Prevalence of Liver Diseases in Schistosoma Mansoni Infection in Siavonga District of Zambia

Abstract

The Siavonga District in the Southern Province has one of the highest prevalence of schistosomiasis in Zambia. The objective of this community based cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of liver disease due to Schistosoma mansoni infection amongst the population of Game Village, Siavonga District. The study was carried out from June to October 2007 on 269 individuals who were asked to submit stool and urine samples for schistosomiasis examination. Clinical, laboratory and ultrasound examinations, including the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) questionnaire, were used to collect data. The prevalence of S. mansoni infection found on 269 study participants examined was 175 or 65% and was the most prevalent infections. Of the 175 cases of S. mansoni infections found, 61% were light infections, 34% were moderate infections and 5% were heavy infections. It was found that children had a higher chance of contracting schistosomiasis than adults. It was further noticed that females had a higher chance of contracting schistosomiasis because of the nature of activities they perform than males. The prevalence of liver disease due to S. mansoni infection as confirmed by microscopic examination of stool samples and ultrasound was 6 cases or 3.4% and mostly observed in the young between 12 to 24 years old regardless of the intensity of infection.