Assessment of Human Seroprevalence of Sparganosis in a Population of Rural Communities of Northern Tanzania

Abstract

In this study, human seroprevalence of sparganosis and its relationship with sociodemographic factors in a population of rural communities of Northern Tanzania was assessed. A total of 216 human serum samples from inhabitants in Monduli and Babati districts were collected and tested for sparganosis using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The result of seroprevalence of anti-sparganum IgG antibodies was 62.5% (95% confidence [CI] =56.1 – 68.9) in all age groups. The result showed significant associations between districts (relative risk [RR] =1.95, 95% CI = 1.42 – 2.69), education (RR=1.40, 95% CI =1.15 – 1.70), and petownership had seropositivity (RR= 1.48, 95% CI = 1.02 – 2.16) based on univariate analysis. However, Monduli district residents were significantly associated with seropositivity (odds ratio = 4.20, 95% CI =1.89 -9.32) in binary logistic regression analysis. Therefore, providing health education to people residing in these two districts endemic in sparganosis can improve preventive measures and reduce the human disease burden.