Assessment on the Status of Salmonella and Schistosoma Coinfections in the Middle Awash Valley and Ziway, Ethiopia”

BACKGROUND: Salmonellosis and schistosomiasis are prevalent diseases in Ethiopia. Although both are prevalent, the presence and magnitude of Salmonella and schistosome co-infections has not been assessed. The aim of this cross-sectional study was, therefore, to assess co-infection with Salmonella and Schistosoma in the Middle Awash Valley and Ziway, Ethiopia.

METHODS: A total of 423 stool samples from Bochesa village around Ziway and 211 urine samples from Asoba village in the Middle Awash Valley, were diagnosed for Schistosoma mansoni (using Kato-Katz method) and Schistosoma haematobium (using dipstick) in 2004, respectively. Out of these, 158 stool and 127 urine specimens from both schistosomiasis positive and negative subjects were cultured for Salmonella infection. 

RESULTS: The prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni among students and residents in Bochesa was 71.5% and 54.1%, respectively, while the prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium among residents in Asoba Village was 48.8%. Non-lactose fermenting bacteria were found in 19 S. mansoni positive and 6 S. mansoni negative stool specimens. In the urine specimens positive for S. haematobium infection, 45 lactose fermentors and 52 non-lactose fermentors were found. On the other hand, out of S. haematobium negative urine specimens, 3 lactose fermentor and 27 non-lactose fermentor bacteria were encountered. However, Salmonella was not identified among all non-lactose fermentor colonies.

CONCLUSION: The results indicated the absence of association between salmonellosis and schistosomiasis in this particular study. Nevertheless, further study in other schistosome endemic areas of Ethiopia is recommended prior to concluding the absence of association between salmonellosis and schistosomiasis in Ethiopia.