Impact of polyparasitic infections on anemia and undernutrition among Kenyan children living in a Schistosoma haematobium-endemic area.

ABSTRACT: We measured prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium, Wuchereria bancrofti, Plasmodium falciparum, hookworm, and other geohelminths among school-aged children in four endemic villages in Kwale County, Kenya and explored the relationship between multiparasite burden, undernutrition, and anemia. In 2009-2010 surveys, cross-sectional data were obtained for 2,030 children 5-18 years old. Infections were most prevalent for S. haematobium (25-62%), hookworm (11-28%), and falciparum malaria (8-24%). Over one-half of children were anemic, with high rates of acute and chronic malnutrition. Associations with infection status showed significant age and sex differences. For boys, young age, low socioeconomic standing (SES), S. haematobium, and/or malaria infections were associated with greater odds of an

SUBMITTER: Bustinduy AL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3592521 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature