Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum and Intestinal Parasitemia, and Clinical Outcomes of these Co-Morbidities among Children in Kiryandongo Refugee Camp, Mid -Western Uganda

Abstract

The prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum and Intestinal Parasitic Infections (IPIs) - with the corresponding disease characteristics among children remain uncertain. This study aimed at determining the prevalence and evaluation of the nature of associations of the respective infections and the clinical outcomes. METHODS: This was a cross sectional study conducted among 476-refugee camp schoolchildren. Kato-Katz technique was used to screen stool samples for intestinal parasites. Geimsa thick blood smear microscopy was used for malaria testing while the portable Hb calorimeter was used to measure haemoglobin concentration. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of the mixed infections was 62.2%. Plasmodium falciparum was most prevalent of the single infections 262(55.04%) followed by Taenia spp 14 (2.9%), Schistosoma mansoni 12(2.5%), Giardia lamblia 7 (2.9%), Trichuris trichiura 2(0.4%), Hookworm 2(0.4%) and Strongyloides stercoralis 1(0.2%). The odds of developing simple or uncomplicated malaria infection or anaemia was 14 times higher in individuals with dual co-infection with; Plasmodium falciparum+Taenia spp compared to single parasitic infection (Odds = 14.13, P = 0.019). Co-infection with Plasmodium falciparum+Taenia spp was a strong predictor of Malaria and anemia. This is in agreement with studies conducted in North Western and Western Uganda, which have strongly indicated that Malaria and IPIs are risk factors for childhood anemia. CONCLUSION: This study shows that Plasmodium falciparum and Taenia spp co- infections is a stronger predictor of malaria and anaemia. Even when there were vivid control measures in the camp, the prevalence of malaria and anaemia remains higher than the other regions in Uganda outside restricted settlements.