Cornell, TR 
ORCID: 0000-0002-2304-8555, Conteh, B, Drammeh, L, Jeffang, F, Sallah, E, Kijera, A, Jarju, M, Karim, M, Khan, E, Ceesay, PO et al (show 4 more authors)
(2024)
Histoplasma seropositivity and environmental risk factors for exposure in a general population in Upper River Region, The Gambia: A cross-sectional study
One Health, 18.
100717-.
ISSN 2352-7714, 2352-7714
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1-s2.0-S2352771424000430-main.pdf - Author Accepted Manuscript Download (1MB) | Preview |
Abstract
Robust surveillance of Histoplasma species is warranted in endemic regions, including investigation of community-level transmission dynamics. This cross-sectional study explored anti-Histoplasma antibody seroprevalence and risk factors for exposure in a general population in Upper River Region (URR), The Gambia. Study participants were recruited (December 2022–March 2023) by random household sampling across 12 Enumeration Areas (EAs) of URR. A questionnaire and clinical examination were performed; exploring demographic, clinical and environmental risk factors for Histoplasma exposure. One venous blood sample per participant was subject to IMMY Latex Agglutination Histoplasma test to determine presence of a recent IgM response to Histoplasma. Seropositivity risk factors were explored by multi-level, multivariable logistic regression analysis. The study population (n = 298) aged 5–83 years, demonstrated a positively skewed age distribution and comprised 55.4% females. An apparent seroprevalence of 18.8% (n = 56/298, 95% CI 14.5–23.7%) was measured using the LAT. A multivariable model demonstrated increased odds of Histoplasma seropositivity amongst female participants (OR = 2.41 95% CI 1.14–5.10); and participants reporting involvement in animal manure management (OR = 4.21 95% CI 1.38–12.90), and management of domestic animals inside the compound at night during the dry season (OR = 10.72 95% CI 2.02–56.83). Increasing age (OR = 0.96 95% CI 0.93–0.98) was associated with decreased odds of seropositivity. Clustering at EA level was responsible for 17.2% of seropositivity variance. The study indicates frequent recent Histoplasma exposure and presents plausible demographic and environmental risk factors for seropositivity. Histoplasma spp. characterisation at this human-animal-environment interface is warranted, to determine public health implications of environmental reservoirs in The Gambia. The study was supported by Wellcome Trust (206,638/Z/17/Z to CES) and a University of Liverpool-funded PhD studentship (to TRC).
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Regional Health Directorate Upper River Region |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Infection, Vet & Ecological Sciences |
| Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
| Date Deposited: | 05 Apr 2024 09:19 |
| Last Modified: | 24 Jan 2026 04:52 |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100717 |
| Related Websites: | |
| URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3180098 |
| Disclaimer: | The University of Liverpool is not responsible for content contained on other websites from links within repository metadata. Please contact us if you notice anything that appears incorrect or inappropriate. |
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