Abstract
Concomitant infections with malaria and intestinal parasitic infections may be associated with anemia in children (0-10 yr). This study determined the prevalence of co-infection with malaria and intestinal parasitic infections and determined its association with anemia in children (0-10 yr) in Tiko, Cameroon. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out whereby venous blood and stool samples were collected from 377 febrile children. Blood was used to perform a full blood count. Thick and thin blood films were prepared and stained with Giemsa for malaria parasite diagnosis. The formol ether concentration technique was used to analyze the stools. Pearson's chi-square test, Student's t-test, and other statistical analyses were performed. Of the 377 participants, 139 (36.9%) were positive for malaria, 21 (5.6%) had intestinal helminths, 8 (2%) had co-infection, and 79 (21.0%) were anemic. Malaria and anemia were prevalent among the children and were significantly associated (P = 0.025). There was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) among age groups. Girls were more often infected with malaria (69, 37.3%), and boys were more often infected with intestinal parasites (13, 7.0%), but there was no statistical association for both malaria and intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) for both sexes (P > 0.05). Hookworms, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Trichuris trichiura were the intestinal parasites found in this study. There was a significant association between anemia and parasitic co-infection in children (P = 0.003). Malaria and IPIs are prevalent in the Tiko municipality. They play a great role in anemia especially when there is a co-infection. Public education and awareness campaigns are necessary in this municipality.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.