Background: Intestinal schistosomiasis due to Schistosoma mansoni is prevalent and widely distributed in Ethiopia. The disease continues to spread to previously non-endemic areas mainly in connection with water resource development and population movement.
Objectives: To assess the transmission and magnitude of Schistosoma mansoni infection among school children in Addisalem and Lachi Primary Schools in Mekele City, northern Ethiopia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in two primary schools in Mekele City in March 2011. Stool specimens were collected and processed for quantitative microscopic examination using Kato-Katz technique and ova were quantified Search for intermediate snail hosts was carried out in Elala stream and collected snails were examined for trematode infection by shedding after they were individually exposed to electric light for about one to two hours.
Result: The overall prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 26.3% and for those infected with S. mansoni the mean intensity of infection was 50 egg per gram of stool (epg). About 1.9%, 20.8% and 77.4% of the positive children for S. mansoni had heavy, moderate and light infection, respectively. All collected snails were identified to be Biomphalaria pfeifferi, intermediate host for S. mansoni, and 2 of them shed cercariae, accounting for 2.5% (2/80) infection rate of the snails.
Conclusion: The present study showed that transmission of intestinal schistosomiasis is taking place in Ellala stream. The finding of infected children with S. mansoni, the presence of infected snails in the stream as well as the prevalence of S. mansoni being above 5% all confirm the endemicity of the area for S. mansoni infection. Preventive and control measures should be instituted to reduce on-going transmission and morbidity of the disease in the area.