Epidemiology of intestinal helminthiasis with an emphasis on taeniasis in the Chipata district of the Eastern province of Zambia
Authors: Zulu Gideon , Sikasunge Chummy , Welte Tamara M. , Simunza Martin , Stelzle Dominik , Schmidt Veronika , Hachangu Alex , Mutale Wilbroad , Masuku Maxwell , Chembensofu Mwelwa , Prazeres da Costa Clarissa , Mwape Kabemba E. , Winkler Andrea S. , Phiri Isaac K. 
Published: August 2023

Background

Intestinal helminth infections are among the most common infections worldwide and have a negative impact on the health, education, nutrition and economic development of affected populations. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of intestinal helminthiasis, includingT. soliumtaeniasis, using a large-scale community-based study in the Chiparamba area of Chipata District of the Eastern province of Zambia.

Methods/Principle Findings

A cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2019 and December 2022 in a rural community of 25 randomly selected villages known to be at risk forT. soliuminfection. Stool samples were examined for intestinal helminths using the formol-ether concentration technique and further tested for taeniasis by copro antigen-ELISA (copro Ag-ELISA). Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted, and associations between the disease prevalence of active infections and individual- and village-level variables were determined using the chi-square or Fisher’s exact test. Predictors of an individual being positive for either taeniasis or other soil-transmitted helminths were determined using binary logistic regression. A total of 2762 stool samples were examined. One hundred ninety-five (7.1%) tested positive for at least one helminthic parasite on microscopy, with hookworm being the most frequent (84, 3.0%), followed byS. mansoni(66, 2.4%). For taeniasis, 11 (0.4%) participants were positive forTaeniaspp. microscopically, while 241 (8.7%) tested positive via copro Ag-ELISA. On bivariate analysis, male sex was significantly associated with the prevalence of intestinal parasites (p= 0.012) but not with that of taeniasis based on copro Ag-ELISA results. Village level differences were significant for infection with intestinal helminths as well as for taeniasis positivity on copro Ag-ELISA (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Intestinal helminths, includingT. soliumtaeniasis, are prevalent in the Chiparamba area of the Chipata district in the eastern province of Zambia, supporting the clear need for further targeted public health interventions for surveillance and control.

Author summary

Intestinal helminth infections including schistosomiasis andT. soliumare among the major neglected tropical diseases affecting communities with poor access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene.T. soliumtaeniasis is also associated with communities practicing free range pig management. These infections are common in Sub-Saharan Africa, South America, and Asia, where they negatively impact on the health, education, nutrition and economic development of the affected population. Our study aimed to estimate the prevalence of intestinal helminthiasis, includingT. soliumtaeniasis in the Chiparamba area of Chipata district of the Eastern province of Zambia. We found that 7.1% of the stool samples examined microscopically, were infected with at least one intestinal parasite. The most common parasites found were hookworm (3.0%) andS. mansoni(2.4%) while 0.4% wereTaeniaspp. We also found that 8.7% of the stool samples examined were positive forTaeniaspp. antigens. Males were more associated with having intestinal parasites. Village level differences for infection with intestinal helminths as well as being positive forTaeniaspp. antigens were also observed. The study shows that intestinal helminths includingT. soliumare present in our study community and require public health interventions for surveillance and control.