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Consequences of polyparasitism on anaemia among primary school children in Zimbabwe

N Midzi1, S Mtapuri-Zinyowera, M P Mapingure

  • 1National Institute of Health Research, Box CY 573, Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe. midzinicholas@yahoo.com

Acta Tropica
|February 24, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Co-infections with malaria (Plasmodium falciparum) and parasitic worms (schistosomes and soil-transmitted helminths) significantly increase anemia and iron deficiency anemia prevalence in Zimbabwean children. Integrated control strategies are recommended.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Anemia is a significant public health issue in children.
  • Concomitant parasitic infections are common in many tropical regions.
  • The combined impact of schistosomes, Plasmodium falciparum, and soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) on anemia requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the effect of co-infections with schistosomes, Plasmodium falciparum, and STHs on anemia in Zimbabwean primary school children.
  • To identify predictors of anemia in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study involving 609 primary school children.
  • Assessment of P. falciparum, hemoglobin, and serum ferritin levels.
  • Microscopic and filtration techniques for detecting schistosome and STH infections.

Main Results:

  • Prevalence of S. haematobium, S. mansoni, P. falciparum, and hookworm were 52.3%, 22.7%, 27.9%, and 23.7%, respectively.
  • Overall anemia and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) prevalence were 48.4% and 38.1%.
  • Co-infections nearly doubled the prevalence of anemia and IDA compared to single infections, with P. falciparum/STHs/schistosome co-infections showing the highest rates (80.8%).

Conclusions:

  • Co-infections with P. falciparum, schistosomes, and STHs are strongly associated with increased anemia and IDA.
  • Integrated school-based de-worming and malaria control programs show potential for reducing anemia burden.

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