Aims:This study aimed at determining the prevalence, parasite density and risk factors associated with urinary schistosomiasis (US) in the Ikata-Likoko area, Cameroon.

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Background School-aged children (SAC) are a high-risk demographic group for infectious diseases and malnutrition. The objective of this study was to assess the burden and the effect of Plasmodium falciparum and Schistosoma haematobium infections on the haematological indices in SAC and the confounding influence of malnutrition on the outcomes. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in SAC 4–14 years old living in Ikata, Bafia and Mile 14-Likoko in Muyuka, Cameroon. Anthropometric measures of malnutrition were obtained and blood samples collected were used for detection of malaria parasites by Giemsa-stained blood films using light microscopy and complete blood count analysis using an automated haematology analyser. Urine samples collected were used to detect micro haematuria with the aid of reagent strips and the eggs of S. haematobium by urine filtration technique. Multiple linear regression model was used to examine influence of independent variables on haematological parameters. Results Out of the 606 SAC examined, the prevalence of single infections with Plasmodium or S. haematobium and co-infection with both parasites was 16.2, 16.3 and 8.3%, respectively. Overall, malaria parasite (MP), urogenital schistosomiasis, malnutrition, anaemia, haematuria, microcytosis and thrombocytopenia was prevalent in 24.4, 24.6, 25.9, 74.4, 12.2, 45.4 and 11.1% of SAC, respectively. A significant linear decline (P = 0.023) in prevalence of P. falciparum infection with the severity of stunting was observed. Factors that significantly influenced haematological parameters included haemoglobin: age, stunting and MP; haematocrit: age and MP; white blood cell count: age; red blood cell count; age and MP; lymphocyte counts: stunting; mean cell volume: age; mean cell haemoglobin: age and stunting; mean cell haemoglobin concentration: sex, stunting and red cell distribution width-coefficient of variation: sex, age and stunting. Conclusions Malnutrition, Plasmodium and S. haematobium infections are common while anaemia is a severe public health problem in Muyuka, Cameroon. The interaction between haematological parameters with malaria parasites as well as linear growth index was negative and other interactions indicate systemic inflammation. While findings provide contextual intervention targets to ensure the judicious use of the limited resources, there is need for regular monitoring and proper treatment to improve the health of the underserved population.

BackgroundSchistosomiasis remains a parasitic infection of public health importance especially in Africa south of the Sahara including Cameroon. Chemotherapy using praziquantel has been the most effective and widespread control measure used. However, there are reports of reduced efficacy of the drug. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of praziquantel against Schistosoma haematobium among infected individuals in the Ikata-Likoko area of southwest Cameroon. Following a baseline study, S. haematobium egg load was determined using the urine filtration technique and microscopy. Participants were treated with a unique dose of praziquantel of 40 mg/Kg body weight. A control test was carried out on the 42nd day post-treatment to determine the proportion of positive participants with viable eggs (cure rate) and the egg loads. The egg loads obtained during the control and at baseline were used to calculate the egg reduction rate (ERR) used as the main indicator of praziquantel efficacy according to the WHO, 2013 protocol.ResultsAt baseline, the prevalence of S. haematobium was 34.3% (177/516). Out of these a total of 174 participants aged between 4 and 76 years were recruited into the study. A total of 130 participants came for follow up on day 42. Among them, 22.3% (29) were positive for eggs of S. haematobium but none of the eggs were viable giving a cure rate of 100%. The overall mean egg load per 10 mL (MEL/10 mL) of urine reduced from 31 (1–400) at baseline to 6.0 (1–35) on day 42. The overall ERR was reduced (80.3%). However, the efficacy was satisfactory (ERR ≥ 90%) in females, children ˂ 5 years, and some localities and for individuals with heavy infection intensity. Fifteen (8.6%) of the participants presented minor adverse events including abdominal disorders, headache and vomiting but did not last for more than 24 h.ConclusionsTreatment with praziquantel was efficacious and safe showing reduction in prevalence as well as mean egg load in some individuals with few adverse events recorded. The distribution of praziquantel in the area should be extended to other age groups and not just school-age children. A study with multiple drug doses and longer period of evaluation could reveal more information on praziquantel efficacy in the area.