Epidemiological Characteristics of Co-Infection with Malaria and Intestinal Parasitic Helminths among Pregnant Women at the Mother and Child Hospital of N’Djamena, Chad

Abstract

Background: 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. Study Design: 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. Methodology: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: 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.