High burden of Schistosoma mansoni infection in school-aged children in Marolambo District, Madagascar.
Spencer, Stephen A;
Penney, James M St John;
Russell, Hannah J;
Howe, Anthony P;
Linder, Cortland;
Rakotomampianina, Andriamahitsisambatra LD;
Nandimbiniaina, Anjara M;
Squire, S Bertel;
Stothard, J Russell;
Bustinduy, Amaya L;
+1 more...Rahetilahy, Alain M;
(2017)
High burden of Schistosoma mansoni infection in school-aged children in Marolambo District, Madagascar.
Parasites & vectors, 10 (1).
307-.
ISSN 1756-3305
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-017-2249-7
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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.