Morbidity indicators of Schistosoma mansoni: relationship between infection and anemia in Ugandan schoolchildren before and after praziquantel and albendazole chemotherapy

TY - JOUR

T1 - Morbidity indicators of Schistosoma mansoni

T2 - relationship between infection and anemia in Ugandan schoolchildren before and after praziquantel and albendazole chemotherapy

AU - Koukounari, Artemis

AU - Fenwick, Alan

AU - Whawell, Sarah

AU - Kabatereine, Narcis B

AU - Kazibwe, Francis

AU - Tukahebwa, Edridah M

AU - Stothard, J Russell

AU - Donnelly, Christl A

AU - Webster, Joanne P

PY - 2006/8

Y1 - 2006/8

N2 - The potential relationship between Schistosoma mansoni and anemia was examined using data obtained by the Schistosomiasis Control Initiative (SCI) before (baseline) and 1 year after (follow-up) a chemotherapeutic treatment program in Uganda. Changes in hemoglobin (Hb) levels in 2,788 children in relation to their schistosomiasis and/or hookworm infection intensity category and baseline anemia status were analyzed. At baseline, significant predictors of childhood anemia were intensities of S. mansoni and hookworm infection. At follow-up, moderate or heavy hookworm as well as heavy S. mansoni infections were important. Children heavily infected with S. mansoni or hookworm had significantly lower Hb counts at baseline compared with those not infected. Among anemic children at the baseline survey, a significant increase in Hb counts of 0.834 g/dL after treatment was found. Our results suggest that anemia is associated with schistosomiasis and hookworm in Ugandan children and that such anemia shows a significant improvement after chemotherapy.

AB - The potential relationship between Schistosoma mansoni and anemia was examined using data obtained by the Schistosomiasis Control Initiative (SCI) before (baseline) and 1 year after (follow-up) a chemotherapeutic treatment program in Uganda. Changes in hemoglobin (Hb) levels in 2,788 children in relation to their schistosomiasis and/or hookworm infection intensity category and baseline anemia status were analyzed. At baseline, significant predictors of childhood anemia were intensities of S. mansoni and hookworm infection. At follow-up, moderate or heavy hookworm as well as heavy S. mansoni infections were important. Children heavily infected with S. mansoni or hookworm had significantly lower Hb counts at baseline compared with those not infected. Among anemic children at the baseline survey, a significant increase in Hb counts of 0.834 g/dL after treatment was found. Our results suggest that anemia is associated with schistosomiasis and hookworm in Ugandan children and that such anemia shows a significant improvement after chemotherapy.

KW - Adolescent

KW - Albendazole

KW - Anemia

KW - Animals

KW - Anthelmintics

KW - Child

KW - Feces

KW - Female

KW - Hemoglobins

KW - Humans

KW - Male

KW - Morbidity

KW - Odds Ratio

KW - Praziquantel

KW - Prevalence

KW - Schistosoma mansoni

KW - Schistosomiasis mansoni

KW - Uganda

M3 - Article

C2 - 16896133

SN - 0002-9637

VL - 75

SP - 278

EP - 286

JO - American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

JF - American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

IS - 2

M1 - N/A

ER -