High burden of Schistosoma mansoni infection in school-aged children in Marolambo District, Madagascar

24 Jun 2017
Stephen A. Spencer, James M. St. John Penney, Hannah J. Russell, Anthony P. Howe, Cortland Linder, Andriamahitsisambatra L. D. Rakotomampianina, Anjara M. Nandimbiniaina, S Bertel Squire, J. Russell Stothard, Amaya L. Bustinduy & Alain M. Rahetilahy

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.