Symptoms and Health Impact of Strongyloides and Hookworm Infections in Côte d'Ivoire
Author Information
Author(s): Becker Sören L., Sieto Benjamin, Silué Kigbafori D., Adjossan Lucas, Koné Siaka, Hatz Christoph, Kern Winfried V., N'Goran Eliézer K., Utzinger Jürg
Primary Institution: Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
Hypothesis
What symptoms does a S. stercoralis infection cause in tropical settings?
Conclusion
Both Strongyloides stercoralis and hookworm are co-endemic in rural Côte d'Ivoire, causing significant clinical symptoms and health issues.
Supporting Evidence
- 51.0% of participants were infected with hookworm.
- 12.7% of participants were infected with S. stercoralis.
- Self-reported morbidity was higher in S. stercoralis-infected individuals compared to those with hookworm.
- Clinical examinations showed worse health conditions in helminth-infected subjects.
- Both infections were strongly associated with each other (adjusted odds ratio, 6.73).
- Prevalence of both infections increased with age.
- Individuals with poor hygiene and limited education were more affected.
- High prevalence of hepatomegaly and splenomegaly was observed in the study population.
Takeaway
People in Côte d'Ivoire can get sick from two types of worms, and those with these worms often feel worse than those without them.
Methodology
A cross-sectional epidemiological survey was conducted, examining stool samples and using questionnaires to assess symptoms.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on self-reported morbidity and the limited sample size.
Limitations
The prevalence of infections may be underestimated due to low sensitivity of stool microscopy and examination of only one stool sample.
Participant Demographics
The cohort included 292 individuals, with a median age of 13 years, and a higher proportion of females (53.1%).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI for S. stercoralis: 9.1–17.0%; for hookworm: 45.1–56.9%
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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