Schistosomiasis and Soil-Transmitted Helminth Burden Among School Children in Misrata, Libya: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases pose significant public health challenges, particularly affecting pediatric populations in endemic regions. This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium and intestinal helminth infections among school-aged children in Misrata, Libya. A total of 200 children aged 5-15 years were enrolled from local schools. Urine and stool samples were collected and examined for Schistosoma haematobium and soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), respectively. Packed cell volume (PCV) measurements were taken to assess anemia status. The overall prevalence of S. haematobium infection was 16.2%, with the highest rate observed in the 6–10-year age group. Intestinal helminth infections were also prevalent, with Strongyloides stercoralis, Schistosoma mansoni, and Trichuris trichiura being the most common (12.5% each) among children ≤5 years old. Ascaris lumbricoides infection was detected in 2.9% of the 6–10-year-olds. Negative correlations were found between PCV values and the prevalence of S. haematobium (r=-0.582, p<0.001), S. mansoni (r=-0.328, p<0.001), T. trichiura (r=-0.427, p<0.001), A. lumbricoides (r=-0.223, p=0.001), and S. stercoralis (r=-0.231, p=0.001). The findings highlight the significant burden of schistosomiasis and STH infections among school-aged children in Misrata, Libya, and the potential impact on anemia status. Targeted control strategies and continuous monitoring are warranted to mitigate the adverse effects of these neglected tropical diseases.