Detection of Schistosoma Antibodies and exploration of associated factors among local residents around Inlay Lake, Southern Shan State, Myanmar

Abstract
Background: Schistosomiasis is a chronic parasitic disease caused by blood flukes (trematode worms) of the genus
Schistosoma. Its transmission has been reported in 78 countries affecting at least 258 million people world-wide. It
was documented that S. japonicum species was prevalent in Shan State, Myanmar, but the serological study was
not conducted yet. General objective of the present study was to detect schistosoma antibodies and explore
associated factors among local residents living around Inlay Lake, Nyaung Shwe Township, and Southern Shan
State, Myanmar.
Methods: An exploratory and cross-sectional analytic study was conducted among local residents (n = 315) in
selected rural health center (RHC) areas from December 2012 through June 2013. The participants were interviewed
with pretested semi-structured questionnaires and their blood samples (serum) were tested using Schistosomiasis
Serology Microwell ELISA test kits (sensitivity 100% and specificity 85%) which detected IgG antibodies but could
not distinguish between a new and past infection. Data collected were analysed by SPSS software 16.0 and
associations of variables were determined by Chi-squared test with a significant level set at 0.05.
Results: Schistosoma seroprevalence (IgG) in study area was found to be 23.8% (95% CI: 18.8–28.8%). The present
study is the first and foremost study producing serological evidence of schistosoma infection—one of the
neglected tropical diseases—in local people of Myanmar. The factors significantly associated with seropositivity
were being male [OR = 2.6 (95% CI: 1.5–4.49), P < 0.001], residence [OR = 3.41 (95% CI: 1.6-7.3), P < 0.05 for Khaung
Daing vs. Min Chaung] and education levels [OR = 4.5 (95% CI: 1.18–17.16),
P < 0.05 for illiterate/3Rs level vs. high/graduate and OR = 3.16 (95% CI: 1.26–7.93),
P < 0.05 for primary/middle level vs. high/graduate] all factors classically associated with risk of schistosoma
infection. None of the behavioural factors tested were significantly associated with seropositivity.
Conclusion: Schistosoma infection serologically detected was most probably present at some time in this location
of Myanmar, and this should be further confirmed parasitologically and kept under surveillance. Proper trainings on
diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control of schistosomiasis should be provided to the healthcare providers.
Trial registration: ISRCTN ISRCTN73824458. Registered 28 September 2014, retrospectively registered.