BACKGROUND: The role of pathogen-mediated @entity221 in sub-Saharan Africa is receiving more attention, especially in Southern Africa where four countries (including Namibia) are actively working to eliminate @entity311 . With a high concentration of livestock and high rates of companion animal ownership, the influence of zoonotic @entity4577 as causes of @entity221 in Namibia remains unknown. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The aim of the study was to evaluate exposure to @entity4003 , spotted @entity221 and @entity23244 group rickettsiae, and @entity2711 using IFA and ELISA (IgG) in serum collected from 319 volunteer blood donors identified by the Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia (NAMBTS). Serum samples were linked to a basic questionnaire to identify possible risk factors. The majority of the @entity1 (64.8%) had extensive exposure to rural areas or farms. Results indicated a @entity4003 prevalence of 26.1% (screening titre 1   16), and prevalence rates of 11.9% and 14.9% (screening titre 1   100) for spotted @entity221 group and @entity23244 group rickettsiae, respectively. There was a significant spatial association between @entity4003 exposure and place of residence in southern Namibia (P<0.021). Donors with occupations involving animals (P>0.012), especially @entity291 (P>0.006), were also significantly associated with @entity4003 exposure. Males were significantly more likely than females to have been exposed to spotted @entity221 (P<0.013) and @entity23244 (P<0.011) group rickettsiae. Three (2.9%) samples were positive for @entity2711 possibly indicating low levels of exposure to a pathogen never reported in Namibia. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: These results indicate that Namibians are exposed to pathogenic @entity221 -causing bacteria, most of which have @entity11101 or tick vectors/reservoirs. The epidemiology of febrile illnesses in Namibia needs further evaluation in order to develop comprehensive local diagnostic and treatment algorithms.

Exposure and Risk Factors to XXXX , Spotted Fever Group and Typhus Group Rickettsiae, and @entity2711 among Volunteer Blood Donors in Namibia.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['participants'] @entity291 :: ('9913', 'Species') :: ['cattle'] @entity221 :: ('MESH:D005334', 'Disease') :: ['febrile illness', 'fever'] @entity11101 :: ('MESH:D058267', 'Disease') :: ['flea'] @entity2711 :: ('38323', 'Species') :: ['Bartonella henselae', 'B. henselae'] @entity4003 :: ('777', 'Species') :: ['C. burnetii', 'Coxiella burnetii'] @entity311 :: ('MESH:D008288', 'Disease') :: ['malaria'] @entity4577 :: ('MESH:D017192', 'Disease') :: ['bacterial diseases'] @entity23244 :: ('MESH:D014438', 'Disease') :: ['typhus']
@entity4003 :: (777,Species) :: ['Coxiella burnetii']
