Human And Porcine Trypanosomlasis In The New Juaben Municipality In Eastern Region Of Ghana

Abstract

Introduction: Trypanosomiasis is a zoonotic, vector-borne parasitic disease caused by species of the genus Trypanosoma (T.) and mainly transmitted cyclically by the genus Glossina (G.) (Tsetse fly). About 45,000 human cases are reported annually in Africa, and livestock production is decreased by 20-40%. In Ghana, 0.2% sero-prevalence has been reported in humans, and the prevalence in cattle ranges between 5-50%. In 2006, Trypanosome species were detected in pigs in the New Juaben municipality and there was a likelihood of their transmission into humans. We conducted epidemiological studies in Human African Trypanosomiasis and Animal African Trypanosomiasis in the New Juaben municipality to generate information for developing intervention strategies. Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2010 to June 2011 in New Juaben municipality, using simple random sampling to select study participants Tsetse flies were trapped and blood samples taken from humans and pigs for serology and parasitology respectively. We measured the prevalence of human and porcine Trypanosomiasis, identified the Trypanosome and Tsetse fly species and determined fly apparent densities. Semi-structured questionnaires were used for demographic and behavioural data, and to assess the general knowledge of participants. We performed descriptive statistics, univariate and bivariate analyses using EpiData and SPSS. Results: Of 352 human-participants 199(56.2%) were females. The dominant age-group was 11-20 years and majority (43.8%) was farmers. Participants' knowledge of Trypanosomiasis was good [269(76.4%)]. Most [128(37.5%)] of the 341 pigs were iv weaners, and all 2,141 Tsetse-flies caught were identified as Glossina palpalis palpalis with fly apparent-density of 14.46 Glossina/trap/day. Sero-prevalence in humans was 0.7%. In pigs, overall prevalence was 56.0% with T. vivax, T. congolense and T. brucei groups being the species identified. The biotope and sub-municipality in which pigs are reared were significant risk factors (95% CI:1.239- 10.925; OR=3.679) and (95% CI:1.351-10.149; OR=3.703) respectively. However, keeping piglets was protective (95% CI: 0.078-0.514; OR=0.2) Conclusion: More than half of the pigs are infected with Trypanosomiasis. The presence of T. brucei group and domestic pigs as potential reservoir poses great threat to public health in the municipality. We recommend intensification of health and veterinary education, and integrated control of Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis in Eastern Region.