Abstract
Current information on the distribution of and risk factors for schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases is scarce for most areas of southern Tanzania, including Milola Ward in Lindi District. This study was initiated to establish the status of these infections in Milola Ward and to assess how they vary with demographic factors.From September to October 2014, 2 sets of stool and urine samples were collected from residents of Milola Ward. The Kato-Katz technique was used to examine stool samples for faecal-borne parasites, and the filtration technique was used to examine urine for urinary schistosomes. A total of 195 individuals aged 5 to 90 years were enrolled in the study; 190 (97%) participants submitted adequate urine samples, of whom 107 (56%) were female and 83 (43%) were male. Of the 195 participants who took part in the initial sampling exercise, 158 (81%) provided adequate stool samples; 121 (77%) of these were adults, and the rest (n=37, 23%) were children. Only 53 urine and 26 faecal samples were obtained in the second round of sampling, and due to marked inconsistencies, these have been excluded from the analysis. Mean parasite abundance was analysed for its association with demographic factors, such as age and sex.Three varieties of parasite were detected, namely, Schistosoma haematobium in 44 (23%) of 190 urine samples, hookworms in 12 (8%) of 158 stool samples, and Trichuris trichiura in 6 (4%) of 158 stool samples. The difference in S. haematobium prevalence between male and female participants (27 of 107 females, 25% vs 17 of 83 males, 20%) was not statistically significant (Kruskal-Wallis test, P=.47). Linear regression analysis of S. haematobium infection with age showed a significant association, with children having higher infection intensities than adults (P<.001). S. haematobium prevalence and intensity did not vary significantly between villages (intensity [Kruskal-Wallis test], P=.95; prevalence, P=.88).These data confirm that in this setting, the mean age of peak helminthiasis prevalence decreases as transmission pressure increases, with non-school children below 18 years old being most at risk of acquiring parasitic infections. This was the first baseline survey of parasitic infections in Milola Ward, so the results will be crucial for guiding control efforts against parasitic diseases in the area.
Highlights
Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases are among the major neglected tropical diseases.[1]
The types of parasites observed were S. haematobium, which was diagnosed from urine samples, as well as T. trichiura and hookworms obtained from stool
This study focused on the demographic factors driving schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases at Milola Ward in Lindi District, Tanzania
Summary
Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases are among the major neglected tropical diseases.[1] Schistosomiasis, caused by parasitic worms of the genus Schistosoma, is endemic in 78 countries, most of which are in sub-Saharan Africa.[2] About 200 million people are estimated to have schistosomiasis, while 800 million. East African Health Research Journal 2018 | Volume 2 | Number 2 are at risk of acquiring the disease.[3,4] On the other hand, recent estimates indicate that soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) infect even more people, with over 800 million being infected with Ascaris lumbricoides, 465 million with Trichuris trichiura, and around 400 million with hookworms (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale).[5] Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases occur mostly in the poorest parts of the world, Schistosomiasis and Soil-Transmitted Helminthiases in Rural Tanzania www.eahealth.org where they have profound negative effects on the welfare and productivity of the affected people. Current information on the distribution of and risk factors for schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases is scarce for most areas of southern Tanzania, including Milola Ward in Lindi District. This study was initiated to establish the status of these infections in Milola Ward and to assess how they vary with demographic factors
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