Adeline Enjema Green1, Judith Kuoh Anchang-Kimbi2, Godlove Bunda Wepnje2, Vicky Daonyle Ndassi2, Helen Kuokuo Kimbi2,3. 1. Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, Cameroon. adelinegreen2000@yahoo.com. 2. Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, Cameroon. 3. Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Bamenda, P.O. Box 39, Bambili, Cameroon.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Increased risk of schistosomiasis in peri-urban and urban towns is not uncommon. An epidemiological survey was carried out in the Tiko Health District (THD), an unmapped transmission focus for urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS), to assess the distribution, intensity, and risk factors associated with the occurrence of UGS. METHODS: In this cross-sectional survey, 12 communities were purposively selected from four health areas (HAs) (Likomba, Holforth, Holforth-Likomba, and Mutengene) in South West Region of Cameroon between June and August 2018. Consenting individuals were enrolled using a convenient sampling technique and administered a semi-structured questionnaire to document information on socio-demographic and water contact behaviour. Urine samples were examined for Schistosoma haematobium infection using test strip, filtration, and microscopy methods. Bivariate and binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of infection. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of UGS in Likomba, Holforth-Likomba and Holforth was 31.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 28.3-34.8] with geometric mean (GM) egg count of 28.7 (range: 2-450) eggs per 10 ml of urine. S. haematobium infection was not found in Mutengene HA. Infection was unevenly distributed among the HAs, Holforth-Likomba and Holforth being the most and least affected, respectively. The prevalence of infection varied (P < 0.001) among the affected communities, ranging from 12.0 to 56.9%. Infection status of the community related positively (P < 0.001) with proximity to stream (< 100 m), the degree of contact with water and number of improved water sources. Younger age group (5-14 years) [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 3.7, 95% CI: 1.1-12.2] and intense water contact (degree II) (aOR: 5.2, 95% CI: 3.4-8.1) were associated with increased risk of infection. Similarly, significantly higher egg load was observed among younger aged groups (P = 0.02) and those who carried out intense water contact activities (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Generally, THD is a moderate risk endemic focus for UGS but prevalence higher than 50.0% was observed in some communities. These findings warrant immediate mass chemotherapy with praziquantel to reduce morbidity. Provision of portable water and health education are proposed measures to reduce and eventually eliminate transmission in the area.
BACKGROUND: Increased risk of schistosomiasis in peri-urban and urban towns is not uncommon. An epidemiological survey was carried out in the Tiko Health District (THD), an unmapped transmission focus for urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS), to assess the distribution, intensity, and risk factors associated with the occurrence of UGS. METHODS: In this cross-sectional survey, 12 communities were purposively selected from four health areas (HAs) (Likomba, Holforth, Holforth-Likomba, and Mutengene) in South West Region of Cameroon between June and August 2018. Consenting individuals were enrolled using a convenient sampling technique and administered a semi-structured questionnaire to document information on socio-demographic and water contact behaviour. Urine samples were examined for Schistosoma haematobium infection using test strip, filtration, and microscopy methods. Bivariate and binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of infection. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of UGS in Likomba, Holforth-Likomba and Holforth was 31.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 28.3-34.8] with geometric mean (GM) egg count of 28.7 (range: 2-450) eggs per 10 ml of urine. S. haematobiuminfection was not found in Mutengene HA. Infection was unevenly distributed among the HAs, Holforth-Likomba and Holforth being the most and least affected, respectively. The prevalence of infection varied (P < 0.001) among the affected communities, ranging from 12.0 to 56.9%. Infection status of the community related positively (P < 0.001) with proximity to stream (< 100 m), the degree of contact with water and number of improved water sources. Younger age group (5-14 years) [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 3.7, 95% CI: 1.1-12.2] and intense water contact (degree II) (aOR: 5.2, 95% CI: 3.4-8.1) were associated with increased risk of infection. Similarly, significantly higher egg load was observed among younger aged groups (P = 0.02) and those who carried out intense water contact activities (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Generally, THD is a moderate risk endemic focus for UGS but prevalence higher than 50.0% was observed in some communities. These findings warrant immediate mass chemotherapy with praziquantel to reduce morbidity. Provision of portable water and health education are proposed measures to reduce and eventually eliminate transmission in the area.
Authors: G R Olds; R Olveda; G Wu; P Wiest; S McGarvey; G Aligui; S Zhang; B Ramirez; B Daniel; P Peters; R Romulo; P Fevidal; W Tiu; J Yuan; E Domingo; B Blas Journal: Am J Trop Med Hyg Date: 1996-11 Impact factor: 2.345
Authors: Marieke J van der Werf; Sake J de Vlas; Simon Brooker; Caspar W N Looman; Nico J D Nagelkerke; J Dik F Habbema; Dirk Engels Journal: Acta Trop Date: 2003-05 Impact factor: 3.112
Authors: Jack E T Grimes; David Croll; Wendy E Harrison; Jürg Utzinger; Matthew C Freeman; Michael R Templeton Journal: Parasit Vectors Date: 2015-03-13 Impact factor: 3.876
Authors: Simon Brooker; Narcis B Kabatereine; Jennifer L Smith; Denise Mupfasoni; Mariam T Mwanje; Onésime Ndayishimiye; Nicholas Js Lwambo; Deborah Mbotha; Peris Karanja; Charles Mwandawiro; Eric Muchiri; Archie Ca Clements; Donald Ap Bundy; Robert W Snow Journal: Int J Health Geogr Date: 2009-07-09 Impact factor: 3.918