Environmental factors influencing the distribution and prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium in school attenders of ILembe and uThungulu Health Districts, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

Schistosoma haematobium infection is reported to facilitate the development of urogenital diseases. Its symptoms include haematuria, dysuria and tiredness, and it may cause cognitive decline in children. The prevalence of S. haematobium infection needs to be known in endemic areas and a mass treatment programme against the disease implemented. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and intensity of S. haematobium infection in ILembe and uThungulu health districts, using the major symptom, haematuria, as an indicator. A total of 6 265 urine samples, from 96 rural schools, was collected for analysis using dipsticks. The prevalence of haematuria in the ILembe health district was 37% (95% CI, 35­39%) for boys and 39% (95% CI, 37­41%) for girls. The prevalence of haematuria in the uThungulu health district was 56% (95% CI, 53­59%) and 53% (95% CI, 50­56%) for girls and boys, respectively. Light-intensity infection was the most common infection level in both health districts. A negative relationship was observed between prevalence and altitude (r = −0.262, p = 0.009); whereas, we found a slight, though significant, positive association with mid-summer temperatures (r = 0.234, p = 0.021). Associations between prevalence and distance of school to the nearest river were non-significant

Schistosomiasis and Water-Related Practices in School Girls in Rural Kwazulu-Natal; South Africa

Abstract:There is increasing evidence of an association between female genital Schistosoma haematobium infection and HIV. In KwaZulu-Natal; we aimed to explore girls' water contact practice and to determine whether a study exclusively on girls would be manageable and welcomed. Three primary schools that had participated in a parasite control programme eight years prior were approached. Subject to consent; girls aged 9 to 12 years were interviewed on water-body contact; symptoms and household composition. Urine samples were analysed for S. haematobium infection eggs. Good dialogue was achieved in all schools and 95 consented to had an S. haematobium infection; geometric mean intensity 10.5 ova per 10 ml urine. Only 12participation; 43 had ever been treated for S. haematobium. Water-body contact was significantly associated with S. haematobium (OR 2.8; 95 CI 1.3-5.9; p= 0.008); however; S. haematobium was also found in 20 of girls who claimed to never have had water-body contact. Sixty-four percent thought they had no choice but to use unprotected water; 21 had no mother in the household; and being an orphan increased the risk of having S. haematobium. The community welcomed the study. Prevalence levels in South Africa are so high that some communities are eligible for WHO-recommended regular mass treatment