The burden of soil-transmitted helminthiasis in pregnancy in Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Soil-transmitted Helminth infections are important in the tropical and sub-tropical zones of the world,
where they cause significant morbidity in pregnancy; it was on this basis that the WHO recommended routine
deworming in pregnancy. Several studies have shown a significant prevalence of Soil-transmitted Helminthiasis in
pregnancy, but none had been done in Kano. Objective: The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of
Soil-transmitted Helminthiasis in pregnancy and the need for routine deworming in pregnancy in Kano, Nigeria.
Methodology: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study, carried out on 180 pregnant women attending the
antenatal clinic in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria. The collection of stool samples was done at the
antenatal clinic over 6 weeks, between January and February 2015. it was followed by examination under x10 and
x40 microscope to determine the prevalence and intensity of infection. The data was analysed using Epi-Info version
3.5, 2008, CDC, Atlanta, USA. Quantitative variables were described using mean and standard deviation, while
qualitative variables were described as frequencies and percentages. Statistical analysis was done using the Chisquare test, Student t-test and Fisher exact test to compare proportions. A P-value of < 0.05 was considered
statistically significant. Results: The study revealed that 18.8% of pregnant women had Soil-transmitted Helminth
infestation. Ascaris lumbricoides was seen in 15.3% of them, Hookworm (Ancyclostoma duodenale) in 2.9% and
Trichuris trichuria in 0.6%. All infections were of low intensity and none reached endemic level. The practice of
geophagy/eating soil-contaminated food or non-food substances was found to be a statistically significant risk factor
for helminthiasis in pregnancy (p=0.006). Conclusion: The prevalence of Soil-transmitted Helminthiasis among
pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital of 18.8% showed that the
infestation did not reach endemic level; all infestations were of low intensity and also of interventional category III,
with a low risk of severe morbidity. Routine screening and selective treatment rather than routine preventive
chemotherapy is recommended.