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[Hematologic-nutritional study in children predisposed to infection with high-load of Trichuris trichiura]
F A Núñez Fernández1, C M Finlay Villalvilla, M D Gálvez Oviedo
1Instituto de Medicina Tropical Pedro Kouri.
Insights
High parasite loads of Trichuris trichiura in children did not correlate with nutritional anemia. Other factors, like protein-energy deficiency, may contribute to anemia in infected individuals.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Context:
- Coproparasitological surveys are crucial for identifying parasitic infections in communities.
- Trichuris trichiura infections are common in children and can have various health implications.
- Nutritional anemia is a significant public health concern, particularly in pediatric populations.
Purpose:
- To investigate the relationship between Trichuris trichiura infection load and nutritional anemia in children.
- To assess hematologic parameters and anthropometric-nutritional indices in children with varying parasite loads.
Summary:
- A study in Havana Province examined children with high, low, or no Trichuris trichiura infection using the Kato-Katz technique.
- Hematologic parameters (hemoglobin, hematocrit, ferritin, iron, vitamin B12, folates) and nutritional indices were analyzed.
- No significant differences in hematologic parameters or nutritional status were found across the groups, with all values within normal ranges.
Impact:
- Suggests that high-load Trichuris trichiura infection alone may not be the sole cause of anemia in children.
- Highlights the potential role of other factors, such as protein-energy deficiency, in the development of anemia.
- Informs public health strategies for managing parasitic infections and nutritional deficiencies in children.
Abstract:
A coproparasitological survey is carried out in 3 family doctors' home-offices in City of Havana Province following the Kato-Katz technique (3 samples from each person); we found 15 children predisposed to high-load infection by Trichuris trichiura. This group was compared to a group of 20 children infected with a low parasite load, and to another group of 20 children with no parasite infection. A study of nutritional anemia was carried out to all of them including: hemoglobin, hematocrit, ferritin, serum iron, vitamin B12, and serum and erythrocyte folates. No significant differences were found in the mean values of the hematologic parameters under study in the various groups, all values being within normal limits. All the children under study had normal anthropometric-nutritional index values. Based on the results attained, we suggest that the reported anemia in individuals infected with a high load of T. trichiura is not only due to parasite infection; other factors may influence on it, probably a certain concomitant protein-energy deficiency.