Agrochemicals and Schistosomiasis Transmission in Rwanda
Author Information
Author(s): Kagabo Joseph, Tabo Zadoki, Kalinda Chester, Nyandwi Elias, Rujeni Nadine
Primary Institution: University of Rwanda
Hypothesis
Agrochemicals may enhance snail abundance in wetlands and lakeshores of Rwanda, potentially increasing the risks of schistosomiasis transmission in such an endemic region.
Conclusion
The results suggest that agrochemical compounds can enhance the abundance of intermediate host snails, leading to an increased risk of Schistosoma transmission.
Supporting Evidence
- Agrochemical pollution in freshwater bodies is an essential factor that can influence local snail population density.
- Different sets of parameters were relevant for the presence and abundance of Biomphalaria spp. and/or Bulinus spp. snails.
- Electrical conductivity, elevation, magnesium and lead content were deemed to shape the presence and abundance of Bulinus spp. snails.
- Factors such as pH, electric conductivity, total nitrogen content and total organic carbon influenced the coexistence of both species.
Takeaway
This study found that using fertilizers and chemicals in farming can make more snails live in water, which can spread a disease called schistosomiasis.
Methodology
A malacological survey was conducted in 71 villages selected from 15 schistosomiasis endemic districts, using machine learning techniques to analyze the impact of physico-chemical parameters on snail abundance.
Limitations
The effectiveness of the machine learning models was reduced due to insufficient data in small datasets, such as lakes with Biomphalaria spp. and coexistence subsets.
Participant Demographics
The study involved villages from 15 schistosomiasis endemic districts in Rwanda.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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