[Comparative study of schistosomiasis transmission (urinary and intestinal forms) at 10 sites in Burkina Faso (in sub-Saharan Africa)]

Abstract

Despite great progress in schistosomiasis control over the past decade in Burkina Faso, this disease remains a public health problem. This study analyzes parasitologic data from investigations of Schistosoma haematobium, S. mansoni, and mollusks. The prevalence rate of S. haematobium varies from 3.3% to 50.4%; that for S. mansoni (tested only in the western part of the country) from 3.3% to 39.1%. Prevalence rates are higher in school-aged boys than girls, but the reverse is true among adults. Studies of mussels showed the presence of Biomphalaria pfeifferi, Bulinus truncatus, Bulinus senegalensis and Bulinus globosus in these areas. Our results indicate that behavioral factors as well as the dynamics and the distribution of the intermediate mollusks play a major role in the persistence of the disease.