Abstract:
Introduction: Urinary Schistosomiasis and malaria are Neglected Tropical Diseases
endemic in Sub-Saharan Africa. The overlapping distribution of these parasites may result
in a high co-infection rate and hematologic abnormalities especially with hemoglobin
concentration.
Objective: The main aim of the study was to assess the association between monoinfection
and co-infection status of the two parasites and the hemoglobin concentration in
school children.
Method: A cross-sectional epidemiological survey was carried out on a total of 404 school
children between ages 9 - 14years (mean age 11.75 ± 1.38years). Urine and blood samples
were collected from 404 children (231 males and 173 females) to examine urinary
schistosomiasis and malaria and to determine hemoglobin concentration among school
aged children in Ga West and Ga South Municipality.
Results: The prevalence of mono-infection was 4.7% and 12.9% for S. haematobium and
P. falciparum respectively, while 0.9% were infected with the two parasites. The
prevalence of anaemia in the study population was 59.9%. The risk of developing anaemia
was not associated with the different infection statuses. There was no difference in the
mean hemoglobin concentration with the three infection categories (p>0.05). However all
respondents with coinfection had anaemia. Conclusion: Examination of the hemoglobin concentration in patients co-infected with
malaria and schistosomiasis is important to reduce the risk of anemia and to improve health
of the community.
