Publications by authors named "Tshuma Cremance"
The fresh water snail Biomphalaria pfeifferi is the intermediate host for Schistosoma mansoni, which causes human intestinal schistosomiasis in Zimbabwe. Despite the medical importance of this intermediate host, there are no current data on its molecular characterization in Zimbabwe. In 2016, human water contact sites were identified in four communities in Madziwa area, Shamva district, Zimbabwe.
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- The study investigates the genetic diversity and evolutionary history of Bulinus snails, which are key vectors for the Schistosoma haematobium parasite responsible for urogenital schistosomiasis in Zimbabwe.
- Researchers collected 1,570 Bulinus snails over a year, finding that only 1.9% of B. globosus were infected, while B. truncatus showed no infections; genetic analysis revealed diverse populations within both species.
- Results indicate a low prevalence of schistosome infection among the snails, suggesting limited transmission potential in the Madziwa region and contributing to the understanding of these snail species' dynamics.
Background: Schistosomiasis is known to induce inflammatory immune responses. C-reactive protein (CRP), resistin and P-selectin are serological inflammatory markers that rise during the acute stages of infection. Here, we propose such inflammatory biomarkers have a potential for use in urogenital schistosomiasis diagnostic screening for exposure and infection in preschool-aged children.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFKnowledge, perceptions and practices regarding schistosomiasis among women living in a highly endemic rural district in Zimbabwe: implications on infections among preschool-aged children.
Parasit Vectors
September 2019
Article Synopsis
- Schistosomiasis predominantly impacts underprivileged communities lacking access to clean water and sanitation, leading to the study aimed at understanding women's knowledge and practices regarding the disease in rural Zimbabwe.
- A survey with 426 women revealed that while the majority were aware of schistosomiasis and its transmission, certain socio-demographic factors, such as age and education level, influenced their understanding and behaviors related to the disease.
- Findings indicated that older women were more aware of infertility risks, while women with prior infections felt a stronger belief in current infection; additionally, uneducated women and non-apostolic followers had riskier water-related practices.
Article Synopsis
- The study investigated the prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis among preschool-aged children and their caregivers in Zimbabwe, finding that 15.4% of participants were infected, with a higher prevalence among caregivers (18.7%) than children (13.3%).
- Key risk factors for infection included the use of river water for bathing, which significantly increased infection rates for both children and their caregivers.
- The research highlights the importance of understanding disease profiles and risk factors to design effective control programs targeting both women and young children in endemic areas.
Introduction: An adverse event following immunisation is any untoward medical occurrence which follows vaccination. Frequency of adverse events ranges from 13% to 34% and they should be reported regardless of severity. From the beginning of 2016 to mid-2017, Guruve district in Zimbabwe did not report any AEFIs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: In light of the shift to aiming for schistosomiasis elimination, the following are needed: data on reinfection patterns, participation, and sample submission adherence of all high-risk age groups to intervention strategies. This study was conducted to assess prevalence, reinfections along with consecutive participation, sample submission adherence, and effect of treatment on schistosomiasis prevalence in children aged five years and below in an endemic district in Zimbabwe, over one year.
Methods: The study was conducted from February 2016-February 2017 in Madziwa area, Shamva district.