Dr Sylvie Linsuke (Kinshasa / CD), Dr Gillon Ilombe (Kinshasa / CD), Dr Michel Diasonama (Kongo-Central / CD), Dr Jean Deny Nzita (Kongo-Central / CD), Prof Placide Mbala (Kinshasa / CD), Prof., Dr Pascal Lutumba (Kinshasa / CD), Prof., Dr Jean-Pierre Van Geertruyden (Antwerp / BE)
Abstract text
Introduction: Schistosomiasis (SCH) remains a major public health problem in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), especially in the rural community where environmental conditions increase the risk. The primary SCH control intervention strategy in the country is preventive chemotherapy with Praziquantel in all schoolchildren. This strategy was implemented in some endemic areas of the DRC but in other areas, there is a need of more scientific evidence on the burden of SCH for decision-making to optimize SCH control. The study aims to document the Schistosoma infection among schoolchildren in rural Health Area.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out from June to August 2021 on schoolchildren in the rural community of Kisangi in the South-West of the DRC. The helminth infection was assessed using duplicate Kato-Katz thick smears for stool and a standard filtration technique for urine. A finger prick blood sample was collected and to assess for malaria infection and hemoglobin (Hb) level. Socio-demographic data and risk factors were assess using a semi-structured questionnaire.
Results: Out of 480 schoolchildren aged 5 to 14 years enrolled in the study, 268 (55.8%; 51.4-60.2) had Schistosoma infection. Infection with S. haematobium, S. mansoni, and both infections were detected in 197 (41%; 36.6-45.5), 103 (36.3%; 31.9-40.6), and 103 (38.4%; 32.5-44.3) schoolchildren, respectively. The overall prevalence of malaria infection, anemia, and malnutrition were 16.9% (13.5-20.2), 49.4% (44.9-53.9), and 37.5% (33.2-41.8), respectively. Mean Hb level of all participants was 11.6 g/dl ±1.5. On multivariate regression analysis, Schistosoma infection was significantly associated with age between 9-14 years (aOR. 2.3; p<0.001), and anemia (aOR. 3.4; p<0.001). However, malaria infection (aOR. 0.5; p=0.016) was a protective Schistosoma infection factor.
Conclusion: Our findings indicate the hyper-endemic status of schistosomiasis associated with anemia among schoolchildren. There is a need for specific control intervention including prevention chemotherapy and supplementation in micronutrients to avoid anemia among schoolchildren.