03050nas a2200253   4500000000100000008004100001260004100042653001700083653001900100653001500119653002500134653001500159653000900174100001300183700001500196700001200211700001200223245017600235856026000411300001200671490000700683520209200690022001402782       2026                            d  c04/2026bSciencedomain International10aCo-infection10aPregnant women10aPlasmodium10aIntestinal helminths10aPrevalence10aChad1 aSamba ED1 aBayiha EDB1 aKemba S1 aAlio HM00aEpidemiological Characteristics of Co-Infection with Malaria and Intestinal Parasitic Helminths among Pregnant Women at the Mother and Child  Hospital of N’Djamena, Chad  uhttps://www.researchgate.net/profile/Etienne-Didier-Bassock-Bayiha/publication/403665803_Epidemiological_Characteristics_of_Co-Infection_with_Malaria_and_Intestinal_Parasitic_Helminths_among_Pregnant_Women_at_the_Mother_and_Child_Hospital_of_N'Djamena_Cha  a108-1190 v473 a<p><strong>Background:</strong></p>

<p>In sub-Saharan Africa, gestational malaria and intestinal helminth infections are highly prevalent, and their co-infection constitutes a major public health concern. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Plasmodium and intestinal helminths co-infection among pregnant women attending the Mother and Child Hospital in N’Djamena.</p>

<p><strong>Study Design:</strong></p>

<p>The study involved pregnant women presenting to the Gynecology Department for antenatal care or for the management of pregnancy-related complications. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted on 205 participants. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in the city of N’Djamena from June to July 2025.</p>

<p><strong>Methodology:</strong></p>

<p>Stool samples were examined using both quantitative and qualitative Kato-Katz methods, while blood samples were analyzed using two techniques : the Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) and the thick blood smear. Chi-square (χ²) tests were used to compare the prevalence of the different parasitic species.</p>

<p><strong>Results:</strong></p>

<p>A total of 135 pregnant women (65.85%) tested positive for Plasmodium, 57 (27.80%) for intestinal helminths, and 23 (11.21%) were co-infected with both Plasmodium and intestinal helminths. The prevalences of Schistosoma mansoni, Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenale, Trichuris trichiura, Enterobius vermicularis, and Necator americanus were 14.15%, 7.80%, 2.93%, 1.95%, 0.49%, and 0.49%, respectively. Three types of co-infection were observed : Plasmodium + S. mansoni, Plasmodium + A. lumbricoides, and Plasmodium + A. duodenale, with prevalences of 6.34%, 3.41%, and 1.46%, respectively.</p>

<p><strong>Conclusion:</strong></p>

<p>To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first in Chad to highlight the issue of Plasmodium–intestinal helminths co-infection among pregnant women. These findings highlight the need for integrated malaria and helminth control strategies among pregnant women in Chad.</p>
  a2278-1005