Abstract:
ackground: Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) and Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) are
among the most common cause of human infections and are distributed throughout
developing countries including Ethiopia. However, information is scarce on the current
status of these infections to guide intervention in the study area.
Objective: To determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of STHs and S. mansoni
infections among communities along rivers in Gudar town from September to October 2021.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was employed from September to October 2021 among
communities along rivers in Gudar town, West Shawa, Ethiopia. A total of 279 study
participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were sampled randomly. A structured
questionnaire was used to collect data on the socio-demographic characteristics of the study
participants, and associated factors of STHs and S. mansoni infections. For the
quantification of STHs and S. mansoni eggs, the stool sample was processed using a single
Kato-Katz technique. Data were entered into Epi-info and analyzed using SPSS. Binary
logistic regression analysis was done and variables with a p-value ≤ 0.05 were considered
statistically significant. Live snails collected in a plastic bucket containing water and weed
were transported to the Ambo University for identification and determination of infection.
Results: The overall prevalence of any STHs and S. mansoni was 59(21.2%), of which the
prevalence of STHs and S. mansoni accounts for 54 (19.4%) and 10(3.6%), respectively.
Among STHs, A. lumbricoides was the predominant parasite detected in 39(14%) followed by
T. trichiura 13(4.7%) and hookworms 11(3.9%). Light intensity was found in the majority of
study participants infected with STHs and S. mansoni. Having untrimmed fingernails, Lack of
washing vegetables and fruit, and open defecation habit were significantly associated with
STHs infection while swimming in the nearby river was significantly associated with S.
mansoni. A few of the live snails collected were identified as B. pfeifferi and cercariae
shading was not detected.
Conclusion and Recommendation: This study showed 19.4 % of STHs and 3.6% of S.
mansoni infections. So, case-by-case treatment is recommended to control morbidity
associated with STHs and S. mansoni infections in the study area
