Epidemiological studies on intestinal schistosomiasis in Wondo Genet, southern Ethiopia
Erko, B.; Medhin, G.; Berhe, N.; Abebe, F.; Gebre-Michael, T.; Gundersen, S.G.
Ethiopian Medical Journal 40(1): 29-39
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0014-1755 PMID: 12240565 Document Number: 545097
A cross-sectional epidemiological survey was made on intestinal schistosomiasis due to Schistosoma mansoni in Wondo Genet, southern Ethiopia, in 1999 to generate preintervention parasitological and malacological baseline data to be used as a reference for the evaluation of community-based pilot control trial to be launched using wild-growing Endod. A total of 3000 faecal specimens were collected from school children enrolled in 14 schools and microscopically examined using Kato method. The overall prevalence and intensity of schistosomiasis mansoni was 34.6% and 184 eggs per gram of faeces (EPG), respectively. Children excreting S. mansoni eggs were found in all of the 14 schools surveyed with a prevalence of infection ranging from 1.9% in Abaye School to 80.6% in Shesha Kekele School. The overall prevalence of S. mansoni infection among males and females was 38.4 and 27.3%, respectively (P=0.0001, 95% confidence interval (CI)=7.5-14.7%), whereas the intensity of infection was 186 and 181 EPG, respectively (P=0.8045, 95% CI=1.17-1.23%). Malacological surveys of 27 water contact sites revealed the occurrence of Biomphalaria pfeifferi in 8 sites out of which 3 harboured infected snails shedding schistosome cercariae. The necessity for initiating community-based sustainable control programme is discussed.