Abstract:
Trichuriosis is a disease in mammals caused by the whipworms of the genus Trichuris.
These worms are known for the high disease burden they cause in humans and domestic animals,
especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and seasonal variations
of Trichuris worms in multimammate rats (Mastomys natalensis). The study was conducted between
January and November 2021 in Tanzania, in two regions (Morogoro and Iringa) that differ in their
eco-climatic conditions. Removal trapping was conducted using Sherman® live traps during the
rainy and dry seasons. The gastrointestinal tracts of captured rodents were screened for the presence
of Trichuris worms, which were identified using morphological keys. A total of 200 M. natalensis
rats were collected from each of the regions, with 100 animals in each season. For Morogoro, the
overall prevalence of Trichuris worms in M. natalensis was 36% (n = 72), of which 42% (n = 42) and
30% (n = 30) were for the rainy and dry seasons, respectively. For Iringa, the overall prevalence was
65% (n = 130), of which there were 80% (n = 80) and 50% (n = 50) for the rainy and dry seasons,
respectively. Trichuris worm infections were significantly higher during the rainy season in Iringa
than in Morogoro; however, no significant difference in infections between males and females was
noted in either region or season. Other helminths detected were Strongyloides spp., Capillaria spp.,
Hymenolepis spp. and eggs of a helminth that has yet to be confirmed, possibly an Anoplocephalid
species. Since M. natalensis is the most important pest species in sub-Saharan Africa, and is a carrier
of several zoonotic helminths, there is a need for improved surveillance of helminths infections in
the studied regions, in order to establish strategic control programs to reduce their adverse impacts
on health
