Malacological survey and geographical distribution of vector snails for schistosomiasis within informal settlements of Kisumu City, western Kenya

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Although schistosomiasis is generally considered a rural phenomenon, infections have been reported within urban settings. Based on observations of high prevalence of <it>Schistosoma mansoni </it>infection in schools within the informal settlements of Kisumu City, a follow-up malacological survey incorporating 81 sites within 6 informal settlements of the City was conducted to determine the presence of intermediate host snails and ascertain whether active transmission was occurring within these areas.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Surveyed sites were mapped using a geographical information system. Cercaria shedding was determined from snails and species of snails identified based on shell morphology. Vegetation cover and presence of algal mass at the sites was recorded, and the physico-chemical characteristics of the water including pH and temperature were determined using a pH meter with a glass electrode and a temperature probe.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Out of 1,059 snails collected, 407 (38.4%) were putatively identified as <it>Biomphalaria sudanica</it>, 425 (40.1%) as <it>Biomphalaria pfeifferi </it>and 227 (21.5%) as <it>Bulinus globosus</it>. The spatial distribution of snails was clustered, with few sites accounting for most of the snails. The highest snail abundance was recorded in Nyamasaria (543 snails) followed by Nyalenda B (313 snails). As expected, the mean snail abundance was higher along the lakeshore (18 ± 12 snails) compared to inland sites (dams, rivers and springs) (11 ± 32 snails) (F_{1, 79}= 38.8, P < 0.0001). Overall, 19 (1.8%) of the snails collected shed schistosome cercariae. Interestingly, the proportion of infected <it>Biomphalaria </it>snails was higher in the inland (2.7%) compared to the lakeshore sites (0.3%) (P = 0.0109). <it>B. sudanica </it>was more abundant in sites along the lakeshore whereas <it>B. pfeifferi </it>and <it>B. globosus </it>were more abundant in the inland sites. <it>Biomphalaria </it>and <it>Bulinus </it>snails were found at 16 and 11 out of the 56 inland sites, respectively.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The high abundance of <it>Biomphalaria </it>and <it>Bulinus </it>spp. as well as observation of field-caught snails shedding cercariae confirmed that besides Lake Victoria, the local risk for schistosomiasis transmission exists within the informal settlements of Kisumu City. Prospective control interventions in these areas need to incorporate focal snail control to complement chemotherapy in reducing transmission.</p

High prevalence of schistosomiasis in Mbita and its adjacent islands of Lake Victoria, western Kenya

Abstract Background Intestinal schistosomiasis continues to be a significant cause of morbidity among communities located around Lake Victoria and on its islands. Although epidemiological surveys have been conducted in other areas bordering the lake in western Kenya, Mbita district and its adjacent islands have never been surveyed, largely due to logistical challenges in accessing these areas. Consequently, there is a paucity of data on prevalence of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections that are endemic in this region. Methods This cross-sectional study determined the prevalence, intensity of infection and geographical distribution of schistosome and STH infections among 4,065 children aged 5–19 years in 84 primary schools in Mbita and nearby islands of Lake Victoria (Mfangano, Ringiti, Rusinga and Takawiri), in western Kenya. Single stool samples were collected and examined for eggs of Schistosoma mansoni and STHs (Hookworms, Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura) using the Kato-Katz technique. Primary schools were mapped using geographical information system data on PDAs and prevalence maps generated using ArcView GIS software. Results Overall, 65.6% (95% CI = 64.2-67.1%) of children were infected with one or more helminth species; 12.4% (95% CI = 11.4-13.4%) of children were infected with one or more STH species. Mean school prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 60.5% (95% CI = 59.0-62.0%), hookworms 8.4% (95% CI = 7.6-9.3%), A. lumbricoides 3.3% (95% CI = 2.7-3.8%), and T. trichiura 1.6% (95% CI = 1.2-2.0%). Interestingly, the mean S. mansoni prevalence was 2-fold higher on the islands (82%) compared to the mainland (41%) (z = 5.8755, P P S. mansoni prevalence while prevalence of STHs was more homogenously distributed. Conclusions The very high prevalence of schistosomiasis in Mbita and the 4 islands is quite alarming, and indicates an urgent and critical need for control interventions. Findings from this survey indicate the need to implement treatment in remote areas not previously covered by mass drug administration programs.</p

A Qualitative Description of Community Participation in Water and Sanitation Activities in the Control of Schistosomiasis in Nyalenda B, an Informal Settlement in Kisumu City, Western Kenya

Background:&nbsp;Community participation is central to the success of primary health care. However, over 30 years since the Alma Ata declaration, the absence of universal community participation remains a major obstacle to combating all types of diseases. This study investigated community participation in water and sanitation activities towards schistosomiasis control in Nyalenda B, an informal settlement in Kisumu City. &nbsp; Methods:&nbsp;Eight key informant interviews (KIIs) and 8 focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted. Additionally, data on NGOs dealing with water and sanitation activities in Kisumu was collected from the local NGO registration Board. Qualitative data was organised into themes and concepts and analyzed using Atlas.ti. &nbsp; Results:&nbsp;Most participants felt that project implementers did not involve them in key levels of project implementation, leading to unsustainable projects and unacceptance from the community. Community structures identified that could be used as avenues of engaging the community in improving water and sanitation situation included the use of organised groups, such as youth, gender-based, farmers and HIV support groups, and merry-go-rounds. Factors mentioned that hindered community participation included negative attitude from community members, poor monitoring and evaluation strategies, limited disclosure of project details, and overdependence from the community. &nbsp; Conclusion:&nbsp;Effective community participation in water and sanitation activities requires a multipronged paradigm that incorporates a change of attitude from the community, information sharing and consultation, improved monitoring and evaluation, transparency and accountability

Integrated community-directed intervention for schistosomiasis and soil transmitted helminths in western Kenya – a pilot study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Schistosome and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are recognized as major global public health problems, causing severe and subtle morbidity, including significant educational and nutritional effects in children. Although effective and safe drugs are available, ensuring access to these drugs by all those at risk of schistosomiasis and STHs is still a challenge. Community-directed intervention (CDI) has been used successfully for mass distribution of drugs for other diseases such as onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis. A national control programme is yet to be instituted in Kenya and evidence for cost-effective strategies for reaching most affected communities is needed. This study evaluated the effectiveness and feasibility of the CDI strategy in the control of schistosomiasis and STHs, in East Uyoma location, Rarieda district, a community of western Kenya that is highly endemic for both infections.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Pre-treatment prevalence of <it>S. mansoni</it> averaged 17.4% (range 5-43%) in the entire location. Treatment coverage in different villages ranged from 54.19 to 96.6% by community drug distributor (CDD) records. Assessment from a household survey showed coverage of 52.3 -91.9% while the proportion of homesteads (home compounds) covered ranged from 54.9-98.5%. Six months after one round of drug distribution, the prevalence levels of <it>S. mansoni,</it> hookworm and <it>Trichuris trichura</it> infections were reduced by 33.2%, 69.4% and 42.6% respectively.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This study shows that CDI is an accepted and effective strategy in the mass treatment of schistosomiasis and STH infections in resource constrained communities in Kenya and may be useful in similar communities elsewhere. A controlled trial comparing CDI and school based mass drug administration to demonstarte their relative advantages is ongoing.</p