Urinary Schistosomiasis in Preschool Children in Mali
Author Information
Author(s): Dabo Abdoulaye, Badawi Haroun Mahamat, Bary Boubacar, Doumbo Ogobara K
Primary Institution: Department of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, University of Bamako
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence and intensity of urinary schistosomiasis in preschool-aged children in rural Mali?
Conclusion
Preschool children living near lakes in Mali are at high risk of schistosomiasis infection and contribute significantly to its transmission.
Supporting Evidence
- 51.2% of the children examined were infected with Schistosoma haematobium.
- Prevalence and intensity of infection varied significantly between communities.
- There was no significant difference in infection rates between boys and girls.
- The geometric mean of eggs per 10 ml of urine was 18.41.
- Prevalence did not significantly increase with age.
Takeaway
This study found that many young children in Mali are getting sick from a disease caused by parasites in water, and we need to help them too.
Methodology
Children aged 1-4 years were screened for Schistosoma haematobium infection using a single urine sample analyzed by the standard urine filtration method.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on mothers for urine sample collection and reporting of symptoms.
Limitations
The study had a high non-compliance rate in urine collection, and only a single urine sample was collected, which may have affected sensitivity.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 1-4 years, with a mean age of 2.90 years; 53.3% boys and 44.7% girls.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.01
Confidence Interval
[95%CI: 45.7-56.2]
Statistical Significance
p < 0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website