Abstract:
Background: Schistosomiasis and other intestinal helminthiasis are among the most common
parasitic infections in developing countries and their impact on public health has been
underestimated even if they cause considerable morbidity and mortality. Schistosomiasis like
other neglected tropical diseases is a disease of poverty. It particularly affects agricultural and
fishing populations. In Ethiopia, many surveys have shown that schistosomiasis and
helminthes infections represent a major public health concern.
Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the magnitude of Schistosoma mansoni
and other intestinal helminthes infections among fishermen at Lake Hawassa, Southern Ethiopia
Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2013 in
Hawassa, Southern Ethiopia. A total of 243 study subjects were included and systematic random
sampling method was applied. Data on socio demographic features and other predisposing
factors were collected by using semi structured questionnaires. Stool samples were collected and
processed using wet mount, Kato-Katz and formol-ether concentration techniques.
Result: Of the total 243 stool samples examined, 169 were positive for one or more of intestinal
helminthes with an overall prevalence rate of 69.55 %. The overall prevalence rate of S.mansoni
was 29.22%. The other most frequent intestinal helminthes were: A. lumbricoides 99 (40.74%),
T. trichiura 87 (35.80%) and hookworm species 14(5.76%). The prevalence of S. mansoni was
associated with factors such as swimming, frequency of swimming and frequency of water
contact.
Conclusion: The prevalence of S. mansoni infection observed in this study indicates that the
fishermen could become a potential source of infection and therefore are responsible for parasite
transmission. This study had also identified risk factors like habit of hand washing after
defecation and before meal and shoe-wearing habits that are associated with helminthes
infections other than S. mansoni. Therefore, therapeutic intervention and health education are
needed.
