no clear consensus on how this can be achieved, especially in rural areas in low- and middle-income countries that experience high disease burdens and climate change impacts simultaneously. Here, we highlight the need to put health systems in the context of climate change and demonstrate how this can be achieved by taking into account all aspects of infectious disease risk (i.e., pathogen hazards, and exposure and vulnerability to these pathogen hazards). The framework focuses on rural communities in East Africa since communities in this region experience climate change impacts, present specific vulnerabilities and exposure to climate-related hazards, and have regular exposure to a high burden of infectious diseases. Implementing the outlined approach can help make health systems climate adapted and avoid slowing momentum towards achieving global health grand challenge targets.
Implementation of One Health Approach in Tanzania: Strengths and Challenges
(CABI Digital Library, 2024-06-26) Vianney, John-Mary; Kimaro, Esther; Buza, Joram; Knight-Jones, Theo; Fevre, Eric; Richards, Shauna; Shirima, Gabriel
One Health (OH) approach has recently been defined by the OH High-Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP) as an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. Under the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the OH section (OHS) is responsible for OH implementation. The OHS task is to bring together multiple sectors and disciplines to work together with clear OH approach coordination in the country. Following the recent revision of the OH strategic plan (2022–2027), the OHS is now eligible to receive funding from the government. In addition, through OHS, Tanzania has supporting documents for OH, including the National Action Plan for Antimicrobial Resistance, the prioritized list of zoonotic diseases, and strategic prevention and control plans. Despite these developments in OH in Tanzania, the Capacitating One Health in Eastern and Southern Africa (COHESA) project helped identify the challenges and gaps that Tanzania faces in OH implementation. A baseline assessment study was conducted in four settings: Desktop Review, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), Key Informants Interview (KII), and OH net mapping. Results showed that the country’s OH challenges include a lack of OH resources, OH education inclusiveness, and OH awareness at the subnational level. There are limited suitable OH monitoring mechanisms to assess the progress of the OH approach in Tanzania. Thus, COHESA supports the country in addressing these challenges to improve at all levels of OH sectoral performance in the context of OH governance, education, and implementation.
Risk of Aedes-borne diseases in and around the Tanzanian seaport of Tanga despite community members being more concerned about malaria
(BioMed Central, 2024-12-18) Abas, Amri; Simfukwe, Alfred; Masalu, John; Kahamba, Najat; Nambunga, Ismail; Msaky, Dickson; Limwagu, Alex; Kipekepeke, Abdallah; Wergin, Carsten; Njalambaha, Rukiyah; Kemibala, Elison; Seleman, Amour; Mlacha, Yeromin; Finda, Marceline; Beisel, Uli; Kimaro, Esther; Ngowo, Halfan; Okumu, Fredros
Background Increased global trade, while beneficial economically, can also increase the spread of vector-borne diseases, particularly those transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes spreading via trade routes. Given the heightened trade- induced activity at ports of entry, it is particularly crucial to assess the risk of mosquito-borne diseases in these set- tings. This study compared the risks of Aedes-borne disease in and around the eastern Tanzanian seaport of Tanga. Methods A 200 m × 200 m grid-based system was used to sample mosquitoes within the port area, and in surround- ing areas at 2 km, 2.5 km, and 5 km away, between June and December 2023. We characterized mosquito breeding habitats, collected mosquito larvae using standard dippers and tested susceptibility of raised adult Aedes aegypti populations to different insecticides. Adult mosquitoes were collected using BG sentinel traps (daytime) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) light traps (night-time). Additionally, more than 200 port users and neighboring residents were surveyed to assess their experiences with and perceptions of mosquito biting and disease risks. Results There were 2931 breeding sites, with (60.8%, n = 1782) positive for Aedes larvae. The percentage of water- holding containers infested with Aedes immatures, i.e., the container index (CI), was highest in the port area (66.2%), and lowest 5 km away (44.6%). The port area also had a greater proportion of temporary breeding sites (64.9%) than did the surrounding areas. The adult mosquito surveys revealed 20,449 mosquito species including: Culex quinquefasciatus (56.2%), Mansonia uniformis (38.6%), Ae. aegypti (5.1%), Anopheles gambiae (0.1%), and Anoph- eles funestus. Ae. aegypti were more abundant in the port area than in the surrounding areas (P < 0.001), whereas Culex sp., and Mansonia sp., were significantly outside (P < 0.001). Adult Anopheles sp., were found only in the port area, but Anopheles larvae were found both within and outside the port areas. Tests on Ae. aegypti sp., revealed susceptibility to bendiocarb and DDT, and resistance to permethrin. Awareness of mosquito-borne diseases among respondents was high for malaria (64.8%), but low for dengue (26.3%) and Chikungunya (1.7%). Most respond- ents reported being bothered by mosquitoes mostly at night (53.4%) or in the evening (40.7%). In addition to insecti- cidal bednets, which are used primarily against malaria, preventive measures for Aedes-borne diseases are limited. Conclusions This study identified significant potential risk of Aedes species, specifically Ae. aegypti sp., and associated diseases, but low perception of risk and inadequate personal protection measures in the study area. This low percep- tion of risk highlights the need to improve public knowledge of the transmission and control of Aedes-borne diseases.
Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of selected arboviruses at Namanga and Mutukula cross-border areas in Tanzania
(Elsevier, 2025) Kakulu, Remidius; Ndunguru, Ferdinand; Rugarabamu, Sima; Mwafulango, Ambele; Massa, Khalid; Kimaro, Esther; Mpolya, Emmanuel
Dengue (DENV), Chikungunya (CHIKV), and West Nile (WNV) viruses are among the major mosquito-borne arboviral threats in East Africa. This study assessed seroprevalence and risk factors for DENV, CHIKV, and WNV among residents of Mutukula and Namanga cross borders in Tanzania.
Seroprevalence and molecular analysis of yellow fever virus in mosquitoes at Namanga and Mutukula borders in Tanzania
(Elsevier, 2025-01-01) Kakulu, Remidius; Kapinga, Josephine; Rugarabamu, Sima; Kemibala, Elison; Beyanga, Medard; Mbelele, Peter; Massa, Khalid; Kimaro, Esther; Mpolya, Emmanuel
Objectives Yellow fever (YF) is a major public health concern, particularly in Africa and South America. This study aimed to detect YF in human and mosquito samples to understand transmission dynamics in the Tanzania–Uganda and Tanzania–Kenya cross-border areas. Methods Blood samples were collected from individuals aged ≥9 months for serological testing. Mosquitoes were captured and tested for YF virus RNA. Logistic regression models were used to predict seroprevalence and associated risk factors. Results The overall YF seroprevalence was 12.5%, with higher rates among older individuals (7.0%) and female participants (immunoglobulin [Ig] G 4.4%, IgM 6.0%). Notably, YF virus RNA was detected in three out of 46 pools of 192 mosquitoes. The odds of testing positive for YF IgG were lower among those with primary education compared with college education (AOR = 0.27, CI: 0.08-0.88) and increased with those experiencing muscle pain (AOR = 4.5, CI: 1.08-18.78) while the odds of testing positive to YF IgM increased with being female (AOR = 4.7, CI: 1.5-14.7), traveling to YF endemic areas (AOR = 5.2, CI: 1.35-44.75), exposure to Aedes mosquitoes (AOR = 3.7, CI: 1.27-10.84) and exhibiting bruising (AOR = 13.5, CI: 1.23-145.72) Conclusions Although Tanzania has not experienced YF outbreaks, evidence of YF exposure at the studied borders highlights the need for strengthening cross-border surveillance, vector control, and vaccination efforts. Further research is needed to evaluate the country's overall YF risks
Seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis and associated risk factors among smallholder dairy cattle farmers in Hai and Meru District Councils Northern Tanzania.
(CrossMark, 2023-12-30) Elisha, Peter; Kimaro, Esther; Shirima, Gabriel
Brucellosis is an endemic zoonotic disease caused by a facultative intracellular gram-negative bacterium of the genus Brucella. This study was carried out to establish the current status of brucellosis and possible associated risk factors in the smallholder dairy cattle in Hai and Meru District. A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and June 2022 to investigate the current seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis and possible associated risk factors in small dairy farms in the study areas. A total of 400 cattle was sampled with blood collected from 10 villages in each district. Blood samples were analyzed for Brucella circulating antibodies using the Rose Bengal Plate Test and c-ELISA. A structured questionnaire was administered to 200 smallholder dairy cattle farmers to determine the potential risk factors associated with brucellosis among dairy cattle in the study areas. The overall seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis in the study area was 0.50% and 0% for the Hai and Meru districts, respectively. Analysis of knowledge and management practices of brucellosis in the study area showed that the majority of farmers 74.5%, (149/200) were knowledgeable about the name of the disease; though, the majority 87.9%, (131/149) did not know the clinical signs. Most likely, awareness and biosecurity based on the nature of the farming system (zero grazing) contributed to the low seroprevalence; thus, none of the risk factors were associated with the disease. Therefore, under the smallholder dairy farming system, a four-stage roadmap for progressive control of brucellosis in animals and humans as recommended by FAO could be implemented with farming system modifications to eradicate the disease.
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Infection Among Blood Donors in the Western Zone of Tanzania
(preprint, 2024-04-30) Marira, Gadiel; Kimaro, Esther; Sauli, Elingarami
Background In the western zone of Tanzania, there is limited information for the prevalence of hepatitis B infection. In this study, we analyzed the dataset of blood donors to determine seroprevalence and socio-demographic factors related to Hepatitis B Virus infection among blood donors in the western regions of Tanzania. Material and Methods The study was a cross-sectional retrospective hospital-based. Data were retrieved from blood donor dataset given at the Zonal Blood Transfusion Center. Information analyzed from the dataset includes reported Transfusion Transmissible Infections (TTIs) including Hepatitis B, donor demographics, donor status, donor type, donation place, and the year of donation. This study focused on five years period from January 2018 to December 2022. The seroprevalence rates of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were determined, and the univariate and multivariate analysis were conducted to determine association between infection and demographic risk factors under STATA version 15.1. Results A total of 9604 retrospective blood donors were screened. Majority (93.3%) were men, and most were under 45 years (89.6%). The overall, seroprevalence for HBsAg was 6.9% (661) in this study, with Katavi (7.8%) being relatively high in the study area. The highest HBsAg seroprevalence of 8.2%, was found to be in age group range of 35 to 44 years. In addition, Polygamist 9.5%, and drivers at 17.1% were shown to have relatively high seroprevalence in this case. Using multivariate analysis, the results indicate blood donors who were drivers (OR 5.44, 95% CI; 2.43 12.20, p < 0.001), and the first-time donors (OR 5.19, 95% CI 2.56 = 10.52, P 4 < 0.001), were highly associated with an increased chance of hepatitis B infection. Conclusion The findings demonstrate that; there is a high seroprevalence of HBV in western regions. These findings bring to the attention of more advocacy for HBV immunization for all persons at high risk, as it is the most effective way to prevent HBV infection.