Abstract

Schistosomiasis is a public health problem in Senegal with unevenly distributed prevalence. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni infections among primary school children in eight districts of Senegal. A cross-sectional survey including school children aged from 7 to 13 years were included and was conducted in 3 ecological areas. Urine and stool samples were collected from for detection of S. mansoni and S. haematobium using Kato-Katz method and urine filtration, respectively. One thousand one hundred and thirty-three (1133) children were enrolled with 51.73% of girls. Among them, 1123 provided urine and stool samples. The overall prevalence of S. haematobium infection was 25 and 74% of the children presented low infection intensity (1-49 eggs/10 ml). Ecological area 2 (Kaffrine region) was more affected with 32%, whereas paradoxically ecological area 3 (Kolda and Ziguinchor) where transmission is permanent, had the lowest prevalence (13%). Regarding S. mansoni infection, the overall prevalence was 0.9% with 80% of low infection intensities (1-99 eggs/g stool) and all cases were observed in the ecological area 3. This study showed that schistosomiasis is still endemic in Senegal and revealed an evident need for systematic administration of school-based chemotherapy program using Praziquantel. Also, community engagement is needed to reduce transmission of the disease.

Key words: Urogenital schistosomiasis, intestinal schistosomiasis, primary school children, Senegal.