Geohelminth Infections among Pregnant Women in Rural Western Kenya
Author Information
Author(s): van Eijk Anna M., Lindblade Kim A., Odhiambo Frank, Peterson Elizabeth, Rosen Daniel H., Karanja Diana, Ayisi John G., Shi Ya Ping, Adazu Kubaje, Slutsker Laurence
Primary Institution: Kenya Medical Research Institute
Hypothesis
What are the prevalence and effects of geohelminth infections among pregnant women in rural western Kenya?
Conclusion
Geohelminth infections are common in this pregnant population; however, there were few observed detrimental effects.
Supporting Evidence
- 76.2% of participants were infected with at least one geohelminth.
- A. lumbricoides was the most prevalent infection at 52.3%.
- Hookworm infections were associated with lower hemoglobin levels.
- Women with A. lumbricoides were less likely to have malaria parasitemia.
- Geohelminth infections were not associated with clinical symptoms.
Takeaway
Many pregnant women in rural Kenya have infections from worms, but these infections don't seem to make them very sick.
Methodology
Pregnant women were interviewed and provided blood and stool samples to identify geohelminth infections.
Potential Biases
Participants who did not provide stool samples were more likely to use unprotected water sources, which may bias the results.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and used a single stool specimen to assess infection status.
Participant Demographics
The majority of participants were of Luo ethnicity, with a median age of 25 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.009
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.1–3.0
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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