Abstract
BackgroundSchistosomiasis remains a major public health problem in China. The major endemic areas are located in the lake and marshland regions of southern China, particularly in areas along the middle and low reach of the Yangtze River. Spatial analytical techniques are often used in epidemiology to identify spatial clusters in disease regions. This study assesses the spatial distribution of schistosomiasis and explores high-risk regions in Hubei Province, China to provide guidance on schistosomiasis control in marshland regions.MethodsIn this study, spatial autocorrelation methodologies, including global Moran’s I and local Getis–Ord statistics, were utilized to describe and map spatial clusters and areas where human Schistosoma japonicum infection is prevalent at the county level in Hubei province. In addition, linear logistic regression model was used to determine the characteristics of spatial autocorrelation with time.ResultsThe infection rates of S. japonicum decreased from 2009 to 2013. The global autocorrelation analysis results on the infection rate of S. japonicum for five years showed statistical significance (Moran’s I > 0, P < 0.01), which suggested that spatial clusters were present in the distribution of S. japonicum infection from 2009 to 2013. Local autocorrelation analysis results showed that the number of highly aggregated areas ranged from eight to eleven within the five-year analysis period. The highly aggregated areas were mainly distributed in eight counties.ConclusionsThe spatial distribution of human S. japonicum infections did not exhibit a temporal change at the county level in Hubei Province. The risk factors that influence human S. japonicum transmission may not have changed after achieving the national criterion of infection control. The findings indicated that spatial–temporal surveillance of S. japonicum transmission plays a significant role on schistosomiasis control. Timely and integrated prevention should be continued, especially in the Yangtze River Basin of Jianghan Plain area.
Highlights
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by trematode flukes of the genus Schistosoma
The spatial distribution of human S. japonicum infections did not exhibit a temporal change at the county level in Hubei Province
Spatial Analysis of Schistosomiasis transmission may not have changed after achieving the national criterion of infection control
Summary
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by trematode flukes of the genus Schistosoma. The main species of Schistosoma that infect human beings are Schistosoma haematobium, Schistosoma mansoni, and Schistosoma japonicum. In China, the main species is S. japonicum. S. japonicum eggs were identified in a male corpse dating back to the Western Han dynasty some 2100 years ago that was exhumed in Jianglin Hsien, Hubei Province in 1975 [4]. S. japonicum eggs were found in a female corpse buried at about the same time in Hunan Province [5]. The major endemic areas are located in the lake and marshland regions of southern China, in areas along the middle and low reach of the Yangtze River. This study assesses the spatial distribution of schistosomiasis and explores high-risk regions in Hubei Province, China to provide guidance on schistosomiasis control in marshland regions
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