Abstract:
Schistosoma haematobium co-infection with S. mansoni and soil-transmitted
helminthes afflict most-at-risk populations in endemic communities in the developing world. Aim:
This study investigated S. haematobium co-infection with soil-transmitted helminthes, and host
risk factors in two communities in the central region of Ghana. Methods: Schools and children
were selected by stratified cluster and random sampling methods respectively. A total of 250
school children (aged 5 - > 20 years) were recruited. Teachers issued questionnaires to obtain
information on host risk factors, water-contact activities and knowledge of S. haematobium
infection. Urine and stool samples were examined for S. haematobium infection and S. mansoni
and soil-transmitted helminthes using sedimentation quantitative and direct smear/formol-ether
sedimentation concentration techniques respectively. Results: S. haematobium infection (1 - 50
eggs/10 ml urine) prevalence at Apewosika and Putubiw were 27.5 % and 17 % respectively.
Males were more at risk of S. haematobium infection than females. S. haematobium co-infection
with soil-transmitted helminthes (A. lumbricoides, E. histolytica, and T. trichuria) was recorded in
Putubiw, with females more at risk than males. Children aged 16-19 and 10-15 were more at risk
of S. haematobium infection and helminthic co-infection respectively. Haematuria and proteinuria
were predictive of S. haematobium infection. School children had poor knowledge of S.
haematobium infection. Water-contact activity was common. Conclusion: S. haematobium
prevalence and its co-infection with soil-transmitted helminthes were common in Putubiw. Water contact activity and poor knowledge about S. haematobium infection were major risk factors.
Increased education on preventive and control measures especially in schools is recommended.
