Abstract | BACKGROUND: The role of pathogen-mediated febrile illness in sub-Saharan Africa is receiving more attention, especially in Southern Africa where four countries (including Namibia) are actively working to eliminate malaria. With a high concentration of livestock and high rates of companion animal ownership, the influence of zoonotic bacterial diseases as causes of febrile illness in Namibia remains unknown. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The aim of the study was to evaluate exposure to Coxiella burnetii, spotted fever and typhus group rickettsiae, and Bartonella henselae using IFA and ELISA ( IgG) in serum collected from 319 volunteer blood donors identified by the Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia (NAMBTS). Serum samples were linked to a basic questionnaire to identify possible risk factors. The majority of the participants (64.8%) had extensive exposure to rural areas or farms. Results indicated a C. burnetii prevalence of 26.1% (screening titre 1∶16), and prevalence rates of 11.9% and 14.9% (screening titre 1∶100) for spotted fever group and typhus group rickettsiae, respectively. There was a significant spatial association between C. burnetii exposure and place of residence in southern Namibia (P<0.021). Donors with occupations involving animals (P>0.012), especially cattle (P>0.006), were also significantly associated with C. burnetii exposure. Males were significantly more likely than females to have been exposed to spotted fever (P<0.013) and typhus (P<0.011) group rickettsiae. Three (2.9%) samples were positive for B. henselae possibly indicating low levels of exposure to a pathogen never reported in Namibia. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: These results indicate that Namibians are exposed to pathogenic fever-causing bacteria, most of which have flea or tick vectors/reservoirs. The epidemiology of febrile illnesses in Namibia needs further evaluation in order to develop comprehensive local diagnostic and treatment algorithms.
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Authors | Bruce H Noden, Filippus I Tshavuka, Berta E van der Colf, Israel Chipare, Rob Wilkinson |
Journal | PloS one
(PLoS One)
Vol. 9
Issue 9
Pg. e108674
( 2014)
ISSN: 1932-6203 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 25259959
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Bartonella henselae
(isolation & purification)
- Blood Donors
- Cat-Scratch Disease
(epidemiology)
- Coxiella burnetii
(isolation & purification)
- Cross-Sectional Studies
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Namibia
- Q Fever
(epidemiology)
- Rickettsia
(isolation & purification)
- Rickettsia Infections
(epidemiology)
- Risk Factors
- Seroepidemiologic Studies
- Young Adult
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