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Mbugi NO, Laizer H, Chacha M, Mbega E. Prevalence of human schistosomiasis in various regions of Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar: A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies conducted for the past ten years (2013-2023). PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012462. [PMID: 39250468 PMCID: PMC11412511 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012462] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a significant public health problem in Tanzania, particularly for the people living in the marginalized settings. We have conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis on the prevalence of schistosomiasis to add knowledge towards the development of effective approaches to control the disease in Tanzania. Online databases namely, Pub Med, SCOPUS and AJOL, were systematically searched and a random effect model was used to calculate the pooled prevalence of the disease. Heterogeneity and the between studies variances were determined using Cochran (Q) and Higgins (I2) tests, respectively. A total of 55 articles met the inclusion criterion for this review and all have satisfactory quality scores. The pooled prevalence of the disease in Tanzania was 26.40%. Tanzania mainland had the highest schistosomiasis prevalence (28.89%) than Zanzibar (8.95%). Sub-group analyses based on the year of publication revealed the going up of the pooled prevalence, whereby for (2013-2018) and (2018-2023) the prevalence was 23.41% and 30.06%, respectively. The prevalence of the Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma hematobium were 37.91% and 8.86% respectively. Mara, Simuyu, and Mwanza were the most prevalent regions, with a pooled prevalence of 77.39%, 72.26%, and 51.19%, respectively. The pooled prevalence based on the diagnostic method was 64.11% for PCR and 56.46% for POC-CCA, which is relatively high compared to other tests. Cochrans and Higgins (I2) test has shown significant heterogeneity (p-value = 0.001 and I2 = 99.6). Factors including age, region, diagnostic method and sample size have shown significant contribution to the displayed heterogeneity. The pronounced and increasing prevalence of the disease suggests potential low coverage and possibly lack of involvement of some regions in the control of the disease. This, therefore, calls for an intensive implementation of control interventions in all endemic regions, preferably using an integrated approach that targets several stages of the disease lifecycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolaus Omari Mbugi
- The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Arusha, Tanzania
- Mbeya University of Science and Technology, College of Science and Technical Education, Mbeya, Tanzania
| | - Hudson Laizer
- Mbeya University of Science and Technology, College of Science and Technical Education, Mbeya, Tanzania
| | | | - Ernest Mbega
- The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Arusha, Tanzania
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Alemu G, Nibret E, Amor A, Munshea A, Anegagrie M. Knowledge, attitude and practice towards intestinal schistosomiasis among school-aged children and adults in Amhara Regional State, northwest Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study. Trop Med Health 2024; 52:23. [PMID: 38462634 PMCID: PMC10926617 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-024-00584-6] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosoma mansoni causes intestinal schistosomiasis (SCH) in all regions of Ethiopia. Despite many years of mass treatment, the prevalence has not dropped significantly. The reduction of SCH transmission demands the integration of deworming with safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) activities. Adequate knowledge and a positive attitude towards SCH are critical to practicing those interventions. However, data on the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) level in school and community settings is limited in Ethiopia. METHODS School and community-based cross-sectional studies were conducted from February to June 2023 among 634 school-aged children (SAC) and 558 adults. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and KAP data. Records were entered and analyzed using SPSS software version 21. Correct responses for each of the KAP questions were scored as one, while incorrect or 'I don't know' responses were scored as zero. Good knowledge, a positive attitude and good practice were declared if percentage scores were ≥ 80%, ≥ 90% and ≥ 75%, respectively. RESULTS Only 229 (19.2%) respondents, comprising 91 (14.4%) SAC and 138 (24.7%) adults, had ever heard of SCH. Adults, males, and urban residents had higher awareness level compared to their respective counterparts (p < 0.05). Only 28.4% of aware respondents knew that swimming or bathing in freshwater is a risk factor for schistosoma infection; 10.9% knew the etiologic agent; and 14.4% mentioned at least one sign and symptom associated with SCH. The majority (97.8%) of the respondents were willing to take therapeutic drugs, but only 37.6% believed that SCH is a serious disease. Regarding risky practices, 89.5% practiced swimming or bathing in freshwater, and 25.3% had no access to piped water. Among the aware respondents, only 18 (7.9%) had good knowledge, while 30 (13.1%) had a positive attitude towards SCH. Ninety-nine (43.2%) respondents had good Schistosoma infection prevention practices. CONCLUSIONS The knowledge, attitude, and preventive practice level towards schistosomiasis are low in the study area. Therefore, strengthening school and community-based health education, along with mass drug administration (MDA), WASH, and a vector control program, is recommended for preventing SCH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Getaneh Alemu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.
| | - Endalkachew Nibret
- Biology Department, Science College, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
- Health Biotechnology Division, Institute of Biotechnology (IoB), Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Arancha Amor
- Mundo Sano Foundation and Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Abaineh Munshea
- Biology Department, Science College, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
- Health Biotechnology Division, Institute of Biotechnology (IoB), Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Melaku Anegagrie
- Mundo Sano Foundation and Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Alemu G, Amor A, Nibret E, Munshea A, Anegagrie M. Efficacy and safety of prazequantel for the treatment of Schistosoma mansoni infection across different transmission settings in Amhara Regional State, northwest Ethiopia. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298332. [PMID: 38437215 PMCID: PMC10911589 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298332] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium infections have been public health problems in Ethiopia, S. mansoni being more prevalent. To reduce the burden of schistosomiasis, a national school-based prazequantel (PZQ) mass drug administration (MDA) program has been implemented since November 2015. Nevertheless, S. mansoni infection is still a major public health problem throughout the country. Reduced efficacy of PZQ is reported by a few studies in Ethiopia, but adequate data in different geographical settings is lacking. Hence, this study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of PZQ for the treatment of S. mansoni infection across different transmission settings in Amhara Regional State, northwest Ethiopia. METHODS A school-based single-arm prospective cohort study was conducted from February to June, 2023 among 130 S. mansoni-infected school-aged children (SAC). Forty-two, 37, and 51 S. mansoni-infected SAC were recruited from purposely selected schools located in low, moderate, and high transmission districts, respectively. School-aged children who were tested positive both by Kato Katz (KK) using stool samples and by the point of care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) test using urine samples at baseline were treated with a standard dose of PZQ and followed for 21 days for the occurrence of adverse events. After three weeks post-treatment, stool and urine samples were re-tested using KK and POC-CCA. Then the cure rate (CR), egg reduction rate (ERR), and treatment-associated adverse events were determined. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. RESULTS Out of the total 130 study participants, 110 completed the follow-up. The CR and ERR of PZQ treatment were 88.2% (95%CI: 82.7-93.6) and 93.5% (95%CI: 85.4-98.5), respectively, by KK. The CR of PZQ based on the POC-CCA test was 70.9% (95%CI: 62.7-79.1) and 75.5% (95%CI: 67.3-83.6) depending on whether the interpretation of 'trace' results was made as positive or negative, respectively. After treatment on the 21st day, 78 and 83 participants tested negative both by KK and POC-CCA, with respective interpretations of 'trace' POC-CCA test results as positive or negative. The CR in low, moderate and high transmission settings was 91.7%, 91.2% and 82.5%, respectively (p = 0.377) when evaluated by KK. The CR among SAC with a light infection at baseline (95.7%) by KK was higher than that of moderate (81.5%) and heavy (64.3%) infections (χ2 = 12.53, p = 0.002). Twenty-six (23.6%) participants manifested at least one adverse event. Eleven (10.0%), eight (7.3%), six (5.5%), and three (2.7%) participants complained about abdominal pain, nausea, headache, and anorexia, respectively. All adverse events were mild, needing no intervention. Occurrence of adverse events was slightly higher in high endemic areas (32.5%) than moderate (23.5%) and low endemic areas (p = 0.279). CONCLUSIONS A single dose of 40 mg/kg PZQ was efficacious and safe for the treatment of S. mansoni infection when it was evaluated by the KK test, but a lower efficacy was recorded when it was evaluated by the POC-CCA test. However, the POC-CCA test's specificity, clearance time of CCA from urine after treatment, and interpretation of weakly reactive (trace) test results need further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Getaneh Alemu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Arancha Amor
- Mundo Sano Foundation and Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Endalkachew Nibret
- Biology Department, Science College, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
- Health Biotechnology Division, Institute of Biotechnology (IoB), Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Abaineh Munshea
- Biology Department, Science College, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
- Health Biotechnology Division, Institute of Biotechnology (IoB), Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Melaku Anegagrie
- Mundo Sano Foundation and Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Tadele T, Astatkie A, Tadesse BT, Makonnen E, Aklillu E, Abay SM. Efficacy and safety of praziquantel treatment against Schistosoma mansoni infection among pre-school age children in southern Ethiopia. Trop Med Health 2023; 51:72. [PMID: 38124206 PMCID: PMC10731898 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-023-00562-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preventive chemotherapy with a single dose of praziquantel given to an all-at-risk population through mass drug administration is the cornerstone intervention to control and eliminate schistosomiasis as a public health problem. This intervention mainly targets school age children, and pre-school age children (pre-SAC) are excluded from receiving preventive chemotherapy, partly due to scarcity of data on praziquantel treatment outcomes. METHODS We conducted active efficacy and safety surveillance of praziquantel treatment among 240 Schistosoma mansoni-infected pre-SAC who received a single dose of praziquantel (40 mg/kg) in southern Ethiopia. The study outcomes were egg reduction rates (ERR) and cure rates (CRs) four weeks after treatment using the Kato-Katz technique and treatment-associated adverse events (AEs) that occurred within 8 days post-treatment. RESULTS The overall ERR was 93.3% (WHO reference threshold ≥ 90%), while the CR was 85.2% (95% CI = 80.0-89.5%). Baseline S. mansoni infection intensity was significantly associated with CRs, 100% among light infected than moderate (83.4%) or heavy (29.4%) infected children. An increase of 100 in baseline S. mansoni egg count per gram of stool resulted in a 26% (95% CI: 17%, 34%) reduction in the odds of cure. The incidence of experiencing at least one type of AE was 23.1% (95% CI: 18.0%, 29.0%). Stomachache, diarrhea, and nausea were the most common AEs. AEs were mild-to-moderate grade and transient. Pre-treatment moderate (ARR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.69, 6.14) or heavy infection intensity (ARR = 6.5, 95% CI: 3.62, 11.52) was a significant predictor of AEs (p < 0.001). Sex, age, or soil-transmitted helminth coinfections were not significant predictors of CR or AEs. CONCLUSIONS Single-dose praziquantel is tolerable and effective against S. mansoni infection among pre-SAC, and associated AEs are mostly mild-to-moderate and transient. However, the reduced CR in heavily infected and AEs in one-fourth of S. mansoni-infected pre-SAC underscores the need for safety and efficacy monitoring, especially in moderate-to-high infection settings. Integrating pre-SACs in the national deworming programs is recommended to accelerate the elimination of schistosomiasis as a public health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tafese Tadele
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 1560, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Ayalew Astatkie
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 1560, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Birkneh Tilahun Tadesse
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 1560, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Eyasu Makonnen
- Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Eleni Aklillu
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Solomon Mequanente Abay
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Tiruneh A, Zemene E, Abdissa Mizana B, Girma H, Dereje E, Sharew B, Ayana M, Mekonnen Z. Schistosoma mansoni Infections and Morbidities Among School Children in Hotspot Areas of Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2023; 17:11786302231161047. [PMID: 36969091 PMCID: PMC10034345 DOI: 10.1177/11786302231161047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosoma mansoni is endemic in all regions of Ethiopia. School-age children are highly vulnerable to schistosomiasis-related morbidities. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of S. mansoni and morbidities among schoolchildren in schistosomiasis hotspot areas of Jimma Town. METHODS Cross-sectional study was conducted among schoolchildren in Jimma Town. Stool sample was examined using Kato-Katz for the detection of S. mansoni. RESULTS A total of 332 schoolchildren were included in the study. The prevalence of S. mansoni and STHs was 20.2% and 19.9%, respectively. Males (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.9; 95% CI: 2.4-10.1; p = .001), swimming habits (AOR = 3.0; 95% CI: 1.1-8.3; p = .033) and schools attended (AOR = 4.3; 95% CI: 1.4-13.6; p = .012, AOR = 3.8; 95% CI: 1.3-10.9; p = .014) were associated factors for S. mansoni infections. Blood in stool (AOR = 2.0; CI: 1.0-4.1; p = .045) and feeling general malaise (AOR = 4.0; CI: 1.4-11.3; p = .007) were significantly associated with S. mansoni infection-related morbidities. Moreover, prevalence of stunting among schoolchildren 6 to 11 years of age was 29.7% (71/239). CONCLUSION The transmission of S. mansoni among schoolchildren is moderate. Sex, swimming habits and schools attended were associated with S. mansoni infections. Blood in stool and general malaise were clinical characteristics associated with S. mansoni infections. Integration of health promotion is needed to achieve control and elimination goals. Attention should also be given to stunted growth of the children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abebaw Tiruneh
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences,
Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Endalew Zemene
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences,
Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Biru Abdissa Mizana
- Department of Midwifery, Institute of
Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Hundaol Girma
- Molecular Biology and NTD Research
Center, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Eden Dereje
- Molecular Biology and NTD Research
Center, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Bizuwork Sharew
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences,
Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Mio Ayana
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences,
Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Zeleke Mekonnen
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences,
Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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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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Bisetegn H, Feleke DG, Debash H, Erkihun Y, Ebrahim H. Hematological and Biochemical changes in Schistosoma mansoni infected patients at Haik Primary Hospital, North-East Ethiopia: A comparative cross-sectional study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010728. [PMID: 36040929 PMCID: PMC9467371 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010728] [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: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Schistosomes are blood dwelling parasites that affect more than 260 million people globally, and over 800 million people are at risk of infection in 74 countries. It causes acute and chronic debilitating diseases. The parasite is reported to alter the hematological and biochemical parameters in humans. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the hematological and biochemical changes in S. mansoni infected adult patients compared to apparently healthy controls.
Methods
A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at Haik Primary Hospital from February to April 2021. One hundred and eighty study participants consisting of 90 S. mansoni infected patients and 90 apparently healthy controls were recruited using systematic random sampling method. Socio-demographic characteristics and other variables were collected using questionnaires. Stool sample was examined microscopically to detect S. mansoni infection using direct wet mount and Kato Katz technique. In apparently healthy controls, S. mansoni infection was rule out using direct wet mount and Kato Katz technique. Moreover, the intensity of S. mansoni infection was assessed using Kato Katz technique. Blood sample was collected from each study participant to determine the hematological and biochemical profiles. Data were entered in to Epi Data version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 26.0 software. Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro Wilk normality tests were done to assess the distribution of continuous variables. The Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal Wallis H test was done to compare the differences among nonnormally distributed variables between S. mansoni infected patients and healthy controls. P-values <0.05 at 95%CI were considered as statistically significant.
Result
The mean age (SD) of S. mansoni infected patients and apparently healthy controls was 30.33 (±12.26) and 31.2 (±12.85) years old, respectively. The prevalence of anemia, and thrombocytopenia among S. mansoni infected patients were 23.3% and 26.7%, respectively. Erythrocytic sedimentation rate (ESR) was significantly elevated among S. mansoni infected patients than apparently healthy controls. The median white blood cell count, red blood cell count, red blood cell indices, and platelet indices were significantly lower among S. mansoni infected patients compared to apparently healthy controls (P<0.05). On the other hand, the median eosinophil count was significantly elevated among S. mansoni infected patients compared to apparently healthy controls (P<0.05). This study also showed significantly elevated values of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and direct bilirubin and lower albumin, total cholesterol and triglycerides among S. mansoni infected patients compared to apparently healthy controls. Kruskal Wallis H test showed a significant difference in the median of most hematological and biochemical parameters between moderate and heavy intensity of infection with light intensity of infection and apparently healthy controls.
Conclusion
The findings of this study showed significantly altered hematological values and liver function tests among S. mansoni infected patients compared to apparently healthy controls. Therefore, screening of S. mansoni infected patients for various hematological and biochemical parameters and providing treatment to the underlying abnormalities is very crucial to avoid schistosomiasis associated morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Habtye Bisetegn
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
- * E-mail:
| | - Daniel Getacher Feleke
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Habtu Debash
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Yonas Erkihun
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Hussen Ebrahim
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
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