Molecular analysis of Glossina morsitans morsitans tsetse from Mambwe District, Zambia (2013)

This data set describes the prevalence of trypanosomes and Sodalis glossinidius, and host blood meal analysis from tsetse flies (Glossina morsitans morsitans) captured during two intensive surveys in Mambwe District, Eastern Province, Zambia in 2013. The Luangwa Valley in Zambia is an old focus of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense) and sporadic outbreaks have continued to occur in the human population. In recent years there has been an influx of people migrating from the densely populated plateau region resulting in a significant change in land-use in the study area, potentially influencing tsetse dynamics and the epidemiology of HAT. This data set was collected to monitor infection rates of trypanosomes and Sodalis glossinidius in Glossina morsitans morsitans tsetse flies in the area so as to assess the risk posed to both human and livestock populations. In addition, feeding patterns of tsetse were investigated through analysis of blood meals.

This work was part of a wider research project, the Dynamic Drivers of Disease in Africa Consortium (DDDAC) and contributed to the Zambia trypanosomiasis case study. The research was funded by NERC project no NE/J000701/1 with support from the Ecosystem Services for Poverty Alleviation Programme (ESPA).