CO-INFECTION OF MALARIA AND INTESTINAL PARASITOSIS IN RURAL CHILDREN IN THE KLOTO DISTRICT, TOGO.

Abstract

Introduction: Co-infection of malaria and intestinal parasitosis is the concomitant presence of two parasite species in a single human host; it is more frequent in children in many parts of the world. The objective of this study was to describe the co-infection of malaria and intestinal parasitosis in children in the health district of Kloto.

Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted over a period of four (04) months, from February 8 to May 10, in rural health centers with laboratory facilities in the Kloto sanitary district. Data were collected using a questionnaire.

Results: We had a total of 23 cases of co-infection out of a total of 299 children with a positive GE or a positive TDR, i.e. a percentage of seven point seven of co-infection (7.7%) with a confidence interval (95%) of 5.0-11.5. We note a predominance of the [12,59] age group, with ten (10) children out of twenty-three (23) co-infected, i.e. forty-three-point five percent (43.5%). Five (05) different species ofintestinal parasites were found, namely Entamoeba hystolitica (64.6%), budding yeasts (14.6%), Trichomonas intestinalis (10.4%), Enterobius vermiculais (4.2%) and Taenia sanginata (2.1%).

Conclusions: These results show that parasitic co-infection is common among rural children in the Kloto district, especially in the 12-59-month age group, who are the most vulnerable due to their young age.