PREVALENCE OF PARASITIC INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN OF BOKE, GUINEA.

Abstract

Helminthic and intestinal protozoan infections and malaria infections are common in children less than 15 yr old in sub-Saharan Africa, but little is known about these infections in Guinea. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of parasitic infections in children aged less than 15 yr and the relationship of these infections with anemia. The cross-sectional study was done in Dabbis sub-prefecture in the Boke region of Guinea from 18 to 26 March 2017. A simple random sampling at the household level was performed, and 1 child under the age of 15 was included per eligible household. A total of 392 children were included in the analysis. Clinical and parasitological information were assessed, including anthropometric measures (weight and height), disease symptoms, hemoglobin level, and malaria parasitemia. Helminthic and protozoan intestinal infections were present in 59.7% of the children surveyed. Malaria infection prevalence was 45.5% when assessed by microscopy and 43.6% when assessed by a rapid diagnostic test. Plasmodium falciparum, accounting for 84.2% of malaria infections, was the main malaria species infection. Gastrointestinal parasites were present in 19.1% of children. The main gastrointestinal parasites present included Entamoeba coli (5.4%) and Giardia intestinalis (5.1%). There was no association between the presence of anemia and the parasitic status of the children. Parasitic screening and mass treatment in this age group, as well as household awareness raising, would reduce cases of parasitic infections in rural Guinea.