Molecular epidemiology of rift valley fever and its socio-economic impact in selected areas of Tanzania
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Date
2013
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Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a viral notifiable zoonotic disease primarily of domestic
ruminants that cause significant socio-economic impacts. Using the 2006-07
outbreak cases, this study aimed to establish the molecular epidemiology of Rift
Valley fever virus (RVFV) and its socio-economic impact in selected areas of
Tanzania. Data for awareness and socio-economic study were collected in Arusha,
Manyara and Morogoro regions using questionnaires, focus group discussions and
in-depth interviews with key informants. Molecular epidemiological study used
samples that were collected during the outbreaks. Analysis of selected samples was
done using RVF Inhibition Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and
Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Results indicate that
there was little knowledge on disease (all clinical signs scored <50%) and the
difference between the three regions was statistically significant (P=0.00459).
Socio-economic impacts of RVF shown by this study included; animal and human
deaths, disruption of livestock market chains, inability of pastoralists to achieve their
daily demands, inability to obtain protein leading to malnutrition and monetary loss
at individual and national level during control of the disease. The proportion of
positive serum samples by RVF inhibition ELISA was 39.5% (n=200) and 17.6%
(n-108) by RT-PCR. ELISA detected 41 (38.7%). 32 (39.0%) and 6 (50.0%), the
RT-PCR detected II (0.2%). 7 (0.2%) and 1 (0.1%) positive results in cattle, goats
and sheep respectively. These findings have demonstrated low knowledge of
community on RVF and the presence of RVF virus in the country. Thus, more
education and engagement is needed to the community together with further
characterization of the virus from different geographical locations in order toiii
establish the profile of strains circulating in the country and develop more effective
and efficient control strategies.
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Keywords
Molecular epidemiology, rift valley fever, socio-economic impact, Zoonotic disease