Malaria co-infection and anal lesions in children under 5 years

This descriptive cross-sectional study focuses on the co-infection of malaria and anal lesions in children under 5 years old in Opala. It aims to determine the frequency of co-infection of malaria and anal lesions, to identify its clinical aspects and to evaluate the medical management based on the immediate fate of the sick children. We recorded 135 cases of co-infection, i.e. 36.7% and 85.2% of positive RDTs and 13.3% of unavailable laboratory results. Children aged 12 to 23 months and 0 to 11 months were more affected, with a female predominance. These subjects presented a clinical picture of fever, anal lesions and embarrassing digestive signs. Apart from self-medication of chloramphenicol with tomato leaf alkaloids or lemon juice, the medical management was made of anti-malarial drugs, antibiotics and antipyretics. We obtained 87.4% cure and 5.2% death. Thus, we support the hypothesis of co-infection of malaria and salmonellosis in case of anal lesions in children under five years of age.

Autorentext

Born in Yangambi on 2 July 1962, Antoine Ependja Towaka holds a University Diploma in Human Nutrition and a degree in Epidemiology. His research activities are focused on epidemiology, nutrition and operational research. He is currently Head of Works at ISTM Yangambi, Tshopo Province in DR Congo.