Irrigation and infection: The immunoepidemiology of schistosomiasis in ancient Nubia

Abstract

Schistosomiasis has been deemed "the most important water-based disease from a global public-health perspective" in modern populations. To better understand the burden of schistosomiasis in ancient populations, we conducted immunologic examinations of desiccated tissue samples from two ancient Nubian populations, Wadi Halfa (N = 46) and Kulubnarti (N = 191). Saqia irrigated agriculture increases the available habitat for the aquatic vector snails and the risk of exposure. On the basis of evidence regarding the impact of saqia irrigation on schistosomiasis prevalence and transmission in modern populations, we predicted that the prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection would be higher in Wadi Halfa (saqia irrigation) than Kulubnarti (annual flooding). We also predicted that peak infection prevalence would occur at an earlier age within the Wadi Halfa population than the Kulubnarti population and that in both populations the prevalence of schistosomiasis would be higher in males than females due to differential water contact. The prevalence of S. mansoni was greater in the Wadi Halfa population (26.1%) than at Kulubnarti (9.4%) (P = 0.002). However, peak prevalence of infection did not occur in a younger age category within the Wadi Halfa population; prevalence of infection peaked at 66.7% in the mature adult age group (46+ years) in the Wadi Halfa population and at 16% in the later child age group (6-10 years) in the Kulubnarti population. There were no statistically significant differences in prevalence between males and females of either population. The impact of human alteration of the environment on the transmission of schistosomiasis is clearly shown in these populations.

<i>Schistosoma mansoni</i> Infection in Finchaa Sugar Estate: Public health Problem Assessment based on Clinical Records and Parasitological Surveys, Western Ethiopia

“…As little as one exposure to cercariae-containing water per year is sufficient to maintain transmission (King and DangerfieldCha, 2008). Social, cultural, behavioral and economic factors interact with local environmental and ecological factors to produce extraordinary variation in the Original Research epidemiology of schistosomiasis with respect to prevalence and intensity of infection (Hibbs et al, 2011).…”

Evaluation of microscopical and serological techniques in the diagnosis of Schistosoma mansoni infection at Sennar State, Central Sudan

“…In a study carried out in Tanzania, no significant differences of infections were detected between boys and girls [20] . Likewise, in ancient Nubia, Northern Sudan, Hibbs et al have reported that no statistically significant differences were in prevalence between males and females [12] .…”

“…In recent studies carried out in many parts of Sudan, different prevalences of S. mansoni infection have been recorded, e.g. in Wadi Halfa (ancient Nubia) was 26.1% [12] , in central Sudan was 13% prevalence among pregnant women [13] and was 36.7% among schoolchildren [19] . Furthermore, worldwide studies have been determined the prevalence of S. mansoni infection.…”

“…Forty five (21%) were found to be positive for S. mansoni infections using Kato-Katz as a reference method. Of these 45 positive cases, 33 were boys while 12 were girls. The frequency of S. mansoni infection was significantly higher (P=0.007) among boys (33/124; 26.6%) than girls (12/90; 13.3%) (Figure 1 were positive and 91 were negative by ELISA, while 33 were positive and 136 were negative by IHA method ( …”

“…In Sudan, the high endemicity of S. mansoni infections have been reported in many parts of the country [12][13][14] . Therefore, the first approach for prevention and control is to diagnose the disease through applying different laboratory methods.…”