National mapping of schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis and anaemia in Yemen: Towards better national control and elimination

Abstract

Background Schistosomiasis (SCH) and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) are known to be endemic in Yemen. However, the distribution of both diseases had not previously been assessed by a well-structured national mapping study covering all governorates. The main aim of this study was, therefore, to map the prevalence of SCH and STH in Yemen in order to better inform implementation of effective national control and elimination interventions. The assessment of the distribution of anaemia was also included as a well-known consequence of infection with both SCH and STH. Secondarily, the study aimed to provide a broad indication of the impact of large-scale treatment on the distribution of infection. Methodology and principal findings To achive these aims, 80,432 children (10–14 years old) from 2,664 schools in 332 of Yemen’s 333 districts were included, in 2014, into this national cross-sectional survey. Countrywide, 63.3% (210/332) and 75.6% (251/332) of districts were found to be endemic for SCH and STH respectively. More districts were affected by intestinal than urogenital SCH (54.2% and 31.6% respectively). SCH infection was mostly mild and moderate, with no districts reporting high infection. One quarter (24.4%) of Yemeni districts had high or moderate levels of Ascaris lumbricoides infection. Infection with Trichuris trichiura was the second most common STH (44.9% of districts infected) after A. lumbricoides (68.1%). Hookworm was the least prevalent STH (9.0%). Anaemia was prevalent in 96.4% of districts; it represented a severe public health problem (prevalence ≥ 40%) in 26.5% of districts, and a mild to moderate problem in two thirds of the districts (33.7% and 36.1% respectively). Conclusion This study provided the first comprehensive mapping of SCH, STH, and anaemia across the country. This formed the basis for evaluating and continuing the national control and elimination programme for these neglected tropical diseases in Yemen.

Community-based prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis and associated risk factors in two endemic districts of Taiz governorate, Yemen

“…In terms of gender, the current study reported a positive (risk) correlation between s. mansoni and gender, with boys having greater prevalence rates of the infection than females despite the difference not being statistically signi cant. These were in line with numerous ndings from studies conducted in Yemen and other countries (20,38,39,40). However, other studies also found that males typically had greater prevalence rates of schistosomiasis than females, and this was explained by factors such as water contact habits or religious and cultural considerations (44,32,45,46,47).…”

“…The risk of schistosomiasis in Taiz governorate, including Al-Shmaytin and Al-Mwaset districts, is classi ed as being moderate with a threshold of 10% to less than 50% for any type of schistosomiasis (20). However, the epidemiology of schistosomiasis following the mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns in the study districts is vague as a result of the ongoing con ict in the country.…”

Huge Colonic Granuloma of Schistosomiasis Mimicked Cancer in a 10-Years-Old Child: A Case Report

“…Schistosomiasis infections increase with age, peaking between the ages of 15 and 20 years, and severe infections occur in 5% to 10% of cases. 8 …”

“…Schistosomiasis infections increase with age, peaking between the ages of 15 and 20 years, and severe infections occur in 5% to 10% of cases. 8 The progression of a colonic bilharzial polyp begins as a small submucosal granuloma with an increase in the surrounding mucous membrane proliferation. Then, it acquires a projection and protrudes within the bowel lumen due to its size, adjacent mucous membrane proliferation, and stool pressure.…”

Community-based prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis and associated risk factors in two endemic districts of Taiz governorate, Yemen

“…According to a recently published school-based national mapping survey, 31.6% and 54.2% of 332 districts of the country were identified as endemic for S. haematobium and S. mansoni, respectively (20).…”