Update on Human Schistosomiasis Prevalence and Schistosomiasis Control Intervention in Poso Regency, Central Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Schistosomiasis in Indonesia is caused by the trematode worm, Schistosoma japonicum, with the snail Oncomelania hupensis lindoensis as its intermediate host. In Indonesia, it spreads in three endemic areas only: Napu and Bada Highlands of Poso Regency and Lindu Highland of Sigi Regency, Sulawesi Tengah Province. In Poso Regency, the prevalence of human schistosomiasis fluctuates. When schistosomiasis is intensively controlled, the number of reported cases declines. Inversely, it rises again when control measures are halted, even if the prevalence is less than 1%. This study would provide an update on human schistosomiasis and the effect of interventions including anti-schistosomiasis therapies in Poso Regency. The survey was conducted from February to November 2021 by collecting stool samples from residents of 23 villages in the regency who were at least two years old. The percentage of stool coverage reached 81.64 (16.914 samples). The Kato-Katz method was then used to analyze the stool samples collected from the participants within three consecutive days of each. The prevalence was highest in Dodolo village, according to the results (1.72%). However, the average global human prevalence was 0.28 percent (below 1%). The implemented interventions include treatment, surveillance, clean water and sanitation, environmental engineering interventions, intermediate snail control, livestock cages, and additional interventions, as well as community empowerment initiatives such as "GEMA BERAKSI," "BADA MODEL IMPLEMENTATION," and "GADAR BASIS." The survey results showed that these actions could reduce the prevalence of schistosomiasis in Poso Regency.