Sebastian von Huth1, Poul-Erik Kofoed2,3, Uffe Holmskov1. 1. Cancer and Inflammation Research, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, J. B. Winslows Vej 25.3, DK-5000 Odense C, Denmark. 2. Department of Pediatrics, Kolding Hospital, Skovvangen 2-8, DK-6000 Kolding, Denmark. 3. Bandim Health Project, INDEPTH Network, Apartado 861, 1004 Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infections cause significant morbidity and mortality in tropical and subtropical countries. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of GI parasitic infections in children from Bissau, Guinea-Bissau and to identify the possible risk factors for these infections. METHODS: We performed an observational study on two comparable cohorts of children 2-15 y of age: one study covering health care-seeking children (n=748) and one study covering children from the background population (n=851). A total of 1274 faecal samples from the two cohorts were investigated for parasites by microscopy and the risk factors for infection were identified by logistic regression. RESULTS: Intestinal parasitic infections were found in 54.8% of health care-seeking children and 55.5% of children from the background population. Helminth infections were more common among health care-seeking children and were mainly due to hookworms. Pathogenic protozoa included Entamoeba histolytica/dispar and Giardia lamblia. The risk factors for infections included increasing age, household crowding and poor sanitation and water supply. CONCLUSIONS: We found a high prevalence of intestinal parasites among both health care-seeking children and children from the background population. Compared with previous studies, we found a decreasing prevalence of intestinal helminths. This study further identifies potential risk factors for infections, including inadequate sanitation and water supply.
BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infections cause significant morbidity and mortality in tropical and subtropical countries. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of GI parasitic infections in children from Bissau, Guinea-Bissau and to identify the possible risk factors for these infections. METHODS: We performed an observational study on two comparable cohorts of children 2-15 y of age: one study covering health care-seeking children (n=748) and one study covering children from the background population (n=851). A total of 1274 faecal samples from the two cohorts were investigated for parasites by microscopy and the risk factors for infection were identified by logistic regression. RESULTS: Intestinal parasitic infections were found in 54.8% of health care-seeking children and 55.5% of children from the background population. Helminth infections were more common among health care-seeking children and were mainly due to hookworms. Pathogenic protozoa included Entamoeba histolytica/dispar and Giardia lamblia. The risk factors for infections included increasing age, household crowding and poor sanitation and water supply. CONCLUSIONS: We found a high prevalence of intestinal parasites among both health care-seeking children and children from the background population. Compared with previous studies, we found a decreasing prevalence of intestinal helminths. This study further identifies potential risk factors for infections, including inadequate sanitation and water supply.
Authors: Sebastian von Huth; Louise B Thingholm; Poul-Erik Kofoed; Corinna Bang; Malte C Rühlemann; Andre Franke; Uffe Holmskov Journal: PLoS Negl Trop Dis Date: 2021-03-03
Authors: Louise B Thingholm; Corinna Bang; Malte C Rühlemann; Annika Starke; Florian Sicks; Verena Kaspari; Anabell Jandowsky; Kai Frölich; Gabriele Ismer; Andreas Bernhard; Claudia Bombis; Barbara Struve; Philipp Rausch; Andre Franke Journal: BMC Microbiol Date: 2021-10-11 Impact factor: 3.605
Authors: Deiviane A Calegar; Kerla J L Monteiro; Andressa B Gonçalves; Márcio N Boia; Lauren H Jaeger; Beatriz C Nunes; Filipe A Carvalho-Costa Journal: J Trop Med Date: 2020-07-14