High Prevalence of Urinary Schistosomiasis in a Desert Population: Results from an Exploratory Study Around the Ounianga Lakes in Chad

A high prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis, reaching nearly 40%, was discovered among populations living around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ounianga Lakes in Chad. This finding challenges the assumption that such water-borne diseases are limited to tropical regions, highlighting significant public health risks even in desert environments. The study employed a cross-sectional survey, focus group discussions, and environmental sampling to detect Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni, confirming infections through molecular genetics and identifying intermediate host snails (Bulinus truncatus) that facilitate local transmission. While S. mansoni infections were detected, the absence of its intermediate hosts suggests limited relevance. Qualitative data underscored the morbidity burden of urinary schistosomiasis and the lack of access to diagnostics or treatment in this remote region, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions.

Moser, W., Batil, A. A., Ott, R., Abderamane, M., Clements, R., Wampfler, R., Poppert, S., Steinmann, P., Allan, F., & Greter, H. (2021). High Prevalence of Urinary Schistosomiasis in a Desert Population: Results from an Exploratory Study Around the Ounianga Lakes in Chad. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-1016632/v1