Schistosomiasis and intestinal helminthic infections in Delo Awraja, Bale administrative region south Ethiopia

Abstract: A cross-sectional survey of schistosomiasis, intestinal helminthic infections and the snail intermediate hosts of schistosomiasis was conducted in Delo Awraja, Bale Administrative Region, South Ethiopia. Of 15 accessible communities studied, the prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis exceeded 5% in five of them, reaching 48% in Meda. No S. haematobium infection was found except two imported cases diagnosed at Melkaaman at a temporary shelter for refugees returning from Somalia. Uninfected snail hosts of S. mansoni were collected from few water bodies. Other intestinal helminth parasites were also highly prevalent and widespread, the dominant ones being Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm species and Trichuris trichiura, infection rates reaching 84%, 67% and 64% respectively in some communities located at altitudes of 1500-1600 m.a.s.l. The apprehension that schistosomiasis may further spread with future development plans and the need for initiation of surveillance and/or control programmes for schistosomiasis in particular and intestinal helminthic infections in general are discussed. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 1997;11(3):183-188

Giardiasis in Ethiopia

Abstract: A countrywide survey of giardiasis, using formal-ether concentration method, among school children and residents showed overall prevalence rates of 8.9% and 3.1 % , respectively. The corresponding rate for non-school children {5-19 years of age), however ,was 4.4% showing that the school children are ore significantly infected than their non-school counterparts {P < 0.005). There were no significant differences between overall male and female infection rates in both populations {P > 0.01 ). However, by age, children are more infected than adults in both populations. Infection rates did not vary with altitude. In this paper, the possible mode of transmission and factors influencing it are discussed. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 1995;9(2) :77-80

Comparison of different Kato templates for quantitative faecal egg count of intestinal helminth parasites

IntroductionEstimating the intensity of infection is crucial for. estimating morbidity due to intestinal helminth parasites (1) .The intensity of infection of most intestinal helminth parasites is indirectly estimated by quantitative faecal egg count which, in turn, is used for estimating the worm burden (2). Along this line, the quantitative Kato's thick smear method is the most widely used because of its simplicity , low cost, adaptability to the field and adequate sensitivity (3). However , because of the various modifications that are available (50mg, 41.7mg and 20mg templates) comparison of results have been quite difficult. The modifications are based on variations in the thickness and diameter of the template which, in turn, determines the amount of the faecal matter delivered on the slide

Praziquantel in the control of Schistosoma mansoni infection in Jiga, Northwestern Ethiopia

Abstract: The curative efficacy and side effects of praziquantel were observed in patients with intestinal schistosomiasis in Jiga town, Northwestern Ethiopia. A total survey of the inhabitants (4861) was done and all those positive for S. man.soni and with no serious contraindications (1248) were treated with praziquantel, single oral dose of 40 mg per kg body weight. The drug has a cure rate of 89% , with a significant reduction in prevalence (P <0.001, OR: 3.58, CI:2. 77, 4.64) and a marked decrease in average intensity of infection (from 187 to 111 EPG). The most frequent (64.4% )' side effects were headache and dizziness, directly related to intensity of infection, and most often did not last more than 48 hours. Therefore, it is concluded that praziquantel is a safe and effective therapy for schistosomiasis and can be used as a key component in the control of the disease. [Ethiop. I. Health Dev. 1996;10(2):105-110

Transmission dynamics of Schistosoma mansoni in an irrigation setting in Ethiopia

Summary: The transmission dynamics of S. mansoni was studied in the Metehara Sugar Estate for 12 months. The prevalence of human infection ranged from 7.4% to 71.3% for 6 villages in the Estate. The infection rate was highest in the 10-14 years of age while the intensity reached peak in the 5-9 years. There were significant variations in the focality and seasonality of transmission. Biomphalaria pfeifferi which was persistent year round, was most abundant during the dry season. Absence of potable water supply and sanitary facilities, proximity to irrigation canals, and overcrowding are some of the most important factors influencing transmission of schistosomiasis in Metehara Sugar Estate. Mass chemotherapy and mollusciciding should be launched in Awash and Chore farm villages to control transmission, while treatment of children under 15 years is believed to control morbidity in other villages. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 1995 9(3): 146-158

TRANSMISSION OF SCHISTOSOMA MANSONI IN THREE ECOLOGICAL SETTINGS IN ETHIOPIA

ABSTRACT: The epidemiological indices of Schistosome mansoni for three communities in Ethiopia; Jigga (northwest), Metahara sugar estate (southeast) and Lake Zway (central), each representing the three major transmission ecologies in the country, the stream, irrigation scheme and lake, respectively were studied and compared. A totals of 2897 people (913, 1614 and 370 from the stream, irrigation scheme and lake, respectively) was examined for S. mansoni ova by the Kato's smear method. The highest human prevalence (58% ) and intensity of infection (geometric mean of 450 EPG) were recorded for the lake ecology, whereas the irrigation scheme and stream showed moderate (218 EPG) and light (172 EPG) intensities of infection, despite fairly high disease prevalences of 20% and 41% respectively. Age-specific analysis of prevalence, intensity of infection and relative index of potential contamination (RIPC) indicated that children in their second decade of life to be most responsible. Nevertheless, the decline of all indices with increasing age was less obvious in the lake area than others. The disparity between prevalence and intensity of infection in the stream ecology, inter- ecological differences in the indices of infection and their implication in disease control tactics are discussed. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 1993;7(2):63-69

Schistosoma mansolii infection in Jiga town, Gojam Administrative Region

Summary: The impact of socioeconomic status and water use patterns on Schistosoma mansoni infection was studied in Jiga town in Gojam Administrative Region: Questionnaire interviews and parasitological surveys were made in a 10% randomly selected household sample covering 106 households with 505 individuals. The household surveys showed that use of stream water continued after installation of the piped water system in 1983, due to the high cost of piped water and frequent breakdown of the pump. Simple and multiple regression and correlation analyses of the relationship between S.mansoni infection and socioeconomic, water use and environmental variables at the individual and household levels revealed that intensity of infection was not related to the amount of water used in the home (r=-0.33, p<0.05) and income (r= -0.37, p<0.05). Infection rate was positively correlated with level of education (r = 0.34), students being the most affected (r = 0.30) .Mapping of mean egg counts and water sources used failed to reveal any travel distance effect on infection. The potential use of geographic mapping of individual and household infection and behavioral data in tropical disease research is discussed.[Ethiop. J. HealthDev.1995;9(1):1-6

Intestinal helminth infections among the current residents of the future Finchaa Sugar plantation area, Western Ethiopia

Abstract: In a cross-sectional survey of helminth infections made in February 1995 in the future Finchaa Sugar Project area, Finchaa Valley, Western Ethiopia, Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworms were found to be the most prevalent reaching, on average, 28% and 20%, respectively, among the populations living in seven camps. Schistosoma mansoni also reached 22% and 30% in two of the camps. Other parasites which were present at lower prevalences were Trichuris trichiura, Taenia saginata, Entrobius vermicularis, Fasciola hepatica, and Hymenolepis nana. The geometric mean egg counts per gram of faeces (epg) of A. lumbricoides, S. mansoni, hookworms and T. trichiura were 977, 141, 126 and 65 respectively. Both prevalence and intensity of infection of the last four parasites were highest among those below 15 years of age except hookworm which appeared to be more prevalent among the teenagers. All ages combined, only A. lumbricoides was more prevalent among the females (P<0.05). The frequency distribution of A. lumbricoides, S. mansoni, and hookworm egg counts showed that the parasites are highly over-dispersed with the majority of the sample population producing none or few eggs, and a small portion producing relatively high numbers of eggs. Also, the ratios of variance: arithmetic mean egg counts were large for the young age groups indicating a high degree of aggregation of the parasites in the community and adding more evidence to the generally held view about the frequency distribution of helminth parasites in the human population. The possibility of increased transmission of the parasites due to irrigation development and their potential adverse effects on the population is discussed and possible control measures suggested.[Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 1997;11(3):219-228

SCHSTOSOMIASIS IN THE FINCHAA RIVER VALLEY, WELLEGA REGION, WESTERN ETIHIOPIA

ABSTRACT: Parasitological and malacological surveys were carried out in the Finchaa Valley, Wellega Region, western Ethiopia. Stool examination of 960 persons in the 10 communities surveyed showed an average human prevalence of 12.4% for Schistosoma mansoni. Infected individuals were present in 6 communities, but prevalence was greater than 10% in only three of them, reaching 40% among school children in one community. In endemic localities, the intensity of infection in terms of eggs per gram of faeces were 200 and 199 among school children and farm labours respectively. The age specific prevalence and intensity of infection were highest among the 5-14 year age group. The intermediate host of S. mansoni, Biomphalaria pfeifferi were collected from three sites, but transmission was identified at only one site located in the lower portion of the valley. Bulinus truncatus, the potential intermediate host of S. haematobium in Ethiopia, was also present in the area. The occurrence of infected human subjects and snail intermediate host confirm that Schistosoma mansoni is well established in the valley, particularly in the lower portion where a large irrigation development is under way. In this report, the threat posed by both S. Mansoni and S. haematobium is discussed and the preventive/control measures to be taken are suggested. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 1993; 7(1):9-15

Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Bahir Dar and Risk Factors for Transmission

A study of intestinal parasites and assessment of transmission factors were made in Bahir Dar town, northwestern Ethiopia. Out of 528 children examined by formolether concentration method over 95 % were found to harbour one or more intestinal parasites. Human behaviour and poor sanitary conditions appeared to be responsible for the transmission of geohelminths, faeco-orally transmitted amoebae and water-related schistosome parasites. Health education is suggested to play a vital role in the control of intestinal parasitic infections