Abstract
Background
A school-based survey was undertaken to assess prevalence and infection intensity of schistosomiasis in school-aged children in the Marolambo District of Madagascar.
Methods
School-aged children from six purposively selected schools were tested for Schistosoma haematobium by urine filtration and Schistosoma mansoni using circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) and Kato-Katz stool analysis. The investigators did not address soil-transmitted helminths (STH) in this study.
Results
Of 399 school-aged children screened, 93.7% were infected with S. mansoni based on CCA analysis. Kato-Katz analysis of stool revealed S. mansoni infection in 73.6% (215/ 292). Heavy infections (> 400 eggs per gram) were common (32.1%; 69/ 215), with a mean of 482 eggs per gram of stool. Moderate infection intensities were detected in 31.2% (67/ 215) and light infection intensities in 36.7% (79/ 215) of infected participants. No infection with S. haematobium was detected by urine filtration.
Conclusions
Intestinal schistosomiasis appears a considerable public health issue in this remote area of Madagascar where there is a pressing need for mass drug administration.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 307 |
| Journal | Parasites and Vectors |
| Volume | 10 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 24 Jun 2017 |
Keywords
- Child health
- Madagascar
- Neglected diseases
- Rural health
- Schistosoma mansoni
- Schistosomiasis