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Zacharia A, Makene T, Haule S, Lukumay G, Omary H, Shabani M, Ngasala B. Urogenital schistosomiasis among adult male population in an endemic area of southern Tanzania: a descriptive cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e079690. [PMID: 38889945 PMCID: PMC11191765 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS) caused by Schistosoma haematobium is endemic in Southern Tanzania. The disease has significant implications for both socioeconomic and public health. Because infections with S. haematobium usually peak in childhood, the majority of studies have concentrated on school-aged children leaving other groups such as males which might be continuous reservoir of infection transmission. However, despite its chronic consequences in the male population, the disease has received insufficient attention, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This study was conducted to describe the previous and current schistosomiasis status among adult males living in high-endemic areas of southern Tanzania DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was employed to gather data on the prevalence of UGS among adult men residing at schistosomiasis endemic in the Mtama District Council. Quantitative methods of data collection which included questionnaire and laboratory procedures were used. RESULTS Out of 245 participants, macrohaematuria and microhaematuria were found in 12 (4.9%, 95% CI 2.4% to 7.8%) and 66 (26.9%, 95% CI 21.6% to 32.7%) participants, respectively. S. haematobium ova were recovered from the urine samples of 54 (22.0%, 95% CI 16.7% to 27.3%) participants. The median intensity of infection was 20 eggs per 10 mL of urine ranging from 1 to 201 eggs per 10 mL of urine (IQR) 60.5). Out of 245 participants 33 (13.5% 95% CI 9.0% to 17.6%) had light intensity of infection and 21 (38.9%, 95% CI; 25.0% to 52.5%) had heavy intensity of infection. Overall, the prevalence of heavy intensity of infection was 8.6% (95% CI 4.9% to 12.6%). The prevalence and intensity of UGS varied significantly by age, marital status and village of residence. CONCLUSION This study sheds light on the prevalence of UGS among adult males in endemic areas of southern Tanzania. The results highlight the urgent need for comprehensive intervention strategies to address the burden of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdallah Zacharia
- Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of
| | - Twilumba Makene
- Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of
| | - Stanley Haule
- Pathology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of
| | - Gift Lukumay
- Community Health Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of
| | - Huda Omary
- Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of
| | - Monica Shabani
- Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of
| | - Billy Ngasala
- Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of
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Sánchez-Marqués R, Bocanegra C, Salvador F, Nindia A, Pintar Z, Martínez-Campreciós J, Aixut S, Mossalilo P, Sulleiro E, Espiau M, Mas-Coma S, Bargues MD, Molina I. Prevalence and morbidity of urogenital schistosomiasis among pre-school age children in Cubal, Angola. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011751. [PMID: 37939154 PMCID: PMC10659159 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis is one of the most important neglected tropical diseases, with a great impact on public health and more than 200,000 deaths annually. Schistosoma haematobium causes urinary tract (UT) morbidity. Since schistosomiasis morbidity control programs focus on children older than 5 years, pre-school age children (PSAC) morbidity is not well known. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study in Cubal (Angola) among 245 PSAC with the objective of evaluating the prevalence of S. haematobium infection, the intensity of infection, and associated morbidity. For this purpose, urine filtration test followed by microscopic visualization and ultrasound examinations were performed. RESULTS The estimated overall prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis was 30.2% (CI 95%; 24.5-35.9), with 20.3% (CI 95%; 15.3-25.3) of the samples analysed showing a high intensity of infection. A total of 54.5% (CI 95%; 47.6-61.8) of infected children presented UT lesions, showing a significant association between schistosomiasis infection and UT morbidity (p-value < 0.001). Bladder wall thickening was the most common lesion, being present in 100% of abnormal ultrasounds. We found that anaemia and severe malnutrition were not significantly associated with the development of UT lesions. CONCLUSIONS S. haematobium infection in PSAC causes great UT detectable morbidities. Therefore, there is an evident need of including them in mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns and consequently the development of an adapted praziquantel treatment dosage for children under 2 years of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Sánchez-Marqués
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Bocanegra
- Tropical Medicine Unit Vall d’Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fernando Salvador
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Tropical Medicine Unit Vall d’Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Joan Martínez-Campreciós
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Hospital Nossa Senhora da Paz, Cubal, Angola
| | - Sandra Aixut
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vall Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Elena Sulleiro
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Microbiology Department, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Espiau
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunodeficiencies Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Santiago Mas-Coma
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ma. Dolores Bargues
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Israel Molina
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Tropical Medicine Unit Vall d’Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Sánchez-Marqués R, Salvador F, Bocanegra C, Nindia A, Pintar Z, Martínez J, Aixut S, Pessela A, Ramírez-Arroyo S, Farrés A, Chopo M, Izquierdo S, Mas-Coma S, Bargues MD, Molina I. Schistosoma haematobium infection and morbidity risk factors for pre-school age children in western Angola: A knowledge, attitudes and practices survey. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011650. [PMID: 37844022 PMCID: PMC10578572 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011650] [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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urogenital schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a poverty-related disease conditioned by behavioural practices. METHODS Our objective is to evaluate the awareness, mindset and habits about urogenital schistosomiasis in the community of Cubal (Angola), as well as its association with infection and urinary tract morbidity in pre-school age children. A cross-sectional study of knowledge, attitudes and practices at home was conducted between February and May 2022 with 250 participants. RESULTS Overall, 93.6% of those surveyed had some prior knowledge about schistosomiasis and, among all the symptoms associated with this disease, blood in the urine was the best known (54.4%). Nevertheless, 57.6% obtained a medium knowledge score. Regarding attitude, the majority of respondents had a high attitude score (79.2%) with 96.0% willing to participate in mass drug administration campaigns. Laundry in the river was the most common risk practice (61.2%) and 55.2% out of the total were classified with a low practice score. CONCLUSION Low knowledge about symptoms and transmission by caregivers was the outstanding risk factor for infection in pre-school age children (OR = 16.93, 95%CI: 3.93-72.82), and lack of knowledge that avoiding entering the river prevents schistosomiasis was the main risk factor for morbidity in PSAC (OR = 8.14, 95%CI: 1.14-58.25).
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Sánchez-Marqués
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Salvador
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Tropical Medicine Unit Vall d’Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Bocanegra
- Tropical Medicine Unit Vall d’Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Joan Martínez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Tropical Medicine Unit Vall d’Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital Nossa Senhora da Paz, Cubal, Angola
| | - Sandra Aixut
- Tropical Medicine Unit Vall d’Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital Nossa Senhora da Paz, Cubal, Angola
| | | | | | - Aina Farrés
- Hospital Nossa Senhora da Paz, Cubal, Angola
| | - María Chopo
- Hospital Nossa Senhora da Paz, Cubal, Angola
| | | | - Santiago Mas-Coma
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Dolores Bargues
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Israel Molina
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Tropical Medicine Unit Vall d’Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Linsuke S, Ilombe G, Disonama M, Nzita JD, Mbala P, Lutumba P, Van Geertruyden JP. Schistosoma Infection Burden and Risk Factors among School-Aged Children in a Rural Area of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:455. [PMID: 37755916 PMCID: PMC10535068 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8090455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite continuous efforts to control schistosomiasis (SCH) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), it still poses a significant challenge. In order to enhance control measures, additional research is necessary. This study documents the burden of SCH infection and its predictors in a rural area of the DRC. We conducted a household cross-sectional study from June to August 2021 among 480 school-aged children (SAC) aged 5-15 years living in a rural area of Kisangi, in the southwest DRC. We collected and examined stool, urine, and blood samples of each child. Additionally, we obtained data on anthropometry, socio-demographics, household information, and individual water contact behaviors. The overall prevalence of SCH infection was 55.8% (95% CI: 51.4-60.3), with prevalences of 41% (95% CI: 36.6-45.5), 36.3% (95% CI: 31.9-40.6), and 38.4% (95% CI: 32.6-44.3) for S. haematobium and S. mansoni infections and both infections, respectively. Among those with SCH infection, most had a light (67.5%) or heavy (51.7%) infection intensity. The geometric mean egg count was 16.6 EP 10 mL (95% CI: 12.9-21.3) for S. haematobium and 390.2 EPG (95% CI: 300.2-507.3) for S. mansoni. However, age (10 years and above (aOR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.5-3.1; p < 0.001)) was an independent risk factor for SCH infection. The overall prevalence of malaria infection was 16.9% (95% CI: 13.5-20.2), that of stunting was 28.7% (95% CI: 24.7-32.8), that of underweight was 17.1% (95% CI: 12.8-21.4), and that of thinness was 7.1% (95% CI: 4.8-9.4). Anemia was prevalent at 49.4% (95% CI: 44.9-5), and the median Hb level of all participants was 11.6 g/dL (IQR: 10.5-12.6 g/dL). Anemia was strongly associated with SCH infection (aOR: 3.4; 95% CI: 2.3-5.1; p < 0.001) yet there was no association with the risk for malaria infection (aOR: 1.0; 95% CI: 0.6-1.8; p = 0.563). In addition, the risk of anemia increased with heavy infection intensities (p < 0.026 and p < 0.013 for S. haematobium and S. mansoni, respectively). However, stunting had a protective factor for anemia (aOR: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.2-0.4; p < 0.001). To conclude, SCH infection was widespread among the SAC and strongly linked to anemia. These results provide evidence of the hyperendemicity of infection in the study area, which requires preventative measures such as chemotherapy to reduce the schistosomiasis-associated morbidity, and micronutrient supplements to avoid anemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Linsuke
- Department of Epidemiology, National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB), Kinshasa 01015, Democratic Republic of the Congo;
- Global Health Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (G.I.); (J.-P.V.G.)
| | - Gillon Ilombe
- Global Health Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (G.I.); (J.-P.V.G.)
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB), Kinshasa 01015, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Michel Disonama
- Health Zone of Kwilu-Ngongo, Kongo-Central Province, Kwilu-Ngongo 20, Democratic Republic of the Congo; (M.D.); (J.D.N.)
| | - Jean Deny Nzita
- Health Zone of Kwilu-Ngongo, Kongo-Central Province, Kwilu-Ngongo 20, Democratic Republic of the Congo; (M.D.); (J.D.N.)
| | - Placide Mbala
- Department of Epidemiology, National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB), Kinshasa 01015, Democratic Republic of the Congo;
- Department of Virology, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa 01015, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Pascal Lutumba
- Department of Tropical Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa 01015, Democratic Republic of the Congo;
| | - Jean-Pierre Van Geertruyden
- Global Health Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (G.I.); (J.-P.V.G.)
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Zacharia A, Makene T, Kinabo C, Ogweno G, Lyamuya F, Ngasala B. Dried urine spot method for detection of Schistosoma mansoni circulating cathodic antigen in resource-limited settings: a proof of concept study. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1216710. [PMID: 37753086 PMCID: PMC10518387 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1216710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Among the challenges in schistosomiasis surveillance and mapping surveys is the lack of a sensitive diagnostic method especially in low transmission setting. Currently, the WHO recommends the use point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (Schisto POC-CCA) tests for surveillance and mapping of intestinal schistosomiasis. However, Schisto POC-CCA test has its drawbacks, one of which is the timely availability of test kits. One approach to overcoming this challenge is to develop a low-cost sampling method that allows for the collection and transport of urine specimens even in resource-limited settings. Objective To develop a simple and efficient method for the collection and detection of Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) CCA using urine spotted onto filter paper. Methodology To develop a dried urine spot (DUS) method, various dried matrix extraction parameters were tested and optimized using predesigned steps. The parameters include the size of filter paper (determined by the number of punches), volume of solvents, and type of solvent. Moreover, we optimized the incubation conditions (time and temperature). Urine and stool specimens to conduct the experiments were collected from volunteer fishermen in Mwanza and this project staff. Data were entered into the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 20 for analysis. Results The optimal results were obtained when the procedure was run under the following conditions: Five punches of filter paper containing DUS were dissolved in 150 µl of distilled water and incubated at room temperature for 24 hours in an Eppendorf tube. More than 93% of the assays performed under these conditions produced results that were either comparable to or significantly better than the standard method. Conclusion This study demonstrates the feasibility of collecting urine specimen (DUS) using filter paper and detecting Schistosoma CCA from DUS specimen using the Schisto POC-CCA cassette test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdallah Zacharia
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Twilumba Makene
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Clemence Kinabo
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - George Ogweno
- National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Faraja Lyamuya
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Program, Ministry of Health, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Billy Ngasala
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Reed AL, O'Ferrall AM, Kayuni SA, Baxter H, Stanton MC, Stothard JR, Jewell C. Modelling the age-prevalence relationship in schistosomiasis: A secondary data analysis of school-aged-children in Mangochi District, Lake Malawi. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2023; 22:e00303. [PMID: 37234267 PMCID: PMC10205779 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is an aquatic snail borne parasitic disease, with intestinal schistosomiasis (IS) and urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS) caused by Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium infections, respectively. School-aged-children (SAC) are a known vulnerable group and can also suffer from co-infections. Along the shoreline of Lake Malawi a newly emerging outbreak of IS is occurring with increasing UGS co-infection rates. Age-prevalence (co)infection profiles are not fully understood. To shed light on these (co)infection trends by Schistosoma species and by age of child, we conducted a secondary data analysis of primary epidemiological data collected from SAC in Mangochi District, Lake Malawi, as published previously. Available diagnostic data by child, were converted into binary response infection profiles for 520 children, aged 6-15, across 12 sampled schools. Generalised additive models were then fitted to mono- and dual-infections. These were used to identify consistent population trends, finding the prevalence of IS significantly increased [p = 8.45e-4] up to 11 years of age then decreasing thereafter. A similar age-prevalence association was observed for co-infection [p = 7.81e-3]. By contrast, no clear age-infection pattern for UGS was found [p = 0.114]. Peak prevalence of Schistosoma infection typically occurs around adolescence; however, in this newly established IS outbreak with rising prevalence of UGS co-infections, the peak appears to occur earlier, around the age of 11 years. As the outbreak of IS fulminates, further temporal analysis of the age-relationship with Schistosoma infection is justified. This should refer to age-prevalence models which could better reveal newly emerging transmission trends and Schistosoma species dynamics. Dynamical modelling of infections, alongside malacological niche mapping, should be considered to guide future primary data collection and intervention programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber L. Reed
- Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Bailrigg House, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YE, UK
- Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke PI, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Angus M. O'Ferrall
- Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke PI, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Sekeleghe A. Kayuni
- Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke PI, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
- MASM Medi Clinics Limited, Medical Aid Society of Malawi (MASM), P.O. Box 31659, Lilongwe 3. Malawi
| | - Hamish Baxter
- Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke PI, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Michelle C. Stanton
- Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Pl, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - J. Russell Stothard
- Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke PI, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Christopher Jewell
- Mathematics and Statistics, Lancaster University, Bailrigg House, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YE, UK
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Tadele T, Astatkie A, Abay SM, Tadesse BT, Makonnen E, Aklillu E. Prevalence and Determinants of Schistosoma mansoni Infection among Pre-School Age Children in Southern Ethiopia. Pathogens 2023; 12:858. [PMID: 37513705 PMCID: PMC10385345 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
School-based deworming program is implemented to control and eliminate Schistosoma mansoni infection in many endemic countries, including Ethiopia. However, pre-school-age children (pre-SAC) are not targeted to receive preventive chemotherapy against S. mansoni infection, partly due to a lack of information on the disease burden. We assessed the prevalence and correlates of S. mansoni infection among pre-SAC in Southern Ethiopia. A total of 1683 pre-SAC aged 4 to 7 years were screened for S. mansoni infection. A multilevel binary logistic regression was fitted to detect the significant determinants of S. mansoni infection. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to identify determinants of S. mansoni infection. The overall prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 14.3% (95% CI: 12.6, 16.0%). S. mansoni infection was significantly higher among 6-year-old (AOR = 2.58, 95% CI: 1.55, 4.27) and 7-year-old children (AOR = 4.63, 95% CI: 2.82, 7.62). Accompanying others to water sources sometimes (AOR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.12, 6.01) and all the time (AOR = 5.91, 95% CI: 2.51, 13.90), and residing in less than one kilometer from the infested water source (AOR = 3.17, 95% CI: 1.47, 6.83) increased the odds of S. mansoni infection. In conclusion, the prevalence of S. mansoni infection among pre-SAC in the study area was moderate. The study highlights the urgent need to include pre-SAC aged 4 to 7 years in annual preventive chemotherapy campaigns to reduce the risk of possible sources of infection and enhance the achievement of the elimination target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tafese Tadele
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa P.O. Box 1560, Ethiopia
| | - Ayalew Astatkie
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa P.O. Box 1560, Ethiopia
| | - Solomon Mequanente Abay
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 9086, Ethiopia
| | - Birkneh Tilahun Tadesse
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa P.O. Box 1560, Ethiopia
| | - Eyasu Makonnen
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 9086, Ethiopia
- Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 9086, Ethiopia
| | - Eleni Aklillu
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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Sow D, Sylla K, Dieng NM, Senghor B, Gaye PM, Fall CB, Goumballa N, Diallo A, Ndiaye JLA, Parola P, Sokhna C, Doucouré S, Faye B. Molecular diagnosis of urogenital schistosomiasis in pre-school children, school-aged children and women of reproductive age at community level in central Senegal. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:43. [PMID: 36717835 PMCID: PMC9887789 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05671-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urogenital schistosomiasis is a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa. In Senegal, the disease is endemic in all regions of the country. Recently, WHO strongly recommended including pre-school children and women of reproductive age during a mass drug administration campaign. It is important to describe the burden of the disease in these group at risk using innovative diagnostic tools. This study aimed to assess the use of real-time PCR in the detection of schistosomiasis cases at the community level in a seasonal transmission area. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was carried out in Niakhar located in the centre of Senegal. Pre-schoolchildren, school-aged children and female adolescents and adults were invited to participate in the study in April 2018. Urine samples were collected and examined using Hemastix reagent strips, filtration technique and real-time PCR. Schistosoma haematobium was detected, identified by targeting the Dra1 gene. The prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis was determined for each group and the performance of the real-time PCR was compared with the conventional techniques. RESULTS A total of 428 participants were enrolled in this study including 87 (20.4%) pre-school children (1-5 years), 262 (61.3%) school-aged children between (5-14 years), 17 (3.9%) adolescents (15-17 years) and 62 (14.4%) female adults. The comparison of the diagnostic techniques has shown that the prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis is higher using molecular technique (34.6%) compared to microscopy (20.3%). The percentage rate of haematuria using Hemastix was 23.1%. School-aged children between 5 and 14 years old were the most affected with 29.0% and 43.1% under microscopy and RT-PCR, respectively. In female participants, microscopic prevalence decreases with age, from 21.4% in school-aged children to 17.6% in adolescents and 9.7% in adults. There was good correlation between the number of eggs per 10 ml and the cycle threshold range. CONCLUSION These results show the importance of using molecular tools in the surveillance of schistosomiasis particularly in pre-school children and women of reproductive age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doudou Sow
- grid.442784.90000 0001 2295 6052Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, UFR Sciences de la Santé, Université Gaston Berger, Saint-Louis, Sénégal
| | - Khadime Sylla
- grid.8191.10000 0001 2186 9619Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, FMPO, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Ndeye Marème Dieng
- grid.8191.10000 0001 2186 9619Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, FMPO, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Bruno Senghor
- grid.418291.70000 0004 0456 337XUnité VITROME Dakar, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Papa Mouhamadou Gaye
- grid.418291.70000 0004 0456 337XUnité VITROME Dakar, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Cheikh B. Fall
- grid.8191.10000 0001 2186 9619Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, FMPO, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Ndiaw Goumballa
- grid.418291.70000 0004 0456 337XUnité VITROME Dakar, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Aldiouma Diallo
- grid.418291.70000 0004 0456 337XUnité VITROME Dakar, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Jean Louis A. Ndiaye
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, UFR Sciences de la Santé, Université Iba Der Thiam, Thies, Sénégal
| | - Philippe Parola
- Unité VITROME, IHU Méditérannée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Cheikh Sokhna
- grid.418291.70000 0004 0456 337XUnité VITROME Dakar, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Souleymane Doucouré
- grid.418291.70000 0004 0456 337XUnité VITROME Dakar, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Babacar Faye
- grid.8191.10000 0001 2186 9619Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, FMPO, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Sénégal
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Ogweno G, Mushi V, Silvestri V, Bonaventura W, Justine NC, Noah M, Yoram F, Mohamed H, Tarimo D. Burden and risk factors for Schistosoma mansoni infection among primary school children: A quantitative school-based cross-sectional survey in Busega district, Northern Tanzania. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280180. [PMID: 36634114 PMCID: PMC9836289 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal schistosomiasis is one of the most common neglected tropical diseases in Tanzania. Despite massive praziquantel administration, data from Northern Tanzania have reported a prevalence of up to 93.2%. Because the disease is focal, depending on host, environmental and intermediate host factors, there is a need to acquire data in specific settings to better tailor interventions. Therefore, the study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with persistent transmission of intestinal schistosomiasis among school-age children in Busega district, Northern Tanzania. METHODS A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 363 primary school children, randomly selected from school clusters in the Busega district. A single stool sample was collected from each child for S. mansoni ova and infection intensity examination using Kato-Katz. Factors related to intestinal schistosomiasis transmission were acquired through a questionnaire. A malacological survey was carried out to determine the Biomphalaria infectivity rate. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were conducted to analyse the association between schistosoma infection and factors related to transmission in this setting. RESULTS The prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 41.3% (95% CI: 36.3-46.5), statistically significantly higher among the younger group aged less than 11 years (46.4% vs 35.3%, p = 0.032). The intensity of infection was heavy in 1.6% of participants, moderate in 9.6%, and light in 30.9%. Studying at Mwamayombo Primary School (AOR = 2.50, 95% CI: 1.12-5.60) was the only factor significantly associated with S. mansoni infestations. The snail intermediate host belonged to Biomphalaria sudanica species, whose infectivity rate was quantified as 0.97%, thus confirming ongoing transmission in the area. CONCLUSIONS There was a high prevalence of S. mansoni infection among school-age children in the Busega district. The presence of the infected Biomphalaria sudanica in the area documents the persistent transmission of the disease, favored by low knowledge and negative attitudes among school-aged children. Hence, the need for multi-approach intervention for schistosomiasis prevention and elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Ogweno
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Vivian Mushi
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Department of Zoology and Wildlife Conservation, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- * E-mail:
| | - Valeria Silvestri
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Witness Bonaventura
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Nyanda C. Justine
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Mololo Noah
- Maweni Regional Referral Hospital, Kigoma, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Furahini Yoram
- Department of Clinical Oncology, School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Hussein Mohamed
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Donath Tarimo
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Berhanu MS, Atnafie SA, Ali TE, Chekol AA, Kebede HB. Efficacy of Praziquantel Treatment and Schistosoma Mansoni Infection among Primary School Children in Kemisse Town, Northeast Ethiopia. Ethiop J Health Sci 2022; 32:631-640. [PMID: 35813666 PMCID: PMC9214732 DOI: 10.4314/ejhs.v32i3.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosoma mansoni infection is endemic in Ethiopia. The epidemiology of S. mansoni and the efficacy of praziquantel among schoolchildren have not been well documented in different parts of the country including our study area. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the status of S. mansoni infection and evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of praziquantel among school children in northeast Ethiopia. Methods A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 499 children of two preschool children. Stool specimens were collected and microscopically examined using Kato-Katz (41.7 gram) methods. Positive children were treated with a single oral dose of praziquantel at 40 mg/kg body weight. Egg reduction and cure rates were assessed 4 weeks post-treatment to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of praziquantel against S. mansoni infection. Results The overall prevalence of S. mansoni infection among the schoolchildren was 52.1% with a mean intensity of 546 eggs per gram of stool. Majorities of the S. mansoni infections were moderate to heavy intensity, with only 5.0% light infections. Praziquantel administered at a single oral dose of 40 mg/kg achieved a cure rate of 91.7% and reduced the egg rate by 86.8%. Twenty-one schoolchildren remained infected at 4 weeks post-treatment, among which 6 and 15 children had moderate and light infections, respectively. Conclusions S. mansoni prevalence among primary school children in Northeast Ethiopia was high, highlighting the need to implement school-based chemotherapy with annual frequency. The efficacy of praziquantel at 40 mg/kg is sufficient to permit continued use in treating S. mansoni-infected schoolchildren.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meslo Sema Berhanu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Seyfe Asrade Atnafie
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tahir Eyayu Ali
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Aderaw Adamu Chekol
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Habtamu Biazin Kebede
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Mushi V, Zacharia A, Shao M, Mubi M, Tarimo D. Prevalence and risk factors of urogenital schistosomiasis among under-fives in Mtama District in the Lindi region of Tanzania. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010381. [PMID: 35442997 PMCID: PMC9060350 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite the ongoing intervention for schistosomiasis control among school-age children in the Lindi region of Tanzania, urogenital schistosomiasis continues to be a public health problem, presumably because other at-risk populations are not covered in praziquantel deworming campaigns. Evidence shows that under-fives become infected in their early life hence the need to understand the disease profile and the risk factors for exposure to infection so as to plan effective control strategies in this group. This study examined the prevalence and risk factors of urogenital schistosomiasis among under-fives in the Mtama district, Lindi region of Tanzania. Methodology/Principal findings A quantitative community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 770 participants (385 under-fives and their 385 parents/guardians) in the Mtama district to investigate the burden and the risk factors associated with S. haematobium infection. A single urine specimen was collected from the under-fives and tested for macro and microhaematuria, presence of S. haematobium ova, and intensity of infection. A structured questionnaire gathered on risk factors for S. haematobium exposure in under-fives from their parents/guardians. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and logistic regression. Prevalence of S. haematobium ova was 16.9%, and that of macro and microhaematuria was 6% and 17.9%, respectively. Of the 65 positive under-fives, 49 (75.4%) 95% CI 65.4–86.3 had a light infection intensity, and 16 (24.6%) 95% CI 13.7–35.5 had a heavy infection intensity. Among the assessed risk factors, the parents/guardians habit of visiting water bodies for domestic routines (AOR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.13–1.74), especially the river (AOR: 6.00, 95% CI: 1.20–35.12), was found to be a significant risk factor for infection of S. haematobium in under-fives. Conclusion/Significance A moderate prevalence of S. haematobium was found among the under-fives conceivably with adverse health events. The infected under-fives could be a source of continuity for transmission in the community. An intervention that covers this group is necessary and should be complemented with regular screening, health education campaigns, and an adequate supply of safe water. Urogenital schistosomiasis caused by S. haematobium has been highly endemic in Lindi-Tanzania for more than three decades. Due to the burden of the disease, preventive chemotherapy with praziquantel was put in place to control the infection. However, this intervention has focused merely on school-aged children, excluding preschool-age children, despite the evidence of early exposure to the infested water. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the current burden and the risk factors of urogenital schistosomiasis among the under-fives of Mtama district, Lindi region. The prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis in under-fives was 16.9% with approximately a quarter (24.6%) being heavily infected. The factors responsible for the ongoing transmission of urogenital schistosomiasis in under-fives were the parental/guardians’ inadequate knowledge (31.1%), coupled with negative attitudes (40.5%), and inappropriate practices (34.3%) regarding the disease transmission, treatment, and prevention. Also, inadequate supply of safe water and sanitation facilities, unhygienic practices, and intense parental/guardian water contact activities. The parents/guardians’ practices of visiting the water bodies, especially the river, with the under-fives were significantly associated with the early acquisition of the disease. Hence, there is a need for regular monitoring of under-fives, provision of health education to parents/guardians, and adequate provision of safe water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Mushi
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- * E-mail:
| | - Abdallah Zacharia
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Magdalena Shao
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Marycelina Mubi
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Donath Tarimo
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Detecting Schistosoma haematobium infection by microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in school children in three senatorial districts of Cross River State, Nigeria. J Parasit Dis 2022; 46:272-279. [PMID: 35299919 PMCID: PMC8901918 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-021-01446-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
As a result of the poor sensitivity and specificity of the standard parasitological diagnostic methods currently being used, this study was conducted to compare the standard parasitological diagnostic methods and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in determining the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in Cross River State (CRS). The study was conducted between April 2015 and March 2016. Seven hundred and seventy seven (777) urine samples were randomly collected from selected school-age children. The urine samples were subjected to standard parasitological and molecular examinations. Chi-square test was used to test the differences between the data on subgroups and the results from specimen examinations. An overall prevalence of 1.7% was recorded using microscopy and 34.7% recorded using PCR. The highest prevalence of infection by microscopy occurred in the Southern Senatorial District (2.3%), while the Northern Senatorial District recorded the highest prevalence of infection by PCR (53.2%) (p < 0.05). Males were more infected (2.4%) than females (0.6%) using microscopy. With PCR, males were also more infected (35.7%) compared to females (33.3%) (p < 0.05). The highest prevalence of infection using microscopy and PCR both occurred in school-age children aged 5-8 years (3.6% and 47.8% respectively), while the lowest prevalence for both methods occurred in participants aged 17 - 20 years (0% for both methods) (p < 0.05). This study has shown PCR to be effective in detecting schistosomiasis infection and also re-affirms the endemicity of urinary schistosomiasis in the three Senatorial Districts of CRS.
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Mushi V, Zacharia A, Shao M, Mubi M, Tarimo D. Persistence of Schistosoma haematobium transmission among school children and its implication for the control of urogenital schistosomiasis in Lindi, Tanzania. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263929. [PMID: 35167622 PMCID: PMC8846507 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite twelve rounds of school-based preventive chemotherapy for schistosomiasis in endemic areas of Tanzania such as Mtama district, Lindi: the burden of Schistosoma haematobium infection has remained highly conceivable due to re-infections. The factors associated with continuity of S.haematobium transmission in Mtama district, Lindi have not been fully established. This study investigated the burden and factors contributing to the ongoing transmission of S.haematobium infection in the endemic district of Mtama, Lindi. Methods A quantitative cross-sectional survey was carried out among 649 school-age children in the Mtama district to determine the burden and factors associated with continuity of S.haematobium infection transmission. A single urine specimen was obtained from each pupil and tested for macro- and microhaematuria, presence of S.haematobium ova, as well intensity of infection; this was complemented with a survey of Bulinus spp snail intermediate hosts and their infectivity. A structured questionnaire was employed to gather information on individual and environmental risk factors for S.haematobium transmission. Summary statistics were computed for individual variables; while a univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between risk factors with S.haematobium infection. Results Prevalence of S.haematobium infection by macro- and microhaematuria was 13.1% and 46.2% respectively. The prevalence of S.haematobium ova was 52.7%; intensity of infection was light in 53.1%, and heavy in 46.9%. Snail intermediate hosts were Bulinus globosus and B.nasutus, whose infectivity was 2.2% and 1.3%, respectively. Among the assessed risk factors, long residency (10–13 years) in the area was a significant risk factor for the continuity of S.haematobium transmission (AOR: 21.79, 95% CI: 1.37–346.4). Conclusions The observed 52.7% prevalence of S.haematobium infection represents unacceptably high prevalence after 12 rounds of preventive chemotherapy. Therefore, an urgent need for the implementation of integrated multiple control interventions in the Mtama district; is considered to be imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Mushi
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- * E-mail:
| | - Abdallah Zacharia
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Magdalena Shao
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Marycelina Mubi
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Donath Tarimo
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Hailegebriel T, Nibret E, Munshea A, Ameha Z. Prevalence, intensity and associated risk factors of Schistosoma mansoni infections among schoolchildren around Lake Tana, northwestern Ethiopia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009861. [PMID: 34705817 PMCID: PMC8550401 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis is one of the widely distributed neglected tropical diseases. It is a serious public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease is highly prevalent and widely distributed in Ethiopia due to suitable environmental factors and human activities. The prevalence and infection intensity varied from locality to locality in the country. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and intensity of S. mansoni infection and associated risk factors among schoolchildren around Lake Tana. METHODS A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 710 schoolchildren from February to April 2021 in eight selected primary schools around Lake Tana. A questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic information and potential risk factors of S. mansoni infection. After collecting socio-demographic information, students were requested to bring about 2grams of stool specimens for parasitological examination. The collected stool samples were processed using a single Kato-Katz and Ritchie's concentration techniques. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23 and factors with a p-value < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. RESULTS The overall prevalence of S. mansoni was 34.9% (95% CI: 31.4-38.7) among schoolchildren in the study area. The eggs per gram (EPG) of stool ranged from 24 to 1659 with arithmetic and geometric mean values of 138.1 EPG and 85.1 EPG, respectively. The majority of S. mansoni infections (61.4%) were classified as low infection intensity. Among the different determinant factors being male (AOR = 1.74; 95%CI = 1.233-2.457; P-value = 0.002), bathing habits (AOR = 1.494; 95%CI = 1.013-2.199; P-value = 0.043) and students attending at Qunzela primary school (AOR = 10.545; 95%CI = 3.264-34.067; P-value = 0.001), Alabo primary school (AOR = 3.386; 95%CI = 1.084-10.572; P-value = 0.036) were significantly associated with S. mansoni infection. CONCLUSION This study revealed that more than one-third of schoolchildren were infected by S. mansoni in the study area. The majority of the infections were classified as low infection intensity. Being male, bathing habits and schools in which students attended were independent explanatory factors for S. mansoni infection. Therefore, integrated control strategies are needed to improve the health conditions of schoolchildren in the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamirat Hailegebriel
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
- Biotechnology Research Institute (BRI), Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
- * E-mail:
| | - Endalkachew Nibret
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
- Biotechnology Research Institute (BRI), Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Abaineh Munshea
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
- Biotechnology Research Institute (BRI), Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Zena Ameha
- Amhara Public Health Institute (APHI), Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
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