Risk Factors for Spotted Fever Group Rickettsioses in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Spotted fever group rickettsioses (SFGR) present knowledge gaps in sub-Saharan Africa.
• This study investigated SFGR risk factors in Tanzania's Kilimanjaro Region.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key risk factors associated with SFGR infection.
• To inform targeted prevention and control strategies for SFGR.

Main Methods:

• Febrile patients were recruited from two hospitals in Moshi, Tanzania (February 2012–May 2014).
• Standardized questionnaires collected clinical data and risk factors.
• SFGR exposure and acute SFGR were serologically confirmed using *Rickettsia africae* antibody titers and paired sera analysis.
• Logistic regression identified significant associations.

Main Results:

• Of 1190 participants, 54.6% had SFGR exposure, and 9.2% of 731 with paired sera had acute SFGR.
• Acute SFGR risk increased with younger age (0-2 years), rural residence, and cooler temperatures (<26°C).
• SFGR exposure was linked to gardening and dog contact, but decreased in young children, females, and the Chaga tribe.

Conclusions:

• Infants, rural inhabitants, and individuals in cooler regions exhibit elevated SFGR risk.
• Findings highlight specific populations for further tick exposure research and targeted interventions.