Multiparasitism among Schoolchildren of Akonolinga, Nyong et Mfoumou Division, Centre Region of Cameroon
Authors: Oyono Martin G. , Lehman Leopold G. , Fosso Samuel , Bilong C. F. Bilong 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn Sub-Saharan Africa, school-age children are the most vulnerable to parasitic infections and are particularly exposed to multi-parasitism and its potential consequences. This study aimed at determining the intensity of multi-parasitism in Nyong et Mfoumou Division and identifying its determinants. A cross-sectional study took place from September 2017 to July 2018 among pupils of five (05) government schools from the Nyong et Mfoumou Division. Stool samples were collected from each child and examined for protozoan cysts, helminth eggs and larva while blood samples were collected for detection of Plasmodium spp and filarial blood stages. In addition, socio-demographic and school environment related information were documented. In total, 416 schoolchildren were recruited; out of which 309 (74.28%) were infected by at least one parasite species. 13 parasite species were found: 03 hemoparasites and 10 intestinal parasites. Plasmodium falciparum was the main hemoparasite (37.26%). Amongst intestinal parasites, Entamoeba coli were the most common among protozoa (29.33%) and Ascaris lumbricoides among helminths (21.39%). The frequency of multi-parasitism was 44.47% and the average species reach was 1.43 ± 0.01 per individual. Four types of multi-parasitism were found (bi-parasitism, tri-parasitism, quadri-parasitism and penta-parasitism); the bi-parasitism (26.68%) was the most common. Significantly statistic associations were found between parasite species such as: Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichirus trichiura and Mansonella perstans and can generally be explained by the same means of transmission. We conclude that the intensity of multiparasitism among schoolchildren in Nyong et Mfoumou Division is high with predominance in rural areas.Author SummaryEverywhere in Sub-Saharan Africa, school-age children are most vulnerable to parasitic infections, and in higher risk of multiparasitism and its potential consequences. Here, we report results obtained from pupils aged from 4 to 15 years from the Nyong et Mfoumou Division in the Centre Region of Cameroon. Amongst these pupils, 74.28% were infected with one parasite specie at least and 13 parasite species were found in the study area. The highest frequency, 37.26%, was found for Plasmodium falciparum. Entamoeba coli (29.33%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (21.39%) were the most common intestinal protozoa and helminth respectively. The frequency of multiparasitism was 44.47%; 26.68% participants harbored two parasites species concurrently and the maximum number of parasites harbored by one host individual was 5. The risk of multiparasitism was significantly higher for females, schoolchildren aged from 8 to 11 years and those living in rural areas. We conclude that the frequency of multiparasitism is higher in the Nyong et Mfoumou Division. These findings could be helpful in defining and implementing more effective parasitic diseases control strategies.