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Zerfu B, Kassa T, Mamo G, Legesse M. Knowledge, attitude, and practices of the community about Chikungunya in selected Districts of Afar Region, Northeast Ethiopia; its implications for controlling the disease: a community-based quantitative and qualitative cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:3441. [PMID: 39695519 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-20987-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 12/05/2024] [Indexed: 12/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chikungunya (CHIK) is a viral disease spread by Aedes mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical countries, including Ethiopia. It is important to educate communities and implement behavioral and social interventions to prevent and control the spread of disease. This study assessed the community's knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) about CHIK disease in the Afar Region, Northeast Ethiopia. METHODS A community-based quantitative and qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2022 and January 2023 in two districts in the Afar Region, Ethiopia. A household survey (HHS) using a structured questionnaire was conducted through face-to-face interviews for the quantitative study. For the qualitative research, focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regressions. RESULTS The study included 296 and 116 adult community members for quantitative and qualitative studies, respectively. Of 296 respondents, 67.3% had previously heard of CHIK, and of those who heard of it, 44.7% knew that CHIK is caused by a virus. While a majority (68.8%) of participants believed that CHIK could be prevented, only 45.6% considered it a serious illness. Additionally, over half (56.8%) of the respondents knew that not all mosquitoes transmit CHIK. About 48.7% were able to identify the Aedes mosquito, but only 16.5% of those knew that Aedes mosquitoes bite during the daytime. The overall mean correct/positive response scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practices were 63.2%, 60.0%, and 60.0%, respectively. Being a student and having educational levels of grade 9-12th and college or above were associated with good knowledge while being single, having an educational level of 9-12th, and being within the age group of 45-59 years old were found to be associated with positive attitude scores. CONCLUSION The study revealed a limited understanding of CHIK and the role of the Aedes mosquito in the study area. The community had uncertainty about the disease, its transmission, and prevention measures. The lack of understanding may affect attitudes towards the disease and risk perceptions, leading to less practice in prevention and control measures. The findings suggest the need for community-based educational initiatives to improve awareness and promote prevention and control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biruk Zerfu
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, P.O.Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.O.Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Tesfu Kassa
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, P.O.Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Gezahegne Mamo
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Immunology and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | - Mengistu Legesse
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, P.O.Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Mekonnen F, Khan BA, Nibret E, Munshea A, Tsega D, Endalamaw D, Tadesse S, Yismaw G, Lankir D, Ali J, Ulinici M, Orsini E, Šušnjar U, Carletti T, Licastro D, Bitew M, Giovanetti M, Marcello A. Introduction of dengue virus serotype 3 in the Afar Region, Ethiopia. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2429653. [PMID: 39552533 PMCID: PMC11610227 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2429653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2024] [Revised: 09/25/2024] [Accepted: 11/10/2024] [Indexed: 11/19/2024]
Abstract
The genetic analysis of the Dengue virus circulating in Ethiopia's Afar region, in 2023, identified three distinct introductions with spatiotemporal clustering linked to genomes from Asia and Italy. These findings are crucial for enhancing prevention and control strategies, reinforcing the necessity to provide sustainable tools for genomic epidemiology in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feleke Mekonnen
- Department of Medical Laboratory sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Bilal A. Khan
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
- Department of Virology, Dow International Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Endalkachew Nibret
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Abaineh Munshea
- Department of Health Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Daniel Tsega
- Arbovirus and influenza reference laboratory, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Demeke Endalamaw
- Virology reference laboratory, Amhara Public Health Institute, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Senait Tadesse
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Gizachew Yismaw
- Research and Development Directorate, Amhara Public Health Institute, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Damtie Lankir
- Department of Malaria and other vector born diseases prevention and control, Amhara Public Health Institute, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Jemal Ali
- Department of Diagnostics laboratory services, Afar Public Health and Research Institute, Semera, Ethiopia
| | - Mariana Ulinici
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Nicolae Testemitanu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
| | - Emanuele Orsini
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Urša Šušnjar
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Tea Carletti
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Molalegne Bitew
- Bio and Emerging Technology Institute (BETiN), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Marta Giovanetti
- Department of Sciences and Technologies for Sustainable Development and One Health, Universita Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Selcetta, Italy
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alessandro Marcello
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
- Area Science Park, Trieste, Italy
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Megenas JA, Dadi ML, Mekonnen TK, Larrick JW, Kassa GM. Seroprevalence of Rift Valley fever and associated risk factors in livestock of Afar Region, northeastern Ethiopia. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2024; 6:100215. [PMID: 39483630 PMCID: PMC11525614 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 11/03/2024]
Abstract
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is one of the emerging arthropod-borne zoonotic viral diseases with serious public and economic significance in the livestock and human populations of East Africa. Its epidemiology is inadequately recognized in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence and potential risk factors of RVF in domestic livestock of Amibara and Haruka districts of the Afar Region, northeastern Ethiopia. A total of 736 (224 cattle, 121 goats, 144 sheep, 155 camels and 92 donkeys) blood samples were collected, and serum extracted and tested using competitive ELISA. A questionnaire survey was used to assess potential risk factors of RVF infection. The overall seroprevalence was 22.0% (162/736; 95% CI: 19.41-24.79%). The seroprevalence was significantly higher in goats (42.2%, 95% CI: 39.61-44.99%) compared to that of cattle (14.3%, 95% CI: 11.74-17.09%), sheep (21.5%, 95% CI: 18.91-24.29%), or camels (30.97%, 95% CI: 28.38-33.76%) (P < 0.001). The study showed that seropositivity for IgG antibody to RVFV infection was associated with locality and species of animal. Goats were two times more likely to be seropositive for RVFV infection than cattle (OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.462-3.574, P = 0.001). Livestock in the Kealatburi area were five times more likely to be seropositive for RVFV infection than those in the Halidegei area (OR: 5.074, 95% CI: 3.066-8.396, P = 0.001). This study revealed that RVF is an important animal health problem in the Afar Region. Therefore, monitoring of RVF in animals, humans, and vectors along with community sensitization of high-risk populations could benefit mitigating the risk posed by the disease. Quarantine measures should be implemented to reduce the risk of RVFV introduction and dissemination among susceptible animals and ultimately transmission to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jemberu A. Megenas
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
- College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gambella University, Gambella, Ethiopia
| | - Mengistu L. Dadi
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfu K. Mekonnen
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - James W. Larrick
- Panorama Research Institute, 1230 Bordeaux Drive, Sunnyvale, CA, 94089, USA1
| | - Gezahegne M. Kassa
- College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gambella University, Gambella, Ethiopia
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Tsegaye MM, Mekonnen AT, Gebretsion DT, Gelanew T, Alemayehu DH, Tefera DA, Woldemichael TS, Getaneh BA, Abera EK, Jebessa GG, Korkiso AK, Tessema MB, Asfaw AA, Temre YA, Wossen M, Piantadosi A, Zhu H, Abdissa A, Mihret A, Mulu A. Predominance of Dengue Virus Serotype-1/Genotype-I in Eastern and Southeastern Ethiopia. Viruses 2024; 16:1334. [PMID: 39205308 PMCID: PMC11359325 DOI: 10.3390/v16081334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
We determined the dengue virus (DENV) serotypes and genotypes in archived serum samples that were collected during the 2014-2016 and 2021 dengue outbreaks in Dire Dawa City and the Somali region in Ethiopia. DENV serotype 1 (DENV-1) was predominant followed by DENV serotype 2 (DENV-2). Thirteen of the DENV-1 strains were assigned to Genotype-I, while the remaining two were found to be Genotype-III. All three DENV-2 strains were assigned the Cosmopolitan Genotype. The DENV strains responsible for the outbreaks are genetically closely related to the DENV strains that circulated in neighboring and Asian countries. The findings also showed continued local transmission of a monophyletic lineage and a co-circulation of DENV-1 and DENV-2 during the outbreaks. There is a need to strengthen DENV genomic surveillance capacity for the early detection of circulating serotypes, and prevent devastating consequences of future outbreaks due to the co-circulation of different serotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mesfin Mengesha Tsegaye
- Viral Diseases Research Division, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 1005, Ethiopia; (T.G.); (D.H.A.); (D.A.T.); (T.S.W.); (B.A.G.); (A.A.); (A.M.); (A.M.)
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China;
| | - Adamu Tayachew Mekonnen
- Public Health Emergency Management Center, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 1242, Ethiopia; (A.T.M.); (D.T.G.); (E.K.A.); (G.G.J.); (A.K.K.); (M.B.T.); (A.A.A.); (Y.A.T.); (M.W.)
| | - Daniel Tsega Gebretsion
- Public Health Emergency Management Center, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 1242, Ethiopia; (A.T.M.); (D.T.G.); (E.K.A.); (G.G.J.); (A.K.K.); (M.B.T.); (A.A.A.); (Y.A.T.); (M.W.)
| | - Tesfaye Gelanew
- Viral Diseases Research Division, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 1005, Ethiopia; (T.G.); (D.H.A.); (D.A.T.); (T.S.W.); (B.A.G.); (A.A.); (A.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Dawit Hailu Alemayehu
- Viral Diseases Research Division, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 1005, Ethiopia; (T.G.); (D.H.A.); (D.A.T.); (T.S.W.); (B.A.G.); (A.A.); (A.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Dessalegn Abeje Tefera
- Viral Diseases Research Division, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 1005, Ethiopia; (T.G.); (D.H.A.); (D.A.T.); (T.S.W.); (B.A.G.); (A.A.); (A.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Tamirayehu Seyoum Woldemichael
- Viral Diseases Research Division, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 1005, Ethiopia; (T.G.); (D.H.A.); (D.A.T.); (T.S.W.); (B.A.G.); (A.A.); (A.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Bethlehem Adnew Getaneh
- Viral Diseases Research Division, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 1005, Ethiopia; (T.G.); (D.H.A.); (D.A.T.); (T.S.W.); (B.A.G.); (A.A.); (A.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Eleni Kidane Abera
- Public Health Emergency Management Center, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 1242, Ethiopia; (A.T.M.); (D.T.G.); (E.K.A.); (G.G.J.); (A.K.K.); (M.B.T.); (A.A.A.); (Y.A.T.); (M.W.)
| | - Gadissa Gutema Jebessa
- Public Health Emergency Management Center, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 1242, Ethiopia; (A.T.M.); (D.T.G.); (E.K.A.); (G.G.J.); (A.K.K.); (M.B.T.); (A.A.A.); (Y.A.T.); (M.W.)
| | - Asefa Konde Korkiso
- Public Health Emergency Management Center, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 1242, Ethiopia; (A.T.M.); (D.T.G.); (E.K.A.); (G.G.J.); (A.K.K.); (M.B.T.); (A.A.A.); (Y.A.T.); (M.W.)
| | - Mengistu Biru Tessema
- Public Health Emergency Management Center, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 1242, Ethiopia; (A.T.M.); (D.T.G.); (E.K.A.); (G.G.J.); (A.K.K.); (M.B.T.); (A.A.A.); (Y.A.T.); (M.W.)
| | - Admikew Agunie Asfaw
- Public Health Emergency Management Center, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 1242, Ethiopia; (A.T.M.); (D.T.G.); (E.K.A.); (G.G.J.); (A.K.K.); (M.B.T.); (A.A.A.); (Y.A.T.); (M.W.)
| | - Yoseph Asrat Temre
- Public Health Emergency Management Center, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 1242, Ethiopia; (A.T.M.); (D.T.G.); (E.K.A.); (G.G.J.); (A.K.K.); (M.B.T.); (A.A.A.); (Y.A.T.); (M.W.)
| | - Mesfin Wossen
- Public Health Emergency Management Center, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 1242, Ethiopia; (A.T.M.); (D.T.G.); (E.K.A.); (G.G.J.); (A.K.K.); (M.B.T.); (A.A.A.); (Y.A.T.); (M.W.)
| | - Anne Piantadosi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Huachen Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China;
| | - Alemseged Abdissa
- Viral Diseases Research Division, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 1005, Ethiopia; (T.G.); (D.H.A.); (D.A.T.); (T.S.W.); (B.A.G.); (A.A.); (A.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Adane Mihret
- Viral Diseases Research Division, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 1005, Ethiopia; (T.G.); (D.H.A.); (D.A.T.); (T.S.W.); (B.A.G.); (A.A.); (A.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Andargachew Mulu
- Viral Diseases Research Division, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 1005, Ethiopia; (T.G.); (D.H.A.); (D.A.T.); (T.S.W.); (B.A.G.); (A.A.); (A.M.); (A.M.)
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Seid M, Aklilu E, Animut A. Spatio-temporal occurrence and habitat characteristics of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae in Southern Afar region, Ethiopia. Trop Med Health 2024; 52:51. [PMID: 39095931 PMCID: PMC11295501 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-024-00612-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Describing spatio-temporal occurrence and habitat characteristics of Aedes mosquito larvae is crucial for the control of Aedes borne viral diseases. This study assessed spatio-temporal abundance and habitat characteristics of Aedes larvae in the Southern Afar Region, Ethiopia. METHODS Immature mosquitoes were surveyed in Awash Sebat, Awash Arba, and Werer towns of the Southern Afar Region once per month from May 2022 to April 2023. Larvae and pupae surveys were carried out along the available water-holding containers. The collected larvae/pupae were reared to adults and identified by species/genus morphologically. The physical and chemical properties of the habitats were also characterized. RESULTS A total of 9099 Aedes larvae/pupae were collected, of which 53.6% (4875) were from Awash Sebat, 29.5% (2687) from Awash Arba and 16.9% (1537) from Werer. Water-holding tyres harboured the highest number of Aedes larvae/pupae followed by water-storage drums. All the Aedes larvae/pupae reared to adults were morphologically identified as Aedes aegypti. The overall Container Index was 47.28%, House Index 18.19%, Breteau Index 59.94% and Pupal Index 171.94. Significant positive relations were observed in the occurrences of Ae. aegypti larvae/pupae with water-holding tyre (AOR = 15.89, CI = 3.55-71.09, p < 0.001), water storage drums (AOR = 19.84, CI = 4.64-84.89, p < 0.001), domestic habitat (AOR = 3.76, CI = 1.27-11.12, p = 0.017), and significant negative relations were observed with Ae. aegypti larvae/pupae occurrence and tap water source (AOR = 0.08, CI = 0.02-0.31, p = 0.001). Ae. aegypti larvae/pupae densities showed positive relations with dissolved oxygen (β = 0.523, p < 0.001) and total hardness (β = 0.475, p = 0.034) of water. CONCLUSIONS Diverse types of artificial water-holding containers were positive for Ae. aegypti larvae/pupae. Ae. aegypti larvae/pupae were abundant in used water-holding tyres, water storage drums, and cement tanks in Awash Sebat, Awash Arba, and Werer towns. This could put the residents of the towns at high risk of infections with Ae. aegypti transmitted viral diseases such as chikungunya and dengue outbreaks. Thus, we recommend artificial water-holding container management as a strategy to control Ae. aegypti and hence the arboviral diseases transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Seid
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Mattu University, Mattu, Ethiopia.
| | - Esayas Aklilu
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abebe Animut
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Nigussie E, Atlaw D, Negash G, Gezahegn H, Baressa G, Tasew A, Zembaba D. A dengue virus infection in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:297. [PMID: 38448847 PMCID: PMC10918862 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09142-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dengue is caused by a positive-stranded RNA virus called dengue virus, which is spread by Aedes mosquito species. It is a fast-growing acute febrile disease with potentially lethal consequences that is a global public health problem, mostly in tropical and subtropical countries. In Ethiopia, dengue fever is understudied, although the virus is still being transmitted and viral infection rates are rising. This systematic review and meta-analysis was aimed at estimating the pooled prevalence of DENV infection in Ethiopia. METHODS A literature search was done on the PubMed, Hinari and Google Scholar databases to identify studies published before July, 2023. Random effects and fixed effects models were used to estimate the pooled prevalence of all three markers. The Inconsistency Index was used to assess the level of heterogeneity. RESULTS A total of 11 studies conducted on suspected individuals with dengue fever and acutely febrile participants were included in this review. The majority of the studies had a moderate risk of bias and no study had a high risk of bias. A meta-analysis estimated a pooled IgG prevalence of 21% (95% CI: 19-23), a pooled IgM prevalence of 9% (95%CI: 4-13) and a pooled DENV-RNA prevalence of 48% (95% CI: 33-62). There is evidence of possible publication bias in IgG but not in the rest of the markers. CONCLUSION Dengue is prevalent among the dengue fever suspected and febrile population in Ethiopia. Healthcare providers, researchers and policymakers should give more attention to dengue fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eshetu Nigussie
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Medicine, Madda Walabu University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Daniel Atlaw
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Medicine, Madda Walabu University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Getahun Negash
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Medicine, Madda Walabu University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Habtamu Gezahegn
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Medicine, Madda Walabu University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Girma Baressa
- Department of Public Health, School of Health Science, Madda Walabu University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Alelign Tasew
- Department of Public Health, School of Health Science, Madda Walabu University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Demisu Zembaba
- Department of Public Health, School of Health Science, Madda Walabu University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Molecular Epidemiology and Diversity of SARS-CoV-2 in Ethiopia, 2020–2022. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030705. [PMID: 36980977 PMCID: PMC10047986 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Ethiopia is the second most populous country in Africa and the sixth most affected by COVID-19 on the continent. Despite having experienced five infection waves, >499,000 cases, and ~7500 COVID-19-related deaths as of January 2023, there is still no detailed genomic epidemiological report on the introduction and spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Ethiopia. In this study, we reconstructed and elucidated the COVID-19 epidemic dynamics. Specifically, we investigated the introduction, local transmission, ongoing evolution, and spread of SARS-CoV-2 during the first four infection waves using 353 high-quality near-whole genomes sampled in Ethiopia. Our results show that whereas viral introductions seeded the first wave, subsequent waves were seeded by local transmission. The B.1.480 lineage emerged in the first wave and notably remained in circulation even after the emergence of the Alpha variant. The B.1.480 was outcompeted by the Delta variant. Notably, Ethiopia’s lack of local sequencing capacity was further limited by sporadic, uneven, and insufficient sampling that limited the incorporation of genomic epidemiology in the epidemic public health response in Ethiopia. These results highlight Ethiopia’s role in SARS-CoV-2 dissemination and the urgent need for balanced, near-real-time genomic sequencing.
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