Abstract:

Plasmodium falciparum and Schistosoma hematobium infections are very common parasitic infections that affect pregnant women in the tropics. In this study we evaluated the prevalence and contribution to anemia of Plasmodium falciparum and Schistosoma heamatobium among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Sekondi Takoradi Metropolis.

This is across sectional study involving pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Effia nkwanta regional hospital, Esikado hospital, Takoradi hospital and Jemima Crentsil hospital. Plasmodium falciparum detection and hemoglobin estimation were done from blood samples collected. Urine microscopy was done using the wet mount technique to detect the presence or absence of Schistosoma heamatobium

A total of 872 pregnant women were sampled, 23.4% (204/872)were infected with plasmodium falciparum infection, 3.3% (29/872) were infected with Schistosoma heamatobium infection and 34.2% (298/872) were anemic. Plasmodium falciparum infection had a significant association with anemia 32.2% (96/298)(P<0.001), Schistosoma heamatobium infection had no significant association with anemia, 4.4% (6/298) (p=0.3)

Plasmodium falciparum infection was higher and contributes more to anemia in pregnant women than Schistosoma heamatobium infection in this study. However it is very important to screen pregnant women for other parasitic diseases with lower prevalence than malaria to evaluate their burden and contribution to morbidity in pregnancy.

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