Intestinal schistosomiasis and its possible prevention and control

Project Abstract

Intestinal schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic flatworms of the genus Schistosoma. It affects millions of people worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and South America. The lifecycle of the Schistosoma parasite involves freshwater snails as intermediate hosts, and human water contact facilitates the transmission of the disease. Infection occurs when cercariae, the larval stage of the parasite, penetrate the skin during water activities. The pathology of intestinal schistosomiasis is primarily due to the host's immune response to the parasitic eggs deposited in the intestines. Chronic infections can lead to severe complications such as liver fibrosis, portal hypertension, and hepatosplenic schistosomiasis. Symptoms range from mild abdominal pain and diarrhea to advanced stages with ascites and esophageal varices. Preventive measures play a crucial role in controlling intestinal schistosomiasis. Strategies such as access to safe water sources, improved sanitation, and health education on avoiding contaminated water can help reduce transmission. Mass drug administration with praziquantel is the mainstay of treatment for schistosomiasis. Preventive chemotherapy aims to reduce morbidity in high-risk populations and interrupt the transmission cycle of the parasite. In addition to preventive chemotherapy, integrated control approaches have been proposed to address the socio-environmental determinants of schistosomiasis. These approaches involve multidisciplinary efforts, including water resource management, sanitation infrastructure development, and community-based interventions. Targeting snail populations through mollusciciding and environmental modifications can also contribute to reducing transmission in endemic areas. Community engagement and empowerment are essential components of sustainable schistosomiasis control programs. Involving local communities in decision-making processes, promoting behavioral change through health education, and strengthening health systems are critical for long-term success. Monitoring and evaluation strategies, including surveillance of infection rates and morbidity outcomes, are necessary to assess the impact of control interventions and guide future efforts. Overall, a comprehensive approach that combines preventive measures, mass drug administration, and community involvement is crucial for the prevention and control of intestinal schistosomiasis. Sustainable control programs, tailored to the specific epidemiological context of each region, are essential for reducing the burden of this debilitating disease and improving the health and well-being of affected populations.

Project Overview

<p> </p><p><strong>INTRODUCTION</strong></p><p><strong>DESCRIPTION OF SCHISTOMIASIS</strong></p><p>Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, snail fever, and Katayama fever, is a disease caused by parasiticflatworms of the <em>Schistosoma</em>type. The urinary tract or the intestines may be infected. Signs and symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea,(Akpinar, 2012). Bloody stool, or blood in the urine. In those who have been infected a long time, liver damage, kidney failure, infertility, or bladder cancer may occur. In children, it may cause poor growth and learning difficulty(Antoun<em>et al</em>., 2005).</p><p>The disease is spread by contact with fresh water contaminated with the parasites. These parasites are released from infected freshwater snails. The disease is especially common among children in developing countries as they are more likely to play in contaminated water(Akpinar, 2012). Other high risk groups include farmers, fishermen, and people using unclean water during daily living. It belongs to the group of helminth infections. Diagnosis is by finding eggs of the parasite in a person’s urine or stool. It can also be confirmed by finding antibodies against the disease in the blood(Duke, 2002).</p><p>Methods to prevent the disease include improving access to clean water and reducing the number of snails.(Duke,.2002) In areas where the disease is common, the medication praziquantel may be given once a year to the entire group. This is done to decrease the number of people infected and, consequently, the spread of the disease. Praziquantel is also the treatment recommended by the World Health Organization<strong>(WHO)</strong>&nbsp;for those who are known to be infected(Akpinar, 2012)..</p><p>(Antoun<em>et al</em>., 2005) Schistosomiasis affected almost 210 million people worldwide as of 2012. An estimated 12,000 to 200,000 people die from it each year. The disease is most commonly found in Africa, as well as Asia and South America. Around 700 million people, in more than 70 countries, live in areas where the disease is common. In tropical countries, schistosomiasis is second only to malaria among parasitic diseases with the greatest economic impact. Schistosomiasis is listed as a neglected tropical disease(Akpinar, 2012).</p><p><strong>1.1 &nbsp; &nbsp; STUDY AREA</strong></p><p>This study was carried out at START RIGHT MODEL SCHOOL Sango Ota Ogun State Ado Odo Ota Local Government Area. Schistosomiasis is noticed at this area of Ogun State Nigeria and some neighboring areas including Ado-Odo, Owode, and e.t.c. This is as a result of some factor like;</p><ul><li>Poor drainage system</li><li>Poor waste disposal</li><li>Over flooding etc.</li></ul> <br><p></p>