Comparative Prevalence, Socio-Demographic Correlates, and Clinical Impacts of Schistosoma haematobium and Malaria Co-Infection in Ebonyi State Nigeria

The dual parasitic infection is still a serious problem in tropical areas where two infections are transmitted at the same time in the same area due to the overlapping ecological conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium and malaria co-infection, the socio-demographic factors associated with it and the effect it has on patients in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. This study assessed the co-infection of Schistosoma haematobium and malaria in Ebonyi Local Government Area, Nigeria. Of the 1,110 people screened, 269 were found to be positive for proteinuria and haematuria who were given structured questionnaires and biological samples were taken. Urine and blood samples were tested for parasites by centrifugation and Giemsa-stained microscopy. Body mass index (BMI) and packed cell volume (PCV) were determined. Significant relationships were seen between education level and the diagnostic parameters of S. haematobium, with highest prevalence of micro-haematuria in secondary school students and proteinuria in tertiary school students. Fishing groups had the highest levels of micro-haematuria while civil servants had the highest levels of proteinuria, reported blood and abdominal pain; both reported blood and abdominal pain had significant occupational associations. Moreover, there were significantly lower PCV values among people with single infection and dual co-infection than among uninfected people, while BMI did not differ significantly between people with different types of infections. Data analyses were carried out by SPSS version 20.0 at 5% significance level by Chi square, ANOVA and t-test. The co-infection of Schistosoma haematobium and malaria has a high burden and significantly affects the hematological health of vulnerable rural children in Ebonyi State. Addressing these compounded morbidities depends on coordinated approaches to control which involve targeted mass drug administration, vector control, health education, and increased access to clean water infrastructure.