Abstract
BackgroundSchistosomiasis is a chronic parasitic disease caused by blood flukes (trematode worms) of the genus Schistosoma. Its transmission has been reported in 78 countries affecting at least 258 million people world-wide. It was documented that S. japonicum species was prevalent in Shan State, Myanmar, but the serological study was not conducted yet. General objective of the present study was to detect schistosoma antibodies and explore associated factors among local residents living around Inlay Lake, Nyaung Shwe Township, and Southern Shan State, Myanmar.MethodsAn exploratory and cross-sectional analytic study was conducted among local residents (n = 315) in selected rural health center (RHC) areas from December 2012 through June 2013. The participants were interviewed with pretested semi-structured questionnaires and their blood samples (serum) were tested using Schistosomiasis Serology Microwell ELISA test kits (sensitivity 100% and specificity 85%) which detected IgG antibodies but could not distinguish between a new and past infection. Data collected were analysed by SPSS software 16.0 and associations of variables were determined by Chi-squared test with a significant level set at 0.05.ResultsSchistosoma seroprevalence (IgG) in study area was found to be 23.8% (95% CI: 18.8–28.8%). The present study is the first and foremost study producing serological evidence of schistosoma infection—one of the neglected tropical diseases—in local people of Myanmar. The factors significantly associated with seropositivity were being male [OR = 2.6 (95% CI: 1.5–4.49), P < 0.001], residence [OR = 3.41 (95% CI: 1.6-7.3), P < 0.05 for Khaung Daing vs. Min Chaung] and education levels [OR = 4.5 (95% CI: 1.18–17.16),P < 0.05 for illiterate/3Rs level vs. high/graduate and OR = 3.16 (95% CI: 1.26–7.93),P < 0.05 for primary/middle level vs. high/graduate] all factors classically associated with risk of schistosoma infection. None of the behavioural factors tested were significantly associated with seropositivity.ConclusionSchistosoma infection serologically detected was most probably present at some time in this location of Myanmar, and this should be further confirmed parasitologically and kept under surveillance. Proper trainings on diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control of schistosomiasis should be provided to the healthcare providers.
Highlights
Schistosomiasis is a chronic parasitic disease caused by blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma
Due to the facts that Myanmar is adjacent to two schistosomiasis endemic countries—China and Laos; S. japonicum and S. mekongi species occurred in Shan State, Myanmar, and Myanmar has no data on schistosomiasis, it was decided to conduct the present study on schistosomiasis among the local residents at risk living around the Inlay Lake, Southern Shan State
Gender, residence (RHC area) and education levels were observed statistically associated with schistosoma seropositivity
Summary
Schistosomiasis is a chronic parasitic disease caused by blood flukes (trematode worms) of the genus Schistosoma. General objective of the present study was to detect schistosoma antibodies and explore associated factors among local residents living around Inlay Lake, Nyaung Shwe Township, and Southern Shan State, Myanmar. In the 1960’s, endemic areas of the infections were discovered in Khong Island, Laos, to Kratie province, Cambodia Their profiles were similar to those of schistosomiasis caused by S. japonicum. Due to the facts that Myanmar is adjacent to two schistosomiasis endemic countries—China and Laos; S. japonicum and S. mekongi species occurred in Shan State, Myanmar, and Myanmar has no data on schistosomiasis, it was decided to conduct the present study on schistosomiasis among the local residents at risk living around the Inlay Lake, Southern Shan State. The general objective was to detect the schistosoma antibodies and explore associated risk factors for schistosomiasis
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