Schistosomiasis, one of the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases, is a life-threatening public health problem in Yemen especially in rural communities. This cross-sectional study aims to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of schistosomiasis among children in rural Yemen. Urine and faecal samples were collected from 400 children. Urine samples were examined using filtration technique for the presence of Schistosoma haematobium eggs while faecal samples were examined using formalin-ether concentration and Kato Katz techniques for the presence of S. mansoni. Demographic, socioeconomic and environmental information were collected via a validated questionnaire. Overall, 31. 8% of the participants were found to be positive for schistosomiasis; 23. 8% were infected with S. haematobium and 9. 3% were infected with S. mansoni. Moreover, 39. 5% of the participants were anaemic whereas 9. 5% had hepatosplenomegaly. The prevalence of schistosomiasis was significantly higher among children aged >10 years compared to those aged ≤10 years (P<0. 05). Multivariate analysis confirmed that presence of other infected family member (P<0. 001), low household monthly income (P = 0. 003), using unsafe sources for drinking water (P = 0. 003), living nearby stream/spring (P = 0. 006) and living nearby pool/pond (P = 0. 002) were the key factors significantly associated with schistosomiasis among these children. This study reveals that schistosomiasis is still highly prevalent in Yemen. These findings support an urgent need to start an integrated, targeted and effective schistosomiasis control programme with a mission to move towards the elimination phase. Besides periodic drug distribution, health education and community mobilisation, provision of clean and safe drinking water, introduction of proper sanitation are imperative among these communities in order to curtail the transmission and morbidity caused by schistosomiasis. Screening and treating other infected family members should also be adopted by the public health authorities in combating this infection in these communities.
Schistosomiasis or bilharzia, one of the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), is still a public health problem in many developing countries in the tropics and subtropics with approximately 240 million infected people and about 700 million people worldwide are at risk of this infection [1]. Over 90% of the disease is currently found in sub-Saharan Africa, where more than 200,000 deaths are annually attributed to schistosomiasis, and Middle East and North Africa regions [2]–[4]. Despite intensive efforts to control the disease, schistosomiasis together with soil-transmitted helminthiasis continue to represent more than 40% of the disease burden caused by all tropical diseases, excluding malaria [5]. Schistosomiasis is mainly caused by three different species of blood-dwelling fluke worms of the genus Schistosoma namely Schistosoma haematobium (causes urinary schistosomiasis), S. mansoni and S. japonicum (both cause intestinal schistosomiasis). Clinical manifestations of schistosomiasis are associated with the species-specific oviposition sites and the burden of infection [6]. Urinary schistosomiasis is characterized by haematuria as a classical sign. It is associated with bladder and uretral fibrosis, sandy patches in the bladder mucosa and hydronephrosis that are commonly seen in chronic cases while bladder cancer is possible as late stage complication [7]. On the other hand, intestinal clinical manifestations include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood in the stool. In advanced cases, hepatosplenomegaly is common and is repeatedly associated with ascites and other signs of portal hypertension [8], [9]. Among the Middle East countries, Yemen has the highest percentage of people living in poverty where more than 50% of the population of nearly 25 million people lives below the poverty line [10]. The country has been unstable for several years, suffering from civil wars, a deteriorating economy and severe depletion in water resources. With regards to NTDs, Yemen is endemic for at least 8 NTDs namely soil-transmitted helminthiasis, schistosomiasis, onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, leishmaniasis, fascioliasis, trachoma and leprosy. Moreover, the country ranks first in trachoma; second in schistosomiasis, ascariasis, fascioliasis and leprosy; and fourth in trichuriasis and cutaneous leishmaniasis [4]. In 2008, Yemen launched its first campaign to eliminate schistosomiasis as a national public health problem with the aim of eliminating schistosomiasis-related morbidity through annual treatment to school-age children with a financial support from the World Bank and World Health Organization (WHO) [11]. Despite of these support and efforts to control the disease in Yemen, the prevalence of schistosomiasis remains largely unchanged (since 1970s) with prominent morbidity [12]–[17]. Moreover, new foci of schistosomiasis transmission have been identified. Hence, the aims of the present study were to determine the prevalence and distribution of schistosomiasis and to identify the associated key factors of this disease among Yemeni children in rural areas which are undergoing active control and prevention surveillances. It is hoped that findings of this study will assist public health authorities to identify and implement integrated and effective control measures to reduce the prevalence and burden of schistosomiasis significantly in rural Yemen.
The study protocol was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the University of Malaya Medical Centre (Ref. no: 968. 4). It was also approved by the Hodeidah University, Yemen and permission to start data collection was also given by the Yemen Schistosomiasis National Control Project. The head of households and children were informed about the study objectives and methods and the priority of the consent for inclusion of children. Moreover, they were informed that they could withdraw their children from the study without any consequences. Thus, written and signed or thumb-printed informed consents were obtained from all adult participants before starting the survey. Similarly, written and signed or thumb-printed informed consents were taken from parents or guardians, on behalf of their children. All the infected children were treated with a single dose of 40 mg/kg body weight praziquantel tablets. Each child swallows the tablets with some water, while being observed by the researcher and medical officer (Direct Observed Therapy) [18]. A cross-sectional community-based study was carried out among children aged ≤15 years in rural areas in Yemen. Data were collected in a period of seven months from January to July 2012. In each province, two rural districts were selected randomly from the available district list and then two villages within the selected districts were considered in collaboration with the Schistosomiasis Control Project office in each province. The number of inhabitants per household was recorded and all of them were invited to participate in this study. Unique reference codes were assigned to each households and study participants. This study was carried out in five provinces in Yemen namely Taiz, Ibb, Dhamar, Sana' a and Hodiedah. These provinces are endemic for schistosomiasis and undergoing active surveillances by the schistosomiasis national control project. The highest prevalence of schistosomiasis was reported in Hajjah and Taiz provinces [15], [17]. However, we could not collect samples from Hajjah during the sampling period due to civil war which occurred in 3 provinces including Hajjah. Sana' a and Dhamar represent the mountainous areas at an altitude of >2000 m above sea level with a total population of 4 million. Taiz, Hodiedah and Ibb represent the country' s coastal plains and foothills at an altitude of <2000 m above sea level with a total population of 6. 5 million. In Yemen, climate varies from hot and high humidity in the coastal areas to cold in the highlands. In the coastal areas, relative humidity ranges between 70% and 90% and mean annual rainfall is about 200 mm with two rainy seasons (February–April and July–September). In the highlands, the relative humidity ranges between 20% and 50%, mean annual rainfall is about 800 mm, and the climate is moderate in summer and cold in winter. Ten districts were selected for this study namely Mosa and Almafer (Taiz), Alsabrah and Alodien (Ibb), Otmah and Gabal al sharq (Dhamar), Alhemah and Manakhah (Sana' a), and Gabal Ras and Bora (Hodiedah) (Figure 1). The inclusion criteria in selecting these study areas were rural areas and undergoing active control surveillance. Moreover, the selection process was done after discussion with the schistosomiasis national control project personnel. Rural areas are farmlands which depend on streams, underground wells and rain (water tanks) as the main source of water for domestic and irrigation purposes. Agriculture is the main occupation of the people in these areas and surface traditional irrigation system is still dominant and covers large agricultural areas creating favorable snail-breeding conditions. Snail populations of different genera were identified in different water sources at the study areas and heavily infested water sources were observed. Out of about 780 households, 250 households were selected randomly from the villages for this study. We attempted to enrol all available children ≤15 years of age from the selected households after acquiring consent from the head of the households. Although 632 children received stool and urine containers, only 430 (68. 0%) children delivered the containers for examinations. In this study, 202 (32. 0%) failed to submit samples and/or absent during questionnaire surveys and 30 (4. 7%) containers were returned empty. Hence, they were excluded from the study. Overall, 400 (63. 3%) children (59. 5% males and 40. 5% females) who had delivered suitable samples for examination with complete questionnaire data were included in this study (Figure 2). Throughout many visits to the study areas, most of the children were observed to play outside without wearing shoes or slippers. Some of the children play and swim in the streams/pools after school and in their leisure time. Besides that, their personal hygienic practices were also poor. Poverty prevails at these areas with very poor housing and living conditions and was notably observed in areas from Hodeidah province. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect data about the demographic, socio-economic, environmental background, personal hygiene, clinical signs and symptoms of urinary or intestinal schistosomiasis and history of receiving anti-schistosomal treatment. Information was collected from the children' s parents or adult guardians via face-to-face interview. In addition, participants underwent physical examination and direct observation in order to record more details about their weight, height, body temperature, hepatosplenomegaly and personal hygiene. During the interviews, direct observation was made by an assistant on the personal hygiene of the children and household cleanliness including the availability of functioning toilets, piped water, cutting nails, wearing shoes when outside the house and washing hands. Faecal and urine samples were collected from each subject, between 10 am and 2 pm when maximum eggs excretion occurs [19], into 100 mL clean containers with wide mouth and screw-cap. The containers were placed into zipped plastic bags, kept in a protected ice box and transported for examination at the nearest health center laboratory within 4 hours of collection. The faecal samples were examined using Kato-Katz technique for the presence of S. mansoni eggs [18]. Negative faecal samples were re-examined by formalin ether sedimentation technique as described by Cheesbrough [20] before the negative results were confirmed. To determine the worm burden, egg counts were taken and recorded as eggs per gram of feces (epg) for each positive sample and the intensity of infections was graded as heavy, moderate or light according to the criteria proposed by the WHO [18]. On the other hand, urine samples were examined for the presence of S. haematobium eggs by filtration method using nucleopore membrane. Besides that, dipstick test was also used [21]. For quality control, urine and faecal samples examination were performed in duplicate for about 25% of the samples, selected randomly. A finger prick blood was obtained from each child and hemoglobin (Hb) level was assessed directly by using the HemoCue hemoglobinometer (HemoCue, AB, Angelhom, Sweden). Children with Hb levels lower than 12 g/dl were considered to be anaemic [22]. Data was double-entered by two different researchers into Microsoft Office Excel 2007 spreadsheets. Then, research leader cross-checked the two data sets for accuracy and created a single data set. Data analysis was performed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences for Windows (SPSS) version 18. Presence of schistosomiasis, demographic, socioeconomic, environmental and behavioural characteristics were treated as categorical variables and presented as frequencies and percentages. For inferential statistics, the dependent variable was schistosomiasis whereas the independent variables were the demographic factors (age and gender), socioeconomic factors (fathers' educational levels, parents' employment status, household monthly income, family size) and environmental factors (sources of drinking water, sources of household water, presence of streams, dams, wells, ponds, tanks, pools, troughs or any other man-made water collection places). Chi-square test was used to examine the significance of the associations and differences in frequency distribution of variables. Odd ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors significantly associated with schistosomiasis; OR and its corresponding 95% CI were calculated based on the final model. All variables that showed significant difference with P≤0. 25 in the univariate analyses were used to develop the multiple logistic regression “STEPWISE” models as suggested by Bendel and Afifi [23]. All tests were considered significant at P<0. 05.
Four hundred children aged ≤15 years with a mean age of 10 years (95% CI = 9. 7,10. 2) participated voluntarily in this study. The general characteristics of the participants and their families are shown in Table 1. Overall, almost half of the fathers had no formal education and about half (48. 8%) of them were farmers whereas 42. 7% were government employee and/or professionals. On the other hand, almost all the mothers had no formal education and were not working (i. e. , housewives). Moreover, more than half (59. 3%) of the families had low household monthly income (<YER20,000; US$1 = YER214). Most of the houses were made of stones and mud whereas few houses are made of burned bricks; only one fifth and a quarter of the houses had piped water supply and electricity, respectively. During the visits to the villages, we observed that toddlers and young children were playing and swimming in the water streams and pools. Many other people were observed using this water for different purposes such as washing clothes and utensils, washing cars and motorcycles and watering animals. Urine and faecal samples were collected from 400 children and examined for the presence of Schistosoma species and other parasites. A total of 339 (84. 8%) children were found to be infected with at least one parasite species. Besides S. mansoni, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Ancylostoma duodenale, Hymenolepis nana, Enterobius vermicularis, Taenia sp. , Fasciola sp. , Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Giardia duodenalis and Blastocystis sp. were also detected in the faecal samples examined. The prevalence and intensity of schistosomiasis according to Schistosoma species are shown in Table 2. Of the 400 participants, 127 (31. 8%) were found to be infected by either S. mansoni or S. haematobium. Out of these infected children, 3. 9% had mixed infections (i. e. , both Schistosoma species). Overall, the prevalence of S. haematobium infection was higher than S. mansoni (23. 8% vs 9. 3%). The prevalence of schistosomiasis was significantly higher among children aged >10 years compared to those aged ≤10 years (37. 6% vs 27. 0%; χ2 = 5. 135; P = 0. 023). Similarly, male children had higher prevalence of schistosomiasis than females (33. 6% vs 29. 0%). However, the difference was not statistically significant (χ2 = 0. 942; P = 0. 332). With regards to the intensity of infections, 22. 1% and 8. 1% of S. haematobium and S. mansoni infections respectively were of heavy intensities (Table 2). Children who participated in this study underwent physical examination and haemoglobin level was measured. Hepatosplenomegaly and anaemia were reported in 9. 5% (38/400) and 39. 5% (158/400) of the children, respectively. Moreover, 15. 8% (63/400) had fever whilst 24. 1% (96/400) had diarrhea. Of these studied children, 26. 0% (104/400) and/or 15. 0% (60/400) claimed to have haematuria and bloody stool, respectively. The association between schistosomiasis and the presence of hepatosplenomegaly and anaemia was examined. Children with S. mansoni infection had a significantly higher rate of hepatosplenomegaly (18. 9%; 95% CI = 9. 5,34. 2) when compared with those without S. mansoni infection (8. 3%; 95% CI = 5. 8,11. 4) whereas no significant difference in the case of S. haematobium infection. A significant association between the intensity of S. mansoni infection and hepatosplenomegaly was also reported (P = 0. 033). Moreover, the presence of hepatosplenomegaly was significantly higher among children with mixed infection (both Schistosoma species) compared to those with single infection (P>0. 05). On the other hand, the association between schistosomiasis and anaemia among these children was not significant (P>0. 05). Results of univariate and multivariate analyses for the association of schistosomiasis with demographic, socioeconomic, environmental and behavioural factors are shown in Tables 3 and 4. Table 3 shows that children aged >10 years (37. 6%; 95% CI = 30. 8,44. 5) had significantly higher prevalence of schistosomiasis when compared with those aged ≤10 years (27. 0%; 95% CI = 21. 6,33. 2). Similarly, the prevalence of schistosomiasis was significantly higher among children of non educated fathers (38. 2%; 95% CI = 31. 6,45. 3) and those from families with low household monthly income (38. 7%; 95% CI = 32. 9,44. 9) when compared with the children of fathers with at least 6 years of formal education (25. 8%; 95% CI = 20. 4,32. 2) and those from families with household monthly income of ≥YER20,000 (19. 7%; 95% CI = 14. 1,26. 9). Moreover, it was found that the presence of other family members infected with schistosomiasis showed significant association with higher prevalence of schistosomiasis (P<0. 001). Moreover, children who lived in houses without toilets (39. 4%; 95% CI = 32. 6,46. 7), those who use unsafe sources for drinking water (36. 2%; 95% CI = 75. 0,85. 1), those who lived in houses where water used for household purposes was fetched from unsafe sources (e. g. , stream, rain, well, water collection tank, trough, etc) (36. 2%; 95% CI = 30. 8,42. 0) had higher prevalence of schistosomiasis when compared to those having toilets in their houses (25. 5%; 95% CI = 20. 1,31. 6), those who use piped water (21. 5%; 95% CI = 57. 2,69. 1) and those living in houses with safe sources of household water (21. 5%; 95% CI = 15. 1,29. 7). Furthermore, the results showed that the prevalence of infection was significantly higher among children who lived nearby stream and/or spring (41. 6%; 95% CI = 33. 3,50. 4) and nearby pool and/or pond (51. 3%; 95% CI = 40. 5,61. 9) when compared to their counterparts. Interestingly, there was strong negative associations between the presence of water pump and visits by foreigners to the area as the children who lived in the presence of nearby water pump (23. 1%; 95% CI = 16. 8,31. 0) and those from villages where foreigners were seen playing/swimming in the open water sources (23. 2%; 95% CI = 17. 0,30. 9) had significantly lower prevalence of infection compared to those who lived in houses not close to water pump (36. 1%; 95% CI = 30. 6,42. 0) and those from villages where no foreigners were seen playing/swimming in the open water sources (36. 4%; 95% CI = 30. 8,42. 5). Five factors associated significantly with schistosomiasis were retained by multiple logistic regression model analysis (Table 4). The presence of other family member infected with schistosomiasis increased the children' s odds for the disease by 4. 1 times (95% CI = 2. 40,6. 85). Similarly, children who used unsafe sources for drinking water had significantly higher odds of having schistosomiasis when compared to those living in houses supplied with piped water (OR = 2. 5; 95% CI = 1. 36,4. 41). Moreover, children from families with low household monthly income (<YER20,000) had significantly higher odds of schistosomiasis when compared with those from families with higher household monthly income (OR = 2. 3; 95% CI = 1. 33,3. 83). Furthermore, significantly higher odds of having schistosomiasis were identified among children who lived nearby stream/spring (OR = 2. 2; 95% CI = 1. 24,3. 63) and those who lived nearby pool/pond (OR = 2. 5; 95% CI = 1. 39,4. 43) when compared to their counterparts.
This study reveals an alarmingly high prevalence of schistosomiasis among rural children in Yemen and this supports an urgent need to re-evaluate the current control measures and implement an integrated, targeted and effective schistosomiasis control measures. Regional control programmes are essential to prevent the dissemination of the infection to new areas at neighbouring countries. Screening of other family members and treating the infected individuals should be adopted by the public health authorities in combating this infection in these communities. Besides periodic drug distribution, health education regarding good personal hygiene and good sanitary practices, provision of clean and safe drinking water, introduction of proper sanitation are imperative among these communities in order to curtail the transmission and morbidity caused by schistosomiasis.
Schistosomiasis remains one of the most serious and prevalent diseases worldwide. Despite intensive control efforts by the government and international bodies, schistosomiasis is the second cause of death, after malaria, in Yemen, with an estimated 3 million cases. We screened 400 children in rural areas of five provinces in Yemen for the presence of schistosomiasis. Overall, 31. 8% of the children were found to be positive for schistosomiasis; 23. 8% were infected by Schistosoma haematobium, and 9. 3% were infected by S. mansoni. The study identified the presence of other family members infected with schistosomiasis, low household monthly income, using unsafe water supply as a source for drinking water, living nearby stream/spring and/or pool/pond as the key factors significantly associated with schistosomiasis in these communities. Innovative and integrated control measures to control this infection should be implemented among this population. Periodic school-based and community-based drug distribution, health education, provision of clean and safe drinking water, introduction of proper sanitation will help to reduce the prevalence and morbidity of schistosomiasis among these communities.
medicine
infectious diseases
schistosomiasis
neglected tropical diseases
parasitic diseases
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Schistosomiasis among Children in Yemen: Implications for an Effective Control Programme