The burden of soil-transmitted helminths infections among pregnant women in Maharashtra and Rajasthan states of India.

Abstract

Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infections are among the most common and widespread infections in developing countries where sanitation facilities are inadequate. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of STH infections in prenatal mothers in two states in India. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Maharashtra and Rajasthan state of India. We randomly selected one municipal corporation and one rural block from a selected district in each state. Out of 2400 contacted, 2206 pregnant women gave stool samples for microscopy for parasitological study. The response rate was 89.91%. Stool specimens were transported to an accredited lab and examined microscopically within 24 hrs. Prevalence of STH was 8.34 (95%CI 7.22-9.57). The prevalence in rural and urban areas was 10.01% (95%CI 8.51-11.74) and 5.76% (95%CI 4.39-7.52), respectively. Ascaris lumbricoides (34.7%) were the most common, followed by Entamoeba histolytica (30.43%), and 20.1% were mixed infections. Higher age, walking barefoot, weight gain during pregnancy were significantly associated with STH (p < 0.05). The mean hemoglobin value in women with STH was significantly less (8.75 gm%; SD 4.04) compared to those without STH (10.23 gm%; SD 1.23) (p < 0.05), and average weight gain during pregnancy was significantly less among women with STH (3.80 kg; 4.11) compared to women without STH (8.45 kg; 2.83); (p = 0.000). The study provides valuable insights into the burden and intensity of STH in pregnant women that may support the policy recommendation for deworming during pregnancy.