Schistosoma haematobium co-infection with soil-transmitted helminthes: prevalence and risk factors from two communities in the central region of Ghana

Background: Schistosoma haematobium co-infection with S. mansoni and  soil-transmitted helminthes afflict most-at-risk populations in endemic communities in the developing world. Aim: This study investigated S. haematobium co-infection with soil-transmitted helminthes, and host risk factors in two communities in the central region of Ghana. Methods: Schools and children were selected by stratified cluster and random sampling methods respectively. A total of 250 school children (aged 5 - > 20 years) were recruited. Teachers issued questionnaires to obtain information on host risk factors, water-contact activities and knowledge of S.  haematobium infection. Urine and stool samples were examined for S. haematobium infection and S. mansoni and soil-transmitted helminthes using sedimentation quantitative and direct smear/formol-ether sedimentation concentration techniques respectively.Results: S. haematobium infection (1 - 50 eggs/10 ml urine)  prevalence at Apewosika and Putubiw were 27.5 % and 17 % respectively. Males were more at risk of S. haematobium infection than females. S. haematobium co-infection with soil-transmitted helminthes (A. lumbricoides, E. histolytica, and T. trichuria) was recorded in Putubiw, with females more at risk than males. Children aged 16-19 and 10-15 were more at risk of S. haematobium infection and  helminthic co-infection respectively. Haematuria and proteinuria were predictive of S. haematobium infection. School children had poor knowledge of S. haematobium infection. Water-contact activity was common.Conclusion: S. haematobium prevalence and its co-infection with soil-transmitted helminthes were common in Putubiw. Watercontact activity and poor knowledge about S. haematobium infection were major risk factors. Increased education on preventive and control measures especially in schools is recommended.Key words: Haematuria, proteinuria, Schistosoma haematobium, S. mansoni, helminthes, Bulinus globosu

Levels of serum alanine/aspartate aminotransferase and urea in apparently healthy rural community in Ghana: A case study in Sabin-Akrofrom and Trede in the Ashanti region

Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and urea levels were assessed in 27 males (mean age 32.33 yrs) and in 34 females (mean age 27.85yrs) Ghanaian rural dwellers to determine the functional status of their liver (ALT/AST) and kidney (Urea). No significant (P≥0.05) differences were observed between the sexes in all the assessed parameters. Mean values of 28.92 U/L, 31.64 U/L, 9.04 mmol/L for males and 30.09 U/L, 33.92 U/L, 8.72 mmol/L for females were obtained respectively for ALT, AST and Urea. The serum levels of ALT, AST and AST to ALT ratio indicated that both groups had normal functioning liver but theurea levels for both sexes appear to suggest renal impairment. Further investigations are needed to establish the underlying pathology