Malaria and Helminth Coinfection among Children at the Douala Gyneco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital

Abstract

Background. Malaria and helminth infections are major public health issues in sub-Saharan Africa including Cameroon. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence and risk factors associated with malaria and helminth coinfection among children in the Douala Gyneco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital (HGOPED) in Douala, southwestern Cameroon. Material and Methods. The study was a hospital-based cross-sectional study that took place from January to July 2020 where 203 children were involved. Blood samples were collected from the children and thick blood smears were prepared and examined microscopically for malaria parasites. Stool samples were also collected and examined through the Kato-Katz technique for the identification of helminth eggs. Demographic and socioeconomic data and information of participant’s knowledge on the transmission of malaria and helminth infections were collected with the use of a well-structured questionnaire. Results. The overall prevalence of P. falciparum infection was 28.8%, while the overall prevalence of helminth was 9.36%. The only species of helminth identified were Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura with a prevalence of 4.26% and 2.95%, respectively, and mixed infection of both A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura with a prevalence of 1.47%. Coinfection of malaria and helminth was observed with a prevalence of 6.90%. Associations of malaria-helminth coinfection with age groups, parent’s educational level, type of latrine, and source of water factors were not statistically significant ( p > 0.05 ), while the prevalence of the coinfection with respect to parent’s occupation, presence of stagnant water around homes, washing of hands after using the toilet, and washing of fruits before eating was statistically significant ( p < 0.05 ). Conclusion. The findings suggest that helminths and malaria infections tend to occur in children. Not washing hands after using the toilet, not washing fruits before eating, the presence of stagnant water around homes, and parents’ occupation were found to be strongly associated with coinfection. Health education on the importance of better sewage disposal, draining of stagnant water around homes, and other sanitary practices is recommended.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of malaria among febrile under-five children visiting health facilities in Ziquala district, Northeast Ethiopia: A multicenter cross-sectional study

“…This result was comparable to a study conducted in Arsi Negele, Ethiopia (22.8%) [ 16 ], Arba Minch Zuria District, South Ethiopia (22.1%) [ 17 ] and Nigeria (22.6%) [ 18 ]. In contrast, the prevalence determined in this study showed a lower prevalence of malaria than a study conducted in Mali (35.4%) [ 19 ], Ghana (43.0%) [ 20 ] and Cameron (28.8%) [ 21 ]. The low prevalence of malaria parasites in this study could be due to seasonal variations, as the current study was conducted in a minor malaria transmission season.…”

The Prevalence of Asymptomatic Malaria Amongst Nursery and Primary School Pupils in Bui, Northwest Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The association of age and sex with malaria in our study was similar to findings reported in the Nkongho-mbeng rural area of the Southwest Region [53], the Mbakong Health Centre [3], among children at the Douala gynaeco-obstetric paediatric hospital [46], and among school-aged children in Belo and Bui [27] of the Northwest Region of Cameroon. In our study, malaria was also associated with communities which is also similar to another study in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ethiopia [47].…”

“…The rate of 12% prevalence of malaria in this study is less than 26.1%, 17.2 -53.2%, 28.1%, 30.1%, and 33.9% reported among U5C [45], febrile patients at the Mbakong Health Centre of the Bafut Health District [3], children at the Douala gynaeco-obstetric and paediatric hospital [46], employees at the workplace [19] and school-aged children [12] respectively in Cameroon. It is also less than the 25%, 30%, 38.3%, 41.52 -42.8% (females vs males), 42%, 50%, and 69.9% reported among U5C and school children in the Democratic Republic of Congo [47], Thai-Myanmar boarder [21], the hyper-endemic Kombewa area of Western Kenya [48], Ghana [49], Niger [50], Senegal [51], and asymptomatic malaria among households members in Abuja -Nigeria [52].…”