Parasites & Vectors (Jun 2017)

High burden of Schistosoma mansoni infection in school-aged children in Marolambo District, Madagascar

  • Stephen A. Spencer,
  • James M. St. John Penney,
  • Hannah J. Russell,
  • Anthony P. Howe,
  • Cortland Linder,
  • Andriamahitsisambatra L. D. Rakotomampianina,
  • Anjara M. Nandimbiniaina,
  • S Bertel Squire,
  • J. Russell Stothard,
  • Amaya L. Bustinduy,
  • Alain M. Rahetilahy

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-017-2249-7
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10, no. 1
pp. 1 – 8

Abstract

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Abstract Background A school-based survey was undertaken to assess prevalence and infection intensity of schistosomiasis in school-aged children in the Marolambo District of Madagascar. Methods School-aged children from six purposively selected schools were tested for Schistosoma haematobium by urine filtration and Schistosoma mansoni using circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) and Kato-Katz stool analysis. The investigators did not address soil-transmitted helminths (STH) in this study. Results Of 399 school-aged children screened, 93.7% were infected with S. mansoni based on CCA analysis. Kato-Katz analysis of stool revealed S. mansoni infection in 73.6% (215/ 292). Heavy infections (> 400 eggs per gram) were common (32.1%; 69/ 215), with a mean of 482 eggs per gram of stool. Moderate infection intensities were detected in 31.2% (67/ 215) and light infection intensities in 36.7% (79/ 215) of infected participants. No infection with S. haematobium was detected by urine filtration. Conclusions Intestinal schistosomiasis appears a considerable public health issue in this remote area of Madagascar where there is a pressing need for mass drug administration.

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