Abstract #381  -  Implications of Schistosomiasis Infections for HIV/AIDS in Botswana
Authors:   Presenting Author:   Ms Atlang Mompe - Gettysburg College
Additional Authors:  Ms Atlang Mompe,
Aim: Botswana is one of the countries hardest hit by HIV/AIDS. The estimated adult HIV prevalence in Botswana is 24%, second only to Swaziland. HIV/AIDS is Botswana’s most important public health challenge and possibly the biggest threat to the country’s development. Many people living in areas of the world hardest hit by the HIV epidemic are also infected with neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and other communicable diseases, which may weaken the immune system, causing rapid progression of HIV. It is estimated that of the 25 million people infected with HIV in Africa, half of them may be co-infected with helminthes (ascariasis, trichuriasis, and hookworm) which are NTDs. Schistosomiasis is highly endemic in sub-Saharan Africa and has deleterious consequences as a co-factor of HIV transmission. In Botswana, schistosomiasis is prevalent in the Okavango Delta, (North-West District, Ngamiland), which also has a high HIV prevalence of 35%. This study examines the implications of schistosomiasis and HIV/AIDS in Botswana.
Method / Issue: The study searched for articles on the effects of the co-factor risk and co-infection of schistosomiasis and HIV/AIDS in neighbouring countries (Chenine, A-L et al. 2008, Kallestrup, P et al. 2005, and Mwanakasale, V et al. 2003), and the presence of schistosomiasis in the Okavango Delta, Botswana (Appleton, C et al. 2008) in PubMed. Numerous studies suggest a mechanism whereby infection with soil-transmitted helminthes (STHs) and schistosomiasis increases sexual and vertical transmission of HIV. Using WHO data on prevalence of STHs, schistosomiasis, and HIV on a district basis, we use regression analysis to investigate the correlation of HIV with endemic NTDs.
Results / Comments: The study shows a correlation between STH and schistosomiasis prevalence and HIV/AIDS in southern Africa.
Discussion: The Ministry of Health (MOH) needs to assess the scope of schistosomiasis and other NTDs in Botswana. It is important that the MOH continues to monitor schistosomiasis in endemic areas such as Ngamiland to avoid future epidemics. Furthermore, the MOH should investigate the co-infection of schistosomiasis and HIV/AIDS in endemic areas in order to treat individuals and reduce co-morbidity. The MOH should prioritize providing cheap and cost-effective drugs to treat schistosomiasis (e.g. praziquantel), which would reduce HIV transmission and delay HIV disease progression in infected persons.
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