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Improving spatial prediction of Schistosoma haematobium prevalence in southern Ghana through new remote sensors and local water access profiles
- Source :
- PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, Vol 12, Iss 6, p e0006517 (2018), PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases
- Publication Year :
- 2018
- Publisher :
- Public Library of Science (PLoS), 2018.
-
Abstract
- Background Schistosomiasis is a water-related neglected tropical disease. In many endemic low- and middle-income countries, insufficient surveillance and reporting lead to poor characterization of the demographic and geographic distribution of schistosomiasis cases. Hence, modeling is relied upon to predict areas of high transmission and to inform control strategies. We hypothesized that utilizing remotely sensed (RS) environmental data in combination with water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) variables could improve on the current predictive modeling approaches. Methodology Schistosoma haematobium prevalence data, collected from 73 rural Ghanaian schools, were used in a random forest model to investigate the predictive capacity of 15 environmental variables derived from RS data (Landsat 8, Sentinel-2, and Global Digital Elevation Model) with fine spatial resolution (10–30 m). Five methods of variable extraction were tested to determine the spatial linkage between school-based prevalence and the environmental conditions of potential transmission sites, including applying the models to known human water contact locations. Lastly, measures of local water access and groundwater quality were incorporated into RS-based models to assess the relative importance of environmental and WASH variables. Principal findings Predictive models based on environmental characterization of specific locations where people contact surface water bodies offered some improvement as compared to the traditional approach based on environmental characterization of locations where prevalence is measured. A water index (MNDWI) and topographic variables (elevation and slope) were important environmental risk factors, while overall, groundwater iron concentration predominated in the combined model that included WASH variables. Conclusions/Significance The study helps to understand localized drivers of schistosomiasis transmission. Specifically, unsatisfactory water quality in boreholes perpetuates reliance on surface water bodies, indirectly increasing schistosomiasis risk and resulting in rapid reinfection (up to 40% prevalence six months following preventive chemotherapy). Considering WASH-related risk factors in schistosomiasis prediction can help shift the focus of control strategies from treating symptoms to reducing exposure.<br />Author summary Schistosomiasis is a water-related neglected tropical disease that disproportionately affects school-aged children in poor communities of low- and middle-income countries. Schistosomiasis transmission risk is affected by environmental, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors, including water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions. We used fine spatial resolution (10–30 m) remotely sensed data, in combination with measures of local water access and groundwater quality, to predict schistosomiasis risk in 73 rural Ghanaian communities. We found that applying environmental models to specific locations where people contact surface water bodies (i.e., potential transmission locations), rather than to locations where prevalence is measured, improved model performance. A remotely sensed water index and topographic variables (elevation and slope) were important environmental risk factors, while overall, groundwater iron concentration predominated. In the study area, unsatisfactory water quality in boreholes perpetuates reliance of surface water bodies, indirectly increasing schistosomiasis risk and resulting in rapid reinfection (up to 40% prevalence six months following deworming). Considering WASH-related risk factors in schistosomiasis prediction can help shift the focus of control strategies from treating symptoms to reducing exposure.
- Subjects :
- 0301 basic medicine
Male
Sanitation
Social Sciences
Ghana
law.invention
Geographical Locations
Schistosomiasis haematobia
0302 clinical medicine
Sociology
law
Hygiene
Water Quality
Medicine and Health Sciences
Prevalence
Schistosomiasis
Data Mining
Public and Occupational Health
Child
media_common
2. Zero hunger
Schistosoma haematobium
Data Processing
Schools
biology
Geography
lcsh:Public aspects of medicine
Eukaryota
6. Clean water
3. Good health
Infectious Diseases
Transmission (mechanics)
Helminth Infections
Schistosoma
Female
Information Technology
Environmental Health
Research Article
Neglected Tropical Diseases
Computer and Information Sciences
lcsh:Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine
lcsh:RC955-962
media_common.quotation_subject
030231 tropical medicine
Education
03 medical and health sciences
Surface Water
Environmental health
Helminths
medicine
Parasitic Diseases
Animals
Humans
Models, Statistical
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
Organisms
Tropical disease
Biology and Life Sciences
Water
lcsh:RA1-1270
biology.organism_classification
medicine.disease
Tropical Diseases
Invertebrates
Schistosoma Haematobium
Health Care
030104 developmental biology
Cross-Sectional Studies
People and Places
Africa
Remote Sensing Technology
Earth Sciences
Water quality
Hydrology
Surface water
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 19352735 and 19352727
- Volume :
- 12
- Issue :
- 6
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....410e1ef47a3e8e8e1bbea25a464b0854