Schistosoma mansoni infection and hepatitis B surface antigen carriage rate among school children in Jille Timuga District, Amhara Region, Northeast Ethiopia

The observed prevalence of S. mansoni infection (29.6%) was high in view of the ongoing preventive chemotherapy using praziquantel. The low, 0.3%, prevalence of HBV in the setting of higher S.mansoni prevalence underscore non well defined association of HBSAg carriage with schistosomiasis. However, a larger, well-controlled further research is recommended. The infection rate of S. mansoni was higher among children who recently took praziquantel which highlight the limitations of mass drug administration (MDA) program and possibility of re-infection. These emphasize the need for integrated schistosomiasis control programs, combining mass drug administration with other supportive intervention measures such as snail control.