OBJECTIVES

Plague has been a threat to human health in Tanzania since 1886. This zoonotic disease has established several endemic foci in the country, posing a risk of outbreaks. This study was conducted to investigate the presence of in small mammals in five districts. These districts were selected because of recent (Mbulu), past (40-18 years ago: Lushoto) and historic (>100 years ago: Iringa and Kilolo) human cases of plague. In addition, one region that has not had any reported human cases of plague was included (Morogoro-Mvomero).

METHODS

Blood from 645 captured small mammals was screened for antibodies against the fraction 1 (F1) antigen of using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and competitive-blocking ELISA.

RESULTS

Specific antibodies against F1 antigens were detected in six (0.93%) animals belonging to . Of these, four animals were captured in the active focus in Mbulu, and two animals were captured from an area with no history of human plague (Morogoro-Mvomero).

CONCLUSION

These results provide evidence of the circulation of in small mammals in Tanzania. Furthermore, evidence of the circulation of in Morogoro-Mvomero highlights the importance of carrying out plague surveillance in areas with no history of human plague, which can help to predict areas where future outbreaks may occur.