Haematological changes in Schistosoma haematobium infections in school children in Gabon

Background: chistosomiasis is a parasitic disease affecting the blood cell. As a chronic disease, schistosomiasis particularly impacts on the human host's haematological profile. We assessed here the impact of urogenital schistosomiasis on the full blood counts (FBC) as proxy diagnostic tool for schistosomiasis. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among school children living in Lambarene, Gabon. Schistosomiasis status was determined using urine filtration technique. EDTA blood samples were analysed using a Pentra ABX 60(R) analyzer. Results: Compared to their infection-free counterparts, school children infected with Schistosoma haematobium displayed an altered FBC profile, with changes in all three blood cell lines. Adjusted for praziquantel intake, soil-transmitted helminthic infections and Plasmodium falciparum infection status, schistosomiasis was independently associated with a decreasing trend of mean haemoglobin (beta = - 0.20 g/dL, p-value = 0.08) and hematocrit (beta = - 0.61%, p-value = 0.06) levels, a lower mean MCV (beta = - 1.50 mu m(3), p-value = 0.02) and MCH (beta = - 0.54 pg, p-value = 0.04), and higher platelet (beta = 28.2 10(3)/mm(3), p-value = 0.002) and leukocyte (beta = 1.13 10(3)/mm(3), p-value = 0.0003) counts, respectively. Conclusions: Schistosomiasis is associated with a characteristic FBC profile of schoolchildren living in Lambarene, indicating the necessity to consider schistosomiasis as a single cause of disease, or a co-morbidity, when interpreting FBC in endemic areas.

Automated summary

Schistosomiasis has a significant impact on the full blood counts of school children, leading to changes in all three blood cell lines. The disease is associated with lower levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit, as well as alterations in MCV, MCH, platelet, and leukocyte counts. It is important to consider schistosomiasis when interpreting FBC in endemic areas.