Browsing by Author "Eltantawy, Manar"

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    Helminth infections in primary school children and ruminants from two elevations in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
    (2019-01-25) Eltantawy, Manar; Orsel, Karin; van der Meer, Frank; Hatfield, Jennifer M.; Kutz, Susan J.
    Intestinal helminths are a major health concern, particularly in developing countries like Tanzania. Vulnerability of primary school children and domestic ruminants to helminth infections in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), Tanzania is not well-known. Therefore, the overall aim of this thesis was to characterize parasitism, including: prevalence, intensity, and biodiversity, in children and domestic ruminants from two ecozones in the NCA. Using coprological examinations, soil-transmitted helminths were identified in children and associations with ecozone, gender, age and body mass index were analyzed. In domestic ruminants, the same associations as well as associations with body condition score (BCS) and FAMACHA-anemia score were analyzed. In general, prevalence was high, with diversity and intensity generally highest in the high-elevation ecozone. Impact of various variables on parasitism parameters are helpful in developing evidence-based control of helminth infections and reduce impacts on health of children and domestic ruminants.
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    Soil transmitted helminth infection in primary school children varies with ecozone in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
    (2021-03-10) Eltantawy, Manar; Orsel, Karin; Schroeder, Ashley; Morona, Domenica; Mazigo, Humphrey D.; Kutz, Susan; Hatfield, Jennifer; Manyama, Mange; van der Meer, Frank
    Abstract Background Soil-transmitted helminthiasis is a neglected tropical disease, thriving in environments of poverty and disadvantage. Our objective was to determine the prevalence and intensity of four soil transmitted helminths (STH) among primary school children in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), Tanzania. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed between May 15th and June 2nd, 2014. Six of 20 primary schools were chosen, based on elevation, designated low elevation ecozone (LEE) or high elevation ecozone (HEE). A total of 340 children from standards one to four were recruited. Height and weight of each child was determined and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Stool samples were analyzed using the Kato-Katz, Wisconsin, and Baermann techniques to detect STH eggs and larvae. An interviewer-administered questionnaire on socio-demographic variables was used to capture information from the school’s headmaster and a checklist was used to assess sanitation facilities. Results STHs identified included Ascaris (presumably lumbricoides), Trichuris (presumably trichiura), hookworms (presumably Ancylostoma duodenale and/or Necator americanus), and Strongyloides (presumably stercoralis). The overall prevalence of STH infection was 29.0% in LEE and 34.0% in HEE. Prevalence was 34.3% and 28.2% in males versus females, respectively. Ascaris sp. were only identified in HEE, prevalence of Trichuris sp. and hookworms were significantly higher in HEE compared to LEE, and Strongyloides spp. prevalence was lower in HEE. Intensity of Trichuris sp. was significantly higher in HEE and lower for hookworms. We did not detect a significant relationship between BMI and helminth intensity; however, BMI was lower in lower elevations and in males vs. females. Sanitation practices are taught at the schools, but challenges were identified when implementing. Latrine facilities were available and latrine-cleaning routines were practiced; however, hand washing practices were challenging due to restricted water availability. Conclusions Significant differences in prevalence in HEE and LEE exist, and STH infections are still very common among school children suggesting that anthelminthic intervention and education may be necessary in this region. Based on this outcome, the study area in the NCA would be classified as a medium risk area, where periodic treatment recommendations should be based on prevalence estimations in the different ecozones. Trial registration Ethics approval was obtained from the Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS; Lake Zone Institutional Review Board MR/53/100/307)); the Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (CHREB) at the University of Calgary in Canada (Study ID REB14-0127); the National Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) of Tanzania; and the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTEC).