A Cross-sectional Study on the Influence of Altitude and Urbanisation on Co-infection of Malaria and Soil-transmitted Helminths in Fako Division, South West Cameroon
Journal Title: International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health - Year 2015, Vol 8, Issue 4
Abstract
Aims: Malaria and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are parasitic diseases afflicting populations that are impoverished and malnourished. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of altitude and urbanisation on Co-infection of malaria and soil-transmitted helminths in Fako Division, South West Cameroon. Study Design/Place and Duration of Study: It was a cross-sectional survey carried out from 2012 to 2014 involving 1138 children aged 4 – 15 years in Fako Division. Methodology: Structured questionnaire was administered to obtain demographic and socio-economic data. Blood samples were collected by pricking the finger. Malaria parasite prevalence, density and species were determined from Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood smears respectively. Quantitative estimation of helminth eggs was done by Kato-Katz thick smear technique. Based on height above sea level (a.s.l.), the study sites were classified as Lowland (<200 m.a.s.l), Lower middle belt (>200 but ≤ 400 m.a.s.l), Upper middle belt (>400 but ≤600 m.a.s.l.) and Highland (>600 m.a.s.l). The study communities were also classified into rural, semi-urban and urban areas. Results: The overall prevalence was 38.1% (433) for malaria, 2.5% (29) for STHs and 0.9% (10) for malaria-STH co-infection. The prevalence of malaria was significantly highest (χ2 = 84.6, P <0.001) in urban areas (52.2%, 263) than in the semi-urban (29.4%, 152) and rural areas (15.4%, 18). Malaria prevalence was significantly highest (χ2 = 123.4, P <0.001) at the lowest altitude (60.5%, 182) and decreased as altitude increased to a minimum of 15.4% (18) at highland (>600 m.a.s.l). Only two species of soil-transmitted STH [Ascaris lumbricoides (1.9%) and Trichuris trichiura (0.6%)] were found. The prevalence of STH was significantly higher (χ2= 33.8, P <0.0001) in rural (13.6%, 16) than urban (0.39%, 2) areas. The prevalence of STH was significantly highest (χ2 = 33.8, P <0.0001) at high altitude (13.6%, 16) than the upper middle-belt (2.0%, 8), lower middle-belt (1.2%, 4) and lowlands (0.7%, 2). The prevalence of co-infection varied significantly (χ2 = 72.2, P <0.0001) with level of urbanisation with the highest level of co-infection occurring in the rural areas (2.6%, 3) and the lowest level in the urban areas (0.2%, 1). Conclusion: Malaria control measures need to be intensified especially in the lowland and urban areas. Deworming campaigns are yielding positive results in Fako Division.
Authors and Affiliations
Judith Lum Ndamukong-Nyanga, Helen Kuokuo Kimbi, Irene Ule Ngole Sumbele, Yannick Nana, Sunjo Cyrilla Bertek, Kenneth J. N. Ndamukong, Leopold Gustave Lehman
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP342849
- DOI 10.9734/IJTDH/2015/17926
- Views 45
- Downloads 0
Dengue Prevalence and Diagnosis in Pakistan
Dengue virus, a positive sense RNA virus, involve in spreading dengue infection worldwide, consists of four related but genetically different serotypes. The present study depicts the outbreak and prevalence of dengue inf...
Utilization of HIV Testing and Counseling Services by Men in the Bolgatanga Municipality
Background: In the absence of an effective vaccine and cure for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), testing and counseling for HIV remains an important intervention in the control of the infection. However, utilization o...
Study of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs): Gastrointestinal Parasites in School Children of Lolodorf Neighborhood, South Region, Cameroon
Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are still endemic in many parts of Cameroon and for effective control measures, epidemiological data are indispensable. This will enable adequate recommendations for the Nation...
Seizures Scenario in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in Odisha, India- A Retrospective Study
Purpose: Seizures being one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in many developing countries still the etiological profile is less documented in many regions. This retrospective study aimed to understand regio...
Clinical Spectrum of Severe Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in a Tertiary Care Centre of Eastern India
Introduction: Plasmodium falciparum malaria is one of the major public health problem presented with varied clinical severity. This study was carried out to observe the clinical spectrum of severe falciparum malaria in a...