Schistosomiasis mansoni in school attenders and non-attenders in Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Information on epidemiology of schistosomiasis in school age children and particularly non school attenders are scanty in northwestern Ethiopia.

Objective: To assess the prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni in school attenders and non-attenders in Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods: A parasitological survey was carried out from June 1995 - July 1997 in selected communities and schools.

Results: Of the 199 community based school attenders in Zarima, 198 in Gorgora and 200 in Dek, 85%, 67% respectively were positive for S. mansoni. Of the non-attenders in Zarima, 60(50%) in Gorgora and 90(44%) in Dek were positive for S. mansoni. Among school attenders the intensity of infection (mean egg count) was fond to be 177 eggs per gram (epg), 139 epg, and 135 epg in Zarima, Gorgora and Dek respectively. Among non - attenders the intensity of infection was 166 epg, 100 epg, and 121 epg in Zarima, Gorgora, and Dek respectively. The study demonstrates that the infection rates and the intensities of infection of S. mansoni were higher in school attenders than in non-attenders. The difference in prevalence was statistically significant (P<0.01). The difference in intensity of infection was statistically significant only in Gorgora (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Focussing treatment intervention measures on school attenders would be an appropriate approach in Northwest Ethiopia. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2001;15(2):117-123]