Status of <i>Schistosoma mansoni</i> prevalence and intensity of infection in geographically apart endemic localities of Ethiopia: A comparison

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis is one of the chronic and neglected tropical diseases affecting rural communities. Heavy infections contribute to anemia and can retard children's growth, physical activity and cognitive function. This study was conducted in order to determine the prevalence, intensity and variation of Schistosoma mansoni infection among human subjects in geographically apart localities. The prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma mansoni infection was assessed in three geographically apart endemic areas of Ethiopia from May to August 2010 through cross-sectional approach.
METHODS: A total of 1073 individuals (528 males and 545 females) were found eligible for the study. Their age ranged from 5-60 years with mean age of 11 years in Wondo Genet, 22 years in Kemissie and 24 years in Sille-Elgo. Small plastic sheets were distributed to the study participants and sizable stool specimens were collected and examined using Kato-Katz method (41.7mg template).
RESULT: The prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection among the study participants in Kemissie, Wondo Genet and Sille-Elgo was 89.6%, 59.9%, and 31.6%, respectively. The highest geometric mean of egg per gram of stool for Kemissie, Wondo Genet and Sille-Elgo was, 5208 and 346, 8472 and 252, 3960 and 91, respectively.
CONCLUSION: It was observed that there was comparable variation in the prevalence and intensity of infection among the study localities. Moreover, it is indicated that S. mansoni is still an ongoing public health problem which requires integrated intervention activities in the country.

KEYWORDS: Schistosoma mansoni; intensity of infection; geographic variation; Ethiopia