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Schistosomiasis in the first 1000 days
Joseph B Freer1, Claire D Bourke2, Gunn H Durhuus3
1Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe; Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
The Lancet. Infectious Diseases
|November 25, 2017
Summary
Early schistosomiasis infections in children can cause lifelong health issues. Targeting women and young children with public health interventions is crucial for preventing disease and improving lifelong health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Public Health
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- The first 1000 days (conception to age 2) are critical for development, with infections having lifelong impacts.
- Schistosomiasis poses a significant burden on women of reproductive age and young children, often overlooked in mass drug administration.
- Early-life schistosomiasis infections can lead to accumulated disease burden later in life, impacting adolescent health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the adverse effects of early schistosomiasis on birth outcomes, child growth, and development.
- To advocate for expanded public health interventions targeting women of reproductive age and preschool-age children for schistosomiasis.
- To highlight the need for research into pre-conception treatment strategies for schistosomiasis to optimize lifelong maternal and child health.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing evidence on the impact of early schistosomiasis on health outcomes.
- Analysis of the disease burden and transmission dynamics in vulnerable populations.
- Discussion of public health strategies and research gaps.
Main Results:
- Early exposure to schistosomes during pregnancy can negatively affect infant immune development.
- Schistosomiasis infections acquired in early infancy contribute to the high disease burden observed in adolescents.
- Current mass drug administration programs often neglect women of reproductive age and young children, missing opportunities for early intervention.
Conclusions:
- Early schistosomiasis infections have detrimental effects on birth, growth, and development, with lifelong consequences.
- Expanding public health interventions to include women of reproductive age and preschool-age children is essential for schistosomiasis control.
- Further research is needed to explore the benefits of pre-conception schistosomiasis treatment for maximizing health across the life course.
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