The Association Between Malaria Parasitaemia, Intestinal Parasite and Anemia in Children Less Than 6 Month in Senegal: A Cross Sectional Survey

Abstract

Introduction: Although malaria is declining in many countries in Africa, malaria and anaemia remain frequent in children. This study was conducted to assess the relationship between malaria parasitaemia, intestinal worms, and anaemia, in children <6 months living in low transmission area in Senegal. Methods: A survey was carried out in Lamarame in the central part of Senegal. A cross sectional survey was used to select study participant. Children <6 months were enrolled after informed consent. For each child, blood thick and smear tests were performed, haemoglobin concentration was measured with HemoCue, and stool samples were collected and examined using the Ritchie technique. Result: A total of 162 children were recruited. Malaria parasite prevalence was 0.75% (0.7–2.6); anaemia was found in 16.7% (11.3–23.3), while intestinal parasites and stunting represented 25.4% (18.5–33.4) and 22% (18.6–25.5), respectively. The association was found between intestinal parasites and anaemia OR=1.1 (0.3-3.4). Conclusion: Malaria and anaemia remain closely associated even when malaria is declining. Scaling up antimalarial interventions may contribute to eliminate malaria and reduce the occurrence of anaemia among children.