Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminth infections in schoolchildren in north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo: Table 1.

Knoblauch, Astrid M.; Archer, Colleen; Owuor, Milka; Schmidlin, Sandro; Divall, Mark J.; Utzinger, Jürg; Winkler, Mirko S.

doi:10.1093/trstmh/trw040

Cited by 7 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 9 publications

(13 reference statements)

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“…The prevalence of Schistosoma infection observed in this study was high, similar to those reported in previous studies conducted in different parts of the DRC [28,37,38], but it was relatively lower than those previously reported in Kasansa (82.7%) [25] and Ituri (ranging from 59.2 to 76.6%) [39]. A similar prevalence was also reported elsewhere [40,41].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 90%

Schistosoma Infection Burden and Risk Factors among School-Aged Children in a Rural Area of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Linsuke,

Ilombe,

Disonama

et al. 2023

TropicalMed

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Despite continuous efforts to control schistosomiasis (SCH) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), it still poses a significant challenge. In order to enhance control measures, additional research is necessary. This study documents the burden of SCH infection and its predictors in a rural area of the DRC. We conducted a household cross-sectional study from June to August 2021 among 480 school-aged children (SAC) aged 5–15 years living in a rural area of Kisangi, in the southwest DRC. We collected and examined stool, urine, and blood samples of each child. Additionally, we obtained data on anthropometry, socio-demographics, household information, and individual water contact behaviors. The overall prevalence of SCH infection was 55.8% (95% CI: 51.4–60.3), with prevalences of 41% (95% CI: 36.6–45.5), 36.3% (95% CI: 31.9–40.6), and 38.4% (95% CI: 32.6–44.3) for S. haematobium and S. mansoni infections and both infections, respectively. Among those with SCH infection, most had a light (67.5%) or heavy (51.7%) infection intensity. The geometric mean egg count was 16.6 EP 10 mL (95% CI: 12.9–21.3) for S. haematobium and 390.2 EPG (95% CI: 300.2–507.3) for S. mansoni. However, age (10 years and above (aOR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.5–3.1; p < 0.001)) was an independent risk factor for SCH infection. The overall prevalence of malaria infection was 16.9% (95% CI: 13.5–20.2), that of stunting was 28.7% (95% CI: 24.7–32.8), that of underweight was 17.1% (95% CI: 12.8–21.4), and that of thinness was 7.1% (95% CI: 4.8–9.4). Anemia was prevalent at 49.4% (95% CI: 44.9–5), and the median Hb level of all participants was 11.6 g/dL (IQR: 10.5–12.6 g/dL). Anemia was strongly associated with SCH infection (aOR: 3.4; 95% CI: 2.3–5.1; p < 0.001) yet there was no association with the risk for malaria infection (aOR: 1.0; 95% CI: 0.6–1.8; p = 0.563). In addition, the risk of anemia increased with heavy infection intensities (p < 0.026 and p < 0.013 for S. haematobium and S. mansoni, respectively). However, stunting had a protective factor for anemia (aOR: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.2–0.4; p < 0.001). To conclude, SCH infection was widespread among the SAC and strongly linked to anemia. These results provide evidence of the hyperendemicity of infection in the study area, which requires preventative measures such as chemotherapy to reduce the schistosomiasis-associated morbidity, and micronutrient supplements to avoid anemia.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 90%

Schistosoma Infection Burden and Risk Factors among School-Aged Children in a Rural Area of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Linsuke,

Ilombe,

Disonama

et al. 2023

TropicalMed

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“…Data from the available large surveys are more than twenty–years old [ 9 , 11 ]. Existing publications reporting on Schistosoma infection focus on Belgian military personnel returning from DRC to Belgium [ 12 ] or describe epidemiological studies carried out in a few areas of the country [ 9 ], such as Kinshasa [ 13 – 16 ], the capital city, and in the provinces of Kongo Central [ 17 – 19 ], Bandundu [ 20 ] Kwilu [ 21 , 22 ], Kasaï Central, Kasaï Oriental [ 11 ], Maniema [ 23 – 28 ], South–Kivu [ 29 ], Katanga [ 30 , 31 ] and Haut-Uele [ 32 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Publications relating to the north-eastern provinces are scarce [ 24 , 29 , 32 ] or date back to the colonial period [ 9 , 28 ]. In 2012, the Ministry of Health (MOH) launched a national survey of NTDs and a new strategic plan was elaborated in 2016 [ 33 , 34 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although a national plan against NTDs, including schistosomiasis, has been implemented by the Ministry of Health, the intervention strategy is based on outdated prevalence data in many regions. For example, the strategy in place in Ituri province in north-eastern DRC is applicable to moderate–risk settings (10–49%), yet Ituri appears to be a high–risk area [ 32 ]. In this situation, numerous infected and untreated people may sustain transmission cycles, so long as treatment coverage remains inadequate [ 35 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Epidemiology of Schistosoma mansoni infection in Ituri Province, north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

et al. 2021

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Background Schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma mansoni, is of great significance to public health in sub–Saharan Africa. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), information on the burden of S. mansoni infection is scarce, which hinders the implementation of adequate control measures. We assessed the geographical distribution of S. mansoni infection across Ituri province in north-eastern DRC and determined the prevailing risk factors. Methods/Principal findings Two province–wide, community–based studies were conducted. In 2016, a geographical distribution study was carried out in 46 randomly selected villages across Ituri. In 2017, an in–depth study was conducted in 12 purposively–selected villages, across the province. Households were randomly selected, and members were enrolled. In 2016, one stool sample was collected per participant, while in 2017, several samples were collected per participant. S. mansoni eggs were detected using the Kato–Katz technique. In 2017, a point–of–care circulating cathodic S. mansoni antigen (POC–CCA) urine test was the second used diagnostic approach. Household and individual questionnaires were used to collect data on demographic, socioeconomic, environmental, behavioural and knowledge risk factors. Of the 2,131 participants in 2016, 40.0% were positive of S. mansoni infection. Infection prevalence in the villages ranged from 0 to 90.2%. Of the 707 participants in 2017, 73.1% were tested positive for S. mansoni. Prevalence ranged from 52.8 to 95.0% across the health districts visited. Infection prevalence increased from north to south and from west to east. Exposure to the waters of Lake Albert and the villages’ altitude above sea level were associated with the distribution. Infection prevalence and intensity peaked in the age groups between 10 and 29 years. Preschool children were highly infected (62.3%). Key risk factors were poor housing structure (odds ratio [OR] 2.1, 95% 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–4.35), close proximity to water bodies (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.1–2.49), long-term residence in a community (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.11–1.79), lack of latrine in the household (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.11–3.60), and swimming (OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.20–5.32) and washing (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.10–2.78) in local water bodies. Conclusions/Significance Our results show that S. mansoni is highly endemic and a major health concern in Ituri province, DRC. Infection prevalence and intensity, and the prevailing socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioural risk factors in Ituri reflect intense exposure and alarming transmission rates. A robust plan of action is urgently needed in the province.

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“…This call has led to a summary of the available epidemiological data on SCH in the DRC . In addition, recent surveys have been performed indicating that both SCH and STH are still endemic in DRC and high endemic foci have been described , but for many districts no data are available.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of schistosomiasis and soil‐transmitted helminths prevalence in school‐aged children and opportunities for integration of control in local health services in Kwilu Province, the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Luz

Linsuke

Lutumba

et al. 2017

Tropical Med Int Health

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Abstractobjective To determine the prevalence of schistosomiasis (SCH) and soil-transmitted helminths (STH) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and to assess the capacity of the local health centres for diagnosis and treatment.methods Cross-sectional school-based survey in two health districts in the Province of Kwilu. We collected a stool and a urine sample for parasitological examination. Urine filtration and duplicate Kato-Katz thick smears were used for the diagnosis of SCH. Health centres were evaluated using a structured questionnaire.results In total, 526 children participated in the study and the overall prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection was 8.9% (95% CI: 3.5-13.2) in both districts. The prevalence was higher in Mosango (11.7%; 95% CI: 8.9-14.8) than Yasa Bonga district (6.2%; 95% CI: 1.1-11.4). Urine filtration showed that Schistosoma haematobium infection was not present. The combined STH infection prevalence was 58.1% in both districts; hookworm infection was the most common STH found in 52.9% (95% CI: 29.3-62.4) of subjects, followed by Ascaris lumbricoides 9.3% (95% CI: 5.8-15.5) and Trichuris trichiura 2.1% (95% CI: 0.9-4.9). Mixed STH infections were observed as well as SCH-STH coinfection.conclusion Further mapping of both SCH and STH burden is needed, and coverage of preventive chemotherapy in school-aged children should be increased.

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Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminth infections in schoolchildren in north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo: Table 1.

Abstract: S. mansoni and STH infections are highly endemic in the surveyed part of the DRC, calling for interventions in school-aged children.

Cited by 7 publications

References 9 publications

Schistosoma Infection Burden and Risk Factors among School-Aged Children in a Rural Area of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Schistosoma Infection Burden and Risk Factors among School-Aged Children in a Rural Area of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Epidemiology of Schistosoma mansoni infection in Ituri Province, north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

Assessment of schistosomiasis and soil‐transmitted helminths prevalence in school‐aged children and opportunities for integration of control in local health services in Kwilu Province, the Democratic Republic of the Congo

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