Markers of inflammation, morbidity and mechanisms mediating resistance against Schistosoma haematobium infection in preschool age ahildren (Children aged five years and below).

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is caused by a blood fluke worm of the genus Schistosoma. Adult worms can live for decades in the human host releasing ova causing inflammatory and obstructive disease in the urinary system. The preschool-age children (PSAC) are at risk of developing chronic infections due to the parasite and if the infection is not identified early, may pose several problems like malnutrition and anaemia. The disease has been well studied in school-age children and adults but excluding PSAC. This study further enlightens the need to include the preschool age children in mass drug administration programs. Treating preschool-age children early will benefit child health and provide an opportunity to the children to develop protective immunity. When treated during mass treatment, the children will no longer be a reservoir of the parasite thereby breaking the life cycle of Schistosoma haematobium.