Background: Schistosoma mansoni and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) are co-existence in sub-Saharan Africa and coinfection\nis common among humans population. The immunological responses characterized with Th2-immune\nresponses for S. mansoni and Th1-immune responses for HCV are responsible for development hepatic morbidities\nin infected individuals. However, the co-occurrences of S. mansoni and HCV infection, their related ultrasound\ndetectable morbidities and associated risk factors at community levels have not been examined in fishing\ncommunities, north-western Tanzania. In this context, the present study covers that gap.\nMethods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1924 asymptomatic individuals aged 15ââ?¬â??55 years in four\nfishing villages (Igombe, Igalagala, Sangabuye and Kayenze) of Northwestern Tanzania. A single stool sample was\ncollected from each study participants and examined for S. mansoni eggs using Kato Katz technique. Hepatitis C\nsurface antigen (HCVsAg) was determined from a finger prick blood sample using a rapid test.\nResults: Overall, 51.8% (997/1924; 95%CI: 49.6ââ?¬â??54.1) of the study participants were infected with S. mansoni and\nhad a mean intensity of 223.7epg (95%; 202.4ââ?¬â??247.1). Of the study participants, 90 (4.7%) were infected with\nhepatitis C virus (HCV). Overall, 2. 4% (47/1924) of the study participants were co-infected with S. mansoni and\nhepatitis C virus. Among the co-infected individuals, 42.6%, 70.2% and 19.1% had splenomegaly, hepatomegaly and\nperiportal fibrosis (PPF). Factors associated with S. mansoni/HCV co-infection were being aged 26ââ?¬â??35 years (aRR = 2.\n67, 95%CI: 1.03ââ?¬â??6.93, P < 0.04), 46ââ?¬â??55 years (aRR = 2.89, 95%CI: 1.10ââ?¬â??7.57, P < 0.03) and having marked hepatomegaly\n(aRR = 2.32, 95%CI: 1.09ââ?¬â??4.9, P < 0.03).\nConclusion: In this setting, S. mansoni and Hepatitis C are co-endemic and a proportion of individuals were coinfected.\nHepatosplenic morbidities characterized with hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, hepatosplenomegaly and PPF\nwere observed in co-infected individuals. These results highlight the need for integrated interventions measures\nagainst parasitic and viral diseases.
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