Epidemiology of hookworm infection in Kintampo North Municipality, Ghana: patterns of malaria coinfection, anemia, and albendazole treatment failure

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2011 May;84(5):792-800. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.2011.11-0003.

Abstract

A cross-sectional pilot study of hookworm infection was carried out among 292 subjects from 62 households in Kintampo North, Ghana. The overall prevalence of hookworm infection was 45%, peaking in those 11-20 years old (58.5%). In children, risk factors for hookworm infection included coinfection with malaria and increased serum immunoglobulin G reactivity to hookworm secretory antigens. Risk factors for infection in adults included poor nutritional status, not using a latrine, not wearing shoes, and occupation (farming). Although albendazole therapy was associated with an overall egg reduction rate of 82%, 37 subjects (39%) remained infected. Among those who failed therapy, treatment was not associated with a significant reduction in egg excretion, and nearly one-third had higher counts on repeat examination. These data confirm a high prevalence of low-intensity hookworm infection in central Ghana and its association with poor nutritional status. The high rate of albendazole failure raises concern about emerging resistance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Albendazole / therapeutic use*
  • Anemia / complications*
  • Anthelmintics / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Ghana / epidemiology
  • Hookworm Infections / complications
  • Hookworm Infections / drug therapy
  • Hookworm Infections / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Malaria / complications*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anthelmintics
  • Albendazole