Co-Infection of Schistosomiasis and Helminthiasis among School-Aged Children in Kura Local Government Area, Kano State

Abstract

Schistosomiasis and helminthiasis are serious concerns in developing countries, especially among children, due to their effects on health, the economy of affected patients, and the population at large. This study was a cross-sectional survey aimed at determining the co-infection of these two important groups of parasites among primary school pupils in some communities of Kura Local Government Area, Kano State, Nigeria. Freshly produced urine and stool samples were collected from 165 apparently healthy pupils and examined using microscopic and macroscopic standard methods. Out of the 165 pupils examined, 15 (9.0%) were found to be co-infected with both groups of parasites. Among the identified parasites, Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent soil-transmitted helminth (STH) encountered, with a prevalence rate of 7.27%, followed by hookworms (3.03%). Infection with schistosomes revealed Schistosoma haematobium at 26.7% and Schistosoma mansoni at 6.7%. Males were found to be at higher risk, with a 60.0% prevalence rate, compared to females, who had 40.0%. The age group of 5-6 years recorded the highest prevalence for S. haematobium, A. lumbricoides, and hookworm infections.