Abstract:
Background: Human Schistosomiasis caused by S. mansoni is among the chronic neglected tropical parasitic
disease. Water bodies harboring intermediate host and infested with infective Cercaria is risk factor for getting
infection and contact with it for different domestic purposes. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine S.
mansoni infections prevalence and associated determinant factors among School Children in Manna District,
Southwest, Ethiopia.
Method: A cross sectional study was conducted among the school children aged between 6-19 years from March
to May 2015. For diagnosis of S. mansoni, stool sample was obtained from each child and processed using Kato
Katz and examined using light microscope. A questionnaire was used to collect Socio-demographic information of
the school children participated and risk factors for S. mansoni infections in the study area. Data were analyzed
using SPSS version 20.0.
Results: The prevalence of S. mansoni was found to be 27.6%, which was 28.6% and 26.7% among male and
female, respectively. Majority of infection intensity was low with maximum 1968EPG. Bathing in river/ponds
(AOR=0.088, 95% CI, 0.002-0.099, P=0.039), washing clothes in open water sources (AOR=0.075, 95% CI,
0.006-0.101, P=0.002) and crossing rivers on bare foots (AOR=0.058, 95% CI, 0.05-0.087, P=0.002) were
independent predictors for S. mansoni infection (P-value<0.05).
Conclusion: The school children in the study area were at moderate risk of the morbidity caused by S.mansoni
(prevalence >10% and <50% according to WHO threshold); hence a biannual MDA with PZQ is required and
bathing in open water sources, washing clothes in rivers/ponds and crossing river on bare foot were independent
predictors of S.mansoni infections.
