Prevalence of Bartonella spp. in rodent and shrew species trapped in Kigoma and Morogoro Regions, Tanzania: A public health concern

Bartonella spp. bacteria are responsible for bartonellosis in humans and animals which rodents the main natural reservoirs. Common symptoms include fever, chills, weakness, headache. This study aimed to determine prevalence of infection shrews genus Crocidura Kigoma Morogoro regions Tanzania. Blood culture conventional PCR targeting a portion gltA gene were used screen confirm presence Among 1036 small mammals tested, 999 37 shrew species. The overall was 22.5%.  found 13 rodent species one Prevalence varied significantly among host (p <0.0001) habitats. be widespread inhabiting indoor, peridomestic, farm forest highlights as potential reservoirs spp., likely contributing spread human due their inevitable interactions suitable Further research is needed characterize zoonotic genetic diversity, assess ecological factors influencing transmission cycle.   Key words: Bartonellosis, Habitats, humans, interactions, mammals.&nbsp