부산대학교 도서관

Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis are among the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases and may lead to severe consequences. We assessed the extent of coinfection between Schistosoma haematobium and the soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura in schoolgirls in the rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. We also explored if S. haematobium can serve as a predictor for soil-transmitted helminths in this area. From 15 selected schools, 726 primary schoolgirls aged 10-12 years provided both urine and stool samples. The samples were examined for the presence of eggs using the urine sedimentation technique for S. haematobium and the Kato Katz technique for STHs. Pearson's chi-square test was used to calculate the association and Spearman's rank correlation was used for the correlation analysis. There was a highly significant correlation between S. haematobium and STHs at a school level (Spearman's correlation coefficient =0.93; p<0.001). The prevalences were found to be 36.9% and 38.8% for S. haematobium and STHs, respectively. A significant association was found between S. haematobium and STHs (odds ratio =2.05; confidence interval =1.58-2.93; p<0.001). Indirect indicators of urogenital schistosomiasis (e.g. water contact and haematuria) were significantly associated with A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura infection. We have demonstrated a highly significant correlation and overall association between urogenital schistosomiasis and A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura. We cautiously suggest that all S. haematobium endemic areas should be treated for STH infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]