Leptospira seropositivity in humans, livestock and wild animals in a semi-arid area of Tanzania
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Date
2021-06-03
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
MDPI
Abstract
Background: Leptospirosis is among the major neglected zoonoses in developing countries.
The prevalence of leptospirosis remains underestimated in many African countries because of limited
diagnostic facilities. We studied Leptospira seropositivity prevalence in humans, sheep, goats and
rodents in a semi-arid region of central Tanzania and compared findings with reports from humid
tropical areas. The aims were to establish the disease burden in different settings; understand circulat-
ing Leptospira serovars and potential major reservoirs for establishing appropriate control measures.
Methods: Humans, sheep, goats, rodents and shrews (insectivores) were sampled from Bahi district,
a semi-arid area in central Tanzania. Samples were tested for leptospiral antibodies using microscopic
agglutination test (MAT) consisting of Leptospira serovars mainly reported in Tanzania and reference
strains. Findings were compared with previous data to determine the disease epidemiological pat-
terns. Results and conclusion: Semi-arid area showed high Leptospira seropositivity prevalence in
humans and domestic animals due to intensive human–animal interactions at scarce water points
and by flash flooding which occur in the area. Rodent population in the semi-arid areas was relatively
low due to flooding. Leptospira seropositivity in rodents was also slightly lower, and the rodents
appeared to be prolific breeders, probably as a means to compensate for the lost population during
extreme drought as well as during short spells of floods. Intensive human–animal interaction in the
semi-arid areas especially, in water sources in valleys where human and animals often meet, likely
increased the risk of leptospirosis transmission to rice farmers in the area. Goats and sheep which are
kept around homesteads had higher leptospiral antibodies prevalence (62%), nearly double of the
38% reported in same species in humid tropical regions of Tanzania. Livestock, especially goats and
sheep, could be the major source of leptospirosis transmission to humans. Vaccination of livestock
with vaccines against local Leptospira strains should be encouraged, and rodent control emphasized,
as part of a management strategy against leptospirosis. Public awareness of leptospirosis must also be
raised and supported by availability of rapid test kits in clinics for preliminary testing of leptospirosis
in people with fevers of unknown origin.
Description
Pathogens
Keywords
eptospirosis in Africa, animal leptospirosis, goats, sheep, rodent and shrew reservoirs, leptospirosis burden, microscopic agglutination test (MAT), water-borne infection, zoonotic dis- ease transmission, human-animal interaction
Citation
Mgode, G.F.; Mhamphi, G.G.; Massawe, A.W.; Machang’u, R.S. Leptospira Seropositivity in Humans, Livestock and Wild Animals in a Semi-Arid Area of Tanzania. Pathogens 2021, 10, 696. https://doi.org/10.3390/ pathogens10060696