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- Title
Epidemiology of parasitic co-infections during pregnancy in Lambaréné, Gabon.
- Authors
Adegnika, Ayôla A.; Ramharter, Michael; Agnandji, Selidji T.; Ngoa, Ulysse Ateba; Issifou, Saadou; Yazdanbahksh, Maria; Kremsner, Peter G.
- Abstract
Objectives To evaluate the epidemiologic data of parasitic infections and co-infections in pregnant women in Lambaréné, Gabon. Methods In Lambaréné, Gabon – a region of high endemicity for Plasmodium falciparum and helminths – we conducted a longitudinal survey of malaria and helminth infections during pregnancy. Results Of 388 pregnant women included in the study, 98 (25%) experienced at least one episode of P. falciparum infection (incidence of 2.6 infections per year of pregnancy). One hundred and seventy pregnant women (49%) were infected with intestinal helminths, and 41 (12%) harboured Shistosoma haematobium. In total, 230 (65%) pregnant women carried at least one parasitic infection are 74 (22%) harboured at least two or more parasite species. Ascaris lumbricoides and primiparity were independently associated with Plasmodium infection during pregnancy [odds ratio (95% confidence intervals) 2.4, (1.4–3.8); 2.1, (1.3–3.5), respectively]. Conclusion This study shows a high burden of parasitic infections with substantial degree of parasitic co-infections in pregnant women in a Central African region. This may have implications for immunological studies and operational research involving pregnant women.
- Subjects
GABON; PREGNANCY complications; INFECTION; EPIDEMIOLOGY; MALARIA; HELMINTHS
- Publication
Tropical Medicine & International Health, 2010, Vol 15, Issue 10, p1204
- ISSN
1360-2276
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1365-3156.2010.02598.x