Schistosoma Haematobium and Plasmodium Falciparum Concomitant Infection and Haemoglobin Level in Children of School Going Age in Ga South and Ga West Municipalities

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.