scholarly journals Infection of Plasmodium falciparum and helminths among school children in communities in Southern and Northern Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Akosah-Brempong ◽  
S. K. Attah ◽  
I. A. Hinne ◽  
A. Abdulai ◽  
K. Addo-Osafo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Schistosoma Mansoni ◽  
School Children ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Malaria Vector Control ◽  
Remote Communities ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Concentration Technique

Abstract Background Infections of Plasmodium species, Schistosoma species and soil-transmitted helminths (STH) inflict a significant burden on children mostly in deprived communities in Ghana. Despite the deployment of malaria vector control and the annual Mass Drug Administration by National Control Programmes, these infections still pose major public health concerns in Ghana. Some remote communities which are hard-to-reach are not covered by MDA campaigns which is a major challenge to meeting elimination targets. Adequate data is necessary for formulating policies and strengthening interventions to mitigate transmission. This study assessed the infection burden of Plasmodium, Schistosoma species and STH infections among school children in communities in Southern and Northern Ghana. Method School children living in communities in Southern (Ada Foah, Pediatorkope, Tuanikope) and Northern (Kpalsogu) Ghana were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. A total of 493 (241 males and 252 females) school children aged (2–15 years) were enrolled in the study. Stool samples were collected to screen for Schistosoma mansoni and STH infections using the formol-ether concentration technique and urine samples were also collected to screen for S. haematobium using the routine urine examination method. Plasmodium parasitaemia was determined from thick and thin finger-prick blood samples. Results Overall, the prevalence of P. falciparum, S. mansoni, S. haematobium, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm infections were 17.2% (95%CI 12.8–19.7), 22.6% (95%CI 25.2–32.7), 1.6% (95%CI 0.89–5.2), 1.2% (95%CI 0.78–4.8) and 1.2% (95%CI 0.78–4.8) respectively. Plasmodium falciparum infection was generally widespread in all the study sites with Ada Foah recording the highest prevalence (35.3%) and Kpalsogu recording the lowest (5.8%). Schistosoma mansoni was present in only two Southern communities with Tuanikope recording the highest prevalence of 70.3% as against 51.5% recorded in Pediatorkope. A total of 4.5% (95% CI 2.82–10.8) of the children were co-infected with P. falciparum, Schistosoma species and STHs. This occurred only in the Southern communities; of which combination of P. falciparum and S. mansoni were predominant (1.4%). Conclusion A relatively low burden of parasites co-infection among children only in the Southern communities was detected. However, there were a high prevalence of single infections of P. falciparum and S. mansoni in those communities. Control measures for the helminths needs to be restarted in the island communities with a high burden of S. mansoni infections and that of Plasmodium needs to be scaled up in Ada Foah where P. falciparum infections were high.

Co-Infection of Plasmodium Falciparum and Helminths Among School Children in Communities in Southern and Northern Ghana

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel Akosah-Brempong ◽  
Simon Kwaku Attah ◽  
Isaac Amankona Hinne ◽  
Kantanka Addo-Osafo ◽  
Edith Appiah Lawson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Schistosoma Mansoni ◽  
School Children ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Malaria Vector Control ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Concentration Technique ◽  
Study Sites

Abstract BackgroundInfections of Plasmodium species, Schistosoma species and soil-transmitted helminths (STH) inflict a significant burden on children mostly in deprived communities in Ghana. Despite the deployment of malaria vector control and the annual Mass Drug Administration by National Control Programmes, these infections still pose major public health concerns in Ghana. Adequate data is necessary for formulating policies and strengthening interventions to mitigate transmission. This study assessed the co-infection burden of Plasmodium, Schistosoma species and STH infections among school children in communities in Southern and Northern Ghana.MethodSchool children living in communities in Southern (Ada Foah, Pediatorkope, Tuanikope and Northern (Kpalsogu) Ghana were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. A total of 493 (241 males and 252 females) school children aged (2–15 years) were enrolled in the study. Stool samples were collected to screen for Schistosoma mansoni and STH infections using the formol-ether concentration technique and urine samples were also collected to screen for S. haematobium using the routine urine examination method. Plasmodium parasitaemia was determined from thick and thin finger-prick blood samples.ResultsOverall, the prevalence of P. falciparum, S. mansoni, S. haematobium, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm infections were 17.2% (95%CI, 12.8–19.7), 22.6% (95%CI, 25.2–32.7), 1.6% (95%CI, 0.89–5.2), 1.2% (95%CI, 0.78–4.8) and 1.2% (95%CI, 0.78–4.8) respectively. Plasmodium falciparum infection was generally widespread in all the study sites with Anyarpkor recording the highest prevalence (35.3%) and Kpalsogu recording the lowest (5.8%). Schistosoma mansoni was present in only two Southern communities with Tuanikope recording the highest prevalence of 70.3% as against 51.5% recorded in Pediatorkope. A total of 4.5% (95% CI, 2.82–10.8) of the children were co-infected with P. falciparum, Schistosoma species and STHs. This occurred only in the Southern communities; of which combination of P. falciparum and S. mansoni were predominant (1.4%).ConclusionA relatively low burden of parasites co-infection among children only in the Southern communities was detected. However, there were a high prevalence of single infections of P. falciparum and S. mansoni in those communities. Control measures are needed in the island communities with a high burden of S. mansoni infections and Ada Foah where P. falciparum infections are high.

scholarly journals Determinants of Helminthic Infections and Anemia among Schoolchildren in Bahir Dar Zuria District, Northwest Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Yeshimebet Fetene ◽  
Tadesse Hailu ◽  
Mulat Yimer ◽  
Megbaru Alemu
Keyword(s):  
Schistosoma Mansoni ◽  
Intestinal Parasites ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Northwest Ethiopia ◽  
Hemoglobin Level ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Concentration Technique ◽  
Helminthic Infections

Background. Soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma mansoni are the major helminthic parasites that cause major public health problems among schoolchildren in developing countries. Infection with the above parasites decreases the hemoglobin level of children. However, information regarding the current status of helminthic infections and anemia is limited. Hence, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of helminthic infections and anemia among children. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 394 schoolchildren at Sekelet primary school in northwest Ethiopia, from February to March 2017. Study participants were selected by a systematic random sampling technique. Stool samples were collected and processed via the modified Ritchie’s concentration technique to detect parasites in stool. A HemoCue Hb 201 analyzer was used to determine the hemoglobin level. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 statistical software. Association of helminthic infections and anemia with independent variables was determined using logistic regression analysis. Variables with P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results. From the total of 394 participants, 185 (46.9%), 164 (41.6%), and 112 (28.4%) were infected with intestinal parasites, helminths, and STHs, respectively. The prevalence of hookworm and Schistosoma mansoni were 106 (25.6%) and 54 (13.7%), respectively. The prevalence of anemia among the schoolchildren was 278 (70.6%). Anemia was prevalent among 55 (51.9%) hookworm-infected and 19 (35.2%) S. mansoni-infected children. Not wearing shoes and improper utilization of latrine were significantly associated ( P < 0.05 ) with hookworm infection, and frequent swimming in the river was also significantly associated ( P ≤ 0.001 ) with Schistosoma mansoni infection. Schistosoma mansoni and hookworm infections were also significantly associated ( P ≤ 0.001 ) with low levels of hemoglobin. Conclusion. Hookworm and Schistosoma mansoni infections and anemia are highly prevalent among schoolchildren. Hookworm and Schistosoma mansoni infections are significantly associated with anemia. Therefore, helminthic detection and hemoglobin determination should be done simultaneously among schoolchildren.

scholarly journals Decrease in Admissions and Change in the Diagnostic Landscape in a Newborn Care Unit in Northern Ghana During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alhassan Abdul-Mumin ◽  
Cesia Cotache-Condor ◽  
Kingsley Appiah Bimpong ◽  
Andie Grimm ◽  
Mary Joan Kpiniong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Damage Control ◽  
Newborn Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Home Delivery ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
System Capacity ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Number Of Patients

Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread worldwide with an increasing number of patients, including pregnant women and neonates. This study aims to evaluate morbidity and mortality in the COVID-19 era compared to the preceding year in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Tamale Teaching Hospital, Ghana.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study carried out on neonates admitted to NICU between March 1st to August 31st, 2019 (pre-COVID-19 era) and March 1st to August 31st, 2020 (COVID-19 era). Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of mortality for both periods.Results: From 2,901 neonates, 1,616 (56%) were admitted before, and 1,285 (44%) were admitted during the pandemic. Admissions decreased during the COVID-19 era, reaching their lowest point between June and August 2020. Compared to the previous year, during the COVID-19 era, admissions of patients born at TTH, delivered at home, and with infections decreased from 50 to 39%, 7 to 4%, and 22 to 13%, respectively. Referred status (OR = 3.3) and vaginal delivery (OR = 1.6) were associated with an increased likelihood of mortality. For low- birth weight neonates, admissions of patients born at TTH, with vaginal and home delivery decreased from 62 to 48%, 8 to 2%, and 59 to 52%, respectively. Neonatal infections and congenital anomalies decreased from 8 to 4%, 5 to 3%, respectively. The likelihood of mortality among referred patients increased by 50%.Conclusion: We observed a marked decrease in admissions and change in the diagnosis landscape and related mortality during the pandemic. Underlying challenges, including fear, financing, and health system capacity, might intensify delays and lack of access to newborn care in northern Ghana, leading to higher rates of lifelong disabilities and mortality. Immediate damage control measures, including an improved home-based continuum of care and equipping families to participate in the newborn care with complemented m-health approaches, are needed with urgency.

scholarly journals Prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma mansoni and hookworm infections among pre-school and school-aged children in Ilemela District, north-western Tanzania

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel D. Ndokeji ◽  
Humphrey D. Mazigo ◽  
Mansuet Temu ◽  
Coleman Kishamawe ◽  
Wabyahe Malenganisho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Schistosoma Mansoni ◽  
School Children ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
World Health ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
Hookworm Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hookworm Infections ◽  
North Western

Background: World Health Organization have recently recommended the inclusion of pre-school children in the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) against schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths in endemic areas. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma mansoni and hookworm infections among pre- and school going children in Ilemela District, north-western Tanzania.Methods: This cross-sectional study included pre- and school going children aged 4-14 years. A single stool sample was collected from each child and processed using Kato Katz thick smears and examined microscopically for presence of S. mansoni and hookworm eggs. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic information of the study participants.Results: Overall, prevalence of S. mansoni was 80.0%; with pre-school children aged 4-6 years having the point prevalence of 60.6%. The overall prevalence of hookworm infection was 18.7%; with age group 4-6 years having the prevalence of 14.1%. The intensity of hookworm infection was light in all age groups.  The intensity of infection of S. mansoni increased with age. Using lake water for domestic purposes (OR=3.09, 95% CI: 1.93-4.95, p<0.001), for bathing (OR=2.65, 95% CI: 1.66-4.23, p<0.0001), and for washing purposes (OR=3.08, 95% CI: 1.90-4.97, p<0.0001) remained independently associated with S. mansoni infection. Children who reported to swim in the lake and involved in paddy farming had 1.84 and 1.95 times odds of being infected than those who did not, respectively.Conclusion: These findings indicate that S. mansoni and hookworm infections are common among pre-school children as well as in school going children. These findings call for the need to urgently include the pre-school age children the MDSA programme.

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