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Trichuris and hookworm infections associated with anaemia during pregnancy
Author(s) -
Gyorkos Theresa W.,
Gilbert Nicolas L.,
Larocque Renée,
Casapía Martín
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
tropical medicine and international health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 114
eISSN - 1365-3156
pISSN - 1360-2276
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2011.02727.x
Subject(s) - mebendazole , trichuris trichiura , trichuris , hookworm infections , medicine , trichuriasis , pregnancy , ascaris lumbricoides , hookworm infection , obstetrics , anemia , immunology , helminthiasis , ascariasis , helminths , biology , ecology , genetics
Summary Objective To assess the following associations between the second and third trimesters of pregnancy: (i) the intensity of soil‐transmitted helminth (STH) infection and haemoglobin/anaemia, (ii) the effect of mebendazole treatment on the occurrence of STH infection, and (iii) the effect of mebendazole treatment on haemoglobin/anaemia. Methods Data originated from a trial of 1042 pregnant women recruited in their second trimester and followed to delivery. Baseline assessments included socio‐demographic/health information from questionnaires, haemoglobin/anaemia from HemoCue ascertainment of fingerprick blood, and the presence and intensity of STH ( Ascaris lumbricoides , hookworms and Trichuris trichiura ) infections from Kato–Katz examination. All women were given iron supplements; half were randomly allocated to receive single dose 500 mg mebendazole, and half, placebo. Haemoglobin/anaemia and STH infection status were determined again in the third trimester of pregnancy. Results Complete information was available from 935 (89.7%) women. Mebendazole significantly reduced the prevalence and intensity of all three STH infections. Higher intensities of hookworm and Trichuris infections in the second trimester were associated with a higher risk of anaemia in the third trimester. Overall, women with moderate/heavy Trichuris infection were found to be at a higher risk of anaemia; the highest risk was observed among those with moderate/heavy hookworm co‐infection (adjusted OR = 2.77; 95% CI: 1.26, 6.11). Mebendazole treatment did not reduce the risk of anaemia. Conclusion Higher intensities of both Trichuris and hookworm infections are associated with anaemia in pregnancy. The importance of Trichuris infections during pregnancy requires renewed attention.