Morbidity Associated with Schistosomiasis Before and After Treatment in Young Children in Rusinga Island, Western Kenya

Abstract. Schistosoma mansoni infection is a major cause of organomegaly and ultimately liver fibrosis in adults. Morbidity in pre-school-aged children is less defined, and they are currently not included in mass drug administration (MDA) programs for schistosomiasis control. We report results of a study of the association of schistosomiasis with organomegaly in a convenience sample of 201 children under 7 years old in Rusinga, Kenya on two cross-sectional visits, before and after praziquantel treatment. Data included stool examination and serology for schistosomiasis, the Niamey ultrasound protocol to stage hepatosplenic morbidity including organomegaly, and potential confounders including malaria. Unadjusted and adjusted Poisson regressions were performed. The baseline prevalence of schistosomiasis by antibody and/or stool was 80.3%. Schistomiasis was associated with hepatomegaly (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0–2.1) and splenomegaly (aPR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.2–3.7). The association with hepatomegaly persisted posttreatment (aPR = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1–1.6). Schistosomiasis was associated with morbidity in this cohort. Efforts to include young children in mass treatment campaigns should intensify.