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The potential relationship between Schistosoma mansoni and anemia was examined using data obtained by the Schistosomiasis Control Initiative (SCI) before (baseline) and 1 year after (follow-up) a chemotherapeutic treatment program in Uganda. Changes in hemoglobin (Hb) levels in 2,788 children in relation to their schistosomiasis and/or hookworm infection intensity category and baseline anemia status were analyzed. At baseline, significant predictors of childhood anemia were intensities of S. mansoni and hookworm infection. At follow-up, moderate or heavy hookworm as well as heavy S. mansoni infections were important. Children heavily infected with S. mansoni or hookworm had significantly lower Hb counts at baseline compared with those not infected. Among anemic children at the baseline survey, a significant increase in Hb counts of 0.834 g/dL after treatment was found. Our results suggest that anemia is associated with schistosomiasis and hookworm in Ugandan children and that such anemia shows a significant improvement after chemotherapy.

Original publication

DOI

10.4269/ajtmh.2006.75.278

Type

Journal article

Journal

The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene

Publication Date

08/2006

Volume

75

Pages

278 - 286

Addresses

Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom. artemis.koukounari@imperial.ac.uk

Keywords

Feces, Animals, Humans, Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosomiasis mansoni, Anemia, Albendazole, Praziquantel, Hemoglobins, Anthelmintics, Morbidity, Prevalence, Odds Ratio, Adolescent, Child, Uganda, Female, Male