Current status of Schistosoma mansoni and the factors associated with infection two years following mass drug administration programme among primary school children in Mwea irrigation scheme: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundSchistosomiasis is a major public health problem in Kenya as well as in many other tropical countries and is considered one of the most prevalent diseases in the rural population. Between 2004 and 2009, primary school children in Mwea irrigation scheme were treated for Schistosoma mansoni. In the four year control programme, there was occurrence of light re-infection with S. mansoni. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the current prevalence of S. mansoni, infection two years after the withdrawal of mass drug administration (MDA) programme.MethodsWe carried out a cross-sectional study on a population of 387 children attending 3 primary schools located in Mwea irrigation scheme. Children, aged 8–16 years were interviewed and screened for S. mansoni using duplicate Kato-Katz thick smears. Comparisons of prevalence by age group and gender were tested for significance on the basis of the Wald test. Best prediction factors for infection with S. mansoni were selected using forward – stepwise variable selection method.ResultsThe overall prevalence of S. mansoni was 53.7 %, (95%CI: 49.0–59.0, p-value = 0.000). Male children had higher prevalence of infection, 66.1 % (95%CI: 59.8–73.2, p-value = 0.000) compared to females. The gender (sex) of a child was the only factor reported to be significantly associated with S. mansoni infection, (OR = 1.9, p-value = 0.015, 95%CI: 1.13–3.21).ConclusionsThere was high prevalence of S. mansoni infections in the study area, two years after the withdrawal of MDA programme. We suggest that treatment should be continued in the school children at regular intervals, monitoring and surveillance intensified to ensure interruption of transmission areas.

Sustaining Control of Schistosomiasis Mansoni in Western Côte d’Ivoire: Results from a SCORE Study, One Year after Initial Praziquantel Administration

“…In contrast, studies conducted in Zambia and Kenya showed that 2 years after the withdrawal of praziquantel treatment led to an increase of S . mansoni prevalence [ 35 , 36 ]. It is important to note that these studies showed that the impact of MDA on the S .…”

“…The present study focused on school-aged children. Preschool-aged children and adults also harbor Schistosoma worms, and hence, they act as reservoir of transmission source of re-infections [ 36 ]. Yet, there are other local conditions that might foster S .…”

Using environmental DNA for the detection of Schistosoma mansoni: toward improved environmental surveillance of schistosomiasis

“…The eDNA method was validated in September 2015 in the counties Samburu, Isiolo and Meru County in central Kenya at field sites with known ongoing transmission (3) or with no history of transmission ( Fig. 4; Table S2).…”

Effects of Soil- Transmitted Helminths and Schistosoma Species on Nutritional Status of Children in Mwea Irrigation Scheme, Kenya

“…It covers an area of 513 km 2 and it is estimated to have 51,444 households and a total population of 176,261 persons [15]. There are 58,970 school age children (5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19) in Mwea [15]. The mean annual rainfall in this area is in the range of 1200-1600 mm per year and varies by the time of year.…”

“…Mwea Irrigation Scheme is an area whose drainage and environmental conditions, in addition to farming activities, are conducive for the transmission of soil-transmitted helminths and schistosomiasis in the community [10,11] There are no toilet facilities in the vast open area in the paddies and since farmers spend most of their time in the field during the day, secondary canals are the most likely places for defecation [12] The feacal matter reaches the paddies through the feeder canals. School-age children are an important high risk group for STH infections.…”