Aims: To identify endemic zones, locate intermediate host sites,
and validate predictive screening parameters to support early detection and
integrated disease control strategies. Likewise, to correlate and formulate
models using environmental and epidemiological factors, ruminant faecal
contamination, and presence of Oncomelania
hupensis quadrasi snails to predict Schistosomiasis
prevalence around Naujan Lake, Oriental Mindoro.
Study Design: Cross-sectional observation combining
parasitological, malacological, and ecological assessments with statistical
modelling for disease prevalence prediction.
Place and Duration of Study: Barangay in municipalities of
Socorro, Pola, Victoria, and Naujan surrounding Naujan Lake, Oriental Mindoro,
between October 2022 and May 2023.
Methodology: Formalin Ethylene Acetate Sedimentation Digestion
(FEA-SD) technique and direct microscopy were conducted on ruminant faeces and
Oncomelania hupensis quadrasi (Katsurada 1904) snails. Environmental factors
(i.e., water pH, temperature, humidity, and air temperature) were recorded at
each site. Correlation and regression analyses were performed to evaluate
associations between Schistosomiasis prevalence and environmental variables. A
predictive model was developed based on significant parameters.
Results: Schistosome-positive faecal samples significantly
overlapped with snail sites. High-risk transmission areas were confirmed in
Socorro and Pola, with carabaos identified as major contributors to parasite
proliferation by defecating, particularly in 34 snail-positive sites.
Environmental conditions associated with high disease prevalence included water
pH 7.51–7.61, humidity 75.33–76.29%, water temperature 23.55–26.19°C, and air
temperature 31.47–32.80°C. Formulated model for Schistosomiasis prevalence
(Pₛₕᵢₛₜₒₘᵢₐₛᵢₛ) was predicted with 93% accuracy through the equation:
Pₛₕᵢₛₜₒₘᵢₐₛᵢₛ = 5.85013(SF - presence of Schistosomes in faeces) –
0.08091(WTEMP - water temperature) – 0.09910 (ATEMP - air temperature).
Conclusion: Findings emphasise the strong influence of
environmental conditions on disease proliferation. Thus, systematic monitoring
of snail sites and environmental parameters to support control programs is
recommended. To further mitigate disease transmission, collaborative efforts
with local administrative and health agencies are crucial. Results will be
translated into community-based awareness campaigns and used to inform local
policy development for continuous surveillance and early detection in the four
municipalities. Moreover, policy frameworks at both the local and provincial
levels should be formulated and implemented to support the integrated control
and eventual eradication of Schistosomiasis.
Author(s) Details
Dave
Christopher G. Viňas
Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, 76GW+335, Strong
Republic Nautical Hwy, Barcenaga, Naujan, 5204, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines.
Nora C. Cabaral-Lasaca
College of Agriculture and Allied Fields, Mindoro State
University; 555P+4R2, Alcate, Victoria, 5205, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines
Please
see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rpbs/v6/5892
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