title: Schistosomiasis among young children in Usoma, Kenya.
abstract: Although schistosomiasis burden is greatest among school-age children (SAC) (6-15 years of age), infection among preschool-age children (PSAC) (1-5 years), may be underestimated in endemic areas. We conducted a cross-sectional study evaluating Schistosoma mansoni infection among children 1-15 years of age in a highly endemic community in Kenya. Diagnostic tests included stool exam (Kato/Katz technique), serum testing for schistosome-specific antibodies, and urine testing for circulating cathodic antigen (CCA). Overall, 268 SAC and 216 PSAC were enrolled; prevalence increased with age, with 14% of 1 year olds and more than 90% of children > 10 years of age infected. Stool exam was more sensitive among SAC than PSAC, but performance was similar after adjusting for infection intensity (based on CCA). Schistosomiasis poses a threat to PSAC in endemic areas, and stool exam may underestimate the prevalence of infection. Control programs in such areas should consider PSAC in addition to SAC.
authors.affiliation: Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA. QZR7@cdc.gov
authors.forename: Jennifer R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Verani
authors.forename: Bernard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Abudho
authors.forename: Susan P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Montgomery
authors.forename: Pauline N M
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Mwinzi
authors.forename: Hillary L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Shane
authors.forename: Sara E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Butler
authors.forename: Diana M S
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Karanja
authors.forename: W Evan
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Secor
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019353:Endemic Diseases; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007630:Kenya / Q000453:epidemiology; D012552:Schistosomiasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*