Socio-Demographic Correlates and Infection Intensity of Schistosoma haematobium and Malaria Co-infection in Ebonyi State Nigeria
Keywords:
Schistosoma haematobium, Malaria, Co-infection, Infection Intensity, Socio-demographic factors, Ebonyi State, Polyparasitism.Abstract
Schistosoma haematobium and Plasmodium species are still a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa, where they coexist in the bodies of the same people and cause similar signs and symptoms in humans. The socio-demographic correlates, prevalence and intensity of S. haematobium and malaria parasite co-infection among the residents of Ebonyi Local Government Area, Ebonyi State Nigeria was investigated. Malaria and Schistosoma haematobium co-infections were studied in Ebonyi Local Government Area (LGA), Nigeria, using the methodology. We approached 1,110 people for an ethical clearance and to obtain their consent to be screened using a urine test. Questionnaires were given and blood and urine specimens were taken for 269 positive cases. Standardized microscopic techniques and hematocrit techniques were used for the evaluation of parasitic infections and blood parameters, respectively, followed by SPSS statistical analysis. Educational status revealed the highest prevalence of S. haematobium single infection (18.2%) and co-infection (45.5%) among participants with no formal education, whereas individuals with tertiary education exhibited the highest malaria single infection prevalence (40.0%), though associations were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Occupationally, co-infection prevalence was highest among those in fishing (100.0%) and trading (62.5%), with non-significant statistical association (P>0.05). The overall mean infection intensities were 2.16±0.21 eggs/10 mL urine for S. haematobium and 6.51±0.48 for malaria parasite, showing no significant variation across age or sex groups (P>0.05). Co-infection of S. haematobium and malaria parasite is prevalent in the study area, with heightened exposure noted among individuals with lower education levels and water-contact occupations. Integrated disease control strategies incorporating vector management, targeted health education, safe water supply, and mass drug administration are recommended to reduce transmission in endemic rural communities.
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