Journal of Infection Ecology & Epidemiology, 2018; 8, 1553460
Introduction: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection is an emerging mosquito-borne disease
that has been associated with frequent epidemics in the world. However, there is a dearth of
information on its magnitude and associated risk factors in Tanzania.
Objective: A study was conducted to determine seroprevalence of CHIKV among febrile
patients seeking medical care at health facilities in Karagwe, Sengerema, Kilombero and Kyela
districts.
Methods: Structured questionnaires were administered and 728 serum samples were col-
lected between May and June, 2015 and tested for the presence of CHIKV-IgM and IgG-
specific antibodies using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results and discussion: The common clinical characteristics exhibited by outpatients were
fever, headache and joint pains (100%, 70%, and 68.3% respectively). Out of 728 outpatients
screened for CHIKV, 105 (14%) tested CHIKV IgG positive whilst 11 (1.5%) tested CHIKV IgM
positive. Chikungunya seropositivity was significantly higher than previously reported in
Tanzania. The most affected age group was 20–29 years. Our results indicate that CHIKV
infection is prevalent and contributes to the burden of febrile illnesses in Tanzania. The
seroprevalence varies between districts, reflecting variation in mosquito vector transmission
dynamics in different parts of the country. Received 23 September 2018
Accepted 19 November 2018
KEYWORDS
Chikungunya;
seroprevalence; febrile
illness; mosquito-borne;
Tanzania
Abbreviations: CHIKV: Chikungunya virus; EDTA: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; ELISA:
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; IgG: Immunoglobulin G; IgM: Immunoglobulin M;
NIMR: National Institute for Medical Research; RU: Relative Units; SACIDS: Southern African
Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance; USA: United States of America