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PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Oct 2023Urogenital schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a poverty-related disease conditioned by behavioural practices.
BACKGROUND
Urogenital schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a poverty-related disease conditioned by behavioural practices.
METHODS
Our objective is to evaluate the awareness, mindset and habits about urogenital schistosomiasis in the community of Cubal (Angola), as well as its association with infection and urinary tract morbidity in pre-school age children. A cross-sectional study of knowledge, attitudes and practices at home was conducted between February and May 2022 with 250 participants.
RESULTS
Overall, 93.6% of those surveyed had some prior knowledge about schistosomiasis and, among all the symptoms associated with this disease, blood in the urine was the best known (54.4%). Nevertheless, 57.6% obtained a medium knowledge score. Regarding attitude, the majority of respondents had a high attitude score (79.2%) with 96.0% willing to participate in mass drug administration campaigns. Laundry in the river was the most common risk practice (61.2%) and 55.2% out of the total were classified with a low practice score.
CONCLUSION
Low knowledge about symptoms and transmission by caregivers was the outstanding risk factor for infection in pre-school age children (OR = 16.93, 95%CI: 3.93-72.82), and lack of knowledge that avoiding entering the river prevents schistosomiasis was the main risk factor for morbidity in PSAC (OR = 8.14, 95%CI: 1.14-58.25).
Topics: Animals; Humans; Child; Child, Preschool; Schistosomiasis haematobia; Schistosoma haematobium; Angola; Cross-Sectional Studies; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Morbidity; Risk Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Prevalence
PubMed: 37844022
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011650 -
Current Research in Parasitology &... 2023Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) caused by is a neglected chronic parasitic disease. Diagnosis relies mainly on a colposcopy, which reveals non-specific lesions....
Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) caused by is a neglected chronic parasitic disease. Diagnosis relies mainly on a colposcopy, which reveals non-specific lesions. This study aimed to assess the performance of two sampling methods for the molecular diagnosis of FGS in the uterine cervix. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study in women of reproductive age in Saint Louis, Senegal, who presented for cervical cancer screening. Cotton swab and cytobrush samples were collected from the cervix and examined by real-time PCR. The PCR results obtained using the cotton swabs were compared with those obtained using cytobrush. Of the 189 women recruited, 56 (30%) were found to be positive for infection real-time PCR. Women aged 40-54 years were predominantly infected (45%) followed by those aged 25-39 years (36%). Numerically more PCR-positive specimens were identified using cytobrush sampling. Of the 89 women who underwent both cytobrush and cotton swab sampling, 27 were PCR-positive in the cytobrush sampling 4 in the swab sampling. The mean Ct-value was 31.0 ± 3.8 for cytobrush-based PCR 30.0 ± 4.4 for swab-based PCR. The results confirm that real-time PCR can detect DNA in the uterine cervix. The next step will be to compare PCR with the other diagnostic methods of FGS.
PubMed: 37841305
DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2023.100143 -
Wellcome Open Research 2023Urinary schistosomiasis caused by infection with ( ) remains endemic in Africa and is associated with haematuria and albuminuria/proteinuria. Kidney Disease Improving...
Urinary schistosomiasis caused by infection with ( ) remains endemic in Africa and is associated with haematuria and albuminuria/proteinuria. Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes clinical guidelines recommend evaluating proteinuria/albuminuria and glomerular filtration rate for chronic kidney disease (CKD) diagnosis. The guidelines are informed by population data outside of Africa but have been adopted in many African countries with little validation. Our study aimed to characterise the burden of urinary schistosomiasis in rural South Africa (SA) and evaluate its relationship with markers of kidney dysfunction with implications for CKD screening. In this population-based cohort study, we recruited 2021 adults aged 20 - 79 years in the Mpumalanga Province, SA. Sociodemographic data were recorded, urinalysis performed, and serum creatinine and urine albumin and creatinine measured. Kidney dysfunction was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60ml/min/1.73m and/or urine albumin-creatinine ratio >3.0mg/mmol. S infection was determined by urine microscopy. Multivariable analyses were performed to determine relationships between and markers of kidney dysfunction. Data were available for 1226 of 2021 participants. 717 (58.5%) were female and the median age was 35 years (IQR 27 - 47). Prevalence of kidney dysfunction and was 20.2% and 5.1% respectively. was strongly associated with kidney dysfunction (OR 8.66; 95% CI 4.10 - 18.3) and related to albuminuria alone (OR 8.69; 95% CI 4.11 - 18.8), with no evidence of an association with eGFR <90ml/min/1.73m 2 (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.05 - 3.59). The strong association between urinary schistosomiasis and albuminuria requires careful consideration when screening for CKD. Screening for, and treatment of, schistosomiasis should be a routine part of initial work-up for CKD in endemic areas. Urinary schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease, remains a public health concern in the Mpumulanga province of SA.
PubMed: 37840883
DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.18650.3 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2023It is estimated that 250 million people worldwide are affected by schistosomiasis. Disease transmission is related to the poor sanitation and hygiene habits that affect... (Review)
Review
It is estimated that 250 million people worldwide are affected by schistosomiasis. Disease transmission is related to the poor sanitation and hygiene habits that affect residents of impoverished regions in tropical and subtropical countries. The main species responsible for causing disease in humans are , , and , each with different geographic distributions. Praziquantel is the drug predominantly used to treat this disease, which offers low effectiveness against immature and juvenile parasite forms. In addition, reports of drug resistance prompt the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Natural products represent an important source of new compounds, especially those obtained from plant sources. This review compiles data from several in vitro and in vivo studies evaluating various compounds and essential oils derived from plants with cercaricidal and molluscicidal activities against both juvenile and adult forms of the parasite. Finally, this review provides an important discussion on recent advances in molecular and computational tools deemed fundamental for more rapid and effective screening of new compounds, allowing for the optimization of time and resources.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Anthelmintics; Schistosoma haematobium; Biological Products; Schistosomiasis; Praziquantel; Schistosoma mansoni
PubMed: 37836650
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28196807 -
Journal of Parasitology Research 2023Anaemia is common in sub-Saharan Africa, and parasitic infections could worsen its burden during pregnancy. Moreover, women become susceptible to malaria during...
BACKGROUND
Anaemia is common in sub-Saharan Africa, and parasitic infections could worsen its burden during pregnancy. Moreover, women become susceptible to malaria during pregnancy. We investigated () and () infections and determined their association with anaemia during pregnancy.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study involving 707 pregnant women attending antenatal care visits (ANC) and 446 at delivery was conducted in Battor and Adidome hospitals. Pregnant women were screened by microscopy and qPCR for and infections. Haemoglobin (Hb) levels were determined, and most participants received intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy (IPTp) during ANC till delivery. Regression analyses were performed for associations between parasite infection and anaemia.
RESULTS
microscopy prevalence at ANC and delivery was 8% and 2%, respectively, and by PCR 24% at ANC and 12% at delivery. Anaemia prevalence at ANC was 52% and 49% at delivery. There was an increased risk of anaemia with infection (aOR = 1.92; = 0.04). IPTp ( = 0.003) and age ( = 0.004) were associated with increased Hb levels at delivery. prevalence by microscopy was 4% at ANC and 2% at delivery. No significant correlation between and Hb levels was observed (coef. = -0.62 g/dl; = 0.07).
CONCLUSION
High anaemia prevalence was observed during pregnancy, and infection was associated with anaemia at ANC. Low prevalence could be attributed to previous praziquantel treatment during mass drug administration. Routine diagnosis and treatment of infections in endemic areas could be initiated to reduce schistosomiasis during pregnancy.
PubMed: 37808169
DOI: 10.1155/2023/7500676 -
Trends in Parasitology Dec 2023The World Health Organization (WHO) recently proposed a new operational definition which designates communities with ≥10% prevalence of Schistosoma spp. infection as a... (Review)
Review
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently proposed a new operational definition which designates communities with ≥10% prevalence of Schistosoma spp. infection as a persistent hotspot, when, after at least two rounds of high-coverage annual preventive chemotherapy, there is a lack of appropriate reduction. However, inconsistencies and challenges from both biological and operational perspectives remain, making the prescriptive use of this definition difficult. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of the use of the term 'hotspot' across schistosomiasis research over time, including both literature searches and opinions from a range of stakeholders, to assess the utility and generalisability of the new WHO definition of a persistent hotspot. Importantly, we propose an updated definition based on our analyses.
Topics: Animals; Praziquantel; Anthelmintics; Schistosoma haematobium; Schistosomiasis; Schistosoma mansoni
PubMed: 37806786
DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.09.006 -
Southern African Journal of Infectious... 2023Chronic schistosomiasis affects either the genitourinary or gastrointestinal tract. Rarely, schistosomes cause ectopic disease, such as in the case of a South African...
UNLABELLED
Chronic schistosomiasis affects either the genitourinary or gastrointestinal tract. Rarely, schistosomes cause ectopic disease, such as in the case of a South African woman from a non-endemic province, who presented with suspected pericardial tamponade because of tuberculosis. However, histology and polymerase chain reaction from pericardial biopsy confirmed A finding of mediastinal non-Hodgkin lymphoma came to light when our patient's clinical condition unexpectedly deteriorated.
CONTRIBUTION
This case highlights an unusual manifestation of schistosomiasis.
PubMed: 37795202
DOI: 10.4102/sajid.v38i1.524 -
Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease Sep 2023Despite continuous efforts to control schistosomiasis (SCH) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), it still poses a significant challenge. In order to enhance...
Despite continuous efforts to control schistosomiasis (SCH) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), it still poses a significant challenge. In order to enhance control measures, additional research is necessary. This study documents the burden of SCH infection and its predictors in a rural area of the DRC. We conducted a household cross-sectional study from June to August 2021 among 480 school-aged children (SAC) aged 5-15 years living in a rural area of Kisangi, in the southwest DRC. We collected and examined stool, urine, and blood samples of each child. Additionally, we obtained data on anthropometry, socio-demographics, household information, and individual water contact behaviors. The overall prevalence of SCH infection was 55.8% (95% CI: 51.4-60.3), with prevalences of 41% (95% CI: 36.6-45.5), 36.3% (95% CI: 31.9-40.6), and 38.4% (95% CI: 32.6-44.3) for and infections and both infections, respectively. Among those with SCH infection, most had a light (67.5%) or heavy (51.7%) infection intensity. The geometric mean egg count was 16.6 EP 10 mL (95% CI: 12.9-21.3) for and 390.2 EPG (95% CI: 300.2-507.3) for . However, age (10 years and above (aOR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.5-3.1; < 0.001)) was an independent risk factor for SCH infection. The overall prevalence of malaria infection was 16.9% (95% CI: 13.5-20.2), that of stunting was 28.7% (95% CI: 24.7-32.8), that of underweight was 17.1% (95% CI: 12.8-21.4), and that of thinness was 7.1% (95% CI: 4.8-9.4). Anemia was prevalent at 49.4% (95% CI: 44.9-5), and the median Hb level of all participants was 11.6 g/dL (IQR: 10.5-12.6 g/dL). Anemia was strongly associated with SCH infection (aOR: 3.4; 95% CI: 2.3-5.1; < 0.001) yet there was no association with the risk for malaria infection (aOR: 1.0; 95% CI: 0.6-1.8; = 0.563). In addition, the risk of anemia increased with heavy infection intensities ( < 0.026 and < 0.013 for and , respectively). However, stunting had a protective factor for anemia (aOR: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.2-0.4; < 0.001). To conclude, SCH infection was widespread among the SAC and strongly linked to anemia. These results provide evidence of the hyperendemicity of infection in the study area, which requires preventative measures such as chemotherapy to reduce the schistosomiasis-associated morbidity, and micronutrient supplements to avoid anemia.
PubMed: 37755916
DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8090455 -
Parasite Epidemiology and Control Nov 2023World Health Organization (WHO) recommends periodic praziquantel Mass Drug Administration (MDA) to vulnerable populations, especially school-aged children, to reduce the...
BACKGROUND
World Health Organization (WHO) recommends periodic praziquantel Mass Drug Administration (MDA) to vulnerable populations, especially school-aged children, to reduce the risk of transmission. In the endemic Lindi region, on the southeastern coast of Tanzania, praziquantel has been distributed for more than a decade (12 rounds) in schools. However, there is a paucity of data on the current burden and factors perpetuating ongoing urogenital schistosomiasis among SAC. The study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with the ongoing transmission of among school-age children (SAC) after 12 rounds of praziquantel in Nachingwea, Southern Tanzania.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted between May and June 2022 among 483 SAC in the Nachingwea district. Macrohematuria, microhaematuria, and eggs were assessed in the collected urine sample for each participant, using macroscopic observation, urine dipstick, and urine filtration techniques, respectively. Infection intensity was quantified for positive urine samples. Knowledge and attitudes towards schistosomiasis were assessed among participants through an interview-administered questionnaire, and water contact practices were registered through an observation checklist. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics, the Chi-square test, and logistic regression.
RESULTS
The prevalence of infection was 10.6%, with 0.6% (3/51) prevalence of heavy infection. The factors associated with persistence transmission were a habit of visiting the water bodies (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI: 0.40-1.96), swimming in the visited water bodies (AOR = 4.58, 95% CI: 1.72-12.19), using water from the river source (AOR = 3.79, 95% CI: 1.51-9.51) and attending Mkumba Primary School (17.4%; AOR = 6.12, 95% CI: 1.64-22.85).
CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggest ongoing transmission of urogenital schistosomiasis in the Nachingwea District despite 12 rounds of praziquantel treatment, with a low prevalence of heavy infection (0.6%). Praziquantel distribution should be complemented with health education, especially on the cause and transmission of urogenital schistosomiasis to increase knowledge that will improve a good attitude towards schistosomiasis prevention. An adequate water supply is to be considered to reduce infections due to the visit to water sources for daily use.
PubMed: 37692460
DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00323 -
BMC Research Notes Sep 2023Schistosomiasis remains a chronic disease of global importance, especially in many rural areas of the world where co-infection with Plasmodium falciparum is common. It...
OBJECTIVE
Schistosomiasis remains a chronic disease of global importance, especially in many rural areas of the world where co-infection with Plasmodium falciparum is common. It is critical to decipher the role of single or co-infected disease scenarios on immune system regulation in such individuals and how such co-infections can either ameliorate or complicate immune response and the consequent disease outcome. First, 10 ml of urine samples, collected between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, was filtered for diagnosis of schistosomiasis, while egg count, indicative of disease severity, was determined by microscopy. Furthermore, genomic DNA samples extracted from dried blood spots collected on filter paper from one hundred and forty-four Schistosoma haematobium-infected school-children was tested for P. falciparum parasite positivity by an allele-specific nested-PCR analysis of merozoite surface protein (msp)-1 and -2 genes and a real-time PCR assay. In addition, among P. falciparum parasite-positive individuals, we carried out a Taqman SNP genotyping assay to extrapolate the effect of host CD14 (-159 C/T; rs2569190) genetic variants on schistosome egg count.
RESULTS
Of the 144 individuals recruited, P. falciparum parasite positivity with msp-1 gene were 34%, 43% and 55% for MAD20, RO33 and K1 alleles respectively. Of the co-infected individuals, CD14 genetic variants ranged from 18.8% vs 21.5%, 33.3% vs 44.4%, 9.7% vs 11.8% for single versus schistosome co-infection for the wild type (CC), heterozygous (CT) and mutant (TT) variants respectively. Though the mean egg count for co-infected individuals with CD14 wild type (33.7 eggs per 10 ml of urine) and heterozygote variants (37.5 eggs per 10 ml of urine) were lower than that of schistosome infection alone (52.48 and 48.08 eggs/10 ml of urine respectively), it lacked statistical significance (p-value 0.12 and 0.29), possibly reflecting the benefit of the CD14 activation in schistosome plus malaria co-infection and not schistosome infection alone. In addition, the lower mean egg count in co-infected individuals reveal the benefit of downstream Th1 immune response mitigated by CD14 innate activation that is absent in schistosome infection alone.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Child; Schistosoma haematobium; Coinfection; Schistosomiasis haematobia; Malaria; Malaria, Falciparum; Schools
PubMed: 37684680
DOI: 10.1186/s13104-023-06479-9