Expanded molecular evidence of soil-transmitted helminth and Schistosoma spp. infections in Myanmar schoolchildren: A qPCR update.

Abstract

Building on our previous report of high prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections among Myanmar schoolchildren (Aung et al., Infectious Diseases of Poverty, 2022), we conducted additional molecular screening of archival stool samples from the same cohort in Phyu Township, Bago Region, to investigate additional helminth infections. We also report finding of other helminths by Kato-Katz in the previous study that were not previously published. Stool samples utilised in this study were collected in 2016 and the DNA extracted in 2017 and kept stored at -20°C until further molecular characterisation in this study in 2025. Using quantitative PCR (qPCR), we detected Schistosoma DNA in two of 264 samples, Strongyloides stercoralis DNA in twelve, and Ancylostoma ceylanicum in eleven. Although sequencing of the Schistosoma-positive samples was unsuccessful, the molecular evidence aligns with other recent reports suggesting emerging or cryptic transmission of schistosomiasis in Myanmar. The epidemiology of schistosomiasis in the region remains poorly defined, highlighting the need for targeted snail surveys, environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring, and host sampling to confirm transmission foci. This study demonstrates the added value of molecular diagnostics for complementing traditional parasitological methods and guiding surveillance and control strategies in areas of emerging endemicity.