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Selected micronutrient status of school-aged children at risk of

Samson E Olerimi1,2, Ehitare I Ekhoye3, Oriasotie S Enaiho1,2

  • 1Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria.

African Journal of Laboratory Medicine
|June 9, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Schistosoma haematobium infection in Nigerian children significantly lowers essential micronutrient levels, particularly iron, calcium, copper, and zinc. Early detection and intervention are crucial for managing this widespread parasitic disease.

Area of Science:

  • Tropical Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Urogenital schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma haematobium, is a chronic parasitic infection prevalent in school-age children.
  • The study focuses on understanding the infection's impact on micronutrient status in Nigerian children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma haematobium infection.
  • To assess the relationship between infection and serum micronutrient levels (iron, calcium, copper, zinc) in school-age children.
  • To determine the influence of age, gender, and infection intensity on micronutrient status.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional, school-based study involving 353 children aged 4-16 years in Bekwarra, Nigeria.
  • Data collection included socio-demographic information via questionnaire, urine analysis for S. haematobium infection, and serum micronutrient analysis.
  • Statistical analyses were performed to determine associations between infection, age, gender, and micronutrient levels.

Main Results:

  • Schistosoma haematobium infection was detected in 16.15% of the children, with higher prevalence in girls and children aged 8-11 years.
  • Infected children exhibited significantly lower serum levels of iron, calcium, copper, and zinc compared to uninfected children.
  • Infection intensity showed a negative association with iron, calcium, copper, and zinc levels.

Conclusions:

  • Schistosoma haematobium infection adversely affects the micronutrient status of school-age children in Nigeria.
  • Effective interventions, including drug distribution, education, and community engagement, are vital to reduce schistosomiasis prevalence.
  • Implementing infection prevention and control measures is essential to mitigate disease transmission and impact.
Abstract

Keywords:
Schistosoma haematobiummicronutrientsschistosomiasisschool-age childrenzinc

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