Necator Americanus and Plasmodium Falciparum Co-Infection and Albendazole Treatment Outcome among Individuals in Rural Ghana

Abstract

The overlapping geographical distribution of malaria and helminth infections has led to several studies investigating the effect of co-infections by these parasites on the host. We investigated the impact of Necator americanus and Plasmodium falciparum co-infection on haemoglobin level and albendazole treatment outcome among infected individuals in Ghana. Hookworm-P. falciparum co-infection was associated with significantly reduced blood haemoglobin level (p=0.0057) and an increased odd (OR=6.44, 95%CI=1.31-53.97, p=0.042) of individuals remaining hookworm infected two weeks post-albendazole treatment. P. falciparum co-infection with hookworm may increase albendazole treatment failure. The possible implications on control programs and mechanisms underlying this phenomenon warrant further studies.