Browsing by Author "Rumisha, Susan F."

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    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.
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    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
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    Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers and Malaria Co-Infections Among Febrile Patients Seeking Health Care in Tanzania
    (Infectious Diseases Of Poverty, 2022) Rugarabamu, Sima; Rumisha, Susan F.; Mwanyika, Gaspary O.; Sindato, Calvin; Lim, Hee Young; Mboera, Leonard E. G.; Misinzo, Gerald
    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