Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections and Associated Risk Factors in a Neglected Region in the Upper Nkongho-mbo Area, South-west Region, Cameroon

Introduction: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are among the most prevalent chronic human infections worldwide and affect the poorest and most deprived communities. Few studies have been carried out to evaluate the state of STH infections in the Upper Nkongho-Mbo region of Cameroon; hence levels of infection remain unknown.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study on the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminth infections as well as the influence of risk factors was carried out in the Upper Nkongho-Mbo area, South-West Region, Cameroon, between November 2012 and July 2013. Faecal and soil samples were collected and analysed using the formol-ether concentration technique and the sucrose floatation centrifugation technique respectively. Information on hygienic standards was also obtained.

Results: Results obtained showed that out of 327 people sampled, 145 were infected with one or more STHs giving an overall prevalence of 44.34%. The prevalence of round worm infection (39.14%, 128) was significantly higher (χ2 = 26.95; p ≤0.001) than that of whipworm (8.26%, 27) and hookworm (13.46%, 44). The prevalence of infection varied with age group (p ≤0.001). The 21-50 years age group had the highest prevalence (55.44%) while the 6-12 years age group had the lowest prevalence (30.38%). Intensity of infection also varied significantly with age groups (p < 0.001). The highest intensity was observed in the 21-50 years age group (113.5±24.8), and the lowest in the 6-12 years age group (20.95±9.33). Soil samples examined had a prevalence of 26.79% (30) compared with 44.34% observed in the faecal samples. The proportion of soils contaminated was statistically different from the proportion of faecal samples contaminated (χ2 = 4.307; p = 0.038). Age and toilet type were found to be important predictors of infection (p = 0.041and p= 0.01).

Conclusion: These findings provide evidence for the high risk of acquiring STH infections from the middle age group in the Upper Nkongho-Mbo region of Cameroon. Effective measures are therefore necessary to reduce contamination of the region.