Prevalence and distribution of <i>Schistosoma haematobium</i> infection among school children living in southwestern shores of Lake Malawi



Kayuni, Sekeleghe ORCID: 0000-0002-6948-0087, Peeling, Rosanna and Makaula, Peter
(2017) Prevalence and distribution of <i>Schistosoma haematobium</i> infection among school children living in southwestern shores of Lake Malawi. MALAWI MEDICAL JOURNAL, 29 (1). pp. 16-23.

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Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>The prevalence of <i>Schistosoma haematobium</i> infection has been shown to be about 23.7% among children living in the lakeshore areas of Malawi, with reinfection rates of about 30% to 40%. This study aimed to determine the current prevalence and distribution of <i>S. haematobium</i> infection in school children along the southwestern shores of Lake Malawi and examine the control interventions present in the area.<h4>Methods</h4>This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in primary schools. School children were enrolled, demographic data were collected, and urine samples were submitted for analysis on macrohaematuria, microhaematuria, and <i>S. haematobium</i> eggs. A questionnaire was administered to 3 health facilities on diagnosis and treatment of schistosomiasis, as well as the control interventions against it.<h4>Results</h4>Four hundred children (174 males and 226 females) were enrolled from 7 primary schools. Mean participant age was 9.57 years (range 7 to 12 years). Fifty children (12.5%) had <i>S. haematobium</i> eggs detected in their urine, with the mean egg count being 15/10 mL. The highest infection intensity category (≥ 50 eggs/10mL) was seen in 10 children (2.5%). Prevalence varied significantly between the schools, with rates ranging from 0% to 20%. Schools with higher prevalence rates were located farther away from the nearest public hospital that provides treatment free of charge. Prevalence correlated with previous history of mass chemotherapy in schools. Mass chemotherapy, health education, and improved water supply and sanitation were some of the interventions that contributed to lower prevalence rates in some areas.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Schistosomiasis prevalence around southwestern Lake Malawi was lower than previously reported, owing to control interventions focusing on health education, improved water supply, sanitation, and mass chemotherapy. Consistent and uniform interventions can reduce prevalence further and sustain control. As prevalence falls, diagnostics can identify high transmission areas, monitor disease trends, and guide evidence-based control strategies.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Urine, Animals, Humans, Schistosoma haematobium, Schistosomiasis haematobia, Prevalence, Prospective Studies, Cross-Sectional Studies, Schools, Child, School Health Services, Malawi, Female, Male, Lakes, Surveys and Questionnaires
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 08 Oct 2019 13:21
Last Modified: 13 Oct 2023 11:03
DOI: 10.4314/mmj.v29i1.4
Related URLs:
URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3007583