Prevalence, Intensity of Infection and Co-infections of Soil-Transmitted Helminths among Students of the University Félix Houphouët-Boigny in the south of Ivory Coast

Abstract

Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) are public health problem in the world and particularly in developing countries. This study initiated at the University Félix Houphouët-Boigny of Cocody (Abidjan - Ivory Coast) aims to determine the level of prevalence, the intensity of infestation and co-infections due to Soil-Transmitted Helminths and the various associated factors. The Mini Flotac technique combined with a questionnaire was the method used to achieve the set objective. The study resulted in prevalence rates of 23.45% for Ascaris lumbricoides, 16.81% for Trichuris trichura and 0.88% for Ankylostoma spp. Co-infection of Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura was identified, i.e. a prevalence of 7.96%. The logistic regression model showed that Ascaris lumbricoides infection is associated with property in university toilets (OR=2.53, p≤0.05). This study made it possible to initiate an integrated control programme against Soil-Transmitted Helminths in general and Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichura infection in particular at Félix Houphouët-Boigny University.