1
|
Namulondo J, Nyangiri OA, Kimuda MP, Nambala P, Nassuuna J, Egesa M, Nerima B, Biryomumaisho S, Mugasa CM, Nabukenya I, Kato D, Elliott A, Noyes H, Tweyongyere R, Matovu E, Mulindwa J. Transcriptome analysis of peripheral blood of Schistosoma mansoni infected children from the Albert Nile region in Uganda reveals genes implicated in fibrosis pathology. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011455. [PMID: 37967122 PMCID: PMC10686515 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Over 290 million people are infected by schistosomes worldwide. Schistosomiasis control efforts focus on mass drug treatment with praziquantel (PZQ), a drug that kills the adult worm of all Schistosoma species. Nonetheless, re-infections have continued to be detected in endemic areas with individuals living in the same area presenting with varying infection intensities. Our objective was to characterize the transcriptome profiles in peripheral blood of children between 10-15 years with varying intensities of Schistosoma mansoni infection living along the Albert Nile in Uganda. RNA extracted from peripheral blood collected from 44 S. mansoni infected (34 high and 10 low by circulating anodic antigen [CAA] level) and 20 uninfected children was sequenced using Illumina NovaSeq S4 and the reads aligned to the GRCh38 human genome. Differential gene expression analysis was done using DESeq2. Principal component analysis revealed clustering of gene expression by gender when S. mansoni infected children were compared with uninfected children. In addition, we identified 14 DEGs between S. mansoni infected and uninfected individuals, 56 DEGs between children with high infection intensity and uninfected individuals, 33 DEGs between those with high infection intensity and low infection intensity and no DEGs between those with low infection and uninfected individuals. We also observed upregulation and downregulation of some DEGs that are associated with fibrosis and its regulation. These data suggest expression of fibrosis associated genes as well as genes that regulate fibrosis in S. mansoni infection. The relatively few significant DEGS observed in children with schistosomiasis suggests that chronic S. mansoni infection is a stealth infection that does not stimulate a strong immune response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Namulondo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Oscar Asanya Nyangiri
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Magambo Phillip Kimuda
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Peter Nambala
- College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jacent Nassuuna
- Vaccine Research Theme, MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Moses Egesa
- Vaccine Research Theme, MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Barbara Nerima
- College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Savino Biryomumaisho
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Claire Mack Mugasa
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Immaculate Nabukenya
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Drago Kato
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alison Elliott
- Vaccine Research Theme, MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Harry Noyes
- Centre for Genomic Research, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Tweyongyere
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Enock Matovu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Julius Mulindwa
- College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mulindwa J, Namulondo J, Kitibwa A, Nassuuna J, Nyangiri OA, Kimuda MP, Boobo A, Nerima B, Busingye F, Candia R, Namukuta A, Ssenyonga R, Ukumu N, Ajal P, Adriko M, Noyes H, de Dood CJ, Corstjens PLAM, van Dam GJ, Elliott AM, Matovu E. High prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection and stunting among school age children in communities along the Albert-Nile, Northern Uganda: A cross sectional study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010570. [PMID: 35895705 PMCID: PMC9359559 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowing the prevalence of schistosomiasis is key to informing programmes to control and eliminate the disease as a public health problem. It is also important to understand the impact of infection on child growth and development in order to allocate appropriate resources and effort to the control of the disease. METHODS We conducted a survey to estimate the prevalence of schistosomiasis among school aged children in villages along the Albert-Nile shore line in the district of Pakwach, North Western Uganda. A total of 914 children aged between 10-15 years were screened for Schistosoma mansoni using the POC-CCA and Kato Katz (KK) techniques. The infection intensities were assessed by POC-CCA and KK as well as CAA tests. The KK intensities were also correlated with POC-CCA and with CAA intensity. Anthropometric measurements were also taken and multivariate analysis was carried out to investigate their association with infection status. RESULTS The prevalence of schistosomiasis using the POC-CCA diagnostic test was estimated at 85% (95% CI: 83-87), being highest amongst children living closer to the Albert-Nile shoreline. Visual scoring of the POC-CCA results was more sensitive than the Kato Katz test and was positively correlated with the quantified infection intensities by the CAA test. The majority of the children were underweight (BMI<18.5), and most notably, boys had significantly lower height for age (stunting) than girls in the same age range (p < 0.0001), but this was not directly associated with S. mansoni infection. CONCLUSION High prevalence of S. mansoni infection in the region calls for more frequent mass drug administration with praziquantel. We observed high levels of stunting which was not associated with schistosomiasis. There is a need for improved nutrition among the children in the area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julius Mulindwa
- Department of Biochemistry and Sports Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joyce Namulondo
- Department of Biotechnical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Anna Kitibwa
- Department of Biotechnical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jacent Nassuuna
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Oscar Asanya Nyangiri
- Department of Biotechnical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Magambo Phillip Kimuda
- Department of Biotechnical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alex Boobo
- Department of Biotechnical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Barbara Nerima
- Department of Biochemistry and Sports Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Fred Busingye
- Vector Borne & NTD Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rowel Candia
- Vector Borne & NTD Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Annet Namukuta
- Vector Borne & NTD Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ronald Ssenyonga
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Noah Ukumu
- Pakwach District Local Government, District Health Office, Pakwach, Uganda
| | - Paul Ajal
- Pakwach District Local Government, District Health Office, Pakwach, Uganda
| | - Moses Adriko
- Vector Borne & NTD Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Harry Noyes
- Centre for Genomic Research, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Claudia J. de Dood
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Paul L. A. M. Corstjens
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Govert J. van Dam
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Alison M. Elliott
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Enock Matovu
- Department of Biotechnical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- * E-mail:
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Anyolitho MK, Poels K, Huyse T, Tumusiime J, Mugabi F, Tolo CU, Masquillier C, Nyakato VN. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding schistosomiasis infection and prevention: A mixed-methods study among endemic communities of western Uganda. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010190. [PMID: 35196328 PMCID: PMC8865686 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In Uganda, schistosomiasis (re)infections have continued to remain high despite the implementation of mass drug administration and sensitization campaigns aimed at controlling the disease. This could imply that there are some barriers to the implemented preventive measures. We conducted a mixed-methods study in Kagadi and Ntoroko districts around Lake Albert to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding schistosomiasis and to explore and understand perspectives regarding the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS Semi-structured survey questionnaires were administered to 337 household adults selected through systematic random sampling. We also interviewed 12 participants and held 28 focus-group discussion sessions with 251 individuals respectively. Quantitative data was analysed using frequencies, percentages, and chi-square tests for associations, while themes and sub-themes were used to analyse qualitative data respectively. FINDINGS A total of 98.5%, 81.3%, and 78.5% had heard about schistosomiasis, and knew the main transmission modes and symptoms, respectively. The majority (75.8%) said avoiding contact with water was a preventative way, while 67.5% said observing signs and symptoms was a form of diagnosis. Furthermore, 98.4% and 73.4% said it was important to defecate in latrines and to avoid contact with contaminated water respectively. However, it is difficult to avoid contact with lake water because it is the only source of livelihood, especially for fisher communities. Open defecation is commonly practiced along the lake due to insufficient space and difficulties in the construction of latrines. Myths and misconceptions reported include; lake water is safe, gassing in water causes transmission, fetching water early in the morning and from deep water is safe, and feces in the lake water act as a bait for catching fish. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Despite adequate knowledge of schistosomiasis and a positive attitude towards its prevention, existing myths and misconceptions, coupled with persistent risky water, sanitation, and hygiene practices still pose a challenge. A more robust community-based awareness intervention using bottom-up participatory approaches, accompanied by the provision of clean and safe water sources and increasing latrine coverage, could provide lasting solutions to these barriers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maxson Kenneth Anyolitho
- Department of Public Health, Lira University, Lira, Uganda
- Department of Human Development and Relational Sciences, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Karolien Poels
- Department of Communication Studies, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tine Huyse
- Department of Biology, Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium
| | - Julius Tumusiime
- Department of Biology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Faith Mugabi
- Department of Human Development and Relational Sciences, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Casim Umba Tolo
- Department of Biology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - Viola Nilah Nyakato
- Department of Human Development and Relational Sciences, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dejon Agobé JC, Kariuki HC, Zinsou JF, Honkpehedji YJ, Grobusch MP, Adegnika AA. Pilot Malacology Surveys for the Intermediate Hosts of Schistosomiasis in Rural and Semi-Urban Areas of the Moyen-Ogooué Province, Gabon. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 7:tropicalmed7010001. [PMID: 35051117 PMCID: PMC8779524 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this pilot malacological survey was to identify the snail intermediate hosts for Schistosoma haematobium in endemic rural and semi-urban areas of Gabon. Snails were collected, morphologically identified, and tested for infection by cercarial shedding. Released cercariae were morphologically identified using low-power light microscopy. A total of six species of snails were collected throughout the study area, with Bulinus truncatus, B. forskalii, and Potadoma spp. being the most predominant species collected. Only the Bulinus species were tested for infection by cercarial shedding, of which only B. truncatus shed cercariae. Some B. truncatus shed mammalian schistosome cercariae, while others shed Gymnocephalus cercariae. Our results indicate that B. truncatus appears to be a potential intermediate host of schistosomiasis in Gabon, where cases of S. haematobium, S. guineensis, and S. intercalatum infection are reported. However, it will be important to further understand the species diversity and transmission dynamics of schistosomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean Claude Dejon Agobé
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné P.O. Box 242, Gabon; (J.C.D.A.); (J.F.Z.); (Y.J.H.); (M.P.G.)
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 22660, 1100 DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henry Curtis Kariuki
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Kenya Methodist University (KeMU), P.O. Box 267, Meru 60200, Kenya;
| | - Jeannot Fréjus Zinsou
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné P.O. Box 242, Gabon; (J.C.D.A.); (J.F.Z.); (Y.J.H.); (M.P.G.)
- Leiden Medical University Centre, University of Leiden, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Yabo Josiane Honkpehedji
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné P.O. Box 242, Gabon; (J.C.D.A.); (J.F.Z.); (Y.J.H.); (M.P.G.)
- Leiden Medical University Centre, University of Leiden, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Peter Grobusch
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné P.O. Box 242, Gabon; (J.C.D.A.); (J.F.Z.); (Y.J.H.); (M.P.G.)
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 22660, 1100 DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Eberhad Karls Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ayola Akim Adegnika
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné P.O. Box 242, Gabon; (J.C.D.A.); (J.F.Z.); (Y.J.H.); (M.P.G.)
- Leiden Medical University Centre, University of Leiden, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Eberhad Karls Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), African Partner Institution, CERMEL, Lambaréné P.O. Box 242, Gabon
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Aula OP, McManus DP, Jones MK, Gordon CA. Schistosomiasis with a Focus on Africa. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:109. [PMID: 34206495 PMCID: PMC8293433 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6030109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a common neglected tropical disease of impoverished people and livestock in many developing countries in tropical Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. Substantial progress has been made in controlling schistosomiasis in some African countries, but the disease still prevails in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa with an estimated 800 million people at risk of infection. Current control strategies rely primarily on treatment with praziquantel, as no vaccine is available; however, treatment alone does not prevent reinfection. There has been emphasis on the use of integrated approaches in the control and elimination of the disease in recent years with the development of health infrastructure and health education. However, there is a need to evaluate the present status of African schistosomiasis, primarily caused by Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium, and the factors affecting the disease as the basis for developing more effective control and elimination strategies in the future. This review provides an historical perspective of schistosomiasis in Africa and discusses the current status of control efforts in those countries where the disease is endemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oyime Poise Aula
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4006, Australia;
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane 4006, Australia
| | - Donald P. McManus
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4006, Australia;
| | - Malcolm K. Jones
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia;
| | - Catherine A. Gordon
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4006, Australia;
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Impacts of host gender on Schistosoma mansoni risk in rural Uganda-A mixed-methods approach. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008266. [PMID: 32401770 PMCID: PMC7219705 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The World Health Organization identified Uganda as one of the 10 highly endemic countries for schistosomiasis. Annual mass drug administration (MDA) with praziquantel has led to a decline in intensity of Schistosoma mansoni infections in several areas. However, as hotspots with high (re)infection rates remain, additional research on risk factors and implementing interventions to complement MDA are required to further reduce disease burden in these settings. Through a mixed-methods study we aimed to gain deeper understanding of how gender may impact risk and reinfection in order to inform disease control programmes and ascertain if gender-specific interventions may be beneficial. Methodology/Principal findings In Bugoto, Mayuge District, Eastern Uganda we conducted ethnographic observations (n = 16) and examined epidemiology (n = 55) and parasite population genetics (n = 16) in school-aged children (SAC), alongside a community-wide household survey (n = 130). Water contact was frequent at home, school and in the community and was of domestic, personal care, recreational, religious or commercial nature. Qualitative analysis of type of activity, duration, frequency, level of submersion and water contact sites in children showed only few behavioural differences in water contact between genders. However, survey data revealed that adult women carried out the vast majority of household tasks involving water contact. Reinfection rates (96% overall) and genetic diversity were high in boys (pre-He = 0.66; post-He = 0.67) and girls (pre-He = 0.65; post-He = 0.67), but no differences in reinfection rates (p = 0.62) or genetic diversity by gender before (p = 0.54) or after (p = 0.97) treatment were found. Conclusions/Significance This mixed methods approach showed complementary findings. Frequent water exposure with few differences between boys and girls was mirrored by high reinfection rates and genetic diversity in both genders. Disease control programmes should consider the high reinfection rates among SAC in remaining hotspots of schistosomiasis and the various purposes and settings in which children and adults are exposed to water. Globally, over 230 million people are infected with schistosomiasis, an infectious disease caused by parasitic helminths. Humans can get infected when they contact water which contains Schistosoma parasites. Although the disease can be treated with a drug, people get rapidly reinfected in certain high-transmission settings. Drug treatment alone may not be sufficient to eliminate this disease and additional interventions such as health promotion or improvements in water and sanitation need to be scaled up. To provide recommendations to these control programmes we carried out interdisciplinary research in Eastern Uganda to understand the influence of gender on schistosomiasis risk. We found that the water contact behaviour of boys and girls is quite similar, and we did not see differences in reinfection or genetic diversity of the parasite between boys and girls. Differences in water contact between genders is greater in adults, and further research is required for these individuals. In this setting, infection rates are high in school-aged children and there are no differences between genders. These results emphasise improved control efforts for all school-aged children in communities like these. Our interdisciplinary approach provided complementary findings. Such an integrated approach can therefore have more power to meaningfully inform policy on schistosomiasis control.
Collapse
|
7
|
Tumwebaze I, Clewing C, Dusabe MC, Tumusiime J, Kagoro-Rugunda G, Hammoud C, Albrecht C. Molecular identification of Bulinus spp. intermediate host snails of Schistosoma spp. in crater lakes of western Uganda with implications for the transmission of the Schistosoma haematobium group parasites. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:565. [PMID: 31775865 PMCID: PMC6882369 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3811-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human schistosomiasis is the second most important tropical disease and occurs in two forms in Africa (intestinal and urogenital) caused by the digenetic trematodes Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium, respectively. A proposed recent shift of schistosomiasis above a previously established altitudinal threshold of 1400 m above sea level in western Ugandan crater lakes has triggered more research interest there. Methods Based on extensive field sampling in western Uganda and beyond and employing an approach using sequences of the mitochondrial barcoding gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) this study aims were: (i) identification and establishment of the phylogenetic affinities of Bulinus species as potential hosts for Schistosoma spp.; (ii) determining diversity, frequency and distribution patterns of Bulinus spp.; and (iii) establishing genetic variability and phylogeographical patterns using Bayesian inference and parsimony network analyses. Results Out of the 58 crater lakes surveyed, three species of Bulinus snails were found in 34 crater lakes. Bulinus tropicus was dominating, Bulinus forskalii was found in two lakes and Bulinus truncatus in one. The latter two species are unconfirmed potential hosts for S. haematobium in this region. However, Bulinus tropicus is an important species for schistosomiasis transmission in ruminants. Bulinus tropicus comprised 31 haplotypes while both B. forskalii and B. truncatus exhibited only a single haplotype in the crater lakes. All species clustered with most of the haplotypes from surrounding lake systems forming source regions for the colonization of the crater lakes. Conclusions This first detailed malacological study of the crater lakes systems in western Uganda revealed presence of Bulinus species that are either not known or not regionally known to be hosts for S. haematobium, the causing agent of human urogenital schistosomiasis. Though this disease risk is almost negligible, the observed dominance of B. tropicus in the crater lakes shows that there is a likelihood of a high risk of infections with Schistosoma bovis. Thus, extra attention should be accorded to safeguard wild and domestic ruminants in this region as the population benefits from these animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Immaculate Tumwebaze
- Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Catharina Clewing
- Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Julius Tumusiime
- Department of Biology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Grace Kagoro-Rugunda
- Department of Biology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Cyril Hammoud
- Department of Biology, Royal Museum for Central Africa, Leuvensesteenweg 13, 3080, Tervuren, Belgium.,Limnology Research Unit, Ghent University, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christian Albrecht
- Department of Animal Ecology and Systematics, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.,Department of Biology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Adriko M, Tinkitina B, Tukahebwa E, Standley C, Stothard J, Kabatereine N. Data on the pre-MDA and post MDA interventions for Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium in a co-endemic focus in Uganda: 1951-2011. Data Brief 2018; 20:991-998. [PMID: 30225313 PMCID: PMC6138995 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2018.08.200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 08/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The dataset for this article contains Urinary and Intestinal Schistosomiasis from Lango region, northern Uganda which is the only known co-endemic region for S.mansoni and S.haematobium. Reported in the data, is the retrospective data review for historical information before interventions were implemented before 2003 and after interventions were implemented in 2003 by the national control program. In 2007 and 2011, parasitological surveys were conducted in the region to validate Schistosomiasis trends following World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for surveys. In addition, malacological surveys were undertaken in 2007 to assess local transmission potential. The dataset can provide an insight into the health implications of Schistosomiasis control in co-endemic focus in Uganda, "The epidemiology of schistosomiasis in Lango region Uganda 60 years after Schwetz 1951: Can schistosomiasis be eliminated through mass drug administration without other supportive control measures?" (Adriko et al., 2018) [10].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. Adriko
- Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 1661, Plot 15 Bombo Road, Kampala, Uganda
- Uganda Institute of Allied Health & Management Science (UIAHMS), School of Medical Entomology and Parasitology, P.O. Box 1661, Kampala, Uganda
- Corresponding author at: Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 1661, Plot 15 Bombo Road, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - B. Tinkitina
- Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 1661, Plot 15 Bombo Road, Kampala, Uganda
| | - E.M. Tukahebwa
- Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 1661, Plot 15 Bombo Road, Kampala, Uganda
| | - C.J. Standley
- Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - J.R. Stothard
- Parasitology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - N.B. Kabatereine
- Uganda Institute of Allied Health & Management Science (UIAHMS), School of Medical Entomology and Parasitology, P.O. Box 1661, Kampala, Uganda
- Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, St Mary׳s Campus, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK
| |
Collapse
|