Jigger flea infestation (tungiasis) in rural western Tanzania: high prevalence and severe morbidity

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dc.contributor.authorMazigo, H.D
dc.contributor.authorBahemana, E
dc.contributor.authorKonje, E.T
dc.contributor.authorDyegura, O
dc.contributor.authorMnyone, L.L
dc.contributor.authorKweka, E.J
dc.contributor.authorKidenya, B.R
dc.contributor.authorHeukelbach, J
dc.date.accessioned2022-05-07T07:59:40Z
dc.date.available2022-05-07T07:59:40Z
dc.date.issued2011-12
dc.description.abstractEpidemiologic and clinical data on the parasitic skin disease tungiasis are limited from sub-Saharan Africa, and virtually nonexistent from the East African region. We performed a community-based cross-sectional study in two villages in Kasulu district, western Tanzania. Study participants were examined for the presence of tungiasis and disease-associated morbidity. In total, 586 individuals >5 years of age were enrolled, and 249 (42.5%; 95% CI: 38.5-46.5) diagnosed with tungiasis. The ≥45 year-olds showed highest prevalence of tungiasis (71.1%) and most severe parasite load (median number of embedded fleas: 17.5; interquartile range: 15-22.5). Prevalence was slightly, but not significantly, higher in males than in females (45.3 vs 39.7%; p=0.17). Itching (68.3%), pain (38.6%) and ulcers (30.1%) were common; 22.1% of individuals found it difficult to walk due to tungiasis, and in 21.3% loss of toenails was observed. Considering the high prevalence and considerable morbidity in the population, we conclude that tungiasis is a public health threat in the study villages and that the disease needs to be recognized by health authorities. Future studies on risk factors, animal reservoirs and evidence-based control measures are needed.en_US
dc.identifier.urihttps://www.suaire.sua.ac.tz/handle/123456789/4074
dc.language.isoenen_US
dc.publisherElsevieren_US
dc.subjectTungiasisen_US
dc.subjectPrevalenceen_US
dc.subjectMorbidityen_US
dc.subjectAfricaen_US
dc.subjectTanzaniaen_US
dc.titleJigger flea infestation (tungiasis) in rural western Tanzania: high prevalence and severe morbidityen_US
dc.typeArticleen_US
dc.url10.1016/j.trstmh.2011.12.001en_US

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