EClinicalMedicine (Nov 2024)
Prevalence of human Schistosoma mansoni infection in endemic regions (2010–2024): a systematic review and meta-analysisResearch in context
Abstract
Summary: Background: Schistosoma mansoni infection poses a substantial public health challenge globally, and the World Health Organization (WHO) aims for the elimination of schistosomiasis by 2030. This study aimed to assess the current prevalence of human S. mansoni infection in endemic regions worldwide between 2010 and 2024. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search in PubMed/Medline and Scopus databases as well as other public sources from 1 January 2010 to 15 July 2024. Population-based studies reporting the prevalence of S. mansoni infection were eligible. We undertook a random-effects meta-analysis to estimate pooled prevalences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in WHO-defined regions and assessed potential risk factors associated with S. mansoni infection. The protocol for this study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023438455). Findings: We identified a total of 542 eligible studies involving 1,163,866 individuals who had been tested for S. mansoni infection in 38 countries. The overall, pooled global prevalence of S. mansoni infection in endemic region was 14.8% (95% CI, 13.5%–16.1%). The pooled prevalences (95% CI) in specific regions were: 15.3% (13.9–16.8%) in sub-Saharan Africa, 12.4% (8.9–16.4%) in South America and 9.5% (5.4–14.6%) in the Eastern Mediterranean region. There was a 52.6% decrease in prevalence of S. mansoni infection and a 37% decrease in high-intensity infection for studies conducted between 2010 and 2014 compared to those conducted between 2020 and 2023. The present analysis revealed that factors including male gender, bathing or swimming in natural water bodies, crossing rivers or lakes, and engaging in water irrigation activities such as fishing, working in rice paddies or maintaining irrigation canals were significantly associated with S. mansoni infection. Interpretation: The findings of this investigation revealed that, despite a decline in prevalence and high-intensity infection, 7–12% of people in endemic regions, notably in sub-Saharan Africa, remained affected by schistosomiasis mansoni between 2020 and 2024. This study provides data of relevance to policymakers to support efforts to eliminate this disease. Funding: This study received no funding.
