Journal of Ideas in Health (JIDHealth)
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Serological similarity of Leptospira serovars in livestock and livestock keepers in Ngorongoro conservation area, Tanzania
Get PDFBackground: Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease affecting mammals including wildlife, livestock, and humans, with higher prevalence recorded in pastoral communities where close contact between animals and humans increases the risk of transmission. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Leptospira serovars among livestock and livestock keepers in four selected villages of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), during the wet season.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to April 2022 in four villages within NCA. The convenience sampling technique was recruited to collect blood samples from 141 livestock (96 cattle, 25 sheep, and 20 goats) and 154 livestock keepers. Sera were analyzed using the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) to diagnose individuals infected by Leptospira serovars. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26 with descriptive and inferential statistics including Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and logistic regression.
Results: The overall seroprevalence was 10.64% in livestock and 5.19% in livestock keepers. Cattle had the highest positivity (11.46%) among animals. Hebdomadis was the most frequently detected serovar in livestock, while Grippotyphosa predominated in humans. Oloirobi village recorded the highest human seroprevalence (3.25%) with a statistically significant difference compared to Endulen (p=0.007). Analysis of logistic regression showed no significant associations between seropositivity and sex or age of livestock keepers.
Conclusion: The presence of Leptospira antibodies in both livestock and humans indicates ongoing exposure in the NCA. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions including livestock vaccination programs, improved animal husbandry practices, and increased public health education for livestock keepers to reduce transmission risks and protect both animal and human health
Prevalence and molecular characterization of Bartonella species from rodents and their associated ectoparasites in Kilwa District, Lindi region, Tanzania
Get PDFBackground: Bartonella are facultative Intracellular gram-negative bacteria from the Bartonellaceae family. Several rodents associated with Bartonella species have been known to be transmitted by ectoparasites to animals and humans however, limited information is available about their epidemiology, host, vector, and species specificity, particularly in southern Tanzania. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and molecular characterization of Bartonella species in rodents and their associated ectoparasites in Kilwa district, Southern part of Tanzania.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to capture rodents using Sherman and Wire cage traps. Captured rodents were anesthetized using diethyl ether and dissected to extract spleen tissue. Ectoparasites were identified by examining their morphological features with a stereo microscope aided by ectoparasites identification keys. A total of 138 rodent spleen tissue and 93 pools of ectoparasites were subjected to conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing targeting the gltA gene of Bartonella species.
Results: The overall prevalence of Bartonella species in rodents was 3.62% with a statistically significant difference in prevalence among species (χ² = 12.951, df = 5, p < 0.01) compared to 3.23% in ectoparasites with no significant differences across species (p > 0.05). Bartonella infections were 3.37% in M. natalensis, 3.27% in R. rattus and 50.0% in G. dolichurus. The Laelaps species and Xenopsylla cheopis were found infected by 6.67% and 2.70%, respectively, while Rhipicephalus appendiculatus was not infected by Bartonella species. Sequence analysis of rodents and ectoparasites showed that the obtained sequences in the current study were genetically closely related to Bartonella mastoids from Turkey, Bartonella species from Kenya, and uncultured Bartonella species from South Africa (99.50–99.75% identity).
Conclusion: The detection of Bartonella species in rodents and their associated ectoparasites implies the reservoir role of rodents and vectors in transmitting Bartonella species to humans and animals. The results suggest that further epidemiological studies need to be done to determine whether the identified Bartonella species could be responsible for animal and human cases of febrile illness in an area
Frequency domain analysis of heart rate variability in response to cold pressor test in young offspring of hypertensive parents
Get PDFBackground: Cardiovascular reactivity to stress was revealed to be a predictor of future cardiovascular risk. A positive family history of hypertension is an important risk factor for the development of hypertension in the children of hypertensive parents. We applied cold pressor test (CPT) to measure heart rate variability (HRV) with the objective to assess the cardiovascular autonomic response to stress.
Methods: A case-control study was conducted between from December 2022 to November 2023 at the department of Physiology, Government Medical College, Kota in India. A total of 70 Cases and 70 Controls underwent to CPT technique to evaluate the autonomic function to stress. Descriptive and bivariate analysis including Mann-Whitney U-and ANOVA tests were performed.
Results: In this study, the mean ± SD values of HRV in control group before CPT was 79 ± 13, during CPT was 81 ± 11 and after CPT was 77 ± 9. The HR in control group was increased during CPT and the level decreased after CPT. The HRV level in control group was statistically significantly different before CPT, during CPT and after CPT, and p= 0.04.
Conclusion: The autonomic measurements were found higher in offspring of hypertensive parents (OHTPs) compared to offspring of normotensive parents (ONHTPs). The offspring of hypertensive parents have higher chances of future development of hypertension than the offspring of normotensive parents
Differences, relationships, and risks of using digital technology with depression, anxiety, and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic
Get PDFBackground: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical need for mental health resilience and digital inclusion, particularly among vulnerable populations. To draw lessons from the pandemic for future public health initiatives, this study examined the mental health status of middle-aged and older Indonesians and its associations with sociodemographic factors, comorbidities, grief experiences, and digital technology use.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (September–October 2021). An online questionnaire collected data on sociodemographic variables, comorbidities, grief experiences, and digital technology usage. Mental health was assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21).
Results: From total 199 enrolled in this study, prevalence rates for depression, anxiety, and stress were 11.1%, 33.7%, and 19.5%, respectively. Depression was associated solely with marital status, while anxiety was influenced by marital status, comorbidities, and the use of digital technology for health information access (p<0.05). Stress was impacted by gender, marital status, comorbidities, and digital technology usage (p<0.05). Multivariate analysis confirmed that infrequent digital technology use predicted higher levels of depression and anxiety (aOR, 2.82, CI 1.14-6.96; 2.36, CI 1.26-4.43; p<0.05). Females, unmarried individuals (aOR, 2.38, CI 1.08-5.25; 2.37, CI 1.11-5.09; p<0.05), and those with comorbidities were at greater risk for mental health challenges (aOR, 3.92, CI 1.43-10.75; p<0.05). However, inadequate digital technology skills were linked to lower stress likelihood (aOR, 0.37, CI 0.144-0.95; p<0.05).
Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of bridging the digital gap and addressing social determinants to strengthen mental health resilience among middle-aged and older adults in Indonesia. Post-pandemic, integrating digital inclusion strategies into public health initiatives is vital for fostering equitable mental health outcomes
Chronic pelvic pain and recurrent urinary tract infection in a forgotten intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) for 20 years: a case report on misplacement and migrated IUCD
Get PDFBackground: Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) migration into the urinary bladder is a rare complication that may cause recurrent urinary tract infections, hematuria, abdominal pain, and bladder stone formation.
Case presentation: A 47-year-old woman presented to the urology clinic at Life Hospital in Kalar, Iraq, in September 2025 with chronic intermittent lower abdominal pain, hematuria, and recurrent UTIs. Her medical history was unremarkable, and she had a copper-T IUCD inserted in 2005. She reported mild post-insertion bleeding and later experienced an early miscarriage and a term home delivery. Examination revealed left iliac fossa tenderness and a positive urine culture for E. coli. Imaging showed a 22 mm intravesical stone attached to a migrated IUCD. CT confirmed one T-limb in the bladder forming a stone, with the other limb penetrating the abdominal wall. Failed cystoscopic and laparoscopic attempts led to open surgery. The IUCD and stone were successfully removed, and the bladder was repaired. Recovery was uneventful, with catheter removal following a clear cystogram.
Conclusion: Early recognition and prompt surgical removal of migrated IUCDs are crucial to prevent chronic infection, adhesion, and bladder wall damage
Epidemiological survey on the identification of Leishmania spp in rodents and lizards from selected areas across the Rift Valley ecosystem, Tanzania: a pilot study
Get PDFBackground: Rodents and lizards are reservoirs of various infectious pathogens including Leishmania. This study aims to understand species composition of rodents and lizards in relation to leishmaniasis.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between April and May 2022. Sherman live traps were used to collect small mammals, whereas pitfall traps and hand catching were used to collect lizards. Small mammals and lizards were taxonomically identified. Spleen samples were collected separately from each specimen. Spleen impregnated smears were made on microscopic slides, fixed, and stained with 10% Giemsa stain before the cytological assay. Ecological indices were computed using paleontological statistical software.
Results: A total of 303 small mammals were collected, including six rodent genera/species: Mastomys natalensis 198(65.3%); Arvicanthis spp. 73(24.1%); Rattus rattus 9 (3%); Grammomys spp. 3 (1%); Tatera spp. 2 (0.7%); Lemniscomys spp. 1 (0.3%); and one shrew, Crocidura spp. (17, 5.6%). Species diversity was significantly higher in fallow land (p=0.003) and kraal (p<0.0001) than in farmland. Mastomys natalensis demonstrates spatial omnipresence and dominates farmlands. Nine lizards were collected, including Hemidactylus mabouia 7 (77.8%) and Trachylepis striata 2 (22.2%). A total of 21 (6.9%) rodents and 5 (55.5%) lizards demonstrated the presence of Leishmania spp. amastigote-like forms, notably M. natalensis 17(5.6%), Arvicanthis spp. 4(1.3%), Hemidactylus mabouia 4(44.4%) and Trachylepis striata 1(11.1%).
Conclusion: The presence of Leishmania in rodents and lizards indicates a potential reservoir role. Therefore, further research on molecular characterization of Leishmania spp. is warranted
A case report of apert syndrome in a 13-year-old girl presenting with dental pain
Get PDFBackground: Apert syndrome is a rare congenital craniosynostosis syndrome caused by mutations in the FGFR2 gene, with an incidence of 1 in 65,000 to 200,000 live births. It is characterized by premature cranial suture fusion, midfacial hypoplasia, and syndactyly of the hands and feet. In addition to craniofacial and skeletal anomalies, patients often present with dental, airway, and ophthalmological complications requiring long-term multidisciplinary management.
Case Presentation: We describe a 13-year-old female with a known diagnosis of Apert syndrome who presented with progressively worsening dental pain over one month, associated with temporal headaches and difficulty chewing. Examination revealed brachycephaly, midfacial hypoplasia, exophthalmos, and significant oral findings including high-arched palate, malocclusion, and dental crowding. Bilateral surgical scars from previous syndactyly correction were present, with residual deformities of the hands and feet. Laboratory evaluation demonstrated normal thyroid and gonadotropin profiles. Pelvic ultrasound showed normal uterus and ovaries with multiple immature follicles. She was referred for orthodontic assessment and multidisciplinary follow-up.
Conclusion: Apert syndrome is a multisystem disorder that requires coordinated, lifelong management. This case emphasizes the importance of early and continuous dental surveillance, endocrinological monitoring, and psychosocial support in optimizing outcomes for adolescents with Apert syndrome
Prevalence and molecular characterization of Myxobolus parasites from freshwater and saltwater fishes in Mwanza and Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
Get PDFBackground: Myxobolus species are Myxosporean parasites affecting various fish, causing diseases that weaken populations and result in substantial economic losses in aquaculture and fisheries. Despite extensive studies in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, there is limited research on Myxobolus in Africa, particularly in Tanzania, where fisheries and aquaculture are vital for fish populations, ecosystem health, and economic growth.
Methods: This study investigated the prevalence and genetic characteristics of Myxobolus parasites in 384 fish samples from Dar es Salaam (Indian Ocean) and Mwanza (Lake Victoria). Samples were examined for cysts and spores using microscopy, followed by molecular characterization through PCR amplification of the 18S rDNA gene, Sanger sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, and genetic distance evaluation.
Results: The overall prevalence of Myxobolus was 12%, with a significantly higher prevalence in Mwanza (21.88%) compared to Dar es Salaam (2.08%). Statistical analysis revealed significant associations between prevalence, fish species, and locality. Phylogenetic analysis identified two genetic lineages within a monophyletic group, clustering with Myxobolus species from Israel, Egypt, and Ghana, suggesting potential novel species. Genetic distance analysis indicated greater variation in saltwater samples compared to freshwater.
Conclusion: These findings highlight the higher prevalence of Myxobolus in freshwater and emphasize the need for targeted management strategies, continued surveillance, and research to safeguard fish populations and sustain aquaculture
Ectoparasites and Hemoparasites of the Silvery Mole Rats (Heliophobius Argentiocinereus Emini) In Morogoro Region, Tanzania
Get PDFBackground: The silvery mole rat (Heliophobius Argentiocinereus Emini) is a subterranean rodent widely distributed across Sub-Saharan Africa and exploited as a protein source in some communities. Despite this, limited data exist on ectoparasite and hemoparasite infections in this species in Tanzania. This study aims to determine the prevalence of hemoparasites in silvery mole rats and to identify their potential arthropod vectors in the Morogoro region of Tanzania.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Mvomero and Morogoro districts, Tanzania, between March and June 2023. A total of 137 silvery mole rats were captured through manual excavation. Ectoparasites were collected from animal fur and identified morphologically using taxonomic keys. Blood samples were obtained directly from the heart, and smears were prepared, stained with Giemsa, and microscopically examined for hemoparasites. Statistical analysis was performed to assess associations between host factors, ectoparasite infestation, and hemoparasite infection.
Results: Of the 137 captured mole rats, 65% (n=89) were females and 86.7% (n=120) were adults. The overall prevalence of ectoparasitism was 71.5% (98/137). A total of 1,503 ectoparasites were recovered, dominated by Androlaelaps spp. (93.15%, n=1400), followed by Echinolaelaps echidinus (6.19%, n=93), and Haemaphysalis spp. ticks (0.67%, n=10). Hemoparasites were detected in 29.2% (40/137) of hosts, including Anaplasma spp. (25.5%) and Babesia spp. (16.8%). Coinfections with both parasites occurred in 13.1% of individuals. Adult mole rats had significantly higher odds of hemoparasite infection (OR = 3.23, 95% CI: 1.15–9.11, p = 0.04). Tick infestation was strongly associated with Babesia spp. (χ² = 11.91, OR = 15.56, p < 0.001) and Anaplasma spp. (χ² = 5.82, OR = 8.3, p = 0.01).
Conclusion: This study demonstrates a high prevalence of ectoparasites and hemoparasites among silvery mole rats in the Morogoro region. The dominance of mite infestations and significant associations between ticks and blood parasites highlight the potential role of mole rats as reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens. Further molecular studies are warranted to characterize these parasites and evaluate their public health implications
Sacroiliitis as rare presentation of brucellosis: a case report
Get PDFBackground: Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection with diverse clinical manifestations and may present with musculoskeletal involvement. Sacroiliitis is common in adults but rare in children, often leading to delayed diagnosis.
Case presentation: We report the case of a 13-year-old boy with brucella sacroiliitis confirmed by positive serology and magnetic resonance imaging. The patient presented with prolonged low-grade fever and back pain without other classical signs of brucellosis. Plain radiography was normal, while MRI revealed sacroiliitis. He responded promptly to appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of considering brucellosis in children presenting with unexplained sacroiliitis, particularly in endemic regions, and emphasizes the diagnostic value of MRI and serological testing