Schistosomiasis transmission sites assessment: case study of an endemic village in Burkina Faso during the rainy season

Purpose: The objective of this study is to identify the possible point of higher schistosomiasis infection for the rainy season in Panamasso settlement, located in the south west of Burkina Faso. Methods: A physico-chemical... [ view full abstract ]

Purpose: The objective of this study is to identify the possible point of higher schistosomiasis infection for the rainy season in Panamasso settlement, located in the south west of Burkina Faso.

Methods: A physico-chemical and bacteriological characterization of the river water at the four contact points (P1, P2, P3 and P4) were performed during rainy season (June to November) using respectively portative apparatus on site and bacterial culture in laboratory to monitor the spatial dynamics of fecal contamination trough fecal indicators. Likewise, a malacological survey has been performed at each point during the same season to evaluate mollusks density and infection rate. These mollusks constitute the vectors of the disease.
Conclusion: This study contributes to further identification of the potential period of high schistosomiasis contamination on Panamasso site and will assist decision makers for Mass Drug Administration campaigns, the fight strategy adopted in Burkina Faso. The ongoing steps are the cold (December to February) and warm (March to May) season investigations.

Key words: Fecal contamination indicators, mollusks, Water contacts, Persistent Schistosomiasis, Rainy season, Sanitation, Schistosomiasis infection indice, Panamasso, Burkina Faso.