Distribution of schistosomes and soil-transmitted helminth infections and their association with growth and nutritional status of School-aged children of the Matta health area in the West region of Cameroon.

BACKGROUND

Updating and mapping the prevalence and infection intensities of schistosomiasis (SCH) and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections remain crucial to guide stakeholders in their decision of boosting or reducing control efforts. Although efforts have been made to achieve the elimination of these diseases, few considerations have been paid to their impact on the growth status of infected individuals. This study was designed to map the prevalence and infection intensities of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis, and to assess their association with children's growth status.

METHODOLOGY: During a cross-sectional study, 870 urine and 764 stool samples were collected from school-aged children of four primary schools of Matta health area. Micro-hematuria and Schistosoma haematobium eggs were searched in urine samples, while S. mansoni and soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) eggs were investigated in stools. Schistosome and STHs species and their infection intensities were mapped, and associations between the infection status and growth parameters were assessed.

RESULTS

Schistosoma haematobium was the most prevalent and widespread parasite with an overall prevalence of 45.8%. Schistosoma mansoni was found in one village with a prevalence of 3.4%. The overall prevalence of STHs was 2.5% with Ascaris lumbricoides being the most abundant species (1.4%). Children from Mambonkor bord were the most infected and bearing heavy intensities of S. haematobium infections. Infected children were significantly more underweight than uninfected ones (P = 0.03). Micro-hematuria was significantly (P < 0.0001) more detected in infected children compared to uninfected ones. Uninfected children were more stunted than infected children (P =0.009) while no significant difference was observed between boys and girls. Stunting (P < 0.0001) and wasting (P < 0.0001) were significantly more pronounced in children of five years.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that S. haematobium infections are widespread in villages of Matta health area, while Schistosoma mansoni infections were restricted only to Matta village. This study also showed a low circulation of STH infections in villages of Matta health area. The mapping revealed Mambonkor bord and Matta barrage as high transmission villages where control measures must be boosted to achieve schistosomiasis elimination. The underweight, stunting and wasting status observed in children of Matta health area were not associated with schistosome and STH infections.