Work

Schistosomiasis status and health impact in preschool-aged children in hard-to-reach areas and populations of Homa Bay County, Kenya

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: • We found a high schistosomiasis burden among preschool-aged children (PSAC). • Infection prevalence and intensity was higher in children aged 4–5 years compared to younger ones. • A correlation was noted between S. mansoni infection and fecal occult blood (FOB). • We emphasize the urgent need to include PSAC in control programs. • FOB could be used as an indicator for assessing schistosomiasis-related morbidity in PSAC. Pediatric schistosomiasis in hard-to-reach communities is poorly understood, hampering tailored interventions. This study investigated the prevalence, intensity, health impact, and risk factors for schistosomiasis in preschool-aged children (PSAC) residing in hard-to-reach areas and populations of Homa Bay County, Kenya. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 476 PSAC aged 2–5 years across 6 islands in Lake Victoria, Homa Bay County, Kenya. Kato-Katz and urine filtration techniques diagnosed Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium infections respectively. Fecal occult blood (FOB) was tested to assess morbidity, and questionnaires captured sociodemographic and household water, sanitation, and hygiene data. Logistic regression models explored risk factors. The overall prevalence of S. mansoni was 26.0 %, varying considerably between islands; Ringiti had the highest prevalence (62.1 %), while Sukru had the lowest (7.7 %). No S. haematobium infections were diagnosed. Light infections were most common (15.4 %), followed by moderate (8.5 %) and heavy infections (2.2 %). Significantly increased odds for infection were observed in children aged four (aOR = 4.4, 95 % CI: 1.7–11.2) and five years (aOR = 5.6, 95 % CI: 2.2–14.5), in girls (aOR = 2.5, 95 % CI: 1.3–4.8), and in children living in Ringiti (aOR = 6.1, 95 % CI: 1.8–15.0). We noted a strong association between S. mansoni infection and FOB (aOR= 3.3, 95 % CI: 1.6–7.0). We found a high burden of schistosomiasis among PSAC in hard-to-reach communities of Homa Bay County, emphasizing the urgent need to include them in control programs. FOB could be a promising indicator for assessing schistosomiasis-related morbidity in this age group.

Source: Acta Tropica

DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107511

Authors: Phyllis Munyiva Isaiah, Bryan Nyawanda, Collins Okoyo, Joseph Otieno Oloo, Peter Steinmann

Institutions: Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Ministry of Health

Language: English

Topic: Parasites and Host Interactions

Subfield: Parasitology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,070