Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2021 May 11;49(1):35.
doi: 10.1186/s41182-021-00326-y.

Prevalence and factors associated with intestinal schistosomiasis and human fascioliasis among school children in Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

Teshome Bekana  1   2 , Nega Berhe  3 , Tadesse Eguale  3 , Mulugeta Aemero  4 , Girmay Medhin  3 , Begna Tulu  5 , Yirgalem G/Hiwot  3 , Song Liang  6 , Wei Hu  7 , Berhanu Erko  3
Affiliations

Prevalence and factors associated with intestinal schistosomiasis and human fascioliasis among school children in Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

Teshome Bekana et al. Trop Med Health. .

Abstract

Background: Schistosomiasis and fascioliasis are digenean parasitic infections and are among the neglected tropical diseases that have both medical and veterinary importance. They are found mainly in areas having limited access to safe water supply and improved sanitation.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni and Fasciola species infections and to identify associated risk factors among school children in Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia. Stool specimens were collected from 798 children (419 males, 379 females) and processed using Kato-Katz and formol-ether concentration techniques. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and other exposure information to explore potential risk factors for the infections.

Results: The overall prevalence of S. mansoni and Fasciola species infections was 25.6% (95% confidence interval (CI): 22.5-28.6) and 5.5% (95% CI: 3.9-7.1), respectively. S. mansoni was present in all surveyed schools with the prevalence ranging from 12.8% (16/125; 95% CI = 5.6-20.0) to 39.7% (64/161; 95% CI = 32.2-47.2) while Fasciola species was identified in five schools with the prevalence ranging from 2.5% (4/160; 95% CI = 0.001-4.9) to 9.8% (13/133; 95% CI = 4.7-14.8). The prevalence of S. mansoni infection was significantly associated with swimming in rivers (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.79, 95% CI, 1.22-2.62; P=0.003), bathing in open freshwater bodies (AOR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.39-2.94; P<0.001) and engaging in irrigation activities (AOR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.19-2.39; P=0.004), and was higher in children attending Addis Mender (AOR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.20-5.46; P=0.015 ) and Harbu schools (AOR, 3.53; 95% CI, 1.64-7.59; P=0.001). Fasciola species infection was significantly associated with consumption of raw vegetables (AOR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.23-4.97; P=0.011) and drinking water from unimproved sources (AOR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.11-4.70; P=0.026).

Conclusion: Both intestinal schistosomiasis and human fascioliasis are prevalent in the study area, affecting school children. Behaviors and access to unimproved water and sanitation are among significant risk factors. The findings are instrumental for targeted interventions.

Keywords: Amhara Regional State; Ethiopia; Fasciola species; Prevalence; Risk factors; S. mansoni.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Map of study area
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Similar articles

See all similar articles

Cited by

See all "Cited by" articles

References

    1. Hotez PJ, Kamath A. Neglected tropical diseases in sub-Saharan Africa: review of their prevalence, distribution, and disease burden. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2009;3(8):e412. 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000412. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Hotez PJ, Alvarado M, Basáñez M-G, Bolliger I, Bourne R, Boussinesq M, et al. The global burden of disease study 2010: interpretation and implications for the neglected tropical diseases. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2014;8(7):e2865. 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002865. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Gryseels B, Polman K, Clerinx J, Kestens L. Human schistosomiasis. Lancet. 2006;368(9541):1106–1118. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(06)69440-3. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Deribe K, Meribo K, Gebre T, Hailu A, Ali A, Aseffa A, Davey G. The burden of neglected tropical diseases in Ethiopia, and opportunities for integrated control and elimination. Parasit Vectors. 2012;5(1):240. doi: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-240. - DOI - PMC - PubMed
    1. Kloos H, Lo CT, Birrie H, Ayele T, Tedla S, Tsegay F. Schistosomiasis in Ethiopia. Soc Sci Med. 1988;26(8):803–827. doi: 10.1016/0277-9536(88)90174-8. - DOI - PubMed

LinkOut - more resources