Browsing by Author "Mwanyika, Gaspary O."

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Dengue Virus Infection and Associated Risk Factors in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis
    (MDPI, 2021) Mwanyika, Gaspary O.; Mboera, Leonard E. G.; Rugarabamu, Sima; Ngingo, Baraka; Sindato, Calvin; Lutwama, Julius J.; Paweska, Janusz T.; Misinzo, Gerald
    Dengue contributes a significant burden on global public health and economies. In Africa, the burden of dengue virus (DENV) infection is not well described. This review was undertaken to determine the prevalence of dengue and associated risk factors. A literature search was done on PubMed/MEDLINE,Scopus,Embase, andGoogleScholar databases to identify articles published be tween 1960 and 2020. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effect model at a 95% confidence interval, followed by subgroup meta-analysis to determine the overall prevalence. Between 1960 and 2020, 45 outbreaks were identified, of which 17 and 16 occurred in East and West Africa, respectively. Dengue virus serotype 1 (DENV-1) and DENV-2 were the dominant serotypes contributing to 60% of the epidemics. Of 2211 cases reported between 2009 and 2020; 1954 (88.4%) were reported during outbreaks. Overall, the prevalence of dengue was 29% (95% CI: 20–39%) and 3% (95% CI: 1–5%) during the outbreak and non-outbreak periods, respectively. Old age (6/21 studies), lack of mosquito control (6/21), urban residence (4/21), climate change (3/21), and recent history of travel (3/21) were the leading risk factors. This review reports a high burden of dengue and increased risk of severe disease in Africa. Our findings provide useful information for clinical practice and health policy decisions to implement effective interventions
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Estimating Risk of Introduction of Ebola Virus Disease from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Tanzania: A Qualitative Assessment
    (MDPI, 2022) Rugarabamu, Sima; George, Janeth; Mbanzulu, Kennedy M.; Mwanyika, Gaspary O.; Misinzo, Gerald; Mboera, Leonard E. G.
    Between April 2018 and November 2020, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) experi- enced its 11th Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak. Tanzania’s cross-border interactions with DRC through regular visitors, traders, and refugees are of concern, given the potential for further spread to neighboring countries. This study aimed to estimate the risk of introducing EVD to Tanzania from DRC. National data for flights, boats, and car transport schedules from DRC to Tanzania covering the period of May 2018 to June 2019 were analyzed to describe population movement via land, port, and air travel and coupled with available surveillance data to model the risk of EVD entry. The land border crossing was considered the most frequently used means of travel and the most likely pathway of introducing EVD from DRC to Tanzania. High probabilities of introducing EVD from DRC to Tanzania through the assessed pathways were associated with the viability of the pathogen and low detection capacity at the ports of entry. This study provides important information regarding the elements contributing to the risk associated with the introduction of EBV in Tanzania. It also indicates that infected humans arriving via land are the most likely pathway of EBV entry, and therefore, mitigation strategies including land border surveillance should be strengthened.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika in Eight Districts in Tanzania
    (ELSEVIER, 2021) Mwanyika, Gaspary O.; Sindato, Calvin; Rugarabamu, Sima; Rumisha, Susan F.; Karimuribo, Esron D.; Misinzo, Gerald; Rweyemamu, Mark M.; Abdel Hamid, Muzamil M.; Haider, Najmul; Vairo, Francesco; Kock, Richard; Mboera, Leonard E.G.
    Background: This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of chikungunya (CHIKV), dengue (DENV), and Zika (ZIKV) viruses in Tanzania. Methods: The study covered the districts of Buhigwe, Kalambo, Kilindi, Kinondoni, Kondoa, Kyela, Mvomero, and Ukerewe in Tanzania. Blood samples were collected from individuals recruited from house- holds and healthcare facilities. An ELISA was used to screen for immunoglobulin G antibodies against CHIKV, DENV, and ZIKV. Results: A total of 1818 participants (median age 34 years) were recruited. The overall CHIKV, DENV, and ZIKV seroprevalence rates were 28.0%, 16.1%, and 6.8%, respectively. CHIKV prevalence was highest in Buhigwe (46.8%), DENV in Kinondoni (43.8%), and ZIKV in Ukerewe (10.6%) and Mvomero (10.6%). Increas- ing age and frequent mosquito bites were significantly associated with CHIKV and DENV seropositivity ( P < 0.05). Having piped water or the presence of stagnant water around the home ( P < 0.01) were as- sociated with higher odds of DENV seropositivity. Fever was significantly associated with increased odds of CHIKV seropositivity ( P < 0.001). Visiting mines had higher odds of ZIKV seropositivity ( P < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings indicate that DENV, CHIKV, and ZIKV are circulating in diverse ecological zones of Tanzania. There is a need to strengthen the control of mosquito-borne viral diseases in Tanzania. ©2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of International Society for Infectious Diseases.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers and Malaria Co-Infections Among Febrile Patients Seeking Health Care in Tanzania
    (Open Access, 2022) Rugarabamu, Sima; Rumisha, Susan F.; Mwanyika, Gaspary O.; Sindato, Calvin; Lim, Hee‑Young; Misinzo, Gerald; Mboera, Leonard E. G
    Background: In recent years there have been reports of viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF) epidemics in sub‑Saharan Africa where malaria is endemic. VHF and malaria have overlapping clinical presentations making differential diagno‑ sis a challenge. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of selected zoonotic VHFs and malaria co‑infections among febrile patients seeking health care in Tanzania. Methods: This facility‑based cross‑sectional study was carried out between June and November 2018 in Buhigwe, Kalambo, Kyela, Kilindi, Kinondoni, Kondoa, Mvomero, and Ukerewe districts in Tanzania. The study involved febrile patients seeking health care from primary healthcare facilities. Blood samples were collected and tested for infections due to malaria, Crimean‑Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), Ebola virus disease (EVD), Marburg virus disease (MVD), Rift Valley fever (RVF) and yellow fever (YF). Malaria infections were tested using rapid diagnostics tests while exposure to VHFs was determined by screening for immunoglobulin M antibodies using commercial enzyme‑linked immuno‑ sorbent assays. The Chi‑square test was used to compare the proportions. Results: A total of 308 participants (mean age = 35 ± 19 years) were involved in the study. Of these, 54 (17.5%) had malaria infection and 15 (4.8%) were positive for IgM antibodies against VHFs (RVF = 8; CCHF = 2; EBV = 3; MBV = 1; YF = 1). Six (1.9%) individuals had both VHF (RVF = 2; CCHF = 1; EVD = 2; MVD = 1) and malaria infections. The highest co‑infection prevalence (0.6%) was observed among individuals aged 46‒60 years (P < 0.05). District was significantly associated with co‑infection (P < 0.05) with the highest prevalence recorded in Buhigwe (1.2%) followed by Kinondoni (0.9%) districts. Headache (100%) and muscle, bone, back and joint pains (83.3%) were the most significant complaints among those infected with both VHFs and malaria (P = 0.001). Conclusions: Co‑infections of VHF and malaria are prevalent in Tanzania and affect more the older than the younger population. Since the overlapping symptoms in co‑infected individuals may challenge accurate diagnosis, adequate laboratory diagnosis should be emphasized in the management of febrile illnesses