The relative contributions of acquired immunity and exposure to the distinct epidemiological patterns of human schistosomiasis has been long debated. There is considerable evidence that humans acquire immunity to infection with age, providing partial protection in adulthood. However age- and sex-related contact patterns with water bodies contaminated with infectious cercarial schistosome larvae also contribute to the epidemiological profiles of infection. The data supported the development a novel schistosome transmission model that incorporates both partially protective immunity represented by immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody levels specific to Schistosoma mansoni Tegumental-Allergen-Like protein 1 (SmTAL1-IgE), and host age- and sex-dependent patterns of exposure. The model was fitted using a Baysien approach to individual data on exposure to infectious cercariae, infection levels measured as eggs per gramme of faeces (epg) and SmTAL1-IgE levels. The aim was to determine the importance of immunity parameters in optimal Schistosoma mansoni transmission models. The data is a sub-set of data from a longitudinal re-infection study held by the University of Cambridge Schistosomiasis Research Group. The data was collected between 1998 and 2000 to empirically investigate the relative roles of exposure to the infectious cercarial life stage, and the development of partial immunity, on Schistosoma mansoni re-infection levels measured on a micro-geographical scale. Exposure was derived from longitudinal water contact observations and systematic malacology surveys of the parasites’ intermediate hosts. Infection levels and SmTAL1-IgE were measured pre- and post-treatment with praziquantel. The sub-set of data is for one of the two ethnic groups who originally participated - the members of whom are now the predominant ethnic group in Lake Albert shoreline communities. To be included in the data set an individual record also had to have both a cercarial exposure score and a pre-treatment egg count.Schistosomiasis remains a major public health problem in many developing countries, Uganda inclusive. It affects the poorest people, living in remote, marginal and rural areas, and causes life-long disability, disfigurement, reduced economic productivity and social stigma. In Hoima District, communities on the shores of Lake Albert retain high infection intensities levels. This is despite concerted efforts to to provide annual community wide preventative chemotherapy through mass drug administration (MDA) programmes, with the latest reported coverage rates for districts with Lake Albert shores being above the WHO target of 75% of those eligible for treatment (currently school aged children and adults). Failure to gain control of infection in primary school children can result in the development of persistent morbidity that can be life threatening in adulthood. Without improved intervention we will fail to meet the Sustainable Development Goal 3 aim of promoting well being for all. The data pertains to a transmission modelling work package within the FibroScHot research programme. The modelling studies update models currently available for schistosomiasis, adapting them to transmission in the Lake Albert region prior to simulating increased treatment frequency in line with the clinical trial at the core of the FibroScHot project.
The age (year) and sex of each individual was recorded at baseline. Schistosoma mansoni egg counts were collected pre-treatment in 1998. Individuals received two treatments with praziquantel, 2-weeks apart and Schistosoma mansoni egg counts were again collected 5-weeks, 12-months and 18-months post the 2nd treatment. Egg counts are generated from a maximum of 3-stool samples at each timepoint from which two kato-katz slides were prepared. Plasma samples were collected pre-treatment and 5-weeks post the second praziquantel treatment. The data set contains IgE specific to S. mansoni Tegument Allergen-Like 1 (SmTAL1) protein measured in these plasma samples by ELISA. The data recorded is the optical density from the ELISA. Extensive water-contact observations conducted, in conjunction with systematic snail surveys, between 1998 and 2000 were used to derive a cercarial exposure score. The details of how the cercarial exposure score was derived can be found in Pinot De Moira A, Fulford AJC, Kabatereine NB, et al. Microgeographical and tribal variations in water contact and Schistosoma mansoni exposure within a Ugandan fishing community. Tropical Medicine & International Health 2007; 12: 724–35.
