Assessment of Morbidity in Malaria and Urinary Schistosomiasis using Some Specific Indicators

Abstract

The severity of infections with malaria  and  urinary schistosomiasis was assessed in a rural endemic community using  morbidity indicators such as anaemia, haematuria,  proteinuria, leukocyturia and low anthropometry. Parasitological  examinations of  urine and blood specimens  were carried out  for Schistosoma haematobium and Plasmodium sp in addition to measurements for height and weight  of the candidates. One thousand and sixty persons (1060) including 535 males and 525 females between 6 months and 83 years were examined. The overall estimated prevalence of malaria was 62.3%, that  of urinary schistosomiasis was 80.7% and co-infection was 55.1%. Age related peak prevalence of the infections occurred in children of ages 5-9 years for malaria, 10-14 years for urinary schistosomiasis and 5-9 years for co-infection. Heavy intensity (1001-2000 eggs/10ml urine) was predominant in those under 20 years while light intensity (?100 eggs/10ml urine) occurred more in older individuals. Prevalence of the morbidity parameters exceeded 70% with  haematuria being  the highest. Individuals with moderate to high concentration of the parameters and those with co-infection of malaria and S . haematobium infections were found with relatively low haemoglobin  concentration. The later correlated more closely with urinary schistosomiasis (r=0.99) than with malaria (r=0-17). Reduction in weight and height occurred more in children of ages 0-4 who had co-infection.

Keywords:  Malaria, urinary schistosomiasis, morbidity parameters, severe infection.