PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS FOR SEIZURES IN STAGE-2 OF RHODESIENSE HUMAN AFRICAN TRYPANOSOMIASIS IN ZAMBIA FROM JANUARY 2013 TO JULY 2022

Mwanakasale Victor; Ramarao Venkatajothi; Mwansa Mwaba

doi:10.47957/ijciar.v5i4.22

Authors

Victor Mwanakasale Copperbelt University, Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Ndola, Zambia
Venkatajothi Ramarao Copperbelt University, Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Ndola, Zambia
Mwaba Mwansa Copperbelt University, Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Ndola, Zambia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47957/ijciar.v5i4.22

Keywords:

Seizures, Caucasian, risk factor, stage-two, trypanosomiasis

Abstract

Introduction: Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a parasitic disease caused by an invasive parasite called the human trypanosomes. The disease is divided into two stages, namely stage-1 and stage-2. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for seizures in stage-2 of Rhodesiense HAT (rHAT) in Zambia from January 2013 to July 2022.

Methodology: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. All case files of patients that were laboratory diagnosed with rHAT from endemic hospitals in Zambia from January 2013 to July 2022 were reviewed.

Results: A total of 54 casefiles of all HAT patients from January 2013 to July 2022 were reviewed. There were 2 cases with history of seizures in stage-2, one Caucasian and one black Zambian out of 5 and 49 patients, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the prevalence rate of seizures between Caucasian and black patients (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in age in occurrence of seizures between patients less than 30 years of age and those 30 years and above (P>0.05). In addition there was no statistically significant difference in occurrence of seizures between sexes (P>0.05).

Conclusion: Being a Caucasian is probably a risk factor for seizures in stage-2 of Rhodesiense HAT in Zambia.

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