Current Status of Intestinal Schistosomiasis in Two Different Rural Settings, Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that has been selected for elimination. Egypt is one of the endemic areas for Schistosoma  mansoni. Preventive programmes have been adopted to fight schistosomiasis with great progress. This study aimed to assess the status  of intestinal schistosomiasis among residents of two rural endemic settings in Kafrelsheikh Governorate, Egypt and evaluate the  associated risk factors for infection. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 437 residents from El-Roos and El-Salahba villages aged  from 5 to 30 years. Stool samples were examined for the presence of S. mansoni using the Kato-Katz stool thick smear technique. The  prevalence of S. mansoni was 14.4% among participants of El-Salahba, however, no solitary case was detected in ElRoos. Most infected  children (80.6%) had light-intensity of schistosomiasis. A statistically significant association was detected between Schistosoma infection and gender (OR=2.302, 95% CI: 1.107–4.785, p < 0.026), canal water contact (OR=4.388, 95% CI: 2.071 – 9.297, p < 0.001), skin itching  (OR=3.312, 95% CI: 1.606 – 6.826, p = 0.001), the presence of abdominal pain (OR=2.523, 95% CI: 1.057 – 6.025, p = 0.037), and the presence  of blood in stools (OR=11.044, 95% CI: 4.636 – 26.311, p < 0.001). Continuous monitoring and evaluation of the prevalence of  schistosomiasis are crucial for control programs.