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Schistosoma mansoni infection as a predictor of low aerobic capacity in Ugandan Children

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  • C. Smith
  • G. McLachlan
  • H. Al Shehri
  • M. Adriko
  • M. Arinaitwe
  • A. Atuhaire
  • E.M. Tukahebwa
  • E.J. LaCourse
  • M. Stanton
  • J.R. Stothard
  • A.L. Bustinduy
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<mark>Journal publication date</mark>30/06/2019
<mark>Journal</mark>The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Issue number6
Volume100
Number of pages9
Pages (from-to)1498-1506
Publication StatusPublished
Early online date5/06/19
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

Using the 20-meter shuttle run test (20mSRT) as a morbidity metric, we assessed whether Schistosoma mansoni infection was associated with decreased aerobic capacity in Ugandan children across a range of altitudes, either at low (∼600 m) or high (∼1,000 m) altitudes. A total of 305 children were recruited from six schools within the Buliisa District, Lake Albert, Uganda. A subset (n = 96) of these had been previously assessed and treated for schistosomiasis ± malaria 2 weeks prior. Fitness scores on the 20mSRT were translated into VO2max using a standardized equation. Unadjusted and multivariable-adjusted analyses were performed using VO2max as the primary outcome. Analysis of fitness scores from 304 children, inclusive of the subset follow-up cohort, revealed a median VO2max of 45.4 mL kg-1 min-1 (interquartile range: 42.9-48.0 mL kg-1 min-1). Children residing at high altitudes demonstrated increased aerobic capacities (46.3 versus 44.8 mL kg-1 min-1, P = 0.031). The prevalence of stunting, wasting, S. mansoni egg patent infection, malaria, giardiasis, anemia, and fecal occult blood were 36.7%, 16.1%, 44.3%, 65.2%, 21.4%, 50.6%, and 41.2%, respectively. Median VO2max was elevated in those previously treated, compared with those newly recruited (46.3 versus 44mLkg-1 min-1,P< 0.001). Multivariable-adjusted analysis revealed a strong negative association between S. mansoni egg patent infection and VO2max at low altitude (beta coefficient: -3.96, 95% CI: ?6.56 to -137, P = 0.004). This is the first study to document a negative association between S. mansoni infection and aerobic capacity at low altitudes using the 20mSRT.