Seasonal variation in human African trypanosomiasis in Tarangire National Park in Babati district, Tanzania.

A survey was carried out to determine seasonal epidemiological variation of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) in Tarangire National Park and villages around it in Babati District, Tanzania. Concentration and Field's stain techniques were employed to examine the presence of trypanosomes in human blood samples. Tsetse flies were collected using traps and dissected under light microscope to examine for presence of trypanosomes. Retrospective data on HAT were sought from health facilities. Blood samples were collected from a total 509 individuals (306 during the dry and 203 during wet seasons). None of the individuals was infected with trypanosomes in the area. A total of 766 tsetse flies were collected. Of these, Glossina swynnertoni accounted for 94.6% and G. pallidipes for 5.4% of the total collection. The largest proportion (63.8%) of the tsetse flies was collected during the wet season. Glossina swynnertoni was most abundant tsetse species during both wet and dry seasons. Salivary gland examination revealed the presence of Trypanosoma brucei type of infection in 3.2% of tsetse flies collected. All infective trypanosomes were found during the dry season. This study concludes that the transmission and prevalence of HAT among human population in Tarangire National Pars and its surrounding villages is low despite the recent reports on tourists acquiring the infection during their visits to the Park. However, disease surveillance needs to be strengthened to monitor any impending epidemic.

Human African Trypanosomiasis and challenges to its control in Urambo; Kasulu and Kibondo Districts; western Tanzania

A study was carried out to determine the prevalence and management of Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) in Urambo; Kasulu and Kibondo districts of western Tanzania. Parasitological surveys for trypanosome and other blood parasites were conducted in selected villages. Interviews with health workers were conducted to explore facility capacity to diagnose and manage HAT. Community knowledge on tsetse and availability of trypanocidal drugs was explored. Results showed that; although health facility records showed HAT is an important public health problem in the three districts; typanosomes were found in 0.6of the examined individuals in Urambo district only. Malaria parasites with a prevalence of 12.1; 19.7and 9.7; in Urambo; Kibondo and Kasulu; respectively were detected in blood samples from the same individuals examined for trypanosomes. There was poor capacity for most of the health facilities in the diagnosis; treatment and control of HAT. In both districts; communities were knowledgeable of the tsetse identity (82.4) and had experienced tsetse bites (94). The majority (91.4) of the community members knew that they were at risk of acquiring HAT. However; only 29of the respondents knew that anti-trypanocidal drugs were readily available free of charge from health care facilities. Late treatment seeking behaviour was common in Kasulu and Urambo districts. In conclusion; health facilities in western Tanzania are faced with problems of poor capacity to diagnose and manage HAT and that treatment seeking behaviour among the communities at risk is poor. Efforts should be made to strengthen the capacity of the health facility to handle HAT cases and health education to the population at risk