Results of the first mapping of soil-transmitted helminths in Benin: Evidence of countrywide hookworm predominance

Abstract

BackgroundNational mapping of soil-transmitted helminth infections (STH) was conducted for the first time in all of the 77 districts of Benin (West Africa) from 2013 to 2015. This mapping aimed to provide basic epidemiological data essential for the implementation of the national strategy against the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in the context of achieving the WHO target of controlling these infections by 2020.MethodsIn each district, 5 schools were purposively selected in 5 villages and 50 school-children (25 girls and 25 boys) from ages 8 to 14 years were randomly enrolled in each school. In total, 19,250 stool samples of school children (9,625 girls and 9,625 boys) from 385 schools were examined by Kato-Katz technique.ResultsThe three major species of STH (hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura) were observed with intra- and inter-specific variations in the prevalence and the intensity of these parasites. Hookworm infection was present in all of the surveyed districts with an average prevalence of 17.14% (95% CI 16.6%-17.6%). Among the infected schoolchildren, at national level, 90.82%, 6.73% and 2.45% of infections were of light, moderate and heavy parasite intensities respectively. A. lumbricoides infection, with a national average prevalence of 5.35% (95% CI 5.00%-5.60%),was the second most prevalent STH, and 84.37%, 14.27% and 1.36% of the infections were of light, moderate and heavy parasite intensities, respectively. T. trichiura had a national average prevalence of 1.15% (95% CI 0.90%-1.20%) and 80.45%, 13.18% and 6.36% infections were of light, moderate and heavy parasite intensities, respectively. The national cumulative prevalence of the three STH infections was 22.74% (95% CI 22.15%-23.33%), with58.44% (45/77) of the districts requiring mass treatment according to WHO recommendations. In all of the surveyed districts, multiple infections by STH species were common, and boys seemed more at risk of hookworm and Ascaris infections.ConclusionsThis first national mapping provided an overview of the epidemiological pattern of STH infections and was essential for the implementation of a control strategy with an effective preventive chemotherapy treatment (PCT). Results show that while preventive chemotherapy is not indicated for children in 32/77 districts, 43 require annual deworming and two require twice yearly deworming. If no environmental change occurs, and no mass treatment is delivered, prevalence is likely to remain stable for many years owing to poor hygiene and sanitation.

Helminth antigens differentially modulate the activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes of convalescent COVID-19 patients in vitro

“…It cannot be excluded that samples from helminth endemic regions react differently. However, samples from 6 convalescent COVID-19 patients obtained from Benin, a country endemic to several helminth parasites [32,52] were largely in line with the data obtained using European samples. Interestingly, while the helminth antigens did not affect the activation of CD8 + T cells in European samples, a significant increase in the activation of CD8 + T cells was seen in the Benin samples when PBMCs were stimulated simultaneously with helminth antigens and SARS-CoV-2 peptides.…”

Neglected tropical diseases: an effective global response to local poverty-related disease priorities

“…Expanded disease mapping, systematic data collection and monitoring of progress has allowed to know where the worlds neediest are, to track equitable access to preventive treatments, and to hold countries accountable [19,20]. As an example, a recent collaborative initiative between Uniting to Combat NTDs, the WHO including ESPEN, and the Organization of African Unity (OAU), like the Africa Leaders' Malaria Alliance, has introduced a combined coverage score for the five most prevalent NTDs.…”

The Impact of Maternal Depression and Parent–Child Interactions on Risk of Parasitic Infections in Early Childhood: A Prospective Cohort in Benin

“…In Benin, malaria caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite is the leading cause of mortality in children under five years (President's Malaria Initiative, n.d.). Infections from soil-transmitted helminths due to insufficient hygiene and sanitation systems also contribute to the burden of disease in this part of the world, with one study showing a prevalence of 23% in a population of children in Benin (Ibikounle et al, 2018). These parasitic infections have serious consequences for child health and are leading causes of anemia in children in SSA (Mulu et al, 2014).…”