Intestinal parasitic infections associated with nutritional status and inflammatory markers among young children in Huye district, Rwanda

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are a public health issue affecting young children in low and middle income countries (LMICs). These factors may induce malnutrition, as well as systemic and/or intestinal inflammation, depending on the species, intensity of infection, and host response. This study aimed at determining the effect of intestinal parasites on nutritional status and inflammatory responses in pre- and school-aged children in rural areas of the southern province of Rwanda. Methods A cross-sectional study involving 127 children under 12 years of age was conducted at two health centers in Huye District, Southern Province, Rwanda, from January to February 2022. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic information, feeding habits, anthropometric measurements, and information on infection/malnutrition risk factors. Stool samples were collected to test for intestinal parasites by using microscope, while serum was collected to measure (anti)inflammatory markers [interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), total protein, and C-reactive protein (CRP)]. Results The overall prevalence of IPIs was 38.6%, with non-pathogenic Entamoeba coli being the most prevalent (21.3%), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (18.1%), Entamoeba histolytica (11.8%), and Trichuris trichiura (1.6%). Coinfections accounted for 12.6% of the infections. Moreover, 48.0%, 25.2%, and 9.4% of the children were stunted, underweight, and stunted, respectively. Underweight, IL-10, and total protein levels were significantly associated with IPIs. Our findings also indicated that food supplements had a significant positive effect on stunting. Conclusion Ascaris lumbricoides , Entamoeba histolytica , and Trichuris trichiura were the predominant parasites. Intestinal parasitic infections in preschool children and schoolchildren affect the nutritional status, possibly through chronic inflammation. Further mechanistic investigations will shed more light on the regulation of the inflammatory response.