Prevalence of helminth infestation during pregnancy and its association with maternal anemia and low birth weight.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of helminth infestation during pregnancy and the associated risks of adverse maternal and infant outcomes.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study of women with a singleton pregnancy of at least 34 weeks was conducted at a teaching hospital in Benin City, Nigeria, between April 1 and September 30, 2010. Socioeconomic and clinical data were obtained. Stool samples were used to determine helminth infection. Birth weight was recorded at delivery. Multivariable analysis was used to assess the link between helminth infestation and maternal and perinatal outcomes.


RESULTS
Among 178 women, 31 (17.4%) had a helminth infestation (15 [8.4%] had ascariasis, 8 [4.5%] trichuriasis, and 25 [14.0%] hookworm infestation). Multivariate analysis found that helminth infestations was associated with maternal anemia (adjusted odds ratio 12.4; 95% confidence interval 4.2-36.3) and low birth weight (adjusted odds ratio 6.8; 95% confidence interval 2.1-21.9).


CONCLUSIONS
Approximately one in five women had a helminth infestation in the third trimester of pregnancy. Maternal helminth infestation significantly increased the risks of maternal anemia and low birth weight, indicating that routine administration of anthelminthic drugs during early pregnancy might improve perinatal outcomes.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mother and Child Hospital, Akure, Nigeria. Electronic address: adeniyi.aderoba@gmail.com.
Adeniyi K
AK
Aderoba
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria.
Oseihie I
OI
Iribhogbe
Women's and Adolescent Health Research Initiative, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.
Biodun N
BN
Olagbuji
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria.
Oghenefegor E
OE
Olokor
Department of Medical Microbiology, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria.
Chiedozie K
CK
Ojide
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria.
Adedapo B
AB
Ande
D000328:Adult; D000740:Anemia / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000469:parasitology; D001196:Ascariasis / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D001724:Birth Weight; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism; D006725:Hookworm Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D015597:Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000469:parasitology; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D015995:Prevalence; D014257:Trichuriasis / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D055815:Young Adult
D006454:Hemoglobins
Anemia; Helminth infestation; Low birth weight; Nigeria; Pregnancy; Prevalence