BackgroundWe recently developed a general egg count framework to support cost-efficient survey design choices to inform soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) control programs. Yet, the interpretation and the application was not always intuitive for program managers.MethodsWe first adapted the existing framework to make the interpretation of risks of incorrect decision making more intuitive and to allow for prior information. Then, we assessed the impact of the allowable risk of incorrect decision-making and prior information on the required sample size. Finally, we determined the most cost-efficient survey design to inform the decisions (i) to switch to an event-based deworming program, and (ii) to declare STH eliminated as a public health problem (EPHP).Principal findingsThe required sample sizes increased when the allowable risk of incorrect decision reduced and when the mean prior approached the program prevalence threshold. For the decisions to switch to event-based deworming and to declare EPHP, we found that duplicate Kato-Katz thick smears on a single stool sample was the most cost-efficient survey design, particularly when accounting for the added benefits of the free internal quality control. The required sample size for these survey designs varied between program targets and STH species. When aiming to have one sample size that fits all STHs, we recommend sampling 6 schools and 56 children per school for decisions on switching to event-based control programs and 11 schools (74 children per school) for the decision to declare EPHP.Conclusions/significanceWe developed an intuitive sampling framework for setting-specific decision-making in STH control programs. We identified the most cost-efficient survey designs for critical program decisions, but these are based on subjective but reasonable choices regarding the risk of incorrect decision making. Reaching consensus within the STH community on acceptable levels of risk is crucial to further support evidence-based decision-making.

BackgroundKnowledge of clinical study methodology and location can inform researchers, clinicians, funders, and policymakers of the gaps which exist in a disease’s evidence landscape, thereby conferring guidance for appropriate resource allocation. This study summarises registered studies for selected neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and identifies evidence gaps.MethodologyThe International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) was searched in September 2023 to extract 315 clinical study registrations submitted between January 1999 and September 2023 on Chagas disease, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiases, and visceral leishmaniasis. Data were standardised before a descriptive analysis was performed on study location, inclusion age range, study design, phase, and population access to studies.ResultsRegistered studies were partially aligned to the geographical distribution of disease burden; countries in which the highest number of studies were registered often face great burden, though there were several endemic countries with few or no studies. The number of registered studies increased over time in the period covered by the review, with 51–62% of studies across the 4 diseases conducted in 2014–23 period, as opposed to 42%-49% in the preceding 15 years. Only 12–17% of studies were multi-country studies across the 4 NTDs. 14% of Chagas disease studies included children under the age of 16 years (much lower than other NTDs) and only 2 studies (2%) exclusively studied under 16s.ConclusionsThese findings highlight areas of research for these diseases which have been neglected between 1999–2023, indicating need for further research to fill these gaps and aid progress towards the World Health Organization’s roadmaps to elimination of NTDs by 2030.

Neglected Tropical Diseases disproportionately affect populations in Africa and other low- and middle-income countries. Machine learning has potential to improve disease prediction, detection and control, but its use in neglected tropical disease research remains poorly characterized. This scoping review examines the current landscape of machine learning applications for neglected tropical diseases in Africa, identifying trends, gaps and opportunities for future research and implementation. We conducted a scoping review using Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. PubMed and cited references were searched for studies applying machine learning to neglected tropical diseases in Africa. After screening and eligibility assessment, 77 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Here we show that most studies focus on schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis, and soil-transmitted helminthiases. Geo-risk prediction is the most common application while a few studies address disease detection and none focus on drug discovery or intervention optimization. Tree-based and Maximum Entropy models are the most frequently used and commonly reported as best performing. Most studies use small datasets. African institutional leadership, open sharing of data and source code, engagement of programmatic and policy stakeholders, and deployment of models in real-world settings remain limited. Machine learning research for neglected tropical diseases in Africa remains concentrated in a few diseases and applications, with limited translation into practice. Greater investment in local capacity building, equitable collaborations, open data sharing, transfer learning, deployment-focused research, and standardized machine learning workflows could enhance the real-world impact of machine learning for neglected tropical diseases control and elimination.

Helminthiases affect more than one billion people worldwide and remain tightly linked to environmental conditions, yet they are often underrepresented in discussions of climate-sensitive infectious diseases. As global temperatures rise and ecosystems shift, the life cycles, geographic distributions, and transmission dynamics of parasitic helminths are being reshaped in complex and sometimes contrasting ways. Here, we argue that helminthiases should be understood as ecological outcomes emerging from interactions among climatic drivers, environmental conditions, microbial communities, and host populations, rather than as the result of isolated environmental shifts. Drawing on examples from schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiases, and angiostrongyliasis, as well as climate-sensitive helminths affecting animal populations, we examine how climate change can alter parasite development, host ecology, and environmental persistence. We further highlight the role of microbial communities as mediators of transmission. Finally, we discuss how integrating environmental monitoring, microbiological data, and predictive modeling within a One Health framework can support more adaptive and anticipatory surveillance and control strategies.

BackgroundThe World Health Organization identifies 21 neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affecting millions globally. While their population burden is well recognised, less is known about the long-term trends in severe NTD-related morbidity requiring hospitalization. We analysed national trends and geographic patterns of hospitalizations attributed to NTDs in Ecuador between 2000 and 2024.MethodsWe analysed hospital discharge data from Ecuador’s national registry over a 25-year period. Age-standardized hospitalization rates were estimated, and temporal trends were assessed using Joinpoint regression for the 5 most frequent NTDs. Standardized morbidity ratios (SMRs) were estimated for these NTDs for census years (2001, 2010 and 2022) to explore relative changes in hospitalization rates over time and by geography.ResultsA total of 179,439 hospital discharges were attributed to NTDs, representing 0.7% of all hospitalizations. The five most frequent NTDs accounted for 97.1% of hospitalizations: dengue and chikungunya (62.4%), snakebite envenoming (20.1%), soil-transmitted helminthiases (8.7%), taeniasis and cysticercosis (3.9%), and scabies and other ectoparasitoses (2.0%). Only 0.4% of hospitalizations resulted in death. Hospitalizations were more frequent in males (54%) and younger populations (median 19 years, Q1 9 – Q3 37). Overall hospitalizations rates increased over time, driven primarily by arboviral infections, while non-arboviral NTDs showed declining trends: snakebite (from 2014, annual percent change -7.81%, 95% CI -11.27, -5.69, P = 0.006), soil-transmitted helminths (from 2000, -5.62%, 95% CI -6.56, -4.68, P < 0.001), and taeniasis and cysticercosis (from 2003, -10.42%, 95% CI -14.50, -9.68, P = 0.002). Relative morbidity caused by NTDs was consistently greater in Coastal and Amazon provinces, with shifts over time across regions, although taeniasis and cysticercosis morbidity remained greatest in southern Andean Provinces.ConclusionOver 25 years in Ecuador, hospitalizations attributed to several non-arboviral NTDs declined, while arboviral infections increasingly contributed to severe NTD-related morbidity. These findings reflect trends in the most severe clinical manifestations requiring inpatient care and highlight persistent geographic inequalities, particularly in the Amazon region. Strengthening surveillance, prevention, and equitable access to timely diagnosis and care will be essential to reduce severe NTD morbidity and support progress towards national and global NTD elimination and control targets.

Mass drug administration campaigns have enabled great progress in the prevention and control of schistosomiasis and soil transmitted helminthiasis. However, the persistence of these infections continues to challenge public health systems despite decades of control efforts. This study was commissioned to evaluate the feasibility of a transition from periodic mass drug administration campaigns to a sustainable, facility- and community-based delivery model in Western Kenya. The study is part of a non-randomized, controlled before-and-after study using a mixed-methods approach. Data were collected from 1,229 households, 24 health facilities (12 control, 12 intervention), focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. The analysis focused on six domains of mainstreaming feasibility: perception of mainstreaming among key stakeholders, processes, infrastructure and system readiness, acceptability and trust for primary healthcare-led treatment, facilitators, and barriers. Finally, we calculated a composite readiness index to grade facility readiness. Generally, community perceptions to schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis treatment benefits were found to be high in both the control and intervention groups. Qualitative data showed enhanced trust in the integrated model by virtue of the credibility and professional nature of health facility staff. An overwhelming majority of community members received treatment through household visits (95.5%) implying reliance on periodic MDA at baseline. Community Health Promoters remain a critical source of information on treatment opportunities for low-literacy populations, while media and health facilities are increasingly important among more educated groups. We also found high infrastructural and systemic readiness for treatment mainstreaming with respect to stock availability and data reporting systems. However, stock outs were reported among the facilities. High variability in health worker training coverage suggests a critical challenge in workforce preparedness. The findings point to a strong foundation for mainstreaming but underscore the need for a structured implementation package. Priority actions should include standardized operating procedures, supply chain and digital system strengthening, and expanded Community Health Promoter-led outreach activities to improve consistency, access, and sustainability of deworming services within primary healthcare platforms. Registration number NCT07507461, prospectively registered on 28th January, 2026.

Soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) infect over 1.5 billion people worldwide, causing serious health issues, especially among women of reproductive age and school-age children. Mass drug administration (MDA) using albendazole or mebendazole is the main method of control. However, high reinfection rates and limited integration with water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and routine primary health care programs make the effectiveness of long-term control and elimination challenging. This scoping review aimed to systematically map and summarize cost-effectiveness evidence for STH control and elimination efforts. Following Arksey and O'Malley's framework and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines, we identified 22 studies published from 1993 to 2025 through PubMed and Google Scholar. Most studies focused on MDA intervention with school or community-based delivery platforms. School-based delivery costs ranged from $0.03 to $0.76 per child, and community-wide delivery costs ranged from $0.27 to $1.74 per individual. Community-wide programs were estimated to have greater impact and cost-effectiveness in high-prevalence areas, costing $28 to $198 per disability-adjusted life year averted. Programs that delivered multiple disease interventions (integrated programs) showed the highest economic returns, primarily due to shared delivery platforms and reduced operational costs. The main factors influencing cost-effectiveness included treatment coverage, baseline prevalence, and delivery costs. Evidence gaps for cost-effectiveness still exist for preschool-aged children and integration with WASH. This scoping review showed that context affects the cost-effectiveness of STH intervention programs. Community-wide and integrated MDA strategies offered more economic value than school-based delivery in areas with high prevalence.

Established in 2016, China's national surveillance system for soil-transmitted helminthiasis provides annual data that are essential for its control. Surveillance data from 2016 to 2022 indicated a steady decline in the overall infection rate, from 2.46% in 2016 to 0.64% in 2022. In 2023 and 2024, the infection rates of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) were 0.53% and 0.47%, respectively, according to national surveillance. The overall infection rate has declined since 2016. Soil-transmitted helminthiasis exhibits a low prevalence nationwide, yet displays significant geographical and demographic heterogeneity, as well as ongoing transmission risks. Tailored strategies must be implemented to strengthen national control efforts, advance transmission control and prevent interruptions.

In Rwanda, about 1 in 3 people are affected by soil-transmitted helminthiases (38.7%) and 1 in 4 by schistosomiasis in high-risk areas (27.2% by point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen), both associated with poor water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). Mass drug administration (MDA) is the primary control strategy, but reported coverage may not reflect true reach. This study assessed MDA coverage of albendazole/mebendazole and praziquantel in selected districts, identified reasons for non-reach, examined factors associated with uptake, and described household WASH conditions. A cross-sectional, community-based survey was conducted in five purposively selected districts using a stratified cluster design. Survey-weighted estimates summarized treatment reach (offered the drug), uptake (swallowed the drug), and household WASH conditions. Survey-weighted logistic regression was used to identify individual and implementation factors associated with uptake. Albendazole/mebendazole uptake was 91.9% (95% CI: 84.3-96.0), closely matching reported coverage of 96%. The main reasons for non-reach were drug stockouts (23.7%), absence during MDA (15.8%), and unwillingness to take the drug (15.2%). Praziquantel uptake was 88.0% (95% CI: 78.7-93.6), consistent with reported coverage of 80%. For praziquantel, unwillingness to take tablets (29.6%) and absence during MDA (14.4%) were the most common reasons for non-reach. Receiving sufficient information about MDA to make an informed decision was associated with higher odds of uptake for both ALB/MBZ (adjusted odds ratios [aOR]: 5.17, 95% CI: 2.01-13.27) and PZQ (aOR: 3.58, 95% CI: 1.33-9.64). For ALB/MBZ, finding MDA participation easy (aOR: 11.41, 95% CI: 2.59-50.16), feeling comfortable with the MDA distributor (aOR: 10.05, 95% CI: 2.43-41.47), and feeling comfortable with the MDA location (aOR: 3.23, 95% CI: 1.25-8.39) were each independently associated with higher uptake. For PZQ, males had significantly higher odds of uptake compared to females (aOR: 2.64, 95% CI: 1.15-6.07). Among households, 65.6% used improved drinking water sources, 91.4% obtained water from public places, 50.7% treated their water, 84.4% had improved toilets, 51.6% had visibly clean toilets, and 62% lacked a handwashing station. MDA coverage in Rwanda exceeded WHO targets and closely matched reported estimates, reflecting strong implementation. Addressing remaining gaps in drug supply, MDA communication, and WASH infrastructure will be important to sustain and strengthen control of soil-transmitted helminthiases and schistosomiasis.

Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis elimination programmes rely on microscopic diagnostics, yet molecular methods may detect sub-patent infections invisible to conventional screening. To quantify sub-patent parasitic infections undetected by microscopy and estimate true prevalence using latent class analysis among primary school children across six Nigerian states. We conducted a multi-state cross-sectional study among 7,560 systematically sampled primary school children from Plateau, Rivers, Ebonyi, Kano, Benue, and Ondo States. All participants provided urine and stool specimens analysed using standard microscopy. A stratified random subset of 3,236 samples (42.8%) underwent molecular confirmation using multiplex PCR and quantitative real-time PCR. Bayesian latent class analysis estimated true prevalence accounting for imperfect sensitivity of both diagnostic methods. Microscopy revealed overall parasitic infection prevalence of 20.7% (1,565/7,560; 95% CI: 19.8-21.7%). Among the molecular subset (n=3,236), PCR detected 983 positive cases versus 680 by microscopy (44.6% increase; 95% CI: 40.8-48.5%; p<0.001). Latent class analysis estimated true prevalence at 24.8% for soil-transmitted helminths (95% CI: 23.5-26.2%) and 10.2% for schistosomiasis (95% CrI: 9.4-11.1%), indicating microscopy sensitivity of 69.1% (95% CrI: 66.4-71.7%) and molecular sensitivity of 94.1% (95% CI: 92.5-95.5%). Open defecation was independently associated with infection (adjusted odds ratio: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.4-3.2; p=0.001). Significant geographic variation was observed, with prevalence highest in Rivers State (24.2%) and lowest in Kano State (16.4%). Approximately one-third of parasitic infections remain undetected by microscopy across diverse Nigerian ecological zones. Integration of molecular diagnostics into elimination programmes both during active control to identify and treat sub-patent reservoir infections and during post-elimination surveillance to verify interruption of transmission is essential for accurate progress assessment towards the 2030 targets. WHO elimination thresholds may require recalibration to account for systematic underestimation by conventional diagnostics.

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) such as soil-transmitted helminthiasis, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, leprosy, rabies, and food-borne trematodiasis are endemic in the Philippines. Despite global and national elimination efforts, these six NTDs remain a persistent burden to the poor, those living in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs), and other vulnerable groups. This narrative review synthesized data from Field Health Services Information System (FHSIS) reports of the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) from 2020 to 2024, the available literature from electronic databases, and DOH and WHO reports focusing on the challenges, barriers, and gaps in NTD control and elimination in the country. Core challenges include complex epidemiological landscapes, lapses in disease surveillance, infrastructure, and fragmented health care systems. Gaps include access to diagnostics, insufficient funding and human resource training, and scarcity of local studies focusing on endemic NTDs. With these challenges and gaps, this review highlights the need for a real-time feedback loop system in surveillance strategy, community-based interventions, full integration of NTDs in primary health care, and collaboration between government, NGOs and private entities. Addressing these challenges and gaps is key to shifting from control to elimination.

This study assessed soil-transmitted helminthiasis in relation to the socio-demographic, sanitation, and hygiene of primary school pupils in Jalingo LGA, Taraba State, Nigeria. A total of 395 stool samples were collected from the subjects. Stool samples were analyzed using the Kato-Katz technique. Chi-square (χ²) test was used to determine the association between the infection and the variables at p≤0.05. The infection was 19.7% (78). Knowledge on transmission pattern was significant with 19.4% (61) (χ2=9.44; p=0.03). Children who knew about helminths significantly were 21.5% (44) (χ2= 10.43; p=0.05). Those who were taught to wash hands, and used toilets in schools were 21.8% (68) (χ2= 10.50; p=0.05). Children who walked barefoot were 22.0% (34) (χ2= 9.28; p=0.02). Children pre-treated with Albendazole were 19.0%, and were at 2.0% at post-treatment, with a cure rate of 89.5%. With Ivermectin, the pre-treatment infection rate was 20.8%, and the post-treatment rate was 2.0%, with a cure rate of 90.2%. The mean egg count reduced from 5.94 eggs per gram (EPG) before treatment to 1.09 EPG after treatment with albendazole. It had an egg reduction rate (ERR) of 81.7%. Ivermectin reduced the mean egg count from 5.85 EPG at pre-treatment to 0.73 EPG at post-treatment, with an ERR of 87.0%. Soil-transmitted helminthiasis remains among pupils in Jalingo Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria. Albendazole had a good cure rate, as did Ivermectin, with better egg reduction rates. There is a necessity to use Ivermectin in control efforts against soil-transmitted helminthiasis in endemic areas.

The sambaqui (shellmounds) people are recognized as fisher-gatherers who inhabited the coastal regions of Brazil, with a subsistence on a diet composed of fish, molluscs, and plants. Paleoparasitological investigations in these open-air sites are challenged by the severe taphonomic processes affecting parasite vestige preservation. Previous palaeogenetic work reported parasite helminth infection by Ascaris sp. in an individual from Jabuticabeira II (JABII) sambaqui, located in the Santa Catarina state, Brazil (2890±55 to 1805±65years BP). To expand our knowledge about helminth infections in sambaqui people, this study applied a palaeogenomics approach in JABII. Sediments from pelvic and sacral regions of 3 JABII individuals and environmental samples underwent ancient DNA extraction and cox1 gene PCRs. High-throughput sequencing data were compared to a custom-built reference database. The JABII dataset revealed reads that are mapped against plathelminth and nematode parasites. Plathelminth observations are probably attributableto pseudo-parasitism and are associated with the animal hosts identified within the JABII faunal assemblages. Two JABII individuals exhibited Anisakis simplex, Contracaecum osculatum, and Ascaris sp. Anisakids are common parasites of marine fish, crustaceans, and mammals that infect humans by consuming fish. Most of the fish identified at the JABII site are currently documented as being infected by Anisakidae. Ascaris sp. is verified in different JABII individuals from the previous study, confirming the spread of this soil-transmitted helminthiasis. The novel data herein agree with the subsistence of the JABII fisher-gatherers, the sedentary lifestyle and the faunal surroundings in the Southern coastal region of Brazil.

Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and intestinal schistosomiasis are widespread and prevalent in tropical regions due to poor sanitation and limited healthcare access. Despite control efforts, localized epidemiological data remain essential for effective intervention. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of STH and associated factors among schoolchildren in Hawella Tulla sub-city, Hawassa City, Sidama National Regional State, Ethiopia. A school-based cross-sectional study involving 394 primary schoolchildren was conducted from June to December 2023. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Infection with the parasite was diagnosed by Kato-Katz microscopy. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with the STH infections. The combined prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) and intestinal schistosomiasis was 42.6% (168/394; 95% CI: 37.8-47.6). STHs constituted the predominant infection, detected in 41.1% of children (162/394; 95% CI: 36.3-46.0), while intestinal schistosomiasis was found in 3.3% (13/394; 95% CI: 1.9-5.4). The most prevalent parasite was Ascaris lumbricoides (29.2%), followed by Trichuris trichiura (17.8%) and hookworms (5.1%). Schoolchildren who reported consuming unwashed fruits or vegetables (AOR: 2.89; 95% CI: 1.73-4.85), swimming or bathing in streams or lakes (AOR: 2.23; 95% CI: 1.31-3.79), and not receiving deworming treatment (AOR: 2.12; 95% CI: 1.26-3.56) were significantly more likely to be infected with soil-transmitted helminths (STHs). Overall, soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STHs) and Schistosoma mansoni remain significant public health concerns in the study area, affecting more than one-third of schoolchildren. Infections were strongly associated with poor hygiene practices, inadequate deworming coverage, and exposure to contaminated water sources. This highlights the need for improved hygiene, health education, and deworming programs.

BackgroundThe World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasised the need for innovative diagnostic tools to support the control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Microscopy-based diagnostics, the current standard, rely on trained technicians for labour-intensive processes, posing logistical challenges in the low-resource settings where NTDs are most prevalent. This study describes the technical details of an artificial intelligence-powered digital pathology (AI-DP) platform designed to support large-scale deworming programs for two NTDs, alongside its analytical performance and user experience in laboratory and field settings.Methodology/principal findingsThe AI-DP platform integrates electronic data capture tools, whole-slide imaging scanners, onboard AI analysis, and result verification software to automate microscopy-based screening. Targeting soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and intestinal schistosomiasis (SCH) as initial use cases, the system was deployed in Ethiopia and Uganda, scanning 951 Kato-Katz (KK) thick smears containing 43,919 verified helminth eggs. Using 5-fold cross-validation, precision/recall/average precision were 95.4%/91.7%/97.1% for Ascaris lumbricoides, 95.9%/86.7%/94.8% for Trichuris trichiura, 84.6%/86.6%/91.4% for hookworm, and 89.1%/79.1%/89.2% for Schistosoma mansoni. Feedback from 14 field users across 30 real-world scenarios indicated the AI-DP platform’s improved usability, particularly in hardware portability and software interfaces, though the average scan time of 12.5 minutes per smear was identified as a limitation.Conclusions/significanceThe AI-DP platform demonstrates potential as a tool for efficient monitoring and evaluation of STH and SCH control programs by providing near-real-time data with quality controls. However, further validation studies are needed to assess its clinical diagnostic performance, field usability, and cost-effectiveness in large-scale STH and SCH deworming programs. Given that the platform also provides a pipeline for any microscopy-based diagnosis, its potential for other NTDs also needs further attention.

BackgroundSoil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and intestinal schistosomiasis are widespread and prevalent in tropical regions due to poor sanitation and limited healthcare access. Despite control efforts, localized epidemiological data remain essential for effective intervention. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of STH and associated factors among schoolchildren in Hawella Tulla sub-city, Hawassa City, Sidama National Regional State, Ethiopia.MethodA school-based cross-sectional study involving 394 primary schoolchildren was conducted from June to December 2023. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Infection with the parasite was diagnosed by Kato–Katz microscopy. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with the STH infections.ResultsThe combined prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) and intestinal schistosomiasis was 42.6% (168/394; 95% CI: 37.8–47.6). STHs constituted the predominant infection, detected in 41.1% of children (162/394; 95% CI: 36.3–46.0), while intestinal schistosomiasis was found in 3.3% (13/394; 95% CI: 1.9–5.4). The most prevalent parasite was Ascaris lumbricoides (29.2%), followed by Trichuris trichiura (17.8%) and hookworms (5.1%). Schoolchildren who reported consuming unwashed fruits or vegetables (AOR: 2.89; 95% CI: 1.73–4.85), swimming or bathing in streams or lakes (AOR: 2.23; 95% CI: 1.31–3.79), and not receiving deworming treatment (AOR: 2.12; 95% CI: 1.26–3.56) were significantly more likely to be infected with soil-transmitted helminths (STHs).ConclusionOverall, soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STHs) and Schistosoma mansoni remain significant public health concerns in the study area, affecting more than one-third of schoolchildren. Infections were strongly associated with poor hygiene practices, inadequate deworming coverage, and exposure to contaminated water sources. This highlights the need for improved hygiene, health education, and deworming programs.

Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis elimination programmes depend heavily on microscopic diagnostics, yet these methods may fail to detect low-intensity infections that sustain transmission. Molecular techniques could reveal the extent of submicroscopic infections missed by conventional approaches. To compare the detection rates of conventional microscopy with probe-based multiplex real-time PCR and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) for schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths among primary school children in Plateau State, Nigeria, and to estimate the proportion of submicroscopic infections undetected by standard methods. In this cross-sectional study, 1,368 systematically sampled primary school children from six schools across six Local Government Areas provided urine and stool specimens. These were analysed using standard microscopy (urine filtration and Kato-Katz). A stratified subset of 585 samples (42.8%) underwent molecular analysis by probe-based multiplex real-time PCR for species detection and probe-based singleplex qPCR for quantification. Microscopy revealed an overall parasitic infection prevalence of 20.7% (95% CI: 18.6–22.9%). Among the 585 molecularly analysed samples, molecular methods detected 178 positive cases compared with 123 by microscopy, representing a 44.7% increase (95% CI: 36.2–53.8%, p < 0.001). An additional 9.4% of specimens (95% CI: 7.1–12.1%) were molecular-positive but microscopy-negative. For schistosomiasis, molecular methods identified 52 cases versus 36 by microscopy (44.4% increase), whilst soil-transmitted helminths showed 126 versus 87 molecular- and microscopy-positive cases respectively (44.8% increase). Molecular diagnostics identified 44.7% more infections than microscopy alone (95% CI: 36.2–53.8%, p < 0.001), indicating that conventional methods failed to detect a substantial proportion of low-intensity infections. These findings suggest that microscopy-based surveillance may underestimate infection prevalence in elimination programme settings. Integrating molecular methods into surveillance frameworks could improve the accuracy of elimination progress assessments.

Soil Transmitted Helminthiases (STH) are among the most common neglected tropical diseases in Nigeria, primarily transmitted through soil contaminated with human feces, which prompted this research on the effect of ecological factors such as soil temperature on the distribution of STH in Nigeria. Environmental factors, particularly soil temperature, play crucial roles in determining STH distribution patterns by influencing helminth egg development and survival rates Given the Global Epidemiological Studies on how STH infection prevalence suggest significantly that land surface temperature, and how the use of Random Forest and particle Swarm Optimization can significantly improve the accuracy of species distribution predictions of STH using Soil temperatures compared to conventional modelling approaches. In this paper, we propose a hybrid model combining the widely used Random Forest Algorithm and Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm for feature selection and hyperparamter optimization using dataset from ESPEN based on Nigeria Geographical region, and a comprehensive analysis of the STH dataset, a novel hybrid model whose main goal is to produce the accurate decision trees and also determine the best predictor or features, in this approach, an hybrid model was used for feature selection instead of relying on the conventional Random Forest feature selection with the use of random sampling by the training sets, The model’s predictive performance was evaluated against traditional Random Forest and Artificial Neural Network algorithms using accuracy metrics. Our model was compared with a deep learning Artificial Neural Network algorithm, RFPSO with 91.40% accuracy, RF with 87% and ANN with 80.97%. Particle Swarm Optimization with Random Forest algorithms integration substantially enhances the accuracy of STH distribution modeling, particularly when incorporating soil temperature data. This hybrid approach offers improved feature selection capabilities and represents a significant advancement over conventional modeling techniques for parasitic disease distribution prediction.

Eradication of soil-transmitted helminths (STH) in endemic areas requires access to clean water, hygienic facilities and good hygiene practices with use of appropriate chemotherapy. This study examined the sanitary conditions within selected schools and determined the prevalence of STH infestations among school-age children in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Faecal samples collected from 463 school-age children (5-14 years) and were analysed using Kato Katz and sedimentation techniques. An overall prevalence of 21.2% (98/463) was recorded. The STHs identified included Ascaris lumbricoides (11.9%), Hookworm (7.6%), Trichuris trichiura (1.1%), and Strongyloides stercoralis (0.7%) (P&lt;0.001). STH prevalence was highest among the 14–16 years age group (39.1%) and least in the 11–13 years age group (20%) (P = 0.094). STH prevalence was higher in females (21.8%) compared to males (20.5%). Findings reveal 139 (30%) participants admitted to open defecation at school, while 324 (70%) refrained from it (P&lt;0.001). Additionally, 332 (71.7%) washed hands after play, while 131 (28.3%) did not (P&lt;0.001). Despite all schools having water cistern toilets, three lacked regular water supply and had inadequate or non-functional facilities. Soap for hand washing was not provided in any of the schools, and visible garbage was present on all school compounds. Establishing school toilet facilities with age-appropriate, gender-sensitive, and accessible designs is essential. School-based hygiene education programmes can highlight the health benefits of good sanitation habits, maintaining clean facilities and discouraging the practice of open defecation.

As Nigeria advances toward the elimination of soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH), updated endemicity maps are essential for guiding programmatic decisions. A cross-sectional study was conducted to update the STH endemicity maps in ten local government areas (LGAs) of Ondo State from July to August 2024. LGAs were stratified into three categories (C1–C3) based on the history of preventive chemotherapy (PC), with C1 being endemic LGAs with ≥5 effective rounds of PC, C2 being endemic LGAs with <5 effective rounds of PC, and C3 being low-endemicity (STH prevalence <20%; PC not required). A total of 4507 school-aged children (5–14 years) from 151 systematically selected communities (15 per LGA) provided fresh stool samples to assess the prevalence and intensity of STH. Stool samples were examined using the Kato-Katz technique. Prevalence of STH was aggregated at the LGA level and compared with World Health Organization thresholds. In the first category (C1), the baseline prevalence was reduced significantly by 60–96%, with specific prevalence in Akoko Southwest (from 28.2% to 0.4%, Risk Ratio (RR): 0.01), Akure North (from 39% to 1.5%, RR = 0.04), Ifedore (from 25% to 2.5%, RR = 0.10), and Ondo East (from 45.2% to 8.2%, RR = 0.18). In the second category (C2), the baseline was reduced significantly by 66–100%, with Akure South (from 29% to 1.2%, RR = 0.04), Ose (from 20% to 2.2%, RR = 0.11), Owo (~100% reduction), and Odigbo (38% to 12.8%, RR = 0.34). In the C3 LGAs, infection was significantly below the baseline threshold, with Akoko Northwest (5.2% to 0.9%, RR = 0.17) and Idanre (from 14.2% to 1.8%, RR = 0.13). Overall, significant reductions in STH prevalence were observed across the surveyed LGAs, with risk ratios ranging from 0.04 to 0.40. These findings updated the endemicity map for the ten LGAs in Ondo State, demonstrating significant progress toward STH elimination following PC implementation.