Molecular diagnosis of Trichuris trichiura: Prevalence and associated risk factors in children under five living in a malaria-endemic area in Papua, Indonesia

BACKGROUND: Trichuris trichiura, a soil-transmitted helminth (STH), infection is highly prevalent in children and, if not treated, can cause adverse health consequences. Microscopy using the Kato-Katz method is the mainstay of STH diagnosis in most settings but has low sensitivity. This study aims to quantify prevalence and examine risk factors of trichuriasis among children in a malaria-endemic area. METHODS: The study recruited 181 children aged 3 years old had a 3 times increased risk of having trichuriasis compared to younger ones (aOR 3.29 95%CI, 1.42-7.63, p = 0.006). Children with Hb ≤ 10 g/dL were 2 times more likely to have trichuriasis compared to those with Hb > 10 g/dL, (OR 2.46 95%CI, 1.14-5.31, p = 0.020). Malaria prevalence was 9.9% (18/181; 95%CI, 6-15.3). Coinfections with malaria increased the risk of anaemia (OR 11.7 95%CI, 2.0-67.0, p = 0.004. No apparent association was found between trichuriasis and undernutrition (wasting and stunting). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of trichuriasis in under-five children is underestimated and together with malaria, the infections are associated with anaemia. Public health strategy should include STH prevention targeted to young children living in malaria-endemic areas.