BackgroundObservational studies in humans have reported a link between schistosome infection and lower adiposity, but this may be explained by socioeconomic and demographic factors, intensity of... Show moreBackgroundObservational studies in humans have reported a link between schistosome infection and lower adiposity, but this may be explained by socioeconomic and demographic factors, intensity of infection, or common co-infections such as HIV. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study that investigated the relationship between schistosome infection and adiposity in a large, well-described cohort of Tanzanian adults living with and without HIV. Cross-sectional data were collected among adults living in Mwanza, Tanzania who were enrolled in the Chronic Infections, Co-morbidities and Diabetes in Africa (CICADA) cohort study. Schistosome circulating anodic antigen, secreted by both Schistosoma mansoni and haematobium which are endemic to Tanzania, was quantified from stored samples. Schistosome infection diagnosed by serum circulating anodic antigen levels. The primary outcome was fat mass measured by bioimpedance analysis. Secondary outcomes included fat-free mass, waist circumference, mid-upper arm circumference, and body mass index. ResultsThe study enrolled 1,947 adults, of whom 1,923 (98.8%) had serum available for schistosome testing. Of these, 873 (45.4%) had a serum circulating anodic antigen >= 30 pg/mL, indicating schistosome infection. Compared to uninfected individuals, those with schistosome infections had -1.1 kg [95% CI -1.9 to -0.3] lower fat mass after adjusting for age, sex, physical activity, tobacco use, education level, and socioeconomic status. Infected participants also had lower waist circumference, mid-upper arm circumference, and body mass index. Fat-free mass was not different between the two groups. Neither being HIV-infected, nor receiving antiretroviral therapy, modified associations between schistosome infection and adiposity. These associations were also not affected by Schistosoma worm burden. ConclusionsSchistosome infection was associated with lower fat mass and less central adiposity without a difference in muscle mass, irrespective of confounders, HIV status, or the intensity of schistosome infection. Future studies should adjust for socioeconomic and demographic factors that are associated with schistosome infection and adiposity. Identifying mechanistic pathways by which schistosome infection reduces adiposity while preserving muscle mass could yield new strategies for obesity control and cardiovascular disease prevention. Show less
Objectives To quantify the burden of HIV, syphilis and schistosome infection and associated risk factors among adults living in seven fishing communities of Lake Victoria in northwest Tanzania... Show moreObjectives To quantify the burden of HIV, syphilis and schistosome infection and associated risk factors among adults living in seven fishing communities of Lake Victoria in northwest Tanzania.Methods Cross-sectional study conducted between 2015 and 2016 in the selected communities. In each community, we randomly selected a sample of adults from the general population and from three putative risk groups including the following: (i) fishermen, (ii) fish processors and traders, and (iii) women working in the recreational facilities. Participants were interviewed to obtain information about potential risk factors, and venous blood was collected for detection of HIV, syphilis and schistosome infections. We used logistic regression models to quantify the associations between potential risk factors and HIV, and also between schistosome infection and HIV.Results We enrolled 1128 people from selected fishing communities. The overall prevalence of HIV, syphilis and schistosome infection was 14.2%, 15.6% and 83.1%, respectively. Female recreational facility workers had the highest prevalence of HIV (30.4%) and syphilis (24%). The odds of being HIV infected were generally higher in all age categories. Transactional sex was commonly reported and especially receiving gifts for sex was found to be strongly associated with HIV (adjusted OR = 2.50; 95% CI: 1.44-4.34, P = 0.008). Confirmed serological syphilis was associated with increased odds of having HIV infection. HIV was not associated with schistosome infection in a combined dataset and when we examined this separately for men and women alone.Conclusions We observed a high burden of HIV, syphilis and schistosome infections in the fishing communities. Targeted efforts to treat and control infections have the potential to improve health among their residents. Show less
