Current Status of Intestinal Schistosomiasis and Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis among Primary School Children in Adwa Town; Northern Ethiopia

ABSTRACT

Background: Epidemiological baseline information on the prevalence and intensity of parasitic infections in a given locality is a prerequisite for development and evaluation of sound control strategies. Objective: To determine the current status of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis among primary school children in Adwa Town; northern Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological study was carried out in eight primary schools in Adwa Town between October and November 2007. Fecal samples of 386 school children in the age group 7-18 were collected and microscopically examined using the Kato-Katz and formol-ether concentration methods. A questionnaire was used to identify determinants for Schistosoma mansoni and soil-transmitted helminth infections. Results: The most prevalent intestinal parasitic infection among primary school children in Adwa Town as determined by Kato-Katz (58.7) and formol ether concentration (60.6) methods was intestinal schistosomiasis; with an overall intensity of 95.8 eggs per gram of stool. The prevalence of S. mansoni infection was higher in males (70.7) than in females (57); as determined by both methods. Less common parasites observed included Ascaris lumbricoides; hookworm species; Hymenolepis nana; Strongyloides stercoralis; and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar. Conclusion: The residents of Adwa Town represent a high-risk community with respect to intestinal schistosomiasis. Hence; mass praziquantel administration to school-age children and all adults considered to be at risk is required once a year until the level of infection falls below the level of public health importance. There is also a need to supplement chemotherapy with other measures such as environmental sanitation and health education to make the impact of chemotherapy sustainable. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2010;24(3)191-197]