Prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Schistosomiasis is the most predominant helminthic infection in tropics and subtropics mainly in sub-Saharan African countries including Ethiopia. S. mansoni infection is still becoming a public health problem since the risk of reinfection and recurrent disease remain, even in areas with high treatment coverage. There is no summarized data regarding prevalence of S. mansoni infection in Ethiopia. Therefore, this review was done to determine the pooled prevalence of S. mansoni infection in Ethiopia. Methods The PRISMA guidelines protocol was followed to perform the systematic review and meta-analysis. Published studies from January 1999 to September 1 2018 were searched in Medline, PubMed, Google scholar, HINARI and Cochrane Library. The study search terms were: “prevalence”, “incidence”, “schistosomiasis” “Bilharziasis”, “Ethiopia”. The heterogeneity of studies was assessed using Cochran’s Q test and I 2 test statistics. Publication bias was assessed by Egger’s test. Results Eighty four studies were included in this review and meta–analysis. The pooled prevalence of S. mansoni among Ethiopian population was 18.7% (95%CI: 14.7-23.5). Southern regions of Ethiopia had a higher S.mansoni prevalence of 33.6% 995% CI: 20.2-50.4). S.mansoni was higher in rural areas and among males with a pooled prevalence, 20.8% (95% CI: 14.2-29.4) and 29.4% (95%CI: 23.2-36.6), respectively. Similarly, the prevalence of S.mansoni have been increased over the past 15 years. Conclusion The review showed a moderate prevalence of S.mansoni infection in Ethiopia and disease is still a major health problem. Therefore, integrated control approach could be implemented to reduce the burden of this parasite in Ethiopia. Interventions leading to reduction of open water sources exposure to reduce schistosomiasis transmission, strengthen of deworming program, giving appropriate health education on the risk of schistosomal infection and transmission should be applied. Author Summary Understanding summarized data regarding prevalence of S. mansoni infection in Ethiopia is essential to inform decisions on appropriate control strategies for schistosomiasis. We searched Published studies from January 1999 to September 1 2018 from Medline, PubMed, Google scholar, HINARI and Cochrane Library. Eighty four studies were included in this review and meta–analysis. The limit of language was English and the limit of study group was human. The pooled prevalence of S. mansoni among Ethiopian population was 18.7%. Southern regions of Ethiopia had a higher S.mansoni prevalence and the parasite was higher in rural areas and among males. The prevalence of S.mansoni have been increased over the past 15 years. Our review showed a moderate prevalence of S.mansoni infection in Ethiopia and disease is still a major health problem. Therefore, appropriate controlling approach could be implemented. Interventions leading to reduction of open water sources, strengthen of deworming program, and giving appropriate health education should be applied.