The Prevalence and Outcomes of Schistosoma Mansoni and Plasmodium Falciparum Co-Infection in Pregnany at Sengerema District Hospital, Mwanza Tanzania
- Mwanza, Tanzania: Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences [CUHAS – Bugando] : c2017
- 50 Pages Includes References and Appendices
Abstract:
Background: Schistosoma mansoni and Plasmodium falciparum infection are among the common infections in tropics. It is estimated that over a third of the world’s population particularly in the tropics is infected with parasitic helminthes and Plasmodium species, often leading to co-infection. Such co-infection my contribute to maternal anemia and its sequelae. This study aims to determine the prevalence of P. falciparum, S. mansoni, co-infection pattern, associated risk factors and impact on pregnancy outcomes at term among pregnant women in North-western Tanzania.
Methods: Analytical-cross-sectional study was conducted among 390 pregnant women age 15-45 years delivering Sengerema hospital. A finger prick, placenta and cord blood samples were examined for malaria parasite using thin and thick smears. Urine sample was examined for S.mansoni using Circulating Catholic Antigens (CCA). Hemoglobin levels were estimated using HemoCue system. Newborn status and weight were also recorded. A questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic-economic information.
Results: The overall prevalence of maternal P. falciparum malaria both peripheral and placenta was 34.6% (95%CI: 29.8-39.3) and 23.3% (5%CI: 19.1-27.5) respectively. The prevalence of congenital P. falciparum malaria was 22.8% (95%CI: 18.6-27.0). 63.4% (95%CI: 58.5-68.3) of the participants had S. mansoni infection. Of these 37.8% (91/241) were co-infected with P. falciparum. Overall, 55.9% (218/390) of the participants were anaemic (HB<11h/dl). Multigravidae women co-infected with P.falciparum-S.mansoni had higher prevalence of placenta malaria (53.8% versus 46.2%, P<0.03). Only 8.2% (32/390) of the newborns had low birth weight. Malaria in pregnancy were mainly associated with being primigravidae AOR=1.88(95%CI: 1.003-3.49, P<0.04).
Conclusion: Co-infection of P. falciparum and S. mansoni during pregnancy is common at Sengerema. Congenital asymptomatic malaria is common among newborn and co-infection of Plasmodium falciparum and S.mansoni during pregnancy increases risk to congenital malaria.