Prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium and Malaria Parasite Co-infections in Ebonyi State Nigeria

Abstract

In sub-Saharan Africa, Schistosoma haematobium and malaria parasites are still a great public health problem and can coexist in the same endemic areas, and create serious health problems in its endemic species. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of S. haematobium and Plasmodium parasites single and co-infections in Ebonyi Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, Southeastern Nigeria. A community based cross sectional survey was undertaken of 1110 people who were screened with urinalysis reagent strips for hematuria and proteinuria. 269 people who were positive for the tests were then further examined for parasitological confirmation. The eggs of S. haematobium were identified and quantified by urine centrifugation and microscopy; the blood smears were stained with Giemsa followed by oil immersion microscopy for the detection of Plasmodium species. Data for demography and risk factors were gathered using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed statistically using SPSS version 20.0 at 5% significance level and Chi-square test was used. Out of 269 confirmed cases (47.58% male and 52.42% female), the prevalence of single infection with S. haematobium was 11.9% and that of Malaria parasite was 21.9%, and co-infection was 33.1%. Males exhibited a higher S. haematobium prevalence (14.8%) compared to females (9.2%), though the difference was not statistically significant (). Malaria prevalence was similar between males (22.0%) and females (21.9%) (). Co-infection rates exceeded 30% across the 6–25 age brackets, with no significant variation across age groups (). The high level of co-endemicity of the parasites of S. haematobium and malaria in Ebonyi State indicates high level of co-endemicity of the parasites. The result of this study reinforces the importance of integrated vector control, dual mass drug administration, proper sanitation and safe distribution of water in order to effectively decrease the burden of co-infections in the region.