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REDUCED SERUM CONCENTRATIONS OF RETINOL AND -TOCOPHEROL AND HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF HYDROPEROXIDES ARE ASSOCIATED WITH COMMUNITY LEVELS OF S. MANSONI INFECTION AND SCHISTOSOMAL PERIPORTAL FIBROSIS IN ETHIOPIAN SCHOOL CHILDREN

To study the relationship between micronutrient malnutrition and schistosomiasis mansoni, a cross-sectional study was undertaken involving 421 schoolchildren (mean age 12.6 years; 333 from schistosomiasis mansoni–endemic villages (Workemado and Sille) and 88 non-endemic controls from Sheno). Prevalence of schistosomiasis mansoni infection in Workemado and Sille was comparable (90.6% versus 95%, respectively), and prevalence of PPF in Workemado was significantly higher than in Sille (7.0% versus 0.6%, P < 0.001). Compared with non-endemic controls, serum retinol concentrations were significantly lower and hydroperoxides were significantly higher in subjects from schistosomiasis mansoni–endemic areas. Furthermore, serum -tocopherol concentrations in subjects from an area with high prevalence of PPF were significantly reduced while the concentrations in subjects from an area with low prevalence of PPF were comparable to the levels found in non-endemic healthy controls. In conclusion, micronutrient malnutrition and oxidative stress are associated with Schistosoma mansoni infection and levels of schistosomal PPF.

Received August 20, 2006. Accepted for publication December 8, 2006.

Acknowledgments: We express our thanks to Endashaw Habte, Mulugeta Ginchile, and Abraham Redda for their excellent laboratory work; to Mr. Girmay Medhin and Dr. Leiv Sandvik for statistical advice; and to the staff of Kemisse Health Centre and Sille clinic for their unreserved assistance in our fieldwork. We also thank the administrative and technical staff of Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology for their encouragement and support.

Disclaimer: The authors have no conflict of interest. NB, RB, and SGG were responsible for the study concept and design. NB was responsible for the acquisition of clinical, parasitological, and ultrasonographic data. BLH and TEG were responsible for biochemical assays and interpretation. NB analyzed the data and prepared the manuscript. All authors had access to the data and also verified the data analysis. NB, RB, SGG, BM, BLH, and TEG contributed to critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content. The study was financially supported by Throne Holst Foundation, Norway; Centre for Imported and Tropical Diseases, Ullevål University Hospital, Norway. Dr. Nega Berhe is a recipient of a Ph.D. scholarship through the Norwegian Statens Lånekasse.

^* Address correspondence to Nega Berhe, P.O. Box 25881, Code 1000, Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. E-mail: nega_berhe{at}yahoo.com

Authors’ addresses: Nega Berhe, Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, PO Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Telephone: +251-11-2763091, Fax: +251-11-2755296, E-mail: nega_berhe{at}yahoo.com. Bente L. Halvorsen, Thomas E. Gundersen, and Rune Blomhoff, Institute for Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Nutrition, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1046, N-0316 Oslo, Norway, Telephone: +47 22851395, Fax: +47 22851396, E-mails: b.l.halvorsen{at}medisin.uio.no, teg{at}vitas.no, and rune.blomhoff{at}medisin.uio.no. Bjørn Myrvang, Ullevål University Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases, Centre for Imported and Tropical Diseases, N-0407 Oslo, Norway, Telephone: +47 22119097, Fax: +47 23016020, E-mail: Bjorn.Myrvang{at}ulleval.no. Svein G. Gundersen, Sorlandet Hospital HF/Agder University College, Box 416, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway, Telephone: +47 38074474, Fax: +47 38074173, E-mail: s.g.gundersen{at}sshf.no.

Reprint requests: Dr. Nega Berhe, Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Telephone: +251-11-2763091, Fax: +251-11-2755296, E-mail: nega_berhe{at}yahoo.com.

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