Schistosomiasis In Communities Research Articles

Promoting Sustainable Development in Combating Schistosomiasis through Community-Centric Approaches: The Role of Social Empowerment and Education in Ondo State

Schistosomiasis has been reported to be the most common parasitic disease after malaria capable of affecting over 249 million individuals in lower-income countries. The disease is caused by a blood fluke from the genus Schistosoma and can be either chronic or acute in several patients depending on the worm burden. Poor sanitation and lack of potable water are major predisposing factors for the sustained transmission of schistosomiasis in several communities in Africa. In Nigeria, 24 million cases are being reported in all states, with over 100 million individuals at risk of the infection due to the disease being endemic in the region. This disease is made worse when there is a co-infection of urinary tract infections (UTIs) or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In Ondo state Nigeria, urinary schistosomiasis is called Atosiaja, blood fluke, or snail fever. The disease is endemic in several communities in Ondo states due to little or no access to clean water which increases the contact of villagers to natural flowing rivers and streams that are natural breeding sites for the intermediate hosts. This systematic review was carried out to evaluate the prevalence of schistosomiasis in communities of Ondo state, Nigeria. The review was conducted through a literature search using two scientific databases which focuses on the prevalence and intensity of schistosomiasis infection in communities of Ondo state covering the period 2017 to 2022. This review looks at the relationship between sustainable development initiatives and the prevalence of schistosomiasis in Ondo state. By addressing critical issues such as water quality, community education and integrated vector management as long-term solutions to reduce the burden of schistosomiasis in Ondo state. This holistic approach will contribute overall to improvements in public health and the environment.

Schistosomiasis Control in Ethiopia: The Role of Snail Mapping in Endemic Communities.

Introduction: Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease (NTD), remains a public health problem in Ethiopia. Freshwater snails, acting as intermediate hosts, release cercariae, the infectious parasite, into the water, which penetrate human skin that encounters infested waters. The objective of this study was to map snail abundance along rivers and study its association with schistosomiasis infection in communities using these rivers. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at 20 river sites in Mizan Aman city administration, Bench Sheko zone, South West Ethiopia Peoples (SWEP) region, Ethiopia, to study the distribution of host snails and transmission sites for intestinal schistosomiasis. This study used a quantitative database consisting of data on the prevalence of infected snails, the characteristics of rivers and riverbanks, and the prevalence of schistosomiasis in the community, based on stool samples collected from community members near the sampling sites. Results: Aquatic snails were found in 11 of the 20 sites sampled. A total of 598 snails was collected, including Biomphalaria pfeifferi, Biomphalaria sudanica, Radix natalensis and Bulinus globosus species; the most abundant species was Biomphalaria pfeifferi. Stool samples were collected from 206 community members from all 20 sites. Forty-one (19.9%) were positive for Schistosoma mansoni. A positive correlation was found between the presence of snails and positive stool samples (r = 0.60, p = 0.05) and between the presence of infected snails and the prevalence of infection (r = 0.64, p = 0.03). Locations with muddy riverbanks were associated with the presence of snails (r = 0.81, p < 0.001). Conclusions: These results emphasize the importance of mapping snails for the control of schistosomiasis by defining hotspots of infection and identifying factors associated with the presence of infected snails. The results support the need for a continuous mapping of snails and the introduction of snail control as a major element for the successful control of schistosomiasis in endemic communities.

Assessing the diversity and distribution of potential intermediate hosts snails for urogenital schistosomiasis: Bulinus spp. (Gastropoda: Planorbidae) of Lake Victoria

BackgroundThe Lake Victoria basin is one of the most persistent hotspots of schistosomiasis in Africa, the intestinal form of the disease being studied more often than the urogenital form. Most schistosomiasis studies have been directed to Schistosoma mansoni and their corresponding intermediate snail hosts of the genus Biomphalaria, while neglecting S. haematobium and their intermediate snail hosts of the genus Bulinus. In the present study, we used DNA sequences from part of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene and the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region to investigate Bulinus populations obtained from a longitudinal survey in Lake Victoria and neighbouring systems during 2010–2019.MethodsSequences were obtained to (i) determine specimen identities, diversity and phylogenetic positions, (ii) reconstruct phylogeographical affinities, and (iii) determine the population structure to discuss the results and their implications for the transmission and epidemiology of urogenital schistosomiasis in Lake Victoria.ResultsPhylogenies, species delimitation methods (SDMs) and statistical parsimony networks revealed the presence of two main groups of Bulinus species occurring in Lake Victoria; B. truncatus/B. tropicus complex with three species (B. truncatus, B. tropicus and Bulinus sp. 1), dominating the lake proper, and a B. africanus group, prevalent in banks and marshes. Although a total of 47 cox1 haplotypes, were detected within and outside Lake Victoria, there was limited haplotype sharing (only Haplotype 6 was shared between populations from Lake Victoria open waters and neighbouring aquatic systems) – an indication that haplotypes are specific to habitats.ConclusionsThe Bulinus fauna of Lake Victoria consists of at least B. truncatus, B. tropicus, Bulinus sp. 1 (B. trigonus?) and B. ugandae. The occurrence and wide distribution of Bulinus species in Lake Victoria potentially implies the occurrence of urogenital schistosomiasis in communities living along the shores and on islands of the lake who depend solely on the lake for their livelihood. More in-depth studies are needed to obtain a better picture of the extent of the disease in the Lake Victoria basin.

Urinary schistosomiasis in communities around Kiri Lake, Shelleng Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria

The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in the different communities, the intensity of infection, prevalence among gender and age groups and to relate infection with parent’s occupation. A study on the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis was conducted in four villages around Kiri Lake in Shelleng Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria. Two hundred and thirty two urine samples were collected from four primary school children randomly selected from within the four study communities. Overall, prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis was 48% (111/232), with males recording 49% (69/142) and females 47% (42/90). The total mean egg count (MEC) was 8.3. There was no significant difference in prevalence between males and females (P˃0.05). Prevalence was higher among age groups, with the 13-15 year old age group having the highest 62.96% (17/27) and the 4-6 year old age group had the least 37% (19/52). There was no statiscally significant difference in prevalence among the different age groups (P>0.05). Infection was also high among children of fishermen 59.09% (13/22), followed by farmers’ children 56.25% (45/80) and the least prevalence was among children of teachers 20% (3/15). Old Banjiram had the highest infection of 91% (21/23), while Kwadadai had the least 36.8% (21/57) (P<0.05). Old Banjiram and children in the 10-12 years age group had the highest mean egg count of 10.6 and 9.4 respectively. The study reveals a high prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis. And therefore portable water source should be made functional in all communities surrounding the lake. While rehabilitation and repair of the existing water borehole system in the community should be effected as well as drilling new additional boreholes to serve their water needs. Commun JASEMity participatory health education on this neglected tropical disease in the area is needed on knowledge of the disease, the intermediate host and transmission pattern. Since school children harbour infection and are a source of infection of schistosomiasis in endemic communities, planning and provision for their treatment should be considered in control programmes. Keywords: Schistosoma haematobium , Prevalence, Kiri lake, Socio-economic, School children, Nigeria

Prevalence and Intensity of Schistosomiasis in Communities around Water Reservoirs in Malawi

Although schistosomiasis is endemic in Malawi, its epidemiology at water reservoir communities is not known. However, there are more than 750 water reservoirs spread throughout the country, providing water for various activities. The present study was conducted to determine schistosomiasis infection at reservoir communities in Malawi. Methods: This was across sectional study conducted during the rainy and dry seasons at three water reservoir communities. A total of 1594 individuals aged from 1 to 78 years from 1-2km, >2-5km and 5km away from the reservoir were randomly selected and enrolled into the study. They provided stool and urine samples which were examined for Schistosoma eggs using Kato-Katz and sedimentation methods, respectively. Results: An overall prevalence of 47.4% was found with 51.2% for S. haematobium and 9.5% for S. mansoni. Prevalence was significantly higher during the dry season (58.5%) than the rainy season (36.6%) (P=0.01). Prevalence was significantly higher in communities living 0-2km away from the reservoir than in those living > 5km away (P=0.00). Prevalence of S. haematobium was significantly different higher at Mlala reservoir than at Ukonde and Njala reservoirs (P=0.043). Prevalence of S. Mansoni was significantly higher at Ukonde reservoir than at Mlala and Njala reservoirs (P=0.037). Prevalence among different age groups was not significantly different (P=0.29). Age group of 6-15 years had significantly higher infection intensity, in both S. mansoni (129±3.6 epg) and S. haematobium (63.3±2.3 eggs/10ml of urine), than the other age groups. Conclusion: Water reservoirs are infested with Schistosoma cercariae and the communities are at risk. The closer to the reservoir, the higher the chances of being infected. We recommend annual MDA, since the prevalence found is within the ≥50% WHO recommended threshold for MDA. We also recommend a health education to the communities on transmission and prevention of schistosomiasis.

Pathogenic Effects of Genital Schistosomiasis on Men and Women Health

Genital Schistosomiasis (GS) is a disease condition of the genitalia caused by invasion of reproductive tissues by Schistosoma ova. This health condition has been associated with reproductive health problems such as ectopic pregnancies, postcoital bleeding, bleeding, low sperm count, cervical cancer and found to increase the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted disease(STD) including HIV/AIDS (1). According to the worldwide estimate of women with this condition, Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) is in the range of 2-13 million (2). Studies have shown that FGS is a common manifestation in S. haematobium infections; hence, a strong association has been observed between urinary schistosomiasis and genital schistosomiasis (3). Genital schistosomiasis (GS), a clinical manifestation of schistosomiasis is likely to occur in all adult cases of schistosomiasis with debilitating disease sequelae. Studies have shown a high prevalence of genital schistosomiasis in communities with endemic schistosomiasis(3). Schistosomiais is prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical areas, especially in poor communities without access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation. It is estimated that at least 90% of those requiring treatment for schistosomiasis live in Africa (4). There are two major forms of schistosomiasis – intestinal and urogenital – caused by five main species of blood fluke (Table 1). Schistosomiasis particularly affects populations involving in agricultural and fishing activities. Women doing domestic chores in infested water such as washing clothes, are also at risk. Inadequate hygiene and play habits make children especially vulnerable to infection (Figure.1). Migration to urban areas and refugee movements are introducing the disease to new areas. Increasing population size and the corresponding needs for power and water often result in development schemes and environmental modifications that also lead to increased transmission (5).With the rise in eco-tourism and travel “off the beaten track”, increasing numbers of tourists are contracting schistosomiasis. At times, tourists present with severe acute infection

Current status of urinary schistosomiasis in communities around the Erinle and Eko-Ende Dams and the implications for schistosomiasis control in Nigeria

AbstractSchistosomiasis is an endemic disease in many parts of the world and the disease is associated with water resource development projects, such as dams, irrigation schemes, and rice and fish farming. The present study was designed to determine the prevalence and intensity of urinary schistosomiasis in five communities around the Erinle and Eko-Ende Dams in Osun State, Nigeria, using dipstickhaematuria, and parasitogical and molecular techniques. A total of 462 participants were screened, of whom 46.3%, 51.1% and 61.5% tested positive when using haematuria, microscopy and PCR respectively. The highest prevalence of the infection and intensity was in Illie (Erinle Dam), while Eko-Ajala (Eko-Ende Dam) had the least. Using analysis of variance and chi-square tests, the differences in the prevalence and intensity of the infection between the fve communities was statistically signifcant (p-value < 0.05). The prevalence and the intensity of the infection was higher in communities around Erinle Dam when com...

Evaluation of IgG-ELISA for the diagnosis of Schistosoma japonicum in a high prevalence, low intensity endemic area of China

Antibody-based diagnostic methods for detecting infection with Schistosoma japonicum have been developed and integrated into the national control program in China; however, the utility of these methods compared with conventional coprological methods remains unclear. In two consecutive years, we compared the performance characteristics of Kato–Katz with a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that detects anti-egg antigen IgG antibodies in a high prevalence, low intensity village in China (1025 subjects in 2005 and 652 subjects in 2006). In comparison with Kato–Katz based on duplicate stool specimens, each read in triplicate, the sensitivity of IgG-ELISA was high, ranging from 79.3% to 87.4% but with a relatively low specificity of 38.9% to 53.5%. The positive predictive value ranged from 20.8% to 24.6% while the negative predictive value ranged from 93.1% to 94.4%. When analyzed as continuous variables, there was a poor correlation between EPG (eggs per gram feces) and antibody level in both years ( r 2005 = 0.23 and r 2006 = 0.41). We detected a trend toward reduced sensitivity at lower infection intensity as measured by Kato–Katz in 2005 ( P = 0.262) and 2006 ( P = 0.287). We evaluated changes in antibody levels and the prevalence of positive antibody in the cohort of subjects examined in both 2005 and 2006 ( n = 565). The prevalence of positive antibody but not the continuous antibody level, decreased in individuals who were uninfected at both time points or who transitioned from infected to uninfected as assessed by Kato–Katz. In this cohort, the distribution of antibody levels measured in 2006 among individuals who were positive by Kato–Katz in 2006 broadly overlapped with the distribution of antibody levels in individuals who were negative by Kato–Katz in both 2005 and 2006. Our results indicate fairly poor performance characteristics of the anti-egg antigen IgG-ELISA for the detection of active infection with S. japonicum in our community based sample and are in contrast with other reports based on more selected populations. The high prevalence but low intensity of S. japonicum in our study community reflects the evolving epidemiology of schistosomiasis in communities receiving intermittent treatment with praziquantel in China. We suggest marked caution in implementing anti-egg antigen IgG-ELISA based diagnosis for either individual level diagnosis or population-based targeting for national control programs.

Participatory Action Research: Community Diagnosis and Intervention in Controlling Urinary Schistosomiasis in An Urban Community in Ibadan, Nigeria

Schistosomiasis is second only to malaria and is endemic in Nigeria. It has been reported that the infection is more prevalent, irrespective of gender, in the age group 5 to 14 years. It is least among the age group 26 and 55 and occurs mostly in the rural areas in the country. The infection is spreading from the rural areas to various urban communities, particularly the agricultural and fishing populations. In Ibadan, capital of Oyo State in southwestern Nigeria where the focus of this study is made, the infection has been reported among children and adolescents in six Local Government Areas. Students of Advanced Diploma in Health Education (ADHE) of the Department of Health Promotion and Education, during a community diagnosis exercise among primary schools in two communities in Ibadan, met with this problem. The purpose of this study is to mobilize the affected communities, with both internal and external resources through a participatory-action process, to combat the infection which is one of their major problems. Since the providence of schistosomiasis in target communities is age related, investigations were concentrated in 17 Primary Schools in the two communities. The investigation involved laboratory confirmation by collecting 147 urine samples from a total population of 676 children and examining them microscopically for the schistosoma ova. In addition, the quality of stream water and their vector presence were assessed. The key intervention strategy used was community mobilization of both internal and external resources of targeted communities. The striking outcome of the intervention study is that the outbreak of schistosomiasis in the communities was formally reported to the Federal Ministry of Health and the Oyo State Ministry of Health. All infected pupils were treated, the long awaited water scheme to replace the broken pipes was completed, and two new water supply schemes were implemented by the communities. Further, the communities displayed sign boards prohibiting community members from fetching water from "Dandaru" river for daily domestic needs. It is concluded that the combined efforts of all the actors helped the community to enjoy improved water supply and reduced their exposure to infection from the stream, which was the source of the infection.