Abstract:
Background: Schistosomiasis which is caused by trematodes of the genus Schistosoma, is one of
the neglected tropical diseases. It is the cause of the most debilitating acute and chronic
parasitic disease in the world, predominantly in sub-Seharan Africa, including Ethiopia.
Although schistosomiasis epidemiology and its snail intermediate host in Ethiopia appears well
documented, the expansion of agricultural and water resources development in non-endemic
areas favors the transmission of this infection.
Objective: To determine the prevalence and intensity of S. mansoni infection and associated
factors in Berbere district, Bale zone, Southeast Ethiopia, 2022
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 404 participants. The
households and study participants from each household were chosen by simple random sampling
and lottery methods, respectively. Socio-demographic and related data were collected using
semi-structured questionnaires. A stool sample was collected, and a Kato-Katz smear was
examined for intestinal helminths. Freshwater snails were collected; their species were identified
and screened for cercaria shedding. Data were entered into Epidata and analyzed by SPSS.
Binary and multivariate logistic regressions were done to check the association of risk factors.
Statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05.
Results: The prevalence of S.mansoni infection was 66.8% (95%CI: 63-72%) with 30.7% 34.8%,
and 34.4% for light, moderate, and heavy infection intensities, respectively. Three genera of
snail intermediate hosts were found in the Sirrima irrigation scheme. The infection rate of
B.pfeifferi snails was 4.0%. Multivariate logestic regressions revealed that bathing (AOR=2.41;
95%CI=1.067-5.480; P-value=0.034), swimming (AOR=14.41; 95%CI=5.46-37.92; P-
value=0.001), washing clothes (AOR=6.21; 95%CI=2.14-17.69; P-value<0.010), frequency of
freshwater contact (AOR=10. 1; 95%CI= 3.612-31.723; P-value=0.001), and distance from
freshwater body (AOR=32.1;95%CI =27.69-138.20= P-value=0.001) were siginificantly
associated with S.mansoni infections.
Conclusions and recommendations: High prevalence and intensity of S.mansoni infection and
the existence of infected freshwater snail in the study area is confirmed. These problems impose
the concerned bodies to apply mass drug administration, control of snail intermediate hosts,
giving health education, and continuous screening and follow-up.
