Schistosomiasis infections in South African pregnant women: A review

Bengu, Melissa D.; Dorsamy, Vinogrin; Moodley, Jagidesa

doi:10.4102/sajid.v35i1.171

Cited by 5 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 50 publications

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“…Roughly 40 million of women of childbearing age are estimated to be infected with schistosomes, with over 10 million women in Africa contracting the infection during pregnancy, mainly associated with S. haematobium [ 66 ]. Unfortunately, the literature lacks substantial data on infection prevalence among pregnant women and newborns [ 67 , 68 , 69 ].…”

Section: Clinical Manifestationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Female Genital Schistosomiasis: A Neglected among the Neglected Tropical Diseases

Rossi,

Previtali,

Salvi

et al. 2024

Microorganisms

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Schistosomiasis is a neglected parasitic disease linked to water, posing a global public health concern with a significant burden in sub-Saharan Africa. It is transmitted by Schistosoma spp., causing both acute and chronic effects affecting the urogenital or the hepato-intestinal system. Through granuloma formation, chronic schistosomiasis weakens host immunity, heightening susceptibility to coinfections. Notably, female genital schistosomiasis (FGS), a disregarded gynecological condition, adversely affects girls’ and women’s reproductive health and increases vulnerability to HIV. This review explores the intricate interplay between schistosomiasis and HIV, considering their geographical overlap. We delve into the clinical features of this coinfection, underlying mutual influences on transmission, diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic approaches. Understanding the dynamics of FGS and HIV coinfection is pivotal for integrated healthcare strategies in regions with co-endemicity, aiming to mitigate the impact of the two infections on vulnerable populations.

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Section: Clinical Manifestationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Female Genital Schistosomiasis: A Neglected among the Neglected Tropical Diseases

Rossi,

Previtali,

Salvi

et al. 2024

Microorganisms

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“…This would positively contribute to controlling FGS. In brief, prevention of Female Genital Schistosomiasis and reduction of morbidity from this disease requires five main actions: Action A: Schistosomiasis prevention by establishing a formal control programme and increasing access to treatment: Preventive chemotherapy-Worldwide, there is currently no ongoing treatment programme for FGS [57,58]. Treatment with praziquantel targets the adult worm but has no effect on the ova in the tissues; therefore, treatment should be undergone 6-8 weeks after exposure, before massive ova deposition is caused FGS [8,58].…”

Section: Policy Actions and Implicationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Establishing and Integrating a Female Genital Schistosomiasis Control Programme into the Existing Health Care System

et al. 2022

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Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) is a complication of Schistosoma haematobium infection, and imposes a health burden whose magnitude is not fully explored. It is estimated that up to 56 million women in sub-Saharan Africa have FGS, and almost 20 million more cases will occur in the next decade unless infected girls are treated. Schistosomiasis is reported throughout the year in South Africa in areas known to be endemic, but there is no control programme. We analyze five actions for both a better understanding of the burden of FGS and reducing its prevalence in Africa, namely: (1) schistosomiasis prevention by establishing a formal control programme and increasing access to treatment, (2) introducing FGS screening, (3) providing knowledge to health care workers and communities, (4) vector control, and (5) water, sanitation, and hygiene. Schistosomiasis is focal in South Africa, with most localities moderately affected (prevalence between 10% and 50%), and some pockets that are high risk (more than 50% prevalence). However, in order to progress towards elimination, the five actions are yet to be implemented in addition to the current (and only) control strategy of case-by-case treatment. The main challenge that South Africa faces is a lack of access to WHO-accredited donated medication for mass drug administration. The establishment of a formal and funded programme would address these issues and begin the implementation of the recommended actions.

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“…In 2000, it was estimated that schistosomiasis affects almost 120 million individuals in Africa [ 5 ]. South Africa is a high middle-income country, but around 5.2 million individuals are affected by schistosomiasis, particularly among school-aged children and especially those living in poor communities such as Mpumalanga Province [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluating the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Schistosomiasis Amongst School-Aged Children in Low- and Middle-Income Communities: Ehlanzeni District Municipality, South Africa, 2015–2021

Njikho,

Quan,

Mbonane

et al. 2023

TropicalMed

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This study aimed to assess the prevalence and identify risk factors of schistosomiasis among school-aged children in low- and middle-income communities. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to review patient records of school-age children. Data on gender, age, sub-district, area residing in, patient status, history of bilharzia, presence of blood in the urine, and schistosomiasis diagnoses were collected. The data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. Logistic regression was employed to determine the factors associated with schistosomiasis. The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis in the study population was 75%, with higher prevalence observed among male children (89%), children aged between 10 and 14 years (59%), urban areas (51%), and rural-dominated districts, particularly Bushbuckridge (42%) and City of Mbombela (51%). Age, especially 10–14 years old (p ˂ 0.01; 95%CI: 1.98–2.29), a history of bilharzia (p = 0.01; 95%CI: 1.15–1.96), and the presence of blood in urine (p ˂ 0.01; 95%CI: 2.02–2.40) were significantly associated with schistosomiasis while being a female child was found to be a protective factor (AOR: 0.35; CI 0.35–0.41). This study underscores the importance of implementing robust screening procedures and the necessity for health education to mitigate the high prevalence of schistosomiasis and prevent its further spread.

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Schistosomiasis infections in South African pregnant women: A review

Cited by 5 publications

References 50 publications

Female Genital Schistosomiasis: A Neglected among the Neglected Tropical Diseases

Female Genital Schistosomiasis: A Neglected among the Neglected Tropical Diseases

Establishing and Integrating a Female Genital Schistosomiasis Control Programme into the Existing Health Care System

Evaluating the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Schistosomiasis Amongst School-Aged Children in Low- and Middle-Income Communities: Ehlanzeni District Municipality, South Africa, 2015–2021

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