loading page

Detection and determinants of Leptospira infection in rodents, cattle and humans in Muheza District, Tanzania: A One Health Appeal
  • +1
  • Gamba Gerald Manyama,
  • Gerald Dickson Mlowe,
  • Athumani Lupindu,
  • Abdul Katakweba
Gamba Gerald Manyama
Sokoine University of Agriculture

Corresponding Author:manyamag77@gmail.com

Author Profile
Gerald Dickson Mlowe
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Author Profile
Athumani Lupindu
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Author Profile
Abdul Katakweba
Sokoine University of Agriculture College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Author Profile

Abstract

Interaction between humans, livestock, and wildlife plays an important role in zoonotic disease transmission. The emergence of Leptospira in humans, rodents, and cattle remains relatively understudied. A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and May 2023 in Muheza to determine evidence of Leptospira infection and associated risk factors in rodents, cattle, and humans. A total of 479 serum samples from rodents (n=201), humans (n=198), and cattle (n=80) were examined by using the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) to detect antibodies against six live Leptospira stock culture serovars, including Pomona, Hebdomadis, Canicola, Grippotyphosa, Sokoine, and Lora. Additionally, a questionnaire survey was conducted on 140 respondents to establish potential risk factors for transmission of Leptospira. The overall Leptospira seroprevalence in rodents, cattle and humans was 6.0% (12/201; 95% CI: 3.12%-10.20 %), 12.5% (10/80; 95% CI: 6.16%-21.79%) and 13.13% (26/198; 95% CI: 8.76%-18.65%), respectively and the most predominant serovars were Grippotyphosa, Sokoine, and Hebdomadis. A significant difference in the seroprevalence was observed in the occupation category, with farmers likelier to be infected with leptospirosis than those in other categories (χ 2= 9.19, df = 3, p = 0.027). This study showed co-agglutination between rodents, cattle, and humans with serovars Hebdomadis, Sokoine, and Grippotyphosa. People aged 36-59 had the highest seropositivity, suggesting they are the most at-risk group. Our study shed light on pathogenic serovars circulating among humans, rodents, and cattle and their associated risk factors. It also highlights the importance of employing a One Heath approach in controlling zoonotic disease.
18 Oct 2024Submitted to Public Health Challenges
23 Oct 2024Submission Checks Completed
23 Oct 2024Assigned to Editor
18 Nov 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
29 Nov 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
13 Dec 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Major