Prevalence of Bartonella spp. in rodent and shrew species trapped in Kigoma and Morogoro Regions, Tanzania: A public health concern

Abstract

Bartonella spp. bacteria are responsible for bartonellosis in humans and animals for which rodents are the main natural reservoirs. Common bartonellosis symptoms include fever, chills, weakness, and headache. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Bartonella spp. infection in rodents and shrews of the genus Crocidura in the Kigoma and Morogoro regions of Tanzania. Blood culture and conventional PCR targeting a portion of the gltA gene were used to screen and confirm presence Bartonella spp. Among the 1036 small mammals tested, 999 were rodents and 37 were shrew species. The overall prevalence of Bartonella spp. in small mammals was 22.5%. Bartonella spp. was found in 13 rodent species and one Crocidura species. Prevalence varied significantly among host species (p <0.0001) and habitats. Bartonella spp. was found to be widespread in rodent species inhabiting indoor, peridomestic, farm and forest habitats. This study highlights rodents and Crocidura spp. as potential reservoirs of Bartonella spp., likely contributing to the spread of human bartonellosis due to their inevitable interactions in suitable habitats. Further research is needed to characterize zoonotic Bartonella spp., determine their genetic diversity, and assess ecological factors influencing the transmission cycle.