| Title: |
Molecular detection of intestinal helminths and protozoa among young children in Dosso Region, Niger [version 2; peer review: 2 approved] |
| Authors: |
Kristen Aiemjoy, Ahmed M. Arzika, Catherine Cook, Elodie Lebas, Nils Pilotte, Jessica R. Grant, Steven A. Williams, Thomas M. Lietman, Jeremy D. Keenan |
| Source: |
Gates Open Research, Vol 4 (2020) |
| Publisher Information: |
F1000 Research Ltd, 2020. |
| Publication Year: |
2020 |
| Collection: |
LCC:Medicine |
| Subject Terms: |
Medicine |
| More Details: |
Eukaryotic parasites are significant contributors to childhood illness in Niger. While helminthiases have received national attention through mass deworming efforts, the epidemiology of intestinal protozoa in Niger remains underexamined. This study employed real-time PCR diagnostics to describe the prevalence of two schistosomes, four soil-transmitted helminths, and one protozoan parasite in Boboye Department, Dosso Region. Prevalence was assessed using bulk stool specimens collected from a population-based sample of 86 children residing in 9 communities. Anthropometric measurements were used to calculate child growth z-scores and stool consistency was graded. Helminths were absent from the study population, with the exception of a single Schistosoma haematobium infection (1/86; 1.2%). Giardia duodenalis was the only protozoa present, detected in 65% (56/86) of children. Prevalence of G. duodenalis peaked in 2-year-olds with 88% (15/17) positivity. The population was generally undernourished, though growth indices did not differ significantly between children with and without G. duodenalis infection. |
| Document Type: |
article |
| File Description: |
electronic resource |
| Language: |
English |
| ISSN: |
2572-4754 |
| Relation: |
https://gatesopenresearch.org/articles/4-38/v2; https://doaj.org/toc/2572-4754 |
| DOI: |
10.12688/gatesopenres.13124.2 |
| Access URL: |
https://doaj.org/article/3fb3aeab856c49aa88ec11e932c90a96 |
| Accession Number: |
edsdoj.3fb3aeab856c49aa88ec11e932c90a96 |
| Database: |
Directory of Open Access Journals |
