title: Dynamics of anemia in relation to parasitic infections, micronutrient status, and increasing age in South-Central Côte d'Ivoire.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Parasitic diseases (eg, malaria and helminthiases) exert enormous burdens on public health and social well-being. Moreover, parasitic infections are important causes of anemia in tropical Africa, exacerbated by lack of a diversified diet and inflammatory and genetic diseases. There is a paucity of longitudinal studies monitoring the dynamics of anemia in relation to the aforementioned parameters.
  
  
  METHODS
  We designed a 14-month prospective longitudinal study in 3 cohorts (ie, infants aged 6-23 months, children aged 6-8 years, and women aged 15-25 years) in the Taabo health demographic surveillance system located in south-central Côte d'Ivoire. Parasitological, hematological, and micronutrient data were obtained from repeated cross-sectional surveys, utilizing standardized, quality-controlled methods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found that young age, Plasmodium and Schistosoma infections, cellular iron deficiency, and stunting were significantly negatively associated with hemoglobin concentration. Moreover, iron status biomarkers (ie, ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor) were significantly associated with inflammatory parameters.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on our results, effective prevention and control measures that target parasitic diseases and iron deficiency are needed. These measures might include the distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets, intermittent preventive treatment for malaria, regular anthelmintic drug administration, and improved intake of bioavailable iron, coupled with health and nutritional education and improved hygiene, water, and sanitation.
authors: Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Swittzerland.
authors: Aurélie A
authors: AA
authors: Righetti
authors: Lukas G
authors: LG
authors: Adiossan
authors: Mamadou
authors: M
authors: Ouattara
authors: Dominik
authors: D
authors: Glinz
authors: Richard F
authors: RF
authors: Hurrell
authors: Eliézer K
authors: EK
authors: N'Goran
authors: Rita
authors: R
authors: Wegmüller
authors: Jürg
authors: J
authors: Utzinger
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D001682:Biological Availability; D002648:Child; D007560:Cote d'Ivoire / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005293:Ferritins / Q000097:blood / Q000172:deficiency; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D019266:Iron, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D016014:Linear Models; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D010272:Parasitic Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D019266:Iron, Dietary; D018977:Micronutrients; D005293:Ferritins