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An Experimental Model to Study Tuberculosis-Malaria Coinfection upon Natural Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Plasmodium berghei
Published on: February 17, 2014
Plague in Lushoto district, Tanzania, 1980-1988
B S Kilonzo1, T J Mbise, R H Makundi
1Rodent Research Project, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania.
Abstract:
Rodents were live-trapped in selected plague-inflicted villages from June 1980 to March 1988. Flea infestation rates were determined and the animals were serologically tested for plague. Clinically suspected and clinically healthy people in the affected areas were similarly tested for plague antibodies. Of 1596 rodent sera tested, 91 (5.7%) were positive for plague. These were mostly from Rattus rattus, Mastomys natalensis, Otomys spp. and Pelomys fallax. A total of 1772 fleas, of which Dinopsyllus lypusus, Xenopsylla brasiliensis and Ctenophthalmus calceatus comprised the largest proportion, was collected from the captured rodents. Total flea indices ranged from 0.67 to 1.12 fleas per rodent. A total of 2809 human cases and a mortality rate of 10.2% were recorded in 1980-1988. It was concluded that most rodent species in the area were suitable reservoirs of plague and that D. lypusus, X. brasiliensis and C. calceatus were probably responsible for transmitting the pathogen. Lack of effective quarantine measures during outbreaks was partly responsible for the spread of the disease to many villages, while inadequate rodent and flea control and poor sanitary measures could be responsible for continued outbreaks of plague in the area.
Insights
Plague outbreaks in villages were linked to rodent reservoirs like Rattus rattus and Mastomys natalensis. Key fleas, including Dinopsyllus lypusus, transmitted the pathogen, exacerbated by poor sanitation and quarantine measures.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Plague remains a significant zoonotic disease with potential for widespread outbreaks.
- Rodents and their ectoparasites are known reservoirs and vectors for the plague pathogen, Yersinia pestis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate rodent and flea populations as plague reservoirs in affected villages.
- To determine the role of specific rodent species and flea vectors in plague transmission.
- To identify factors contributing to the spread and recurrence of plague outbreaks.
Main Methods:
- Live-trapping of rodents in plague-endemic areas over an eight-year period.
- Serological testing of rodents and humans for plague antibodies.
- Identification and quantification of flea species infesting captured rodents.
Main Results:
- A 5.7% plague positivity rate was observed in 1596 rodent sera, primarily from Rattus rattus, Mastomys natalensis, Otomys spp., and Pelomys fallax.
- Key flea vectors identified included Dinopsyllus lypusus, Xenopsylla brasiliensis, and Ctenophthalmus calceatus, with flea indices ranging from 0.67 to 1.12.
- Over 2800 human cases with a 10.2% mortality rate were recorded during the study period.
Conclusions:
- Most rodent species in the study area serve as suitable reservoirs for plague.
- Dinopsyllus lypusus, Xenopsylla brasiliensis, and Ctenophthalmus calceatus are likely primary vectors for plague transmission.
- Inadequate quarantine, rodent/flea control, and poor sanitation contribute to the continued spread and outbreaks of plague.
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