A Cross-Sectional Study of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Children in Ghettoed, Diverse and Affluent Communities in Dschang, West Region, Cameroon

Abstract

Background: There is a paucity of knowledge on the epidemiology of parasitic diseases which remain rampant in the Dschang municipality. Three communities around Dschang town-Ngui (slummy), Paidground (heterogeneous) and the Administrative Quarter-AQ (wealthy) were investigated to highlight the aetiology of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in children in order to enhance health policy intervention priorities. Methods: Between July and November 2009, 31 stools amples were collected from children aged six months to 18 years (mean 9 years) in 295 households across the three communities. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demographic characteristics, source of water supply, de-worming practice and treatment history. Stool samples were screened for ova/larvae of intestinal parasites using direct wet mount, brine floatation and formol-ether sedimentation methods. Results from stool tests and information obtained from questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS. Results: In total, 223 (26.8%) children had single (19.9%) and multiple (7%) infections from seven parasites: the overall prevalence was 34.7%; helminthes 19.3% and protozoa 15.4% (χ 2 = 4.3, P < 0.0380); corresponding to Entamoeba histolytica 8.8%, Ascaris lumbricoides 7.5%, Trichuris trichiura 6.8%, Entamoeba coli (5.8%), hookworm 4.6%, Giardia lamblia 0.8% and Vampirolepis (Syn: Hymenolepis) nana 0.4%. Infections were more severe and rates significantly higher in Ngui (45.9%, χ 2 = 86.83, P < 0.0001) than in the AQ (17.7%) and Paidground (16.7%), and in the oldest children above 15 years (55.3%, χ 2 = 111.97, P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Regular sustained synchronized deworming alongside antiprotozoaics, periodic diSagnostics for all children and slummed residents which lend to intestinal protozoa; sanitary inspection of homes and water supplies; adequate drainage and community wastes disposal; and prevention education on hygiene, sanitation, safe water and health were desirable.

The Effect of Intestinal Parasitic Infection on the Clinical Outcome of Malaria in Coinfected Children in Cameroon

“…The lower prevalence of IPI observed in this study could be attributed to the regular deworming campaigns organized by the Cameroon’s Ministry of Public Health targeting mainly children in the study area. The prevalence of IPI was observed to be significantly higher in children in the age range 60–120 months, which is in line with studies performed elsewhere [ 28 , 43 , 46 ]. The higher prevalence of IPI in this age group could be attributed to the differences in the exposure as the children grow up, become more playful especially with soil.…”

“…These findings are similar to that reported by Njunda et al [ 28 ]. The prevalence is however lower compared to the 34.7% reported in communities around Dschang in the West region of Cameroon [ 43 ]. The difference in the prevalence reported in Dschang and this study could be attributed to differences in the study design; our study targeted children in an urban setting meanwhile theirs targeted mainly school-age children residing in rural settings.…”

“…In Cameroon, like most Sub-Saharan African countries, coinfection between malaria and intestinal parasites is common in children [ 25 – 28 ]. Across the country, the prevalence of coinfection with malaria and intestinal parasites varies from 11.9% to 34.7% [ 25 – 29 ] and school-age children are the most affected. IPI may exacerbate the severity of malaria in these children.…”

Coinfection with malaria and intestinal parasites, and its association with anaemia in children in Cameroon

“…Regular deworming campaigns, run by the Cameroon’s Ministry of Public Health, have taken place in the study area, which may account for the lower prevalence of IPIs. The prevalence of helminths was higher than the prevalence of protozoa (81.6 vs. 18.4 %), which is in consonance with some studies [ 32 , 34 ], but in contrast with others [ 35 , 36 ]. Intestinal parasitic infections were more prevalent in children aged five years and above ( p = 0.006), which conforms to studies done elsewhere [ 29 , 32 ].…”

“…In the present study, the prevalence of IPIs was 11.9 %, which is lower compared to the 34.7 % reported in communities around Dschang, in the West Region of Cameroon [ 32 ], 22.7 % in Thailand [ 33 ] and 34.2 % in Ethiopia [ 34 ]. These discrepancies could be attributed to the differences in diagnostic techniques used to detect parasites, as well as geographical differences.…”