Renal related disorders in concomitant Schistosoma haematobium-plasmodium falciparum infection among children in a rural community of Nigeria

Schistosomiasis and malaria are two common parasitic diseases that are co-endemic in resource-poor communities of sub-Saharan Africa. This study aims to assess the effects of single and concomitant Plasmodium falciparum and Schistosoma haematobium infections on two indicators of renal injury in school children in a rural community of Nigeria. A cross-sectional epidemiological survey was carried out on a total of 173 schoolchildren between ages 6 and 18 years [mean age 11.4 +/- 2.6 years]. Urine and blood samples were collected by standard methods for concurrent microscopic diagnosis of S. haematobium and P. falciparum infections. Urinary blood [hematuria] and protein were determined using a urinalysis dipstick. The prevalence of single infections was 75.1% and 78.2% for S. haematobium and P. falciparum, respectively. A total of 57.1% individuals were infected with the two parasites. The prevalence of hematuria was significantly higher in the co-infection status [63.8%] than in single S. haematobium [52.2%] and P. falciparum [43.7%] infection statuses [p=0.04], while no significant variation was recorded in proteinuria in the three infection statuses [p=0.53]. The proportion of children with renal injury associated with the co-infection of these parasites is very high, particularly in young children, who seem to have a higher prevalence of hematuria

Perception and management of malaria in secondary schools in a Nigerian City

This survey was carried out to assess the perception and management of malaria in secondary schools in South-West Nigeria. A total of 600 teachers and senior secondary school students were sampled using a structured questionnaire in 20 secondary schools randomly selected. Ninety five percent of the respondents have had malaria infection before. Seventy percent had it at least once in a year. Although 89% mentioned mosquitoes as the causative agent of the disease others said it is caused by the hot sun, bad weather, cold weather and the rain. Forty five percent use chloroquine for treatment, 29% use panadol/paracetamol while 14% use traditional herbs. Forty seven percent practice self medication although 74% had no idea of the full course of malaria treatment. Only 21% use bed nets. The continued input of information through the schools regarding Malaria is likely to achieve more impact both on the students, teachers and in the community as a whole