Study of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs): Gastrointestinal Parasites in School Children of Lolodorf Neighborhood, South Region, Cameroon

Abstract

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are still endemic in many parts of Cameroon and for effective control measures, epidemiological data are indispensable. This will enable adequate recommendations for the National control program for these infections. Aim: This study aim to obtain basic data on the epidemiological situation of intestinal infections in school children of Ngovayang health area of Lolodorf neighborhood in the south region of Cameroon. Methodology: A total of 423 school children were recruited for the study. Stool samples were collected and examined microscopically for the search of helminthes eggs and protozoan cysts using Kato Katz and concentration formol-ether techniques respectively. Results: Out of 423 children examined, 321 (75.9%) were infected with Ascaris lumbricoides (30.3%), Trichuris trichiura (64.5%), Hookworms (12.5%), E. histolytica/ E. dispar (9.9%) and E. coli (34.0%). Among whom, 117 (36.4%) had single infections, while 204 (63.6%) had multiple infections. Multiple infections were significantly high (P= 0.0001) compared to single infections.  E. histolytica/ E. dispar infection was significantly more prevalent in females than in males (P=0.01), same as in children aged 3-5 years for Hookworms (P= 0.02), 3-5 years and 11-15 years for E. coli (P= 0.04). T. trichura infections occurred more frequently as single infection (P= 0.0001). Interactions between T. trichiura+ E. coli led to a significant increase of E. coli prevalence (P= 0.001). Significant high eggload was observed for T. trichiura (P= 0.00001) and in children between 3-5 years infected by T. trichiura (P=0.0001) and hookworms (P=0.0001). Children with low infection intensity were significantly more compared to those with moderate and high infection intensity (P= 0.0001) for A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura, and Hookworm. T. trichiura density increases significantly when it interacts with A. lumbricoides + Hookworms, A. lumbricoides + E. coli, Hookworms + E. coli, E. histolytica/ E. dispar + E. coli, A. lumbricoides + Hookworms + E. coli and A. lumbricoides + E. histolytica/ E. dispar + E. coli (P< 0.05). Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that the Ngovayang health area is endemic for intestinal parasites. The protocol of mass drug administration recommended by MINSANTE is not adequate to reduce the endemicity level of these parasites, hence a necessity for a readjustment.