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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
immunology and microbiology
Jigger flea infestation (tungiasis) in rural western Tanzania: High prevalence and severe morbidity
Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Volume 106, No. 4, Year 2012
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Description
Epidemiologic and clinical data on the parasitic skin disease tungiasis are limited from sub-Saharan Africa, and virtually nonexistent from the East African region. We performed a community-based cross-sectional study in two villages in Kasulu district, western Tanzania. Study participants were examined for the presence of tungiasis and disease-associated morbidity. In total, 586 individuals >5 years of age were enrolled, and 249 (42.5%; 95% CI: 38.5-46.5) diagnosed with tungiasis. The ≥45 year-olds showed highest prevalence of tungiasis (71.1%) and most severe parasite load (median number of embedded fleas: 17.5; interquartile range: 15-22.5). Prevalence was slightly, but not significantly, higher in males than in females (45.3 vs 39.7%; p. =. 0.17). Itching (68.3%), pain (38.6%) and ulcers (30.1%) were common; 22.1% of individuals found it difficult to walk due to tungiasis, and in 21.3% loss of toenails was observed. Considering the high prevalence and considerable morbidity in the population, we conclude that tungiasis is a public health threat in the study villages and that the disease needs to be recognized by health authorities. Future studies on risk factors, animal reservoirs and evidence-based control measures are needed. © 2011 Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.
Authors & Co-Authors
Mazigo, Humphrey Deogratias
Tanzania, Moshi
Faculty of Medicine Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College
Bahemana, Emmanuel
Tanzania, Moshi
Faculty of Medicine Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College
Konje, Evelyne Thobias
Tanzania, Mwanza
Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences
Dyegura, Ocimund
Tanzania, Mwanza
Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences
Mnyone, Ladslaus L.
Tanzania, Morogoro
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Kweka, Eliningaya J.
Tanzania, Arusha
Tropical Pesticides Research Institute
Kidenya, Benson Richard
Tanzania, Moshi
Faculty of Medicine Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College
Heukelbach, Jorg
Brazil, Fortaleza
Universidade Federal do Ceará
Australia, Townsville
James Cook University
Statistics
Citations: 32
Authors: 8
Affiliations: 6
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1016/j.trstmh.2011.12.001
ISSN:
00359203
e-ISSN:
18783503
Research Areas
Health System And Policy
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Quantitative
Study Locations
Tanzania
Participants Gender
Female