High seroprevalence for spotted fever group rickettsiae, is associated with higher temperatures and rural environment in Mbeya region, Southwestern Tanzania.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Rickettsioses are endemic in sub-Sahara Africa. Burden of disease, risk factors and transmission are hitherto sparsely described.

Methods

From the EMINI (Evaluating and Monitoring the Impact of New Interventions) population cohort, we randomly selected 1,228 persons above the age of 5 years from the nine participating communities in Mbeya region, Southwestern Tanzania, stratified by age, altitude of residence and ownership of domestic mammals, to conduct a cross-sectional seroprevalence study in. The aim was to estimate the seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against Spotted Fever Group (SFG) rickettsiae and to assess socioeconomic and environmental risk factors. Serology (indirect immunofluorescence) was performed at a dilution of 1:64.

Results

SFG-seropositi

SUBMITTER: Heinrich N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4388512 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature