Epidemiological Assessment on Schistosomiasis in Southern Shan State, Myanmar

Htin Zaw Soe^1*, Thi Thi Htoon², Cho Cho Oo³, Moe Kyi Han⁴, Hla Hla Htay⁵ & Khin Maung Lwin⁶

¹University of Community Health, Magway
²National Health Laboratory, Yangon
³University of Medicine, Mandalay
⁴Kyaington University, Kyaington
⁵Taunggyi University, Taunggyi
⁶National Water Resources Committee, Myanmar

Dr. Htin Zaw Soe, University of Community Health, Magway.

Keywords: Schistosomiasis; Seroprevalence; Snail; Risk Factors; Shan State; Myanmar

Abstract

Background
Schistosomiasis is caused by blood flukes (trematode worms) of the genus Schistosoma. Its transmission has been reported from 78 countries over the world, affecting an estimated 250 million people and approximately 700 million are at risk. It was first serologically detected among the locals living around Inlay Lake, southern Shan State, Myanmar in 2013 but specific species and vector snail were not identified yet. General objective of the present study was to assess schistosoma infection in the same area from an epidemiological point of view.
Method
An exploratory and cross-sectional analytic study was undertaken among the locals (n = 192) in selected rural health centre areas in February 2018. The participants were interviewed with pretested semi-structured questionnaires. Their blood samples (serum) were tested using Human Schistosoma IgG ELISA first to detect IgG antibodies and further confirmed by Schistosoma mansoni IgG ELISA (sensitivity 93.75%, specificity 98.55%). Their stool samples were tested with Kato-Katz techniques to search schistosma eggs. Freshwater snail surveys were also performed and collected snails were identified by zoologists with malacological experiences for species names. Questionnaire data collected were analysed using SPSS software 16.0 to determine the risk factors by Chi-squared test with a significant level of 0.05.

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