Incidence of Mixed Infections of Schistosoma and Salmonella in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja

Abstract

In areas where both Salmonella and Schistosoma are endemic, eo-infections may be common and a synergistic interaction may complicate the course of infection and make diagnosis and therapy difficult. We examined the prevalence of mixed Schistosoma and Salmonella infections in the Gwagwa and Juwa communities of the Federal capital territory, Abuja, following the microscopic and cultural examination of freshly collected urine and stool specimens from individuals of all ages resident in these areas. Out of 410 individuals, 24 (5.85%) had concurrent schistosome and salmonella infections. Co -infections with Schistosoma mansoni and SaLmonella species were more prevalent (18 out of 24 cases) compared with 6 out 24 cases for S. hematobium and Salmonella species. Egg densities ranged from light (1- 100 eggs/gm or ml feaces or Urine) to heavy (c-above 400 eggs/gm or ml of faeces or urine). Individuals with eo-infections had lighter schistosome egg densities (1-100 eggs/ml). The overall schistosomiasis prevalence for the two communities was 26.50% (109) and prevalence by area was 14.37% and 12.19% in Gwagwa and Juwa areas respectively. Prevalence of Simansoni infections was 17.8% while S. hematobium accounted for 8.78%. There was no significant difference in the infection rate between males and females (p >0.05). Children of the 11-15 year's age group accounted for 44 (10.72%) of all cases. In addition, Salmonella species were isolated in 12.43% and 16.83% of asymptomatic urine and stool samples respectively, confirming that Salmonella and schistosome infections are endemic in both communities. Other helminthes identified include: hookworm (3.17%), ascaris (3.75%), and Trichuris trichuria (1.7%). Schistosome infections may be complicated by bacterial and viral infections, and this requires considerations especially in febrile conditions in persons who are immunocornprornised.