Prevalence Of Schistosomiasis Research Articles

Prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among children from three selected local government areas in Adamawa State, Nigeria

Schistosomiasis is a socio-economic and public health important human parasitic disease in the tropics. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among children in Ganye, Jada and Mayo Belwa Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Adamawa State. Urine samples were collected from 600 children between the ages of 5-16, analyzed using modified concentration sedimentation method and examined using microscopy. Diagnosis was based on the presence of Schistosoma haematobium eggs in urine samples. The overall prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis was 5.2% (32/600). Ganye LGA had the highest number positive cases with the prevalence of 9.5% (19/200), followed by Mayo Belwa LGA 4.0% (8/200) and the least in Jada LGA 2.5% (5/200). There was statistically significant difference in the prevalence of schistosomiasis among children and the different LGAs (X2 = 10.761; p<0.05). Highest prevalence of 8.3% was recorded between age groups of 13-16 years, followed by 4.9% in 5-8 years and least of 4.8% in 9-12 years. There was no statistical significant difference between prevalence of schistosomiasis among the age groups (p>0.05). Male children showed higher prevalence (7.5%) than female children (3.1%) with statistical significant difference (p<0.05). Based on parent education, children whose parents had non-formal education had higher prevalence (7.8%) and the least (0.0%) was recorded in children whose parent had tertiary education. Children whose parents were farmers had higher prevalence (5.8%) and the least prevalence was recorded in the children of civil servants (2.7%). No statistical significant association was found between prevalence of schistosomiasis with parent education and occupation (p>0.05). The present study reveals low prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among children. A further expanded study that may cover the entire state as well as control measures designed to target the parasite and its intermediate host to prevent higher prevalence in future is recommended.

Towards an integrated vector management approach for sustainable control of schistosomiasis and malaria in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, Kenya: Baseline epidemiological and vector results

BackgroundVector control is an important approach in the control of most parasitic and vector-borne diseases including malaria, and schistosomiasis. Distribution of these two infections often overlaps and in such areas it’s more economically viable to employ an integrated approach in the control of their vectors which largely shares the same breeding ecosystem. We carried out a baseline epidemiological and vector surveys for malaria and schistosomiasis in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, in preparation for the upscaling of integrated vector management (IVM) for the two diseases. MethodsThis was a repeated cross sectional survey, where mosquito and snails were sampled during dry and wet seasons in three different ecological zones, Kiamaciri, Thiba and Murinduko to identify possible breeding sites. Mosquito larvae were collected using standard dippers, adults using CDC miniature light traps while snail vectors were sampled using standard snail scoops in different breeding habitats. A total of 1200 pupils from 12 primary schools were tested for malaria using rapid diagnostic tests (Malaria Pf/PAN Ag combo). Stool samples were processed using the Kato Katz technique for intestinal schistosomiasis. ResultsThe overall prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis was 9.08 % (95 % CI: 07.00–11.00), with Kiamaciri zone recording the highest prevalence at 19 % (95%CI: 15.00–23.00) and Murinduko zone the least at 0.17 % (95%CI: 0.00–0.01). Majority of the infections were of light intensity 78.9 % (95%CI: 70.04–86.13). There was no positive malaria case detected in this study. Of the 3208 adult mosquitoes sampled during the dry season, 20.6 % (95 % CI: 19.25–22.08) were Anopheles gambiae s.l while 79.4 % (95 % CI: 77.92–80.75) were culicines. During the wet season, 3378 adult mosquitoes were collected, of which 14.7 % (95 % CI: 13.56–15.98) were Anopheles gambiae s.l and 85.3 % (95 % CI: 84.02–86.44) culicines. Overall, 4085 mosquito larvae were collected during the two seasons, of which, 57.3 % and 42.7 % were anopheles and culicine respectively. Majority of the larvae (85.1 % (95%CI: 84.01–86.10) were collected during the wet season, with only 14.9 % (95%CI: 14.10–16.00) being collected during the dry season. A total of 2292 fresh water vector snails were collected with a majority (69.6 % (95%CI: 68.00–71.10) being Biomphalaria pffeiferi responsible for transmission of intestinal schistosomiasis. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that intestinal schistosomiasis is prevalent in Kiamaciri and Thiba zones, and points to the possibility of active transmission of schistosomiasis in Murinduko zone. Malaria vectors were predominantly observed in all sites despite there being no malaria positive case. Culex quinquefaciatus responsible for the spread of several arboviruses was also observed. The presence of these vectors may lead to future disease outbreaks in the area if concerted control initiatives are not undertaken. The disease vectors shared the same breeding sites and thus its economical and feasible to adopt an integrated vector management approach in control efforts for these disease in the study area.

Progress from morbidity control to elimination as a public health problem of schistosomiasis and the status of soil-transmitted helminth infection in Togo: a second impact assessment after ten rounds of mass drug administration

BackgroundDue to the burden of schistosomiasis (SCH) and soil-transmitted helminths (STH), Togo Ministry of Health launched a program for Preventive Chemotherapy Neglected Tropical Diseases (PC-NTDs) in 2009, initiating integrated mass drug administration (MDA) the following year for the three PC-NTDs: SCH, STH and onchocerciasis. Significant reduction of infection across the country was noted in 2015 during the first impact assessment, following 5 years of high-coverage MDA implemented at the sub-district level for SCH and district level for STH. After another 5 years of effective MDA, a second survey was conducted in 2021 to re-evaluate the situation of SCH and STH.MethodsA cross-section of school-aged children was taken across ten districts of Togo. A total of 302 schools in 92 sub-districts were sampled, with 24 school-aged children per school resulting in 7248 children surveyed. Urine samples were tested by haemastix® for Schistosoma haematobium, with urine filtration for the presence of eggs conducted on haematuria-positive samples. Stool samples were collected in a subset of 34 sub-districts in seven out of the ten surveyed districts, where STH and Schistosoma mansoni endemicity was high during the 2015 impact assessment. Duplicate (two) Kato-Katz analysis was performed for each stool sample. Sociodemographic and school-level water, sanitation and hygiene information was also collected.ResultsOverall, SCH prevalence was 5.90% (95% CI: 5.4–6.5), with 5.09% (95% CI: 4.64–5.67) for S. haematobium and 2.56% (95% CI: 1.98–3.29) for S. mansoni. STH prevalence was 19.7% (95% CI: 18.2–21.4), with 19.6% (95% CI: 18.1–21.3) hookworm, 0.08% (95% CI: 2.2–5.8) Trichuris trichiura and 0.04% (95% CI: 0.01–0.33) Ascaris lumbricoides. Compared to baseline, a significant reduction in both SCH (22.2% to 5.90%) and STH (29.2% t0 19.7%) prevalence was observed. Children aged 5–9 years were less infected than older peers aged 10–14 years: 4.76% vs. 7.53% (P < 0.01) for SCH and 17.2% vs. 23.0% (P < 0.01) for STH.ConclusionsAfter 10 years of high coverage integrated MDA, Togo has achieved low prevalence SCH infection through the sub-district MDA implementation with considerable infection heterogeneity within sub-districts. As STH infection has not reached a level where the infections are not a public health problem, the sub-district treatment strategy could also be adopted in addition to improvement of treatment coverage among preschool age children and hygiene and sanitation practices.Graphical

Schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiases and sanitation in Latin America and the Caribbean: a systematic reviewRelación entre la prevalencia de esquistosomiasis y geohelmintiasis y las condiciones sanitarias en América Latina y el Caribe: una revisión sistemática

To investigate the relationship between the prevalence of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis with variables related to access to water, sanitation and solid waste in Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries. A systematic review was performed in the LILACS, PubMed, Web of Science, and SciELO databases. Studies published between 1950 and August 2021, with an ecological design and a focus on population groups (states, municipalities and/or districts), having the prevalence of infection by Schistosoma mansoni, Ancylostoma sp., Necator americanus, Ascaris lumbricoides or Trichuris trichiura as primary variable and access to water, sewage and/or solid waste as explanatory variables were included. Open access articles with full text available in English, Spanish, or Portuguese were considered. The risk of bias and the quality of the studies were assessed according to the Joanna Briggs Institute manual. Of 2 714 articles, nine were eligible, published between 1994 and 2021 and covering 22 LAC countries and 14 350 municipalities. All articles had moderate methodological quality. Environmental variables indicated an association between water supply and solid waste collection with schistosomiasis; water supply with ascariasis, trichuriasis and hookworm; and sewage with ascariasis and hookworm. Except for one article, which had regional coverage for LAC, all the others were developed in Brazil. There is a clear need to expand research on the association between household and collective health conditions and parasitic diseases for all endemic countries in LAC to support environmental strategies to control these diseases.

Urinogenital schistosomiasis knowledge, attitude, practices, and its clinical correlates among communities along water bodies in the Kwahu Afram Plains North District, Ghana.

Adequate knowledge and proper practices coupled with knowledge of the burden of disease are necessary for the eradication of Schistosoma infection. This study assessed knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) as well as health outcomes related to Schistosoma haematobium infection at Kwahu Afram Plains North District (KAPND). A cross-sectional survey using a structured questionnaire was carried out among 140 participants from four local communities in KAPND in August 2021. From these participants, 10ml of urine was collected for determination of the presence of S. haematobium and urine routine examination. In addition, 4ml of blood was collected and used for haematological examination. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis using IBM SPSS were used to describe and represent the data collected. The study reports a gap in knowledge about schistosomiasis in the study area with the majority indicating that they have not heard of schistosomiasis (60.7%), do not know the mode of transmission (49.3%), and do not know how the disease could be spread (51.5%). The overall prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis was 52.9%. This was associated with age, occupation, perceived mode of Schistosoma transmission, knowledge of Schistosoma prevention, awareness that schistosomiasis can be treated, frequency of visits to water bodies, and water usage patterns. In multivariate analysis, factors that remained significantly associated with S. haematobium infection were age 21-40 (OR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.06-0.76), 41-60 (OR = 0.01, 95% CI: 0.01-0.52) and ≥ 60 (OR = 0.02, 95% CI: 0.02-0.87), informal employment (OR = 0.01, 95% CI: 0.01-0.69) and awareness of transmission by drinking water from river body (OR = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.03-0.92). In Schistosoma infection, reduced haemoglobin, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, lymphocytes and eosinophils were observed. White blood cells, neutrophils, and monocytes were significantly elevated in infected states. Urine analysis revealed high pus cells and red blood cells counts among Schistosoma-positive participants. Schistosoma infection is endemic among inhabitants in KAPND, and is associated with a gap in knowledge, awareness, and practice possibly due to inadequate education in the area. Poor clinical outcomes associated with Schistosoma infection have been demonstrated in the area. A well-structured public education, nutritional intervention, and mass drug administration will be necessary to eradicate this menace.

Prevalence and risk factors of urinary schistosomiasis among primary school children in Idah Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria

Schistosomiasis has remained one of the most debilitating neglected tropical diseases endemic in Nigeria. A school-based survey of urinary schistosomiasis and the associated risk factors was conducted among one hundred primary school children in Idah Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria. Urine samples were analyzed for haematuria and for the presence of Schistosoma haematobium egg using Combi-9 reagent strip and Sedimentation method respectively. A well-structured questionnaire was used to assess the risk factors of urinary schistosomiasis among the pupils. The result revealed 11% prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium infection through microscopy and 13% haematuria prevalence. A significantly greater number of males were infected compared to female (17.2% versus 4.2%, p = 0.036). Urinary schistosomiasis infection was generally higher in 5 – 10 years than the 11 – 15 years group for both haematuria and microscopy, but the difference was not significant in either case (p &gt; 0.05). Lack of awareness and contact with water bodies are among the risk factors of urinary schistosomiasis among the school children. It is recommended that adequate preventive measures against S. haematobium infection be put in place and awareness on the infectivity and impact of the disease be created among the population in the study area.

The influence of environmental factors on the historical distribution of Biomphalaria pfeifferi in the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality

Abstract. Schistosomiasis remains the most endemic disease in tropical regions. Transmission rates and prevalence of schistosomiasis in Africa are relatively high compared to other regions. This is mostly associated with the lack of clean water and sanitation as necessities to curbing the spread of the disease. Over 90% of people in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are deprived of clean water and sanitation. 60-80% of the children in South African communities are infected. Climate variability plays a role in the distribution of vector-borne diseases by affecting intermediate host reproduction and changing their habitats thereby decreasing or increasing host survival and disease transmission ability. This study aims to determine the influence of environmental factors on the spatial distribution of Biomphalaria pfeifferi in the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. The use of species distribution models (SDMs) to model the intermediate snail hosts habitats in South Africa is uncommon, compared to other African countries. To our knowledge no modelling study has been done in South Africa particularly in the Tshwane Municipality, and this has therefore, paved a way for this study. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify all the important climatic variables that impact on the distribution of bilharzia-transmitting snails. Biomphalaria pfeifferi occurrence data was accessed from the National Freshwater Snails Collection, and the climate data was extracted from the ERA5 website respectively. The principal component analysis was used to reduce the multidimensionality of the dataset, with this framework tool, Pearson's correlations helped identify the variables showing a high correlation with the snail datasets and these were included in the ecological niche model. The following climatic variables: temperature, rainfall, water temperature, and other climate-related phenomena such as droughts and flooding influence the distribution patterns of intermediate snail hosts. The model showed high species presence along the central parts of Tshwane, mostly in the following areas Roodeplaat, Mamelodi, Winterveldt, and Refilwe. However, the south-eastern parts of the municipality did not indicate any species occurrence. The findings confirm that environmental factors impact on the historical distribution of Biomphalaria pfeifferi in the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. The response curves from the MaxEnt model depict the relationship between habitat suitability and environmental factors.

Determining the prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis based on the discordance between egg counts and haematuria in populations from northern Tanzania

ObjectivesThe presence of schistosomal eggs in the urine is a sufficient but not necessary condition for an individual to be diagnosed with urogenital schistosomiasis. The absence of eggs does not prove that a person is disease-free. Thus, when examining populations using egg occurrence, there is a real risk of underestimating the prevalence. The aim is to develop an easy to use model for improved prevalence estimates of urogenital schistosomiasis.Design and methodsUrine samples were taken from 161 schoolchildren and 124 adults on three different days for each individual. The probands were recruited from two areas in northern Tanzania with varying prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis. The presence of eggs by microscopy and haematuria by dipstick were recorded for each sample and the measurements combined using the discordance of the outcomes.ResultAs a consequence of applying the developed model, a substantial increase in the prevalence estimate was noted for groups displaying a low egg occurrence.ConclusionBy using the biological relationship that exists between the presence of eggs and blood in urine of an infected individual, we provide a way of adjusting the prevalence estimates of urogenital schistosomiasis, using the observed prevalence of haematuria, in the absence of competing causes.

Epidemiology of bovine schistosomiasis and associated risk factors in Ethiopia: A systematic review with meta-analysis of published articles, 2008-2018.

Schistosomiasis is a tropical and subtropical parasitic infection that affects both animals and humans. It's caused by the Schistosoma genus and spreads via snails as an intermediate host. Schistosoma bovis is widely spread in Ethiopia's Northern, Eastern, Southwestern, and Central regions. It is an economically significant cattle disease with global health implications. Despite numerous prevalence studies of bovine schistosomiasis in different regions of the country, no systematic review and meta-analysis of the disease has ever been undertaken. As a reason, the purpose of this research was to provide information that can be used in the planning and design of Schistosoma interventions in Ethiopia, as the world aims to eliminate schistosomiasis as a public health problem by 2030. The PRISMA statement guidline was used to check the eligiblities of the included studies. Electronic bibliographic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, HINARI, and Web of science, reference lists from retriv articles, books, libraries, megazins and existing reviews manaually were employed for literature searches. The pooled prevalence of bovine schistosomiasis and heterogeneity among included studies was estimated by employing random effect models and the inverse variance index, respectively. To investigate the source of heterogeneity across and within studies, subgroup analysis was undertaken based on sample size, study years, and study regions. To assess publication bias and small study effects, funnel plotsand Egger's regression test were used. The pooled prevalence was calculated with a 95% confidence interval using STATA 17 software. To identify the various risk variables related to the prevalence of bovine schistosomiasis, a pooled odd ratio was used Based on the inclusion criteria, a total of 20 studies were discovered and included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of bovine schistosomiasis was found to range from 22 to 45.7%. In this meta-analysis, the estimated pooled prevalence of bovine schistosomiasis was 24% (95% CI: 17% to 31%). Substantial heterogeneity was observed across the included studies (I2 = 88.04%; p< 0.001). The results of the funnel plot and Egger'stests revealed no substantial publication bias (Egger's test; p = 0.509). The pooled odds ratio indicated that poor body condition was positively associated with the infection rate of bovine schistosomiasis (OR: 4.915, 95% CI: 2.675 to 9.030; p<0.001), with poor body conditioned animals having 4.915 times higher likelihood to schistosomiasis infection. This review found that the overall prevalence of bovine schistosomiasis was high and the body condition of animals was identified risk factor for Schistosoma infection among the studied factors. Therefore, this review found that the occurrence of bovine schistosomiasis was strongly associated with the state of body condition of animals. Further, sufficient numbers of prospective studies should be conducted to address other potential risk factors of bovine schistosomiasis in Ethiopia.

Review of Recent Prevalence of Urogenital Schistosomiasis in Sub-Saharan Africa and Diagnostic Challenges in the Field Setting.

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.

Urinary schistosomiasis and associated microbial infections among pre-school aged and school-aged children in Ipogun, Nigeria

Urinary schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection caused by digenean trematode. In Nigeria, Schistosoma haematobium has been incriminated as the cause of urinary schistosomiasis infection and has been reported from different parts of the country with high prevalence especially in Ondo State. Endemicity in Ipogun village is over two decades due to cultural beliefs and behavioural attitude of the community dwellers to the disease. The study assessed the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis and associated microbial infections among Pre-School Aged and School-Aged Children (SAC) in Ipogun, Ondo State. Urine samples were collected from 492 children in the village and analysed using the centrifugation method. Similarly, urine samples were cultured using standard microbial methods and examined for the presence of bacteriuria and fungi. The results showed that out of the 492 urine samples examined for parasitology, 306 (62.2%) were positive for urinary schistosomiasis with mean intensity of 22.3 in the sampled population. Haematuria was more prevalent among the male pupils (n =190; 12.2%) than the female (n =116; 6.5%). The prevalence peaked within the age group 16-20 at 82.2%. Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella sp were isolated as bacteria and Aspergillus sp and Candida sp as fungi solely from the schistosomiasis positive urine samples. This study revealed the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in the study area and the predisposition of the infected children to microbial infections. Results suggest routine uninterrupted chemotherapeutic control and the consideration of antibiotics in the treatment regime to control opportunistic microbial infections.

Screening for Resistant Bacteria, Antimicrobial Resistance Genes, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Schistosoma spp. in Tissue Samples from Predominantly Vaginally Delivered Placentae in Ivory Coast and Ghana.

Medical complications during pregnancy have been frequently reported from Western Africa with a particular importance of infectious complications. Placental tissue can either become the target of infectious agents itself, such as, e.g., in the case of urogenital schistosomiasis, or be subjected to contamination with colonizing or infection-associated microorganisms of the cervix or the vagina during vaginal delivery. In the retrospective cross-sectional assessment presented here, the quantitative dimension of infection or colonization with selected resistant or pathogenic bacteria and parasites was regionally assessed. To do so, 274 collected placental tissues from Ivory Coastal and Ghanaian women were subjected to selective growth of resistant bacteria, as well as to molecular screening for beta-lactamase genes, Schistosoma spp. and selected bacterial causative agents of sexually transmitted infections (STI). Panton-Valentine-negative methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was grown from 1.8% of the tissue samples, comprising the spa types t008 and t688, as well as the newly detected ones, t12101 (n = 2) and t12102. While the culture-based recovery of resistant Enterobacterales and nonfermentative rod-shaped Gram-negative bacteria failed, molecular assessments confirmed beta-lactamase genes in 31.0% of the samples with multiple detections of up to four resistance genes per sample and blaCTX-M, blaIMP, blaGES, blaVIM, blaOXA-58-like, blaNDM, blaOXA-23-like, blaOXA-48-like and blaKPC occurring in descending order of frequency. The beta-lactamase genes blaOXA-40/24-like, blaNMC_A/IMI, blaBIC, blaSME, blaGIM and blaDIM were not detected. DNA of the urogenital schistosomiasis-associated Schistosoma haematobium complex was recorded in 18.6% of the samples, but only a single positive signal for S. mansoni with a high cycle-threshold value in real-time PCR was found. Of note, higher rates of schistosomiasis were observed in Ghana (54.9% vs. 10.3% in Ivory Coast) and Cesarean section was much more frequent in schistosomiasis patients (61.9% vs. 14.8% in women without Schistosoma spp. DNA in the placenta). Nucleic acid sequences of nonlymphogranuloma-venereum-associated Chlamydia trachomatis and of Neisseria gonorrhoeae were recorded in 1.1% and 1.9% of the samples, respectively, while molecular attempts to diagnose Treponema pallidum and Mycoplasma genitalium did not lead to positive results. Molecular detection of Schistosoma spp. or STI-associated pathogens was only exceptionally associated with multiple resistance gene detections in the same sample, suggesting epidemiological distinctness. In conclusion, the assessment confirmed considerable prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis and resistant bacterial colonization, as well as a regionally expected abundance of STI-associated pathogens. Continuous screening offers seem advisable to minimize the risks for the pregnant women and their newborns.

Haematobium infection and the predisposing factors in Fufore LGA of Adamawa State

Background &amp; Objectives: Schistosomiasis, is a major health problem in the rural areas of developing countries where there is high water contact activities with fresh water bodies, poor hygienic practices and no portal drinking water. It ranks the second after Malaria with socio-economic and public health importance in the tropics and subtropical regions. To provide information on the prevalence and predisposing factors of Haematobium infection among School-aged children in relation to their age and gender in Fufore LGA. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of urinary Schistosomiasis and the predisposing factors in Fofure LGA of Adamawa State between October and November 2022 where five Schools were sampled for the study. 300 Students between the ages 0-15 years were randomly selected and grouped into three age groups (0-5, 6-10 and 11-15) respectively. Urine samples were obtained from the students and transferred to New Boshang Hospital Medical Laboratory for parasitological examination. Each were also issued a structured questionnaire so as to obtain their demographic characteristics and to determine the possible risk factors associated with this infection in the case of study. Results: Out of the total 300 Students examined, 113(37.7%) were positive for Schistosoma haematobium and the Males (43.9%) had significantly higher prevalence (P &lt; 0.05) than the Females (30.2%). In respect to age, the age group 11-15 (51.5%) were significantly more infected (P &lt; 0.05) than the younger age groups 0-5 (8.2%) and 6-10 (36.6%) examined. Haematobium infection was observed to be higher in children whose parents were irrigation farmers/ fishermen 173(57.7%) than those whose parents are not. Students whose household monthly income is below N30, 000 were more infected. Those that used well 97(32.3) and streams 123(41.0%) as source of drinking water showed high prevalence than those who use borehole. Students whose water contact activities were for farming/ fishing 201(67.7%) were significantly more infected with haematobium infection (P &lt; 0.05) than those without ant water contact activity. Interpretation and Conclusion: From the result of the study, it’s clear that poverty, ignorance, socio-cultural practice, poor hygienic practices, inadequate toiletry facility are some of the predisposing factors associated with this infection in the study area. Intervention by the relevant authorities are needed to curtail the transmission of this infection. These interventions includes; massive health education, provision of portable drinking water and provision of good sanitary/ toilet facility.

Epidemiology of schistosomiasis in the town of Manjo, littoral - Region,Cameroon

BackgroundSchistosomiasis is endemic in Cameroon and continues to cause serious public health problems, especially among populations in rural areas. This study aimed at determining the prevalence and risk factors of urinary and intestinal schistosomiasis in Manjo. MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted in the city of Manjo in 2020. Stool and urine samples were collected from 400 participants. These stool and urine samples were examined by the Kato Katz, and centrifugation methods respectively. ResultsThe results obtained showed an overall prevalence of 6.25%, with 5% and 1.25% for S. mansoni and S. haematobium respectively. A significant difference (p < 0.05) was revealed among occupations, age groups, neighborhood, water usage, educational level, knowledge of the disease meanwhile no significant difference was observed between gender and occupation according to prevalence. The most infected ages were] 50-; + [and]20–35] with 13.36% and 11.86% respectively. S. haematobium revealed a low infection intensity while S. mansoni showed moderate infection intensity. The mean parasite load for S. haematobium was 6 ± 3.225 Eggs/10 ml in females and 7 ± 4.243 Eggs/10 ml for males; while the mean parasitic load in S. mansoni was 180 ± 142.441 Epg in females and 146.67 ± 82.286 Epg in males. ConclusionManjo can be classified as a low endemic area with a prevalence rate of 6.25% and species observed were S. haematobium and S. mansoni. Also, risk factors where observed including the use of water from the river for domestic purposes. Therefore, the intensification of health education campaigns among the population would delay the development of this disease in the locality.

Prevalence and risk factors of schistosomiasis and hookworm infection in seasonal transmission settings in northern Côte d'Ivoire: A cross-sectional study.

Schistosomiasis and hookworm infection remain public health problems in large parts of sub-Saharan Africa. The epidemiology of schistosomiasis and hookworm was studied in seasonal transmission settings in the northern part of Côte d'Ivoire. In August 2018, a cross-sectional study was conducted. Urine and stool samples were collected from 742 individuals aged 6-96 years in 16 localities from four departments in northern Côte d'Ivoire. Urine samples were examined by a filtration method for quantification of Schistosoma haematobium eggs. Stool samples were subjected to duplicate Kato-Katz thick smears and eggs of Schistosoma mansoni and soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) were counted. Additionally, a questionnaire was administered to determine demographic characteristics and to identify risk factors of schistosomiasis and STHs. Malacologic surveys were carried out at water points that are contacted by humans and animals. The prevalence of schistosomiasis was very low. Only two cases of S. mansoni were found (0.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.1-1.0%). The distribution of S. haematobium was focal, with cases found only in two departments; Ferkessédougou (5.4%, 95% CI: 2.5-9.9%) and Ouangolodougou (2.7%, 95% CI: 0.9-6.3%). Hookworm was the only STH species observed with a prevalence of 1.5% (95% CI: 0.8-2.8%). A higher risk of S. haematobium infection was observed in males compared to females, but the difference was not statistically significant (2.3% versus 1.3%, odds ratio [OR]: 1.5, 95% CI: 0.8-2.7). Participants aged 16-20 years showed the highest prevalence of S. haematobium. A total of 111 human- and animal-water contact points were identified at 47 water sources. Three potential intermediate host snails of schistosomes were collected; namely, Bulinus forskalii (n = 761), Bulinus truncatus (n = 205), and Biomphalaria pfeifferi (n = 1). Yet, only one specimen of Bu. truncatus was found to be shedding schistosome cercariae. This study confirms very low transmission of schistosomiasis and hookworm in northern Côte d'Ivoire. The establishment and rigorous implementation of integrated surveillance-response systems could lead to the elimination of schistosomiasis and hookworm in this part of Côte d'Ivoire.

Effect of environmental factors in reducing the prevalence of schistosomiasis in schoolchildren: An analysis of three extensive national prevalence surveys in Brazil (1950-2018).

Over seven decades, Brazil has made admirable progress in controlling schistosomiasis, and a frequent question about the explanation for this reduction refers to the effect of improving environmental factors in the country. This article seeks to identify factors related to the change in the epidemiological situation of schistosomiasis mansoni infection by analyzing three national prevalence surveys conducted since 1950. This is an ecological study analyzing an unbalanced panel of data based on national surveys and considering the municipality as the unit of analysis. The sample consisted of 1,721 Brazilian municipalities, in which a total of 1,182,339 schoolchildren aged 7-14 were examined during the three periods corresponding to each survey (1947-1953, 1975-1979, and 2010-2015). The percentage of municipalities with zero cases of schistosomiasis was: 45.4%, 54.2% and 73.7%, respectively for those periods. A zero-inflated Poisson regression model, with fixed and random effects, was fitted to assess the association between candidate factors and disease prevalence using a significance level of 5%. There was a significant decrease in disease prevalence between the first and last periods analyzed (RR 0.214, CI 0.184-0.249), with a protective association with access to sanitation (RR 0.996, CI 0.994-0.998), urbanization (RR 0.991, CI 0.989-0.993), and living in own households (RR 0.986, CI 0.983-0.989); and an inverse association with piped water supply (RR 1.010, CI 1.008-1.011). The findings of this study indicate a decrease in the prevalence of schistosomiasis over seven decades in schoolchildren from the analyzed Brazilian municipalities, associated with environmental factors and social conditions. The increased access to piped water in the municipalities apparently triggers other ways of contact with unsafe water bodies, generating new transmission routes and suggesting the need for a systemic approach concerning contact with water.

Assessing the prevalence of Female Genital Schistosomiasis and comparing the acceptability and performance of health worker-collected and self-collected cervical-vaginal swabs using PCR testing among women in North-Western Tanzania: The ShWAB study.

Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) is a neglected disease of the genital tract due to the inflammatory response to the presence of Schistosoma haematobium eggs in the genital tract. The WHO has prioritized the improvement of diagnostics for FGS and previous studies have explored the PCR-based detection of Schistosoma DNA on genital specimens, with encouraging results. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of FGS among women living in an endemic district in North-western Tanzania, using PCR on samples collected though cervical-vaginal swabs, and to compare the performance of self-collected and healthcare worker-collected (operator-collected) samples, and the acceptability of the different sampling methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 211 women living in 2 villages in the Maswa district of North-western Tanzania. Urine, self-collected and operator-collected cervical-vaginal swabs were obtained from participants. A questionnaire was administered, focusing on the comfortability in undergoing different diagnostic procedures. Prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis, as assessed by eggs in urine, was 8.5% (95%CI 5.1-13.1). DNA was pre-isolated from genital swabs and transported at room temperature to Italy for molecular analysis. Prevalence of active schistosomiasis, urinary schistosomiasis, and FGS were 10.0% (95% CI 6.3-14.8), 8.5% (95%CI 5.1-13.1), and 4.7% (95%CI 2.3-8.5), respectively. When real-time PCR was performed after a pre-amplification step, the prevalence of active schistosomiasis increased to 10.4% (95%CI 6.7-15.4), and FGS to 5.2% (95%CI 2.6-9.1). Of note, more cases were detected by self-collected than operator-collected swabs. The vast majority of participants (95.3%) declared that they were comfortable/very comfortable about genital self-sampling, which was indicated as the preferred sampling method by 40.3% of participants. The results of this study show that genital self-sampling followed by pre-amplified PCR on room temperature-stored DNA is a useful method from both technical and acceptability point of views. This encourages further studies to optimize samples processing, and identify the best operational flow to allow integration of FGS screening into women health programmes, such as HPV screening.

Integration of Monitoring for Parasitologic Status for Schistosomiasis and Soil-transmitted Helminthiasis Control Programs with Nutritional Status of Pre-school and School Age Children in Selected Municipalities in Northern Leyte, the Philippines

The periodic collection of parasitologic and morbidity indicators is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to monitor schistosomiasis (SCH) and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) control programs. In 2017, the DOH-CHD VIII (Department of Health–Center for Health Development Region 8 Office) – in collaboration with UP-NTDSG (the University of the Philippines Neglected Tropical Diseases Study Group) – conducted a monitoring activity aimed at determining [1] the prevalence and intensity of SCH and STH; [2] seroprevalence of SCH; and [3] prevalence of stunting, underweight, wasting, and anemia in pre-school-age children (PSAC) and school-age children (SAC) in selected municipalities in the province of Northern Leyte, the Philippines as part of monitoring the local implementation of SCH and STH control programs. Stool samples were collected, processed using the Kato-Katz technique, and examined through microscopy. Blood specimens collected from SAC were tested for the presence of Schistosoma japonicum antibody using the IgG ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) kit. Data on anthropometric measurements and hemoglobin levels were collected with adherence to WHO guidelines. Secondary analysis of the gathered data showed that SCH prevalence in SAC was 3.1%, but SCH seroprevalence was 83.1%. Although STH prevalence met the national target of &lt; 50%, heavy-intensity STH prevalence remained higher than the global target of &lt; 2%. The overall prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting were 19.2, 38.0, and 10.6%, respectively. STH was significantly associated with stunting in PSAC (p = 0.030) and anemia in SAC (p = 0.033). The monitoring activity demonstrated the utility of an integrated monitoring scheme for SCH and STH control programs and nutrition programs at the local level. This model can be adopted for optimization and utilization by national programs for monitoring and may likewise benefit local government units for purposes of policy and planning.

Trend of Human Schistosomiasis Japonica Prevalence in China from 1990 to 2019.

Schistosomiasis (Schistosomiasis japonica) remains an important public health problem in China, and the Chinese government has set an ambitious goal of eliminating schistosomiasis by 2030. Based on the observational study of the Global Burden of Disease Study database in 2019 (GBD2019) and the World Bank database, this study aimed to analyze the prevalence trend of schistosomiasis in China from 1990 to 2019 by using the joinpoint regression model, and the relationship between economic and social development and schistosomiasis prevalence. The data of age-standardized infection rates (ASRs) from the Global Burden of Disease Study Global Health Data Exchange were collected, and Gross national product per capita (GDP) and people using safely managed sanitation services ((PPMS) % of population) were extracted from the World Bank database. Trends of ASR were analyzed using joinpoint regression analysis, the association of ASR with GDP, and PPMS using the Pearson correlation analysis. The results reveal that, from 1990 to 2019, the overall trend of ASR from schistosomiasis showed a decrease for both sexes, the decreases in men were relatively smaller compared with women. A larger decrease has been observed in the age groups from 15 to 49 years compared with other age groups. The ASR of schistosomiasis had a significant negative correlation with GDP and PPMS. This observational study identified decreasing prevalence rate of schistosomiasis in China since 1990. Continuous investment, optimization of control strategy, and economic development will help to achieve the goal of schistosomiasis elimination.

Test-Treat-Track-Test-Treat Strategy for Control of Schistosomiasis in Two Low-Prevalence Villages in Northwestern Tanzania.

Mass drug administration of praziquantel becomes a less attractive strategy for elimination of schistosomiasis in low-prevalence areas due to cost implications and low treatment compliance. We aimed to determine the feasibility of a Test-Treat-Track-Test-Treat (5T) strategy in two low-prevalence villages; the 5T strategy has been successfully implemented in diseases such as malaria. A total of 200 school children aged 6-12 years were randomly selected from two schools and tested for Schistosoma mansoni infection using the point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen test. Schistosoma mansoni-positive children, referred to as first-generation cases (FGCs), were tracked and treated including up to five members of their families. Second-generation cases, identified by the FGCs as their close, non-relative contacts, were also tracked, tested, and treated, including up to five members of their families. The prevalence of schistosomiasis among screened FGCs was 16.5% (33/200) in both villages. Twenty-four FGCs were included in the study. Prevalence among 94 contacts of FGCs was 46.8% (44/94). The proportion was higher in Muda than Bulunga village (61.2% versus 31.1%, χ2 = 10.6611, P = 0.005). Prevalence among SGCs and their contacts was 37.5% (9/24) and 47.1% (49/104), respectively. Overall, the 5T strategy identified 102 additional cases out of 222 tracked from FGCs, 95% of whom were treated, at a total time of 52 hours. Our data demonstrate the potential of the 5T strategy in identifying and treating additional cases in the community and hence its practicality in schistosomiasis control in low-prevalence settings at relatively low time and resources investment.