Infections In Schoolchildren Research Articles

Comparison of two diagnostic techniques to determine the prevalence of <i>Schistosoma mansoni</i> infections in Cameroonian school children

Background: The Kato-Katz technique is recommended for diagnosis of Schistosoma mansoni infection by the World Health Organization. However, egg counts are subject to variability. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of S. mansoni infection in school children using two different techniques and to recommend the technique that should be routinely used in the diagnosis of this infection. Methodology: Field investigations on faecal samples from 299 Cameroonian school children were carried out in 2016 to compare the effectiveness of the Kato-Katz and Formalin-ether techniques in diagnosis of S. mansoni infections. Results: Schistosome eggs were detected in 37 (12.3%) samples with the Kato-Katz technique and 61 (20.4%) samples with the Formalin-ether technique. The difference between the prevalence observed for the two techniques was significant in males and age group 10 - 12 years ( p < 0.5). Conclusion: The Formalin-ether technique was more sensitive than the Kato-Katz method for detecting S. mansoni eggs in faecal matter. Despite its cost, the Formalin-ether technique can be routinely used in the laboratory for epidemiological studies of intestinal schistosomiasis Keywords: Formalin-ether, Kato-Katz Schistosoma mansoni , school children

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Schoolchildren of Kapan VDC, Kathmandu

The present study investigated the intestinal parasitic infections in schoolchildren of Kapan VDC, Kathmandu, Nepal. A total of 330 schoolchildren were included in this study. Stool samples collected in clean, dry, screw-capped plastic containers were examined by formal-ether sedimentation technique. A total of 134 samples (40.6%) were positive for some kind of intestinal parasites. The percentage of monoparasitism (67.9%) were higher than multiparasitism (32.1%). Giardia lamblia (17.8%) and Trichuris trichiura (3.6%) were the commonest protozoa and helminthes respectively. Girls were marginally more infected (41.4%) than boys (39.8%) (p&gt;0.05). Children &lt;5 years were more infected (80.0%) than 5-10 years (36.0%) (p=0.001). Prevalence of parasitic infection rate was higher in family size &gt;5 (41.5%) than ≤5 (40.1%) (p=0.82). In ethnic wise distribution, incidence rate of parasites was higher in Dalits (71.4%) and the least in Indo-Aryans (33.1%) (p&lt;0.05). Children drinking water from groundwater source had marginally lower prevalence rate (31.3%) than who used tap water (58.4%) (p&lt;0.001). The higher infection rate (51.3%) was observed in children belonging to labour family and the least in the business family (33.3%) (p=0.032). The children who had taken anti-parasitic drug within past 6 months had lower prevalence rate (25%) than those who had not taken drugs (44.4%) (p=0.005).&#x0D; Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 7(1): 22-26

The influences of environmental factors on the spatial distribution of urinary schistosomiasis in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria, using Geographical Information System and Remote Sensing

A study was conducted in the FCT, Abuja, to investigate the influences of environmental factors on the prevalence and distribution of urinary schistosomiasis, using the Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS). Prevalence data were derived from the survey of infection in school children in 83 primary schools between 2011-2013. Remotely sensed environmental data of altitude, rainfall, soil type, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were downloaded from the United States Geological Survey website hosting the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data specific to the geo-location of prevalence data. The environmental data and prevalence data were processed and analysis in GIS using spatial intepolation and displayed as maps. The overall prevalence of the infection in the FCT was 14.8%. Soil type was the only significant environmental variable among the listed ones in the determination of the pattern of prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in the FCT. These were then tested using the Logistic Binary Regression Analysis (Backward stepwise – Likelihood Ratio method) and the model correctly predicted the pattern of infection to the tune of 84% by identifying 84 schools harbouring infected pupils using the equation p =1/1+e-z where p is the probability of finding infection in the FCT and z=1.030 + (1.204 x Soil type). The result of this study showed that among the three soil types plinthosol, lixitol and leptosol, plinthosol was a major determining factor in the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in the FCT.Keywords: Geographic Information System; Remote Sensing; schistosomiasis; mapping; Nigeria.

Hand hygiene practices among school children of a periurban area Firozabad district

Background: Hand hygiene is a milestone of infectious disease control, and promotion of improved hand hygiene has been recognized as an important public health measure. The present study was undertaken to assess the hand hygiene practices among the school students of a peri urban area in district Firozabad.Methods: This six months cross sectional study was carried out among the students of an Intermediate college situated in a peri urban area of Firozabad district, U. P. All the students who were present in the respective classes (Vth–VIIth standard) were surveyed. A structured, self-administered pretested questionnaire was used to collect detailed information about the subjects‟ self-reported hand washing practices. Data entry and statistical analysis were performed using the Microsoft Excel and SPSS windows version 14.0 software.Results: Out of total 76 students, 97.4% practiced hand washing after defecation with Soap and water, while 63.2% did hand washing after cleaning with soap and water and 31.6% washed hands before eating food with Soap and water. A higher proportion of males showed proper hand hygiene practices than females. Proper Hand hygiene practices increased with the increase in education.Conclusions: Teaching the correct hand hygiene practice at an early age with help students to be healthy in later life. Thus primordial prevention is the key to reduce infection in school children.

Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory features of toxocariasis in school children from Aragua State, Venezuela.

Toxocariasis is a widespread zoonosis caused by canine and feline Toxocara spp. In Venezuela, seroepidemiological studies in Aragua State have been carried out only in preschool children. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies and identify clinical symptoms and risk factors of Toxocara spp. infection in school children in two municipalities of Aragua State of Venezuela. A cross-sectional field study with 259 children between 6 and 12 y of age was conducted in six schools in Aragua State. Immunoglobulin G antibodies against Toxocara spp. by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, haematology and eosinophil counts were detected in blood. Participating families filled in a questionnaire and studied children were clinically evaluated by paediatricians. Anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies were detected in 14.3% of children. The seroprevalence in the schools studied ranged from 4.4% to 24.1%. Statistical associations with eosinophilia, decreased visual acuity, eyestrain, headache and paleness were found. Significant risk factors were contact with dogs, playing with dogs and playing with soil. The identification of risk factors and their association with infection suggest that the infection is a problem in the municipalities studied, so screening for toxocariasis in school children should be recommended.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in cases of diarrhoea among school children attending a tertiary care hospital: a two year study

Background: Globally every year 1.7 billion cases of diarrhoea are registered as per the WHO report 2017. Intestinal parasitic infections [IPI] are one of the top ten major public health problems in developing countries with an estimated prevalence of 30-60% in developing countries compared to 3% in developed countries. School age children are the common vulnerable group with the highest prevalence and infection intensities. The objective of the present study is to study the prevalence of parasitic infections in school children as a causative factor for diarrhoea and associated risk factors involved with relation to their hygiene and socio demographic characters.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted for a period of two years from January 2015 to December 2016 and stool specimens from the children aged 5-18 years suffering from diarrhoea were screened for parasitic infections following standard guidelines and as per the ethical committee guidelines. The socio demographic characters, risk factors and hygienic characters of the cases were noted from the parents or guardians or children in a separate predesigned questionnaire sheet. Data was analyzed using SPSS software version 13 and P value&lt;0.05 was considered significant.Results: T The prevalence of parasitic infections in the Present study was 22.95% and males were more common. 8-11 years was the most common age group and mean age was 11.6±1.8 years. Statistically significant association was found with hand washing before meals, socio economic status, and method of hand washing after defecation. Entamoeba histolytica was the major parasitic pathogen followed by Ascaris lumbricoides. Other parasites were Giardia lamblia, Ancylostoma duodenale, Cryptosporidium, Isospora, Enterobius and Trichuris trichura. Conclusions: There is lack of awareness regarding dog bite and its management among the rural population.

The role of family size, employment and education of parents in the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in school children in Accra.

IntroductionIntestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in school children are a public health problem in most developing countries.Methods and principal findingsA cross sectional survey was conducted from May to July 2016 with school children living in overcrowded urban slums in Accra, Ghana. A simple random sample of 300 children aged 2–9 years was collected. The study used structured pre-tested questionnaire and stool tests to obtain information on epidemiological, sanitation habits, employment and education status of parents and children. Data were analysed using appropriate descriptive, univariate and multivariable logistic tools of analyses. The mean age of participants was 6.9 years and 49% were males and 51.3% were females. Giardia lamblia was found in males (10.95%) and females (7.79%). Very low prevalences for Schistosoma mansoni, Ascaris lumbricoides, Taenia species, and Entamoeba coli were detected. Whilst children from mothers (62.2%) and fathers (55.6%) with no education were often infected, a few children from fathers (22.2%) and mothers (6.7%) with no jobs were infected. Most of the infected children’s (93.7%) parents did not have any knowledge of IPIs. The educational and employment status of the mothers [p = 1.0 and p = 0.422] was not significant, however, the family size was a predisposing factor (p = 0.031) for parasitic infections.ConclusionsIntestinal parasites were prevalent in children from overcrowded families and with no knowledge of IPIs. Educative programmes on IPIs, improving hygiene, and application of supportive programmes to elevate socioeconomic conditions may help reduce the burden of intestinal parasite carriage in children.

Epidemiology of pediculosis capitis among schoolchildren in Damascus, Syria

Background: Pediculosis is a common ectoparasitic infection in schoolchildren, causing a public health problem, which is neglected in Syria. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of infestation with head lice among primary schoolchildren in Damascus, Syria, and explore the predisposing factors of head lice infestation in public schools. Materials and Methods: The present study was to determine the head lice infestation (pediculosis) levels in primary schoolchildren, from March to July 2017. A total of 8689 (females: 4392, males 4297) schoolchildren aged 6–12 years from 18 selected primary school of Damascus city and countryside were examined for head lice. Pediculosis was defined as the presence of at least on living adult, nymph, or viable egg. Results: The overall head lice infestation rate was 14. 3% (1243/8689) and infestation rate was higher in girls (23.72%, 1042/4392) than in boys (4.67%, 201/4297). The infestation rate among schoolchildren varied from 1.4% to 60.7% and depended on the age group is 18.10% (6–8 years), 12.22% (9–10 years), and 13.30% (11–12 years). The infestation rate among girls varied from 22.2% (10–12-year-old group) to 42.8% (6–8-year-old group). Conclusions: Pediculosis is a common public health problem affecting primary schoolchildren in Damascus area, and the levels of infestation are of an endemic significance.

Detection of duo-schistosome infection from filtered urine samples from school children in Zambia after MDA.

Schistosomiasis is one of the major Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in sub-Saharan Africa. In sub-Saharan Africa, two major human schistosome species namely Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium often occur sympatrically largely affecting children. Recognizing the public health impact of Schistosomiasis, the World Health Organization (WHO) is urging member states to regularly treat at least 75% and up to 100%, of all school-aged children at risk of morbidity. For control strategies based on targeted mass drug administration (MDA) to succeed it is essential to have a simple and sensitive test for monitoring the success of these interventions. Current available diagnostic tests, such as egg detection in stool by Kato-Katz (KK) for S. mansoni and detection of eggs or blood (hematuria) in urine for S. haematobium have reduced sensitivity in low intensity settings. The objective of the study was to evaluate active single or duo schistosome infections in school children following MDA using molecular diagnostics (PCR) on filtered urine samples and comparing that against traditional diagnostic tests. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 111 school children aged 7–15 years in Chongwe and Siavonga Districts in Zambia. Species-specific cell-free repeat DNA fragment were amplified from 111 filtered urine samples. Our approach detected eight times more positive cases (total 77) than by KK (9) for S. mansoni and six times more (total 72) than by hematuria (11) for S. haematobium and even more against urine filtration (77 compared to only 6). The same pattern was observed when stratified for age group and sex specific analysis with 100% sensitivity and specificity devoid of any cross amplification. In addition, 69 individuals (62%) were co-infected by both parasites. We have demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of both species than indicated by the traditional tests and the persistent maintenance of reservoir of infection after MDA. Our approach is an effective means of detecting low intensity infection, which will enhance the effectiveness of surveillance and assess the impact of MDA control programs against schistosomiasis.

Prevalence and risk factors for intestinal parasite infections in schoolchildren, in the city of Santarém, Pará State, Brazil

Introduction: Intestinal parasites are common in children in poor countries around the world, and are the cause of serious health problems. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in schoolchildren in Santarem, and associated socio-environmental risk factors. Methods: Questionnaires were applied to parents, and fecal exams were performed by direct method and sedimentation. Results: The parasites that prevailed were Entamoeba coli (20.4%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (9.0%). The family income is an important factor related to parasitic infections (χ 2 =21.000/ p =0.001). Other factors such as water treatment (χ 2 =20.15/ p =0.002), health infrastructure (χ 2 =25.40/ p =0.001), and hygiene practices such as hand washing (χ 2 =11.54/ p =0.003) were statistically significant for the presence of intestinal parasites too, some on a lesser scale. Conclusion: The results showed that Entamoeba coli and Ascaris lumbricoides are the prevalent parasites. The family income, water quality, and sanitary infrastructure are the main risk factors for parasitic infections.

Status of soil-transmitted helminth infections in schoolchildren in Laguna Province, the Philippines: Determined by parasitological and molecular diagnostic techniques.

BackgroundSoil-transmitted helminths (STH) are the most common parasitic infections in impoverished communities, particularly among children. Current STH control is through school-based mass drug administration (MDA), which in the Philippines is done twice annually. As expected, MDA has decreased the intensity and prevalence of STH over time. As a result, the common Kato Katz (KK) thick smear method of detecting STH is less effective because it lacks sensitivity in low intensity infections, making it difficult to measure the impact of deworming programs.Methodology/Principal findingsA cross-sectional study was carried out over a four-week period from October 27, 2014 until November 20, 2014 in Laguna province, the Philippines. Stool samples were collected from 263 schoolchildren, to determine the prevalence of STH and compare diagnostic accuracy of multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) with the KK. A large discrepancy in the prevalence between the two techniques was noted for the detection of at least one type of STH infection (33.8% by KK vs. 78.3% by qPCR), Ascaris lumbricoides (20.5% by KK vs. 60.8% by qPCR) and Trichuris trichiura (23.6% by KK vs. 38.8% by qPCR). Considering the combined results of both methods, the prevalence of at least one type of helminth infection, A. lumbricoides, and T. trichiura were 83.3%, 67.7%, and 53.6%, respectively. Sensitivity of the qPCR for detecting at least one type of STH infection, A. lumbricoides, and T. trichiura were 94.1%, 89.9%, and 72.3% respectively; whereas KK sensitivity was 40.6%, 30.3%, and 44.0%, respectively. The qPCR method also detected infections with Ancylostoma spp. (4.6%), Necator americanus (2.3%), and Strongyloides stercoralis (0.8%) that were missed by KK.Conclusion/SignificanceqPCR may provide new and important diagnostic information to improve assessment of the effectiveness and impact of integrated control strategies particularly in areas where large-scale STH control has led to low prevalence and/or intensity of infection.

Soil transmitted Helminthiasis and associated risk factors among elementary school children in ambo town, western Ethiopia

BackgroundSoil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are widespread in underdeveloped countries. In Ethiopia, the prevalence and distribution of helminth infection varies by different exposing risk factors. We therefore investigated the prevalence of and risk factors of STHs infection in school children living in Ambo town, west Shoa Ethiopia.MethodsIn 2014/15, among 375 school children planed to be included in this study, only 321 school children were recruited in the study. Data onto school children from different schools were collected, including stool samples for qualitative STHs analysis. Questionnaire data on various demographic, housing and lifestyle variables were also available.ResultsPrevalence of any STHs infection was 12.6%. The respective prevalence of major soil-transmitted helminths is Ascaris (7.8%), Hookworm (2.8%) and Trichuris (2.2%). This study result shows STHs prevalence varies regards to age, sex, latrine use, family size and nail trimming.ConclusionThe results of the present study indicated that the percentage of positive finding for STHs in Ambo area is low. Besides, Large Family size, not nail trimming and unavailability of improved latrine were identified as predisposing factor for STHs infections. All school children enrolled and not enrolled in this study should be treated twice a year until the prevalence falls below the level of public health importance.

PIH4 - The Traditional Ethnobotanical Knowledge Applied in Parasitology in the Andean Cordillera of Ecuador

To identify the ancestral therapeutic measures applied to intestinal parasitic infections in schoolchildren of the rural parish of San Juan, in the province of Chimborazo, Ecuador. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in 125 schoolchildren, aged 5 to 12 years, belonging to the EVANES project. To determine the educational level and ethnicity of the mothers, the type of antiparasitic used and the frequency of children medical check-up, a survey was applied. The statistical treatment of data was performed with the SPSS program, version 20.0. This study complies with the ethical considerations of the Helsinki declaration and has the approval of the Bioethics Committee of the San Francisco University of Quito. 90.4% of the respondents were described themselves as indigenous. 74.4% of the mothers have only completed primary education and 12.8% had no studies. 24.0% of the children had no medical examination, while 21.6% visited a specialist in paediatrics each year. The use of natural antiparasitic corresponded to 45.6%, being higher in the indigenous population than in the mestizos (85.96% vs 14.04%, p = 0.036). No differences were found according to the educational level of parents. Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) was the most used plant, either alone or combined with other herbs (p <0.001). Most the population is indigenous, determining an eminent use of natural medicine. A high use of chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), as intestinal antiparasitic, was identified.

Detection of schistosomiasis in an area directly affected by the São Francisco River large-scale water transposition project in the Northeast of Brazil.

The development of the São Francisco River Integration Project [Projeto de Integração do Rio São Francisco (PISF)] in the State of Ceará, Brazil, has resulted in environmental and socioeconomic changes with potential risks to public health. We aimed to determine the presence of Schistosoma mansoni infections in schoolchildren (aged 7-14 years) and workers from the construction site in an area under the direct influence of the PISF in the municipality of Brejo Santo-CE, to aid in the prevention and control of schistosomiasis. We conducted a cross-sectional study using two S. mansoni-detection methods: detection of S. mansoni eggs by the Kato-Katz parasitological method in stool samples (assessed in triplicate for each sample) and S. mansoni circulating cathodic antigen by the point-of-care immunochromatographic rapid test (POC-CCA) in urine. In general, the positivity rates for S. mansoni detection were 1.9% (2/106) among schoolchildren and 2.9% (4/138) among workers. No child had evidence of S. mansoni eggs in their stools; 1.9% tested positive by the POC-CCA method. Among workers, two (1.4%) tested positive by the Kato-Katz test and three (2.2%) by the POC-CCA test. If the POC-CCA test results that were scored as traces were considered negative, then the positivity rates dropped to 0.9% and 0.7% for schoolchildren and workers, respectively. The active transmission of schistosomiasis in a region covered by the PISF was recognized, reinforcing the necessity to consolidate surveillance and control actions, as well as structural sanitation measures to reverse the social determinants of the disease.

Prevalence and Health Effects of Intestinal Parasitic Infection in School Children in Satun Province, Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: Intestinal parasitic infection is a major health problem in the southern region of Thailand. Despite an established annual deworming program, many school age children still suffer from parasitic infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and health effects of intestinal parasitic infection in school children in Satun Province, Thailand. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in children aged of 3 to 15 years during the period December 2014 to January 2015. Body mass index and hematocrit measurements were performed. Stool samples were collected for parasite detection by direct examination and concentration technique. Results: The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 18.42%. B.hominis (29%), Giardia lamblia (13.3%), Trichuris trichiura (13.3%), and hookworm (13.3%) were the most commonly isolated parasites. School KY had the highest rate of intestinal parasitic infection, followed by schools RC, YT, and SD. Rate of soil-transmitted helminthic (STH) infection was highest at school RC, while the highest rate of protozoa infection was found at school KY. Only STH infection was significantly associated with anemia. No significant association was observed between weight status and parasitic infection. Conclusion: Intestinal parasitic infection continues to be a problem in school children in Satun Province, Thailand. STH infection was found to be significantly associated with anemia. The majority of parasite types detected at each school varied substantially, which may indicate distinctly different sanitation-related problems at each school. Therefore, improvement in personal sanitation and health education should be emphasized at every school in the area to prevent parasitic infection.

Prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis and Other Intestinal Parasite Infections in School Children in a Rural Area of Angola: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Strongyloides stercoralis is widely distributed in the tropics and subtropics. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of S. stercoralis and other intestinal parasites and identify the risk factors for infection with S. stercoralis in a rural area of Angola. A cross-sectional study was conducted in school-age children (SAC) in Cubal, Angola. A questionnaire collecting clinical and epidemiological variables was used, and two stool samples were collected. A concentration technique (Ritchie) and a technique for detection of larvae migration (Baermann) were performed. Of 230 SAC, 56.1% were female and the mean age was 9.3 years (SD 2.45). Severe malnutrition, according to body mass index (BMI)-for-age, was observed in 20.4% of the SAC, and anemia was found in 59.6%. Strongyloides stercoralis was observed in 28 of the 230 (12.8%) SAC. Eggs of other helminths were observed in 51 (22.2%) students: Hymenolepis spp. in 27 students (11.7%), hookworm in 14 (6.1%), Schistosoma haematobium in four (1.7%), Enterobius vermicularis in four (1.7%), Ascaris lumbricoides in three (1.3%), Taenia spp. in two (0.9%), and Fasciola hepatica in one (0.4%). Protozoa were observed in 17 (7.4%) students. Detection of S. stercoralis was higher using the Baermann technique versus using formol-ether (11.3 vs. 3%). Overall prevalence of S. stercoralis in the school population of 16 studied schools in the municipal area of Cubal was greater than 10%. This fact must be considered when designing deworming mass campaigns. The use of specific tests in larvae detection is needed to avoid overlooking this parasite.

Effects of vitamin D with calcium supplementation or zinc supplementation on the incidence of infections in school children: a randomized controlled trial

Effects of vitamin D with calcium supplementation or zinc supplementation on the incidence of infections in school children: a randomized controlled trial

Prevalence and distribution of Schistosoma haematobium infection among school children living in southwestern shores of Lake Malawi.

The prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium infection has been shown to be about 23.7% among children living in the lakeshore areas of Malawi, with reinfection rates of about 30% to 40%. This study aimed to determine the current prevalence and distribution of S. haematobium infection in school children along the southwestern shores of Lake Malawi and examine the control interventions present in the area. This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in primary schools. School children were enrolled, demographic data were collected, and urine samples were submitted for analysis on macrohaematuria, microhaematuria, and S. haematobium eggs. A questionnaire was administered to 3 health facilities on diagnosis and treatment of schistosomiasis, as well as the control interventions against it. Four hundred children (174 males and 226 females) were enrolled from 7 primary schools. Mean participant age was 9.57 years (range 7 to 12 years). Fifty children (12.5%) had S. haematobium eggs detected in their urine, with the mean egg count being 15/10 mL. The highest infection intensity category (≥ 50 eggs/10mL) was seen in 10 children (2.5%). Prevalence varied significantly between the schools, with rates ranging from 0% to 20%. Schools with higher prevalence rates were located farther away from the nearest public hospital that provides treatment free of charge. Prevalence correlated with previous history of mass chemotherapy in schools. Mass chemotherapy, health education, and improved water supply and sanitation were some of the interventions that contributed to lower prevalence rates in some areas. Schistosomiasis prevalence around southwestern Lake Malawi was lower than previously reported, owing to control interventions focusing on health education, improved water supply, sanitation, and mass chemotherapy. Consistent and uniform interventions can reduce prevalence further and sustain control. As prevalence falls, diagnostics can identify high transmission areas, monitor disease trends, and guide evidence-based control strategies.

Using the hierarchical ordinal regression model to analyse the intensity of urinary schistosomiasis infection in school children in Lusaka Province, Zambia

BackgroundUrinary schistosomiasis has been a major public health problem in Zambia for many years. However, the disease profile may vary in different locale due to the changing ecosystem that contributes to the risk of acquiring the disease. The objective of this study was to quantify risk factors associated with the intensity of urinary schistosomiasis infection in school children in Lusaka Province, Zambia, in order to better understand local transmission.MethodsData were obtained from 1 912 school children, in 20 communities, in the districts of Luangwa and Kafue in Lusaka Province. Both individual- and community-level covariates were incorporated into an ordinal logistic regression model to predict the probability of an infection being a certain intensity in a three-category outcome response: 0 = no infection, 1 = light infection, and 2 = moderate/heavy infection. Random effects were introduced to capture unobserved heterogeneity.ResultsOverall, the risk of urinary schistosomiasis was strongly associated with age, altitude at which the child lived, and sex. Weak associations were observed with the normalized difference vegetation index, maximum temperature, and snail abundance. Detailed analysis indicated that the association between infection intensities and age and altitude were category-specific. Particularly, infection intensity was lower in children aged between 5 and 9 years compared to those aged 10 to 15 years (OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.51–0.99). However, the age-specific risk changed at different levels of infection, such that when comparing children with light infection to those who were not infected, age was associated with a lower odds (category 1 vs category 0: OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.50–0.99), yet such a relation was not significant when considering children who were moderately or heavily infected compared to those with a light or no infection (category 2 vs category 0: OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.45–1.64). Overall, we observed that children living in the valley were less likely to acquire urinary schistosomiasis compared to those living in plateau areas (OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.16–0.71). However, category-specific effects showed no significant association in category 1 (light infection), whereas in category 2 (moderate/high infection), the risk was still significantly lower for those living in the valley compared to those living in plateau areas (OR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.04–0.75).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the importance of understanding the dynamics and heterogeneity of infection in control efforts, and further suggests that apart from the well-researched factors of Schistosoma intensity, various other factors influence transmission. Control programmes need to take into consideration the varying infection intensities of the disease so that effective interventions can be designed.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Intestinal Parasitic Infection in Schoolchildren in Battambang, Cambodia.

Most intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs), commonly endemic in tropical resource-poor developing countries, are neglected tropical diseases. Parasitic infections and malnutrition are most commonly found in children. We determined the prevalence of IPIs and the risk factors in Battambang Province, northwestern Cambodia, from August to September 2015. This study collected 308 valid questionnaires and specimens from Dontri (173, 56.2%) and Kon Kaêk (135, 43.8%) primary schools. All stool samples were examined using Chang's Feces Examination Apparatus through the merthiolate-iodine-formaldehyde technique. Headache (259, 84.1%), recurrent cough (249, 80.8%), and abdominal pain (235, 76.3%) were the most common symptoms as detected from questionnaire investigation. A total of 155 students were positive for any parasite type; a single parasite type was observed in 97 students (31.5%), two types in 40 students (13.0%), three types in 14 students (4.6%), and four types in four students (1.3%). Nine gastrointestinal parasite species (three helminths and six protozoa) were identified in the stool samples. The most common parasites in schoolchildren were Giardia intestinalis (31.5%) and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (17.5%). This is the first IPIs study, and more than half of the schoolchildren were infected with parasite species in Moung Russey District of Battambang Province. We found nine parasite species, including helminths and protozoa, and pathogenic protozoa were the main source of IPIs. Improving the detection method, sanitation facilities, and personal hygiene as well as utilizing combined drugs are all important measures to greatly reduce IPIs in Cambodian schoolchildren.