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Schistosomiasis among young children in Usoma, Kenya

Jennifer R Verani1, Bernard Abudho, Susan P Montgomery

  • 1Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA. QZR7@cdc.gov

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|May 5, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Schistosomiasis infection in preschool-age children (PSAC) may be underestimated. Diagnostic methods like stool exams might miss infections in younger children, highlighting the need to include PSAC in control programs.

Area of Science:

  • * Tropical Medicine
  • * Infectious Diseases
  • * Pediatric Health

Background:

  • * Schistosomiasis is a major public health concern, particularly affecting school-age children (SAC).
  • * Infection prevalence and burden among preschool-age children (PSAC) in endemic areas may be underestimated.
  • * Accurate diagnosis and inclusion of PSAC in control strategies are crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To evaluate the prevalence and diagnostic accuracy of Schistosoma mansoni infection in children aged 1-15 years.
  • * To compare diagnostic test performance between SAC and PSAC.
  • * To assess the threat of schistosomiasis to PSAC in a highly endemic region.

Main Methods:

  • * Cross-sectional study conducted in a highly endemic area of Kenya.
  • * Enrolled 268 SAC (6-15 years) and 216 PSAC (1-5 years).
  • * Utilized stool examination (Kato/Katz), serum antibody testing, and urine circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) testing.

Main Results:

  • * Prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection increased with age, from 14% in 1-year-olds to over 90% in children >10 years.
  • * Stool examination showed lower sensitivity in PSAC compared to SAC, though performance was similar when adjusted for infection intensity (CCA).
  • * Schistosomiasis infection poses a significant risk to PSAC, with potential underestimation by traditional diagnostic methods.

Conclusions:

  • * Schistosomiasis is a considerable threat to preschool-age children in endemic areas.
  • * Current diagnostic methods, such as stool examination, may underestimate infection prevalence in PSAC.
  • * Schistosomiasis control programs must actively include PSAC in their strategies alongside SAC.

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