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Urinary schistosomiasis and malaria associated anemia in Ethiopia

Ketema Deribew1, Zinaye Tekeste, Beyene Petros

  • 1Department of Biology, Bonga Teacher Education College, P.O. Box 91, Bonga, Ethiopia.

Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine
|April 27, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Anemia is significantly higher in children with co-infections of urinary schistosomiasis and malaria. Hemoglobin levels decrease with increased parasite load, highlighting the need for monitoring in these vulnerable populations.

Area of Science:

  • Tropical Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Urinary schistosomiasis and malaria are significant public health concerns in endemic regions.
  • Co-infections with these parasitic diseases can exacerbate health outcomes in children.
  • Anemia is a common complication associated with parasitic infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of anemia in children with urinary schistosomiasis, malaria, and concurrent infections.
  • To investigate the relationship between these infections and hemoglobin levels.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted in Ethiopia involving 387 children.
  • Urine and blood samples were analyzed for Schistosoma haematobium and Plasmodium falciparum.
  • Hemoglobin concentration was measured to assess anemia status.

Main Results:

  • Prevalence rates were 24.54% for urinary schistosomiasis and 6.20% for malaria; concurrent infections were found in 2.84% of children.
  • Anemia was most prevalent in concurrently infected children (81.81%) compared to those with single infections (malaria 33.3%, schistosomiasis 38.94%).
  • Lower mean hemoglobin levels were observed in co-infected children, with significant negative correlations between hemoglobin and parasite loads.

Conclusions:

  • Concurrent urinary schistosomiasis and malaria infections significantly increase the risk of anemia in children.
  • Hemoglobin levels are inversely related to the intensity of both S. haematobium and P. falciparum infections.
  • Monitoring hemoglobin status in co-infected children is crucial for effective anemia management and community health improvement.
Abstract

Keywords:
AnemiaEthiopiaMalariaPlasmodium falciparumUrinary schistosomiasis

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