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Njikho SL, Quan VC, Mbonane TP, Van Wyk RH. Evaluating the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Schistosomiasis Amongst School-Aged Children in Low- and Middle-Income Communities: Ehlanzeni District Municipality, South Africa, 2015-2021. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:522. [PMID: 38133454 PMCID: PMC10748275 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8120522] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the prevalence and identify risk factors of schistosomiasis among school-aged children in low- and middle-income communities. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to review patient records of school-age children. Data on gender, age, sub-district, area residing in, patient status, history of bilharzia, presence of blood in the urine, and schistosomiasis diagnoses were collected. The data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. Logistic regression was employed to determine the factors associated with schistosomiasis. The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis in the study population was 75%, with higher prevalence observed among male children (89%), children aged between 10 and 14 years (59%), urban areas (51%), and rural-dominated districts, particularly Bushbuckridge (42%) and City of Mbombela (51%). Age, especially 10-14 years old (p ˂ 0.01; 95%CI: 1.98-2.29), a history of bilharzia (p = 0.01; 95%CI: 1.15-1.96), and the presence of blood in urine (p ˂ 0.01; 95%CI: 2.02-2.40) were significantly associated with schistosomiasis while being a female child was found to be a protective factor (AOR: 0.35; CI 0.35-0.41). This study underscores the importance of implementing robust screening procedures and the necessity for health education to mitigate the high prevalence of schistosomiasis and prevent its further spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunnieboy Lot Njikho
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa; (S.L.N.); (T.P.M.)
- Public Health Surveillance and Response, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa;
| | - Vanessa Cecilia Quan
- Public Health Surveillance and Response, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa;
| | - Thokozani Patrick Mbonane
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa; (S.L.N.); (T.P.M.)
| | - Renay Helouise Van Wyk
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa; (S.L.N.); (T.P.M.)
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Ngwa AF, Tanyi Bobga P, Nsongmayi ED, Yememe Yememe GS, Ngong Nyeme J, Isah M, Ashu EC, Ebai CB. Prevalence and Predictors Associated to Schistosoma mansoni Infection among Patients Attending the Saint Jean de Malte Hospital, Njombe, Littoral Region, Cameroon. J Parasitol Res 2023; 2023:8674934. [PMID: 37901676 PMCID: PMC10613114 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8674934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis remains a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa. It has been associated to morbidity and mortality in developing countries including Cameroon, and Njombe-Penja health district is an endemic area. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence and risk factors of Schistosoma mansoni infection among patients attending the Saint Jean de Malte Hospital, Njombe. Methods A cross-sectional study design was employed, with the enrolment of 300 participants using convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Stool specimens were collected and examined using direct microscopy, Kato-Katz's method, and formol ether concentration technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS, and chi-square test was used to assess the association. Risk factors for S. mansoni infection were assessed using multivariable logistic regression, and a p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results The overall prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection was 13%. Schistosoma mansoni infection was mostly frequent among patients < 20 years and males. Stream usage (AOR = 2.15, 95% CI. 1.32-3.50), always visiting the stream (AOR = 11.35, 95% CI 2.33-55.33), always swimming and washing clothes in the stream (AOR = 7 : 10, 95% CI 2.31-21.80), age group < 20 years (AOR = 3.7, 95% CI 1.1-12.2), and age group 20-29 years (AOR = 2.58, 95% CI 1.14-18.42) were significantly associated with increased risk of S. mansoni infection. Conclusion These findings suggest that Schistosoma mansoni infection is of public health concern in Njombe and its environs. Age of <20 years and between 20 and 29 years, stream usage, always visiting the stream, and always swimming and washing clothes in the stream were the main risk factors of S. mansoni infection. Thus, mass drug administration and health education are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambe Fabrice Ngwa
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Cameroon
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty Health Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon
- International School for Nurses and Technico-Sanitary Personnels, Douala, Cameroon
- School of Medical and Biomedical Sciences, Fomic Polytechnic University, PO Box 123, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Pride Tanyi Bobga
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Cameroon
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty Health Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon
| | - Ekwi Damian Nsongmayi
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Cameroon
- School of Medical and Biomedical Sciences, Fomic Polytechnic University, PO Box 123, Buea, Cameroon
| | | | - Judith Ngong Nyeme
- International School for Nurses and Technico-Sanitary Personnels, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Mohamed Isah
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Science, University of Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Ebai Christabel Ashu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty Health Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Science, University of Douala, Cameroon
| | - Calvin Bisong Ebai
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty Health Sciences, University of Bamenda, Cameroon
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Masdor NA, Kandayah T, Amsah N, Othman R, Hassan MR, Rahim SSSA, Jeffree MS, Awang Lukman K, Hidrus A. Systematic review with meta-analysis: Prevalence, risk factors, and challenges for urinary schistosomiasis in children (USC). PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285533. [PMID: 37590252 PMCID: PMC10434872 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection that causes significant public health problems in tropical countries. Schistosoma haematobium species are blamable for causing urinary schistosomiasis. The infected person, specifically children, may be carrying the disease. This systematic review aimed to identify the current knowledge of urinary Schistosmiasis in children or USC on its epidemiology, risk factors, and challenges to spread the understanding of controlling the disease and reducing the complications. METHOD In November 2021, a systematic computer-aided literature review was conducted using PubMed, SCOPUS and Web of Science, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. The results were updated in February 2022. We only used papers that have at least the abstract available in English. Relevant articles were screened, duplicates were deleted, eligibility criteria were applied, and studies that met the criteria were reviewed. The keywords Human Schistosoma infections, prevalence, risk factors and challenges were included. The protocol for the review was registered with PROSPERO (registration number CRD42022311609). Pooled prevalence rates were calculated using the programme R version 4.2.1. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic and p-value. A narrative approach was used to describe risk factors and challenges. Studies were selected and finalised based on the review question to prioritise. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Mixed-Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT). RESULTS A total of 248 publications met the requirements for inclusion. Fifteen articles were included in this review, with the result showing high heterogeneity. The pooled prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in children is 4% (95% confidence interval (CI)). Age, poor socioeconomic status, education, exposure to river water, and poor sanitation are the risk factors identified in this review. Challenges are faced due to limitations of clean water, lack of water resources, and poor hygiene. CONCLUSION Modifiable risk factors such as poor knowledge and practices must be addressed immediately. Healthcare providers and schools could accomplish engaging in practical promotional activities. Communicating the intended messages to raise community awareness of urinary schistosomiasis is critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor Azreen Masdor
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Thinakaran Kandayah
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Norizzati Amsah
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rahayu Othman
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Rohaizat Hassan
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Borneo Medical and Health Research Centre, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Khamisah Awang Lukman
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Aizuddin Hidrus
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
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Feleke DG, Alemu Y, Bisetegn H, Debash H. Accuracy of Diagnostic Tests for Detecting Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 2023:3769931. [PMID: 37621699 PMCID: PMC10447154 DOI: 10.1155/2023/3769931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Schistosomiasis is causing high morbidity and significant mortality in endemic areas. Kato-Katz stool examination and urine filtration techniques are the conventional methods for the detection of intestinal and urinary schistosomiasis. The most appropriate diagnostic tools for the detection of schistosomiasis especially in low-prevalence settings should be used. Therefore, this study is aimed at investigating the diagnostic accuracy of S. mansoni and S. haematobium diagnostic tools in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods Electronic databases such as PubMed, PubMed Central/Medline, HINARI, Scopus, EMBASE, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library were reviewed. The pooled estimates and heterogeneity were determined using Midas in Stata 14.0. The diagnostic accuracy of index tests was compared using the hierarchical summary of the receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) curve in Stata 14.0. Results Twenty-four studies consisting of 12,370 individuals were tested to evaluate the accuracy of antigen, antibody, and molecular test methods for the detection of S. mansoni and S. haematobium. The pooled estimate of sensitivity and specificity of CCA was 88% (95% CI: 83-92) and 72 (95% CI: 62-80), respectively, when it is compared with parasitological stool examination for S. mansoni detection. On the other hand, ELISA showed a pooled estimate of sensitivity and specificity of 95% (95% CI: 93-96) and 35% (95% CI: 21-52), respectively, for the examination of S. mansoni using stool examination as a reference test. With regard to S. haematobium, the pooled estimate of sensitivity and specificity of polymerase chain reaction was 97% (95% CI: 78-100) and 94% (95% CI: 74-99), respectively. Moreover, the sensitivity and specificity of urine CCA vary between 41-80% and 55-91%, respectively, compared to urine microscopy. Conclusion The effort of schistosomiasis elimination requires accurate case identification especially in low-intensity infections. This study showed that CCA had the highest sensitivity and moderate specificity for the diagnosis of S. mansoni. Similarly, the sensitivity of ELISA was excellent, but its specificity was low. The diagnostic accuracy of PCR for the detection of S. haematobium was excellent compared to urine microscopic examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Getacher Feleke
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Yonas Alemu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Habtye Bisetegn
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Habtu Debash
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
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Hong ST. Review of Recent Prevalence of Urogenital Schistosomiasis in Sub-Saharan Africa and Diagnostic Challenges in the Field Setting. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1670. [PMID: 37629527 PMCID: PMC10456001 DOI: 10.3390/life13081670] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Human schistosomiasis is one of neglected tropical diseases that remain highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Human schistosomiasis is mainly caused by two species, Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni, leading to urogenital and intestinal schistosomiasis, respectively. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends mass drug administration (MDA) with praziquantel as the primary method of global intervention. Currently, MDA with praziquantel covers over half of the target population in endemic SSA countries. However, an accurate diagnosis is crucial for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of MDA. The standard diagnosis of both urogenital and intestinal schistosomiasis relies on the microscopic identification of eggs. However, the diagnostic sensitivity of this approach is low, especially for light or ultra-light infections. This is because Schistosoma eggs are laid inside of the venous plexus of the urinary bladder or mesenteric vein, where the adult flukes live. Approximately half of the eggs circulate in the blood vessels or are packed in neighboring tissues, while the remaining half are expelled into the lumen of the urinary bladder or intestine intermittently when the blood vessels are ruptured. In the field setting, the accuracy of any diagnostic method is critical for proper management of the intervention. The present article reviews the recent prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis in SSA and highlights the practical limitations of diagnostic methods such as urine microscopy, urine reagent strips, molecular diagnosis, and ultrasound scanning in the field setting. Despite continuous global efforts to eliminate schistosomiasis over the past 20 years, many areas still remain endemic in SSA. No single diagnostic approach achieves acceptable sensitivity and specificity in the field setting. Therefore, any field survey should employ a combination of these methods based on the purpose of the study to accurately monitor and evaluate urogenital schistosomiasis. Based on diagnostic values and a cost-benefit analysis, a urine reagent strip test can replace urine microscopy in the field setting. The WHO criteria by ultrasound diagnosis should be updated including the echogenic snow sign and contour distortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Tae Hong
- Graduate School of International Development, Handong Global University, Pohang 37554, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Institute of Endemic Diseases Medical Research Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
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Kone KJ, Onifade AK, Dada EO. Risk factors affecting the occurrence of urinary schistosomiasis and urinary tract infections in some communities of Ondo State, Nigeria. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2023; 21:27-34. [PMID: 36705495 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2022.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases, affecting about 240 million people worldwide. Urinary schistosomiasis (US) is a chronic and debilitating disease caused by blood flukes, Schistosoma haematobium, and people with US are vulnerable to secondary infections caused by bacteria. The study was designed to evaluate the risk factors involved in US and urinary tract infection (UTI) in parts of Ondo State, Nigeria. The study areas were rural communities known to be endemic for schistosomiasis, with farming as their major occupation and they depend solely on the use of the infected rivers for their day to day activities. Structured questionnaires were administered to obtain information concerning the infections. Five hundred and nine community dwellers participated in the study. The results showed that schistosomiasis was significant for gender and age (X2(1) = 23.934, p = 0.000) and (X2(7) = 85.991, p = 0.000), respectively, while UTI was not significant for age and gender. The study revealed that gender, age, contact with infected water, and duration spent in the water were risk factors associated with the development of schistosomiasis and UTI in the communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kikelomo Jennifer Kone
- Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria E-mail: ; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Anthony Kayode Onifade
- Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria E-mail:
| | - Ebenezer Oluyemi Dada
- Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria E-mail:
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Tembo R, Muleya W, Yabe J, Kainga H, Nalubamba KS, Zulu M, Mwaba F, Saad SA, Kamwela M, Mukubesa AN, Monde N, Kallu SA, Mbewe N, Phiri AM. Prevalence and Molecular Identification of Schistosoma haematobium among Children in Lusaka and Siavonga Districts, Zambia. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7090239. [PMID: 36136650 PMCID: PMC9505432 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7090239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis remains a public health concern in Zambia. Urinary schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma haematobium is the most widely distributed infection. The aim of the current study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of urinary schistosomiasis and identify the strain of S. haematobium among children in the Siavonga and Lusaka districts in Zambia. Urine samples were collected from 421 primary school children and S. haematobium eggs were examined under light microscopy. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on the socio-demographic characteristics and the potential risk factors for urinary schistosomiasis. DNA of the parasite eggs was extracted from urine samples and the internal transcribed spacer gene was amplified, sequenced and phylogenetically analysed. The overall prevalence of S. haematobium was 9.7% (41/421) (95% CI: 7.16–13.08), male participants made up 6.2% (26/232) (95% CI: 4.15–9.03), having a higher burden of disease than female participants who made up 3.5% (15/421) (95% CI: 2.01–5.94). The age group of 11–15 years had the highest overall prevalence of 8.3% (35/421) (5.94–11.48). Participants that did not go fishing were 0.008 times less likely to be positive for schistosomiasis while participants whose urine was blood-tinged or cloudy on physical examination and those that lived close to water bodies were 9.98 and 11.66 times more likely to test positive for schistosomiasis, respectively. A phylogenetic tree analysis indicated that S. haematobium isolates were closely related to pure S. haematobium from Zimbabwe and hybrids of S. haematobium × S. bovis from Benin, Senegal and Malawi. The current study shows that urinary schistosomiasis is endemic in the study areas and is associated with water contact, and S. haematobium isolated is closely related to hybrids of S. bovis × S. haematobium strain, indicating the zoonotic potential of this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabecca Tembo
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 50110, Zambia
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia
- Africa Center of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O Box 32379, Zambia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: 26-097-8363-271
| | - Walter Muleya
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia
| | - John Yabe
- Department of Para Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, P.O. Box 13301, Windhoek 1005, Namibia
| | - Henson Kainga
- Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lilongwe 207203, Malawi or
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, Zambia Animals, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia
| | - King S. Nalubamba
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia
| | - Mildred Zulu
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 50110, Zambia
- Africa Center of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O Box 32379, Zambia
| | - Florence Mwaba
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 50110, Zambia
- Africa Center of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O Box 32379, Zambia
| | - Shereen Ahmed Saad
- Africa Center of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O Box 32379, Zambia
- Department of Para Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia
- Department of Clinical Studies, College of Veterinary Science, University of Bahr El Ghazal, Wau P.O. Box 10739, South Sudan
| | - Moses Kamwela
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lusaka Apex Medical University, Lusaka P.O. Box 31909, Zambia
| | - Andrew N. Mukubesa
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, Zambia Animals, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia
| | - Ngula Monde
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tropical Diseases Research Centre, Ndola P.O. Box 71769, Zambia
| | - Simegnew Adugna Kallu
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, Zambia Animals, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Haramaya University, Dire Dawa P.O. Box 138, Ethiopia
| | - Natalia Mbewe
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, Zambia Animals, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia
- Department of Basic and Clinical Nursing Sciences, School of Nursing Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 50110, Zambia
| | - Andrew M. Phiri
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia
- Africa Center of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O Box 32379, Zambia
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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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Joof E, Sanneh B, Sambou SM, Wade CM. Species diversity and distribution of schistosome intermediate snail hosts in The Gambia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009823. [PMID: 34606509 PMCID: PMC8516291 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a need for recent information on intermediate snail hosts of schistosomes in The Gambia; the previous studies were conducted over three decades ago. This study assessed the incidence, species diversity, distribution and infection status of schistosome intermediate snail hosts in the country. Malacological surveys were conducted in all 5 regions of The Gambia: Central River Region (CRR), Upper River Region (URR), Western Region (WR), Lower River Region (LRR) and North Bank Region (NBR). Sampling of snails was undertaken at 114 sites that included permanent water bodies such as streams (bolongs), rice fields, irrigation canals and swamps; and temporal (seasonal) laterite pools. Ecological and physicochemical factors of sites were recorded. Snails were identified morphologically and screened for schistosome infections using molecular techniques. Freshwater snails were found at more than 50% (60/114) of sites sampled. While three species of Bulinus were collected, no Biomphalaria snails were found in any of the sites sampled. Of the total 2877 Bulinus snails collected, 75.9% were identified as Bulinus senegalensis, 20.9% as Bulinus forskalii and 3.2% as Bulinus truncatus. Seasonal pools produced the largest number of snails, and CRR was the region with the largest number of snails. Bulinus senegalensis was found more in seasonal pools as opposed to permanent sites, where B. forskalii and B. truncatus were observed to thrive. Bulinus snails were more common in seasonal sites where aquatic vegetation was present. In permanent sites, the abundance of snails increased with increase in water temperature and decrease in water pH. Bulinus senegalensis was found infected with both S. haematobium and S. bovis, while B. forskalii and B. truncatus had only S. bovis infection. While the human parasite S. haematobium was restricted to just four sites, the livestock parasite S. bovis had a much more widespread geographical distribution across both CRR and URR. This new information on the distribution of intermediate snail hosts of schistosomes in The Gambia will be vital for the national schistosomiasis control initiative. Several studies were conducted on intermediate snail hosts of schistosomes in The Gambia between the 1950s and 1980s, but there are few reports of similar studies in recent times. After The Gambia initiated its national control programme for schistosomiasis in 2014, the need arose for more and current information on schistosomiasis and the intermediate snail hosts involved indirectly in its transmission. We undertook a malacological survey of freshwater sites in all five regions (CRR, URR, WR, LRR and NBR) of The Gambia. While no Biomplalaria snails were found in any of the 114 sites sampled, three species of Bulinus snails were found. Of the total 2877 Bulinus snails collected, 75.9% were identified as Bulinus senegalensis, 20.9% as Bulinus forskalii and 3.2% as Bulinus truncatus. CRR had the highest number of snails amongst the regions and seasonal pools yielded the most snails amongst the habitat types sampled. Habitat type, water temperature and pH of sites were observed to have an influence on snail abundance. All three Bulinus snails were found infected with schistosome parasites. The human parasite (Schistosoma haematobium) had a much more restricted distribution as opposed to the livestock parasite (Schistosoma bovis) which had a wider geographical range. The study provides the first malacological report of intermediate snail hosts of schistosomes in The Gambia in over 3 decades and will be useful to the national schistosomiasis control programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebrima Joof
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- National Public Health Laboratories, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Banjul, The Gambia
- * E-mail: (EJ); (CMW)
| | - Bakary Sanneh
- National Public Health Laboratories, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Sana M. Sambou
- Epidemiology and Disease Control Department, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Christopher M. Wade
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (EJ); (CMW)
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