Epidemiology of intestinal parasite infections and multiparasitism and their impact on growth and hemoglobin levels during childhood in tropical Ecuador: A longitudinal study using molecular detection methods
IPI infections and multiparasitism were frequent during early childhood in this Ecuadorian cohort. IPI was associated with reduced weight, height, and hemoglobin trajectories while children with multiparasitism had the greatest growth deficits. Our data highlight the adverse health effects of multiparasitism during childhood in endemic settings and the need for integrated programmes of control and prevention to eliminate associated morbidity.
Authors
- Rojelio Mejía (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4134-4558)
- Martha Chico (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6672-1044)
- Andrea Lopez
- Aida Y. Oviedo-Vera
- Irene Guadalupe
- Irina Chis Ster (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2637-1259)
- Philip J. Cooper (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6770-6871)
- Andrea Arévalo‐Cortes (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1829-3982)
Institutions
- St George's, University of London (GB)
- Baylor College of Medicine (US)
- Universidad Internacional del Ecuador (EC)
- Fundación Para La Investigación Y Gestión En Servicios de Salud (EC)
- Institute of Infection and Immunity (CA)
Publication Details
- Journal
- PLoS neglected tropical diseases
- Published
- 2025-06-16
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0013004
- Citations
- 3
- Primary Topic
- Child Nutrition and Water Access
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 3.36
Funders
- Thrasher Research Fund
- Wellcome Trust