Relative Contribution of Schistosomiasis and Malaria to Anemia in Western Kenya

Abstract

Because anemia is one of the markers of morbidity associated with schistosomiasis, it has been proposed as a potential measure to evaluate the impact of control programs. However, anemia is also a common consequence of malaria, and schistosomiasis and malaria are often co-endemic. To estimate the attributable fraction of anemia due to and infections, we applied a log-binomial model to four studies measuring these parameters of a combined 5,849 children in western Kenya. In our studies, malaria contributed 23.3%, schistosomiasis contributed 6.6%, and co-infection contributed 27.6% of the anemia. We conclude that in areas where and are co-endemic, the contribution of schistosomiasis to anemia is masked by anemia resulting from malaria, thus limiting anemia as a useful measure for schistosomiasis control programs in these settings.

Confounding influences of malnutrition and Plasmodium falciparum and Schistosoma haematobium infections on haematological parameters in school children in Muyuka, Cameroon

“…While anaemia is one of the markers of morbidity associated with schistosomiasis even though it may be masked by anaemia resulting from malaria [ 51 ], the prevalence of anaemia in children co-infected with P. falciparum and S. haematobium was very high. This prevalence is similar with those in children in Ethiopia [ 52 ] with moderate anaemia being the most common form.…”

“…This prevalence is similar with those in children in Ethiopia [ 52 ] with moderate anaemia being the most common form. Although the aetiology of anaemia is multifactorial, both infections may contribute to anaemia separately or through an interaction effect [ 51 ]. Nevertheless, the mechanism of malaria mediated anaemia has been well explained [ 53 , 54 ] while anaemia by urogenital schistosomiasis may arise due to chronic blood loss as the egg penetrates the walls of the urinary tract, extra corporal loss of iron, autoimmune haemolysis and inflammation [ 55 ].…”

Anaemia prevalence and determinants in under 5 years children: findings of a cross-sectional population-based study in Sudan

“…Soil-transmitted helminths and schistosomiasis are known causes of anaemia [ 32 , 33 ]. These infections are linked with access to safe water and sanitation as well as poverty [ 34 , 35 ].…”

Plasmodium and Schistosoma haematobium infections as well as haematological parameters in school-aged children in Muyuka-Cameroon: a cross-sectional study on the influence of nutritional status

“…This prevalence is similar with those in children in Ethiopia [52] with moderate anaemia being the most common form. Although the aetiology of anaemia is multifactorial, both infections may contribute to anaemia separately or through an interaction effect [51]. Nevertheless, the mechanism of malaria mediated anaemia has been well explained [53,54] while anaemia by urogenital schistosomiasis may arise due to chronic blood loss as the egg penetrates the walls of the urinary tract, extra corporal loss of iron, autoimmune haemolysis and in ammation [55].…”