scholarly journals Urine Turbidity and Microhaematuria as Rapid Assessment Indicators for Schistosoma haematobium Infection among School Children in Endemic Areas

2012 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
L.
Author(s):  
Albert Abaka-Yawson ◽  
Christian Hotorvi ◽  
Enos Amoako Oduro ◽  
Philip Apraku Tawiah ◽  
Solomon Sosu Quarshie ◽  
...  

Background: Globally, urinary schistosomiasis has devastating implications on school children. It predisposes them to dysuria, haematuria among others which can negatively influence their academic performance. This study determined the prevalence and associated risk factors of urinary schistosomiasis among basic school children in the Akyemansa district.  Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study design using multi-stage sampling was used to enroll 504 basic school children from six communities of the Akyemansa District into study. Structured questionnaires were used to gather information on risk factors. Urine samples were collected and microscopically examined for the presence of Schistosoma haematobium (SH) ova. The observed ova were then quantified as light or heavy. Results: Prevalence of SH infection among school children in Akyemansa District was 10.32% [95% CI: 7.80 -13.31%]. Out of 52 participants who were infected, 69.2% had light infection whilst the rest had heavy infection. Female participants were less likely to be infected with SH than males [OR=0.47; 95% CI: 0.23-0.97], children who do not stay by the river/stream were also less likely to be infected with SH compared to those who lived near waterbodies [OR=0.35; 95% CI: 0.17-0.72]. Additionally, participants who did not play around water bodies were also less likely to be infected with SH compared to those who did [OR=0.17; 95% CI= 0.04-0.71; p=0.015]. However, inhabitants of Kotokuom were more likely to be infected compared to those in Pawuda [OR=8.54; 95% CI: 1.91-38.27; p=0.005] Conclusion: The prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among basic school children in the Akyemansa district was found to be 10.32% [95% CI: 7.80 -13.31%]. Gender, staying around river/ stream, playing at river/ stream and habitation of participants were significantly associated with the prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium infection. The study therefore recommends that periodic drug administration and a comprehensive intervention strategy should be designed and implemented to reduce schistosomiasis prevalence.


2000 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Srividya ◽  
R. Lall ◽  
K. D. Ramaiah ◽  
K. Ramu ◽  
S. L. Hoti ◽  
...  

2009 ◽  
Vol 9 (30) ◽  
pp. 1845-1858
Author(s):  
Mohamed Ayoya ◽  
◽  
KM Koné ◽  
AK Traoré ◽  

Anemia continues to be a major public health problem in many countries. The prevalence and intensity of urinary schistosomiasis, which contributes to anemia, often peak at school age adding to that age group’s nutrition and disease burdens. However, unlike malaria and hookworm infections, little is known on the role of urinary schistosomiasis in iron deficiency anemia. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia and the effect of iron supplementation on hemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin (SF) levels among school children infected with Schistosoma haematobium in Bamako, the capital city of Mali. A total of 150 anemic school children between 7 and 12 years were randomly assigned to receive either 40mg/kg of praziquantel or 40mg/kg of praziquantel (P) + daily 66 mg of iron (Fe), five days a week for three months. Hb and SF were measured at baseline and at 6 and 12 weeks of the intervention. Only children who had complete Hb and SF data at each stage of the trial were included in the statistical analyses (n = 74 in the P+Fe group; n = 66 in the P group). At baseline, mean Hb (g/dl) was 10.53±0.93 in the P group and 10.47±1.17 in the Fe+P group; mean SF (µg/l) was 34.39±37.58 in the P group and 29.82±23.34 in the Fe+P group, and the prevalence of iron deficiency was 17.2%. At 6 and 12 weeks of the intervention, there was an important reduction in anemia and in iron deficiency in both treatment groups. Mean Hb (g/dl) was higher in the Fe+P group (11.63±0.88 and 11.55±0.94) than in the P group (11.14±0.98 and 10.84±0.86) at 6 and 12 weeks, respectively. Mean SF (µg/l) was also higher in the P+Fe group (74.26±40 and 100.29±53.92) than in the P group(40.65±35.63 and 40.70±29.57) at 6 and 12 weeks, respectively. In these Schistosoma haematobium infected children, iron deficiency was prevalent and treatments with P alone or in combination with Fe supplementation were able to increase hemoglobin and iron stores. Neither P nor P+Fe by alone completely reversed anemia in this sample population.


1976 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 59-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. F. H. G Jackson ◽  
P. P. De Moor

AbstractAn extract of the snail Bulinus (Physopsis) africanus, the intermediate host of Schistosoma haematobium, was used as the antigen in haemagglutination tests in a survey of the prevalence of anti-snail antibodies in various population groups. It was found that sera from known bilharzia-infected individuals and randomly selected individuals from bilhanda endemic areas had significantly higher incidences as well as higher titres of antibodies to this snail antigen than non-infected individuals and individuals from non-endemic areas.


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