Malaria, Urogenital Schistosomiasis, and Anaemia in Pregnant Ghanaian Women.

BACKGROUND

Anaemia is common in sub-Saharan Africa, and parasitic infections could worsen its burden during pregnancy. Moreover, women become susceptible to malaria during pregnancy. We investigated () and () infections and determined their association with anaemia during pregnancy.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study involving 707 pregnant women attending antenatal care visits (ANC) and 446 at delivery was conducted in Battor and Adidome hospitals. Pregnant women were screened by microscopy and qPCR for and infections. Haemoglobin (Hb) levels were determined, and most participants received intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy (IPTp) during ANC till delivery. Regression analyses were performed for associations between parasite infection and anaemia.

RESULTS

microscopy prevalence at ANC and delivery was 8% and 2%, respectively, and by PCR 24% at ANC and 12% at delivery. Anaemia prevalence at ANC was 52% and 49% at delivery. There was an increased risk of anaemia with infection (aOR = 1.92; = 0.04). IPTp ( = 0.003) and age ( = 0.004) were associated with increased Hb levels at delivery. prevalence by microscopy was 4% at ANC and 2% at delivery. No significant correlation between and Hb levels was observed (coef. = -0.62 g/dl; = 0.07).

CONCLUSION

High anaemia prevalence was observed during pregnancy, and infection was associated with anaemia at ANC. Low prevalence could be attributed to previous praziquantel treatment during mass drug administration. Routine diagnosis and treatment of infections in endemic areas could be initiated to reduce schistosomiasis during pregnancy.