Seroprevalence of Sparganosis in Rural Communities of Northern Tanzania

In this study, the seroprevalence of sparganosis and its relationship with sociodemographic factors in northern Tanzania have been assessed. A total of 216 serum samples from two rural districts, Monduli and Babati, were tested for sparganosis using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The seroprevalence of anti-sparganum IgG antibodies was 62.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 56.1-68.9) in all age groups. There were significant associations between district (relative risk [RR] = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.42-2.69), education (RR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.15-1.70), and pet ownership with seropositivity (RR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.02-2.16) based on univariate analysis. However, only the district was significantly associated with seropositivity (odds ratio = 4.20, 95% CI = 1.89-9.32) in binary logistic regression analysis. Providing health education to people residing in sparganosis-endemic areas is likely to improve the efficacy of preventative measures and reduce human disease burden.