Prevalence of Schistosomiasis in Children Under Six Years in Two Endemic Communities along the Weija Lake

Abstract

Introduction: Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease, often endemic in areas with poor sanitation, is known to cause physical and mental defects in children and adults alike. Consequently, a number of strategies with much emphasis on drug administration for morbidity control have been put in place to combat schistosomiasis in Ghana and the world at large. Unfortunately, children under six years have been excluded from chemotherapy for several years and it is in recent times that the WHO has begun putting measures in place to correct this lapse. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of schistosomiasis among children under six years in two communities along the Weija Lake, and identify risk factors that predispose them to Schistosoma infections. Methodology: A cross-sectional study involving the collection of stool and urine samples from 186 children below age six, in two communities along the Weija Lake was done using convenient sampling. Urine chemistry and parasitological methods, involving Kato Katz and 10ml urine filtration were used to analyse samples for parasite eggs. Microscopic examination of parasite eggs was done to detect infection state and determine the prevalence of Schistosoma infections in these children respectively. Questions were developed to help detect risk factors that expose these children to the disease. Results: The average prevalence of schistosomiasis in the two communities studied was 7.9%. Average prevalence of S. mansoni was 9.2% in the communities; 10.5% in Tomefa and 7.5% in Manheam. Tomefa recorded only 1 (1.43%) S. haematobium and 6 (10.53%) S. mansoni infections, where as Manheam had 3 (7.50%) S. mansoni infections with no record of S. haematobium infection. Risk factors or determinants of infection included zone of community lived in and nearness to the waterbody. Conclusion: Schistosoma infections were established in children under six years in Manheam and Tomefa. Schistosoma mansoni infection was more prevalent compared to S. haematobium.