Ndiweni Nozithelo, Moyo Perez Livias, Nunu Wilfred Njabulo, Tsoka-Gwegweni Joyce
Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Environmental Science, National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.
Inquiry. 2025 Jan-Dec;62:469580251339381. doi: 10.1177/00469580251339381. Epub 2025 May 18.
Climate variability, particularly global warming, is expected to have a significant impact on the interactions between pathogens, vectors, and animal and human hosts. Trypanosomiasis, a neglected zoonotic disease, is particularly sensitive to changes in climate, as increased temperatures can accelerate vector development and expand geographical range. This disease remains prevalent in Zimbabwe, with the Binga District being disproportionately affected. This study aimed to explore the effects of climate variability on the epidemiology of trypanosomiasis in the Binga District of Zimbabwe from 2008 to 2023. A multi-method approach was used to incorporate secondary data sources and a data-collection guide. Data collection involved a checklist and questionnaire administered using the Kobo Collect Toolbox. Bivariate correlations were employed to investigate the association between climate variability and trypanosomiasis occurrence. Rainfall and temperature data are presented as line graphs and maps at 3-year intervals for the period 2008 to 2023. Spatial analysis was conducted by overlaying climate data with the reported suspected cases of trypanosomiasis. The findings revealed a notable increase in annual case reports, correlating with increasing maximum and fluctuating average temperatures. Specifically, higher annual average temperatures were recorded in 2008 and 2017, coinciding with an increased incidence of trypanosomiasis. These findings underscore the critical role of climate variability in shaping trypanosomiasis trends in the Binga District of Zimbabwe. These findings highlight the importance of effective disease control strategies in response to climate-induced changes.
气候变异性，尤其是全球变暖，预计将对病原体、病媒以及动物和人类宿主之间的相互作用产生重大影响。锥虫病是一种被忽视的人畜共患病，对气候变化特别敏感，因为气温升高会加速病媒发育并扩大地理范围。这种疾病在津巴布韦仍然很普遍，宾加区受到的影响尤为严重。本研究旨在探讨2008年至2023年气候变异性对津巴布韦宾加区锥虫病流行病学的影响。采用了一种多方法途径，纳入了二手数据源和数据收集指南。数据收集涉及使用Kobo Collect Toolbox管理的清单和问卷。采用双变量相关性分析来研究气候变异性与锥虫病发生之间的关联。降雨和温度数据以2008年至2023年期间每3年为间隔的折线图和地图呈现。通过将气候数据与报告的锥虫病疑似病例叠加进行空间分析。研究结果显示年度病例报告显著增加，与最高气温上升和平均气温波动相关。具体而言，2008年和2017年记录到较高的年平均气温，同时锥虫病发病率也有所增加。这些发现强调了气候变异性在塑造津巴布韦宾加区锥虫病趋势方面的关键作用。这些发现凸显了应对气候引发变化的有效疾病控制策略的重要性。
