Prevalence and Risk Factors of Schistosoma haematobium Infection Among Schoolchildren in the North of Khuzestan Province, Iran: Evidence for the End of Endemism

Abstract

Background: Schistosomiasis is a chronic parasitic and often weakening disease, which was endemic in Khuzestan Province, Southwest Iran. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Schistosomiasis in the north of Khuzestan province. Methods: The current study was carried out based on the parasitological method to observe the ova of the parasite in urine by light microscopy and serology method based on titer the volume of Immunoglobulin G (IGg) in the blood serum of school children. Results: The observation of parasite eggs in urine samples and the prevalence of infection based on examining antibodies against Schistosoma haematobium infection in the blood serum of students was zero. Conclusions: Based on the findings, the cessation of transmission and elimination of the disease in the investigated area in the north of Khuzestan province have appeared.