Identification of factors and groups at risk of infection with Schistosoma mansoni in urban Sharkia Governorate.

The main objective is to determine the relationship between biological, socioeconomic and behavioral factors and the prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni in urban areas. Sharkia Governorate was stratified according to the population size into large and small sized cities. A questionnaire was used to collect information on each individual included in the study and specimens of stool were also collected and examined parasitologically for the detection of S. mansoni eggs. Those found infected were treated with praziquantal. The overall prevalence was 6.8% ranging from 2.8% in large sized cities to 10.3% in small sized ones. The geometric mean egg count was almost similar in both types of cities (45.8 eggs per gm stool). Univariate and multivariate analysis identified several variables that were associated with the occurrence of S. mansoni infection in both large and small sized cities. groups at risk of being infected were identified. The data of the present study are valuable in finding some of the risk factors responsible for the occurrence of schistosomiasis in urban areas as well as for finding the high risk groups, all of which are important for planning the needed control strategies.