Abstract
BackgroundThe neglected tropical diseases, echinococcosis, schistosomiasis and toxoplasmosis are all globally widespread zoonotic diseases with potentially harmful consequences. There is very limited data available on the prevalence of these infections, except for schistosmiasis, in underdeveloped countries. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Echinococcus multilocularis, Schistosoma mansoni, and Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in populations from the Monduli and Babati districts in Tanzania.MethodsA total of 345 blood samples were collected from 160 and 185 randomly selected households from Babati and Monduli districts, Tanzania between February and May of 2012 and analyzed them using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The antibodies were determined using the NovaLisa® Toxoplasma gondii IgG, NovaLisa® Schistosoma Mansoni IgG, NovaLisa® Echinococcus IgG and NovaLisa® Toxoplasma gondii IgM kits (Novatec, Germany).ResultsThe seropositivity estimated for E. multilocularis, S. mansoni, and T. gondii IgG was 11.3% (95% confidence interval (CI): 7.96 - 14.6), 51.3% (95% CI: 46.0 - 56.5), and 57.68% (95% CI: 52.5 - 62.9), respectively. The seropositivity for T. gondii IgM was 11.3% (95% CI: 7.96 - 14.6). Living in the Monduli district was found to be the main risk factor for IgG seropositivity for both schistosomiasis (OR =1.94; 95% CI: 1.23 - 3.08; p =0.005) and toxoplasmosis (OR =2.09; 95% CI: 1.31-3.33; p =0.002).ConclusionsThese results suggest that restricting disease transmission, implementing control measures, and introducing training projects to increase public awareness are imperative, particularly for the Monduli district.
Highlights
The neglected tropical diseases, echinococcosis, schistosomiasis and toxoplasmosis are all globally widespread zoonotic diseases with potentially harmful consequences
Seroprevalence of echinococcosis Among the 345 serum samples tested, 39 (11.3%, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) =7.96-14.6) were positive for Echinococcus multilocularis antibodies
Post-hoc analysis showed that there is a significant difference between Mamire and Gelapo (p =0.01, 95% CI 0.101-0.473) as well as Mamire and Magugu (p =0.03, 95% CI =0.0774-0.439)
Summary
The neglected tropical diseases, echinococcosis, schistosomiasis and toxoplasmosis are all globally widespread zoonotic diseases with potentially harmful consequences. Many parasitic infections can persist for decades and result in significant morbidity and mortality. Diseases such as echinococcosis, schistosomiasis, and toxoplasmosis are globally widespread, Echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease caused by metacestodes of Echinococcus granulosus, E. multilocularis, E. vogeli, and E .oligarthrus [1,2]. Transmission of Echinococcus relies on carnivores feeding on infected herbivores, a human infection is usually a dead end for the parasite, as it does not result in further transmission. The two most medically relevant species, E. granulosus and E. multicularis, cause human cystic echnicoccosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis, respectively. The existing data on CE in Africa is insufficient and out of date; a complete picture of the epidemiological situation cannot be achieved
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