Detailed distribution of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis among schoolchildren in the Bélier and Marahoué regions, central Côte d’Ivoire: a tool for an efficient control

Abstract

Cross-sectional epidemiological surveys were conducted from December 2012 to January 2013 to better understand the distribution of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis in the health districts of the Bélier and Marahoué regions in central Côte d’Ivoire. Urine and stool samples were provided by 4900 schoolchildren of 7-14 years old from six health districts. Urine was consecutively analysed by reagent strips and filtration method whilst stool was examined using Kato-Katz method. Eggs of helminth species were identified under a microscope. The investigated schools were georeferenced. The predominant diseases were hookworm infection (12.7%) and urinary schistosomiasis (11.2%). At the health district level, they are a public health problem with moderate prevalence in Tiébissou, Toumodi, Yamoussoukro (Bélier region) and Sinfra (Marahoué region) for urinary schistosomiasis and in Toumodi for hookworm infection. At the school level (i.e. village), the focal and water-related characteristics of schistosomiasis were highlighted mainly alongside Marahoué, Bandama and Kan rivers, and around Lake Kossou where was observed highest prevalence. Hookworm infection and urinary schistosomiasis were sex and age-related. Findings call the need for treatment implementation. In the case of schistosomiasis, however, treatment should be based on the school level instead of the entire health district for an efficient control.

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Keywords: Hookworm infection, urinary schistosomiasis, predominant, health district level, school level, central Côte d’Ivoire