Impact of Intestinal Helminth Infection on Anaemia during Pregnancy: a Community Based Study the Sekyere East District of the Ashanti Region, Ghana.
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Date
2007-08-25
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Abstract
Intestinal helminths are among the most common and widespread of human infections. It contributes to poor nutritional status, anaemia and impaired growth (Dickson et al, 2000). Anaemia in pregnancy is a major public health problem in developing countries (WHO, 1992.). In sub-Saharan Africa, such anaemia is generally accepted as resulting from nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency (Bundy et al. 1995). AnaeifHJfand iron deficiency during pregnancy are prevalent in developing countries, but their causes are not always known. (Bundy et al. 1995)
The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence and severity of anaemia and iron deficiency and their association with helminths, in pregnant women in a community- based sample of 108 pregnant women in the Sekere East district of the Ashanti region of Ghana. Haemoglobin concentration and total serum iron concentration were evaluated in venous blood samples, and helminth infections were evaluated in stool samples using
standard methods.
Of the 108 pregnant women, 55.6% were iron deficient with evidence of helminth infection; 57.6% and 42.4% of the anaemic gravids were para and primigravids respectively. Out of the overall helminth infection hookworm was the highest (13.9% out of 17.6%) indicating that hookworm infection was the strongest predictor of iron status, especially of depleted iron stores.
These findings reinforce the need for programs to consider reducing the prevalence of hookworm infection in addition to providing nutritional and iron supplements to effectively control anaemia in pregnancy.
Description
A Thesis submitted to the Department of Clinical Microbiology in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of the Master of Philosophy Degree (Mphil.) in Clinical Microbiology, 2007