Schistosoma haematobium co-infection with soil-transmitted helminthes: prevalence and risk factors from two communities in the central region of Ghana

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.