Detection of Schistosoma Antibodies and exploration of associated factors among local residents around Inlay Lake, Southern Shan State, Myanmar

Abstract

BackgroundSchistosomiasis is a chronic parasitic disease caused by blood flukes (trematode worms) of the genus Schistosoma. Its transmission has been reported in 78 countries affecting at least 258 million people world-wide. It was documented that S. japonicum species was prevalent in Shan State, Myanmar, but the serological study was not conducted yet. General objective of the present study was to detect schistosoma antibodies and explore associated factors among local residents living around Inlay Lake, Nyaung Shwe Township, and Southern Shan State, Myanmar.MethodsAn exploratory and cross-sectional analytic study was conducted among local residents (n = 315) in selected rural health center (RHC) areas from December 2012 through June 2013. The participants were interviewed with pretested semi-structured questionnaires and their blood samples (serum) were tested using Schistosomiasis Serology Microwell ELISA test kits (sensitivity 100% and specificity 85%) which detected IgG antibodies but could not distinguish between a new and past infection. Data collected were analysed by SPSS software 16.0 and associations of variables were determined by Chi-squared test with a significant level set at 0.05.ResultsSchistosoma seroprevalence (IgG) in study area was found to be 23.8% (95% CI: 18.8–28.8%). The present study is the first and foremost study producing serological evidence of schistosoma infection—one of the neglected tropical diseases—in local people of Myanmar. The factors significantly associated with seropositivity were being male [OR = 2.6 (95% CI: 1.5–4.49), P < 0.001], residence [OR = 3.41 (95% CI: 1.6-7.3), P < 0.05 for Khaung Daing vs. Min Chaung] and education levels [OR = 4.5 (95% CI: 1.18–17.16), P < 0.05 for illiterate/3Rs level vs. high/graduate and OR = 3.16 (95% CI: 1.26–7.93), P < 0.05 for primary/middle level vs. high/graduate] all factors classically associated with risk of schistosoma infection. None of the behavioural factors tested were significantly associated with seropositivity.ConclusionSchistosoma infection serologically detected was most probably present at some time in this location of Myanmar, and this should be further confirmed parasitologically and kept under surveillance. Proper trainings on diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control of schistosomiasis should be provided to the healthcare providers.Trial registration ISRCTN ISRCTN73824458. Registered 28 September 2014, retrospectively registered.

Asian Schistosomiasis: Current Status and Prospects for Control Leading to Elimination

“…In regards to control, little has been done to target definitive hosts of S. japonicum , with the exception of P.R. China, which has practiced both chemotherapy of bovines and removal of the animals, facilitated by mechanization of agriculture (i.e., replacing water buffalo with tractors) [16,29,89,100,101]. Without targeting intermediate host snails, re-infection of humans after treatment can occur almost instantaneously.…”

“…Limited information is available regarding risk factors and snail intermediate hosts in Myanmar [16]. The current areas where schistosomiasis occurs are around Lake Inlay in Shan State, although a recent outbreak has occurred in Rakhine State on the Coast of the Bay of Bengal [143].…”

“…Currently, schistosomiasis is endemic in six Asian countries: P.R. China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Cambodia, and Malaysia, and is emerging in a seventh—Myanmar (Figure 1) [16]. Considerable progress in control has been made in recent decades, largely through praziquantel-based preventive chemotherapy (i.e., periodic administration of praziquantel to entire at-risk populations without prior diagnosis).…”

Utilization of insecticide treated nets against malaria among pregnant women in Southern Nigeria

“…7 This development made government to focus their attention for building up vector control programme based upon selective springing, personal protection method, including insecticide treated nets (ITNS) that can be carried out by the communities. 8 The recent world malaria report which indicated that Nigeria accounts for a quarter of all malaria cases in 45 malaria-endemic countries in Africa, clearly shows the challenge of malaria in Nigeria. While there are reports of up to 50% reduction in malaria episode and deaths in some African countries between 2000 and 2006, reports from Nigeria has not shown any significant reduction, especially with regards to malaria in pregnancy.…”

“…While there are reports of up to 50% reduction in malaria episode and deaths in some African countries between 2000 and 2006, reports from Nigeria has not shown any significant reduction, especially with regards to malaria in pregnancy. 2,4,8 The reasons adduced for change in malaria prevalence in other countries were good surveillance and high intervention coverage. 4,9 The WHO's RBM initiative launched in 1998 was targeted at the prevention and management of malaria during pregnancy using ITNS, among other measures 10 .…”