Schistosomiasis due to infection with Schistosoma mansoniis a public health problem in both tropical and sub tropical countries. Thus, effective control of the disease requires determining its prevalence rate, identifying risk factors of infection and high-risk groups. Therefore, the objective of this study was to establish the prevalence of S. mansoni infection and associated risk factors among schoolchildren in suburbs of Mekelle city, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. For this purpose, a cross-sectional parasitological examination wasconducted on457 schoolchildren from November, 2010 to March, 2011. Stool samples were collected and examined by the Kato-Katz technique. Semi-structurered interview questionnaire were administered to the study subjectsto identify possible risk factors of infection with S. mansoni. Furthermore, malacological survey was conducted to check the presence of snail intermediate hosts of S. mansoni in the study area. The overall prevalence of S. mansoni in the schoolchildren was 23.9 %. Higher prevalence was detected in male children (30.71%) than in females (14.12 %) (χ 2 = 16.642, P = 0.000). On the other hand, the highest (31.2%) prevalence was recorded in children with ages ranging from 10 -14 years followed by thoseaged 5 -9 (11.4 %) and 15 -19 (9.8 %) years (χ 2 = 23.865, P = 0.000), respectively. This study revealed the association of S. mansoni infection with older age groups, 10 -14 years (OR = 0.114, P = 0.001), time of residence in the study area (OR = 0.462, P = 0.011), water source (OR = 0.371, P = 0.020), previous history of schistosomiasis treatment (OR = 0.246, P = 0.000), frequency of water contact (OR = 26.958, P = 0.004), crossing water bodies (OR = 3.049, P = 0.001), working in an irrigated agricultural field (OR = 7.363, P = 0.000) and distance of home from water bodies (OR = 5.163, P = 0.000). Moreover, this study determined the presence of snail intermediate hosts of S. mansoni in the study areas . Hence, the study areas are considered important epidemiological foci for the transmission of S. mansoni. Therefore, it is necessary to undergo wide scalesurveillance and institute proper control and prevention strategies against infection with Schistosoma mansoni

The present study found a higher intensity and prevalence of S. mansoni infection in a rural village of Wolaita Zone. Therefore, appropriate integrated control and prevention measures need to be implemented in the study area.

BackgroundIntestinal helminth infections are major parasitic diseases causing public health problems in Ethiopia. Although the epidemiology of these infections are well documented in Ethiopia, new transmission foci for schistosomiasis are being reported in different parts of the country. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni and other intestinal helminth infections among school children and determine the endemicity of schistosomiasis in Wolaita Zone, southern Ethiopia.MethodsCross-sectional parasitological and malacological surveys were conducted by collecting stool samples for microscopic examination and snails for intermediate host identification. Stool samples were collected from 503 children and processed for microscopic examination using Kato-Katz and formalin-ether concentration methods. Snails collected from aquatic environments in the study area were identified to species level and Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails, the intermediate host of S. mansoni,, were individually exposed to artificial light in order to induce cercariae shedding. Cercariae shed from snails were used to infect laboratory-bred Swiss albino mice in order to identify the schistosome to species level.ResultsThe overall prevalence of intestinal helminth infections was 72.2% among school children. S. mansoni infection prevalence was 58.6%. The prevalence and intensity of S. mansoni infections varied among schools and sex of children. Swimming was the only factor reported to be significantly associated with S. mansoni infection (AOR = 2.954, 95% CI:1.962-4.449). Other intestinal helminth species identified were hookworms (27.6%), Ascaris lumbricoides (8.7%), E. vermicularis (2.8%), Taenia species (2.6%), T. trichiura (1.2%) and H. nana (0.6%). Only B. pfeifferi snails collected from streams shed schistosome cercariae and 792 adult S. mansoni worms were harvested from mice exposed to cercariae shed from B. pfeifferi on the 6th week post-exposure.ConclusionThe present study found high level of intestinal helminth infections in the study area. The study also confirmed autochthonous transmission and endemicity of S. mansoni as evidenced by both parasitological and malacological findings as well as by further establishing infections in lab-bred mice. Therefore, there is a need to include the area in the control programs with anti-helminth drugs and also consider other complementary measures including sanitation, provision of clean water supply, and snail control.

Watering of vegetables in developing countries including Ethiopia is done using untreated wastewater and raw manure of domestic animal origin is used as fertilizer. Thus, vegetables are considered to be the principal sources of human infection with bacterial, protozoan and helminth parasites. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the rate of parasitological contamination of pre-harvest vegetables in Mekelle city and its suburban village, 'Mariam Dahan'. Pre-harvest vegetables were collected from the field during the dry season, washed using physiological saline solution, allowed to sediment overnight, centrifuged and examined microscopically for infective stages of intestinal parasites. Out of the vegetable samples examined, 32.41% in Mekelle city and 30.49% in 'Mariam Dahan', contained at least one parasitic contaminant. Strongyloides stercoralis was most encountered parasitic contaminant in the study areas, followed by, Taenia and Entamoeba spp. Highest rate of parasitic contamination was detected on Swiss chard, that was 45.5 and 41.67% in Mekelle city and 'Mariam Dahan', respectively. Occurrence of infective stages of intestinal parasites on wastewater-irrigated vegetables may pose public health hazards to farming communities in the study areas. Therefore, evaluation and surveillance of parasitological quality of vegetables is crucial in an attempt to control vegetable-transmitted parasitic infections.

Aim: The objective of this study was to investigate prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and Cryptosporidium species in extensively managed pigs in Mekelle and urban areas of southern zone of Tigray Region, Ethiopia during June -September, 2012. Material and methods:Seven hundred fourteen pigs of different ages and sexes were selected for fecal sample collection. Fecal samples were collected from the rectum of pigs with strict sanitation. A total of 25 soil samples were also collected from backyards of pig pens using clean zipped plastic bags. Both fecal and soil samples were examined for eggs and cysts of GIT parasites by flotation and sedimentation techniques. Modified Ziehl -Neelsen technique was used to examine oocysts of Cryptosporidium species from 276 randomly selected fecal samples.Results: Out of 714 pigs examined through flotation and sedimentation, 27.3% were infected by at least one gastrointestinal parasite. Ascaris suum (25.9%) was the most prevalent parasite followed by Fasciola hepatica (1.8%), Eimeria spp. (1.7%) 2 and Trichuris suis (0.3%). There was no significant association between sex and prevalence of parasites χ [df 1] = 1.921; 2 P=0.166). Contrary to this, age of pigs had effect on prevalence of parasites χ [df 2] = 8.376; P=0.015). About 7% of pigs examined were positive for oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. Moreover, 72% of the soil samples found to be contaminated with eggs of Ascaris spp. in the study area. Apart from causing morbidity in the infected pigs, the potential of Ascaris of pigs to infect man and vice versa together with poor environmental hygiene, may complicate the epidemiology and control of Ascariasis in the study areas. Extensively managed pigs may also act as potential reservoirs for zoonoses of Cryptosporidium species. Conclusion:It is concluded that further investigations are crucial on molecular characterization of Ascaris and Cryptosporidium isolates of extensively managed pigs to determine the parasites upto species level so as to suggest proper control strategies.

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BackgroundOptimal use of long-lasting insecticidal (LLINs) for malaria prevention depends on mass distribution, the users’ perception and behaviour of local malaria vectors. This study was aimed at assessing knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of communities about LLINs and fabric integrities and insecticidal activities of nets under use in Wolaita zone, Sothern Ethiopia.MethodsSemi-structured interview questionnaires were used to collect data on KAP variables and WHO cone bioassay was used to test the insecticidal activity of sampled nets against an insectary colony of Anopheles arabiensis. Holes and repairs on surfaces of sample nets were counted and categorized following WHO guidelines to assess their fabric integrities. Chi-square (χ2) tests were used to verify associations between the demographic profiles of the respondents and their responses to KAP questionnaires.ResultsOut of a total of 770 household heads interviewed, 323 (42 %) and 447 (58 %) were males and females, respectively. The average family size in the surveyed households was 5.25 (±0.70 SE, range 1–12). The majority (81.1 %) of the households owned at least one LLIN. The average numbers of LLINs being used and sleeping places in the households were 1.61 (0.04 SE, range 0–4) and 2.27(0.03 SE, range 1–6), respectively. Most of the respondents (n = 687; 89.2 %) believed LLINs prevent malaria by killing or acting as physical barriers against mosquitoes. About 21 and 14 % of the respondents considered children under five years and pregnant women as priority groups for sleeping under LLINs. Households use LLINs consistently throughout the year (86.4 %) and tuck nets into bedding materials while sleeping (90.1 %). Physical inspection of fabric integrity of sampled LLINs revealed holes ranging from size 1 (0.5–2 cm) to size 4 (> 25 cm) mostly on lower (“right/left”) surfaces. Moreover, most surfaces of sampled LLINs caused 100 % knockdown and mortality on insectary colonies of Anopheles arabiensis.ConclusionsThe overall knowledge, attitude and practice about LLINs were satisfactory in the study areas. However, the family size net ratio must be narrowed and attention needs to be given to malaria vulnerable groups (children < 5 years of age and pregnant women). Continuous monitoring and evaluation of use and durability (fabric integrity and insecticidal activity) of LLINs should be conducted to avoid misuse and associated attrition of nets before the intended period.

Optimal use of insecticide treated nets (ITNs) to prevent malaria in a community depends on vector behavior, mass distribution, knowledge and willingness of people to use the nets. This study was aimed at evaluating knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) about ITNs at household level in rural sub-distracts of Kolla Tembien. For this purpose, interview questionnaire containing KAP variables were administered to the randomly selected household heads. A total of 368 households were surveyed, and 70.10 % of the respondents were females. The X number of occupants in the households surveyed was found to be 5.50. However, the X number of ITNs owned by the households was found to be 1.07. Most of the respondents (82.34%) indicated ITNs prevent malaria through protection from mosquito bites. Seventy six percent of the respondents claimed children < 5 years of age should be given priority to sleep under ITN in the household. Only few respondents, 1.63%, considered pregnant women as priority groups to sleep under ITNs. Furthermore, about 63% of the respondents showed their willingness to buy ITNs if they are affordable. The responses by male and female household heads to most of the KAP questions were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Out of the 260 nets inspected for usage and physical condition during the survey period, more than 50% were kept in a box or other container in the households. Nets that were graded as clean and very dirty accounted for 25% and 25.77%, respectively. Physical inspection of the randomly sampled nets also revealed holes ranging from those that didn't allow a thumb to pass through (X number = 3.47) to those that were wider than a closed fist (X number = 1.64). The over all knowledge, attitude and practice of ITN usage was found to be satisfactory in the study district. However, the occupant net ratio must be narrowed and attention needs to be given to malaria vulnerable groups in the household. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of net usage after distribution should be instituted to avoid misuses and associated net damages in the study areas.