Moorthy, G. S. et al. (2024) Prevalence and risk factors for Q fever, spotted fever group rickettsioses, and typhus group rickettsioses in a pastoralist community of northern Tanzania, 2016–2017. Tropical Medicine and International Health, (doi: 10.1111/tmi.13980) (PMID:38480005) (Early Online Publication)
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Abstract
Background: In northern Tanzania, Q fever, spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsioses, and typhus group (TG) rickettsioses are common causes of febrile illness. We sought to describe the prevalence and risk factors for these zoonoses in a pastoralist community. Methods: Febrile patients ≥2 years old presenting to Endulen Hospital in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area were enrolled from August 2016 through October 2017. Acute and convalescent blood samples were collected, and a questionnaire was administered. Sera were tested by immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) IgG assays using Coxiella burnetii (Phase II), Rickettsia africae, and Rickettsia typhi antigens. Serologic evidence of exposure was defined by an IFA titre ≥1:64; probable cases by an acute IFA titre ≥1:128; and confirmed cases by a ≥4-fold rise in titre between samples. Risk factors for exposure and acute case status were evaluated. Results: Of 228 participants, 99 (43.4%) were male and the median (interquartile range) age was 27 (16–41) years. Among these, 117 (51.3%) had C. burnetii exposure, 74 (32.5%) had probable Q fever, 176 (77.2%) had SFG Rickettsia exposure, 134 (58.8%) had probable SFG rickettsioses, 11 (4.8%) had TG Rickettsia exposure, and 4 (1.8%) had probable TG rickettsioses. Of 146 participants with paired sera, 1 (0.5%) had confirmed Q fever, 8 (5.5%) had confirmed SFG rickettsioses, and none had confirmed TG rickettsioses. Livestock slaughter was associated with acute Q fever (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.38–4.76) and sheep slaughter with SFG rickettsioses case (OR 4.63, 95% CI 1.08–23.50). Discussion: Acute Q fever and SFG rickettsioses were detected in participants with febrile illness. Exposures to C. burnetii and to SFG Rickettsia were highly prevalent, and interactions with livestock were associated with increased odds of illness with both pathogens. Further characterisation of the burden and risks for these diseases is warranted.
| Item Type: | Articles |
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| Additional Information: | This work was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), the Department for International Development, the Economic & Social Research Council, the Medical Research Council, the Natural Environment Research Council and the Defence Science & Technology Laboratory, under the Zoonoses and Emerging Livestock Systems (ZELS) programme (BB/L018845). Additional support was provided by a Leverhulme‐Royal Society Africa Award (AA130131). G.S.M. received support from the United States (US) National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) T32 training grant (1T32HD094671) and the Fogarty International Center of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) (D43TW010543). R.F.B. received additional funding from the ZELS programme (BB/N503563/1). J.A.C. received additional support from US NIH (R01AI121378), and BBSRC(BB/L018926 and BB/L017679). K.M.T. received additional support from BBSRC (BB/L017679). M.P.R. received additional support from the US NIH (K23AI116869). S.C.G received support from US NIH Research Training Grant funded by the Fogarty International Center and the National Institute of Mental Health (R25 TW009337). |
| Keywords: | Q fever, rickettsioses, zoonoses. |
| Status: | Early Online Publication |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Bodenham, Dr Rebecca and Halliday, Dr Jo and Lukambagire, Mr Abdul Hamid and Haydon, Professor Daniel |
| Authors: | Moorthy, G. S., Rubach, M. P., Maze, M. J., Refuerzo, R. P., Shirima, G. M., Lukambagire, A. S., Bodenham, R. F., Cash-Goldwasser, S., Thomas, K. M., Sakasaka, P., Mkenda, N., Bowhay, T. R., Perniciaro, J. L., Nicholson, W. L., Kersh, G. J., Kazwala, R. R., Mmbaga, B. T., Buza, J. J., Maro, V. P., Haydon, D. T., Crump, J. A., and Halliday, J. E. B. |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine |
| Journal Name: | Tropical Medicine and International Health |
| Publisher: | Wiley |
| ISSN: | 1360-2276 |
| ISSN (Online): | 1365-3156 |
| Published Online: | 13 March 2024 |
| Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2024 The Authors |
| First Published: | First published in Tropical Medicine and International Health 2024 |
| Publisher Policy: | Reproduced under a Creative Commons license |
| Data DOI: | 10.5525/gla.researchdata.1568 |
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