Seasonal prevalence of Trypanosoma brucei infection in female Glossina morsitans in the Chikwenya area of the mid-Zambezi Valley, Zimbabwe
- Author
- Shoko, Ethel E.
- Title
- Seasonal prevalence of Trypanosoma brucei infection in female Glossina morsitans in the Chikwenya area of the mid-Zambezi Valley, Zimbabwe
- Abstract
- African trypanosomiasis remains a significant public health and economic challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, with tsetse flies serving as the primary vectors. Despite previous research on spatial distribution and infection rates, there is a paucity of data regarding seasonal fluctuations in parasite prevalence. This study investigated the seasonal prevalence of Trypanosoma brucei infection in female tsetseflies Glossina morsitans in the Chikwenya area of the Mid-Zambezi Valley, Zimbabwe. This research employed a cross-sectional design over a 12‐month period, encompassing both wet and dry seasons which particular months?. A total of 827 female G. morsitans were captured using Vavoua traps strategically deployed in high-density areas of Tsetse fly in Chikwenya area. Morphological identification was followed by dissection and parasitological examination using Giemsa staining, with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) employed to confirm the presence of T. brucei. The overall infection prevalence was determined to be 12.7%, with a higher prevalence during the wet season (14.6%) compared to the dry season (10.8%). However, the difference in seasonal prevalence was not statistically significant (χ² = 1.32, p = 0.251). These findings suggest that while environmental conditions during the wet season may favour increased tsetse fly density and transmission potential, T. brucei persists throughout the year. The study underscores the need for year-round vector control and continuous surveillance, and it provides baseline data critical for developing predictive models and targeted interventions. Future research should explore additional ecological factors and employ longitudinal designs to further elucidate the dynamics of trypanosome transmission in endemic regions.
- Date
- June 2025
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- African trypanosomiasis
- tsetse flies
- Trypanosoma brucei
- Supervisor
- Mr. P Munosiyei
- Item sets
- Department of Biological Sciences
