Abstract
B A C K G R O U N D The prevalence of helminth infection, which is known to affect nutritional status of
the host, varies with age. The complex interplay between ages, nutrient requirements, and infection
necessitated the need to recommend micronutrient supplementation during helminth infection among
different age groups.
O B J E C T I V E The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of alteration in selected micronutrients
in pregnant women and preschool- and school-aged children with helminth infection.
M E T H O D S We screened 245 pregnant women and 349 children for helminth infection. Of these, 17
(6.9%) pregnant women and 102 (29.2%) children (42 preschool- and 60 school-aged) had helminth
infection. Only Ascaris lumbricoides was found in pregnant women, whereas the children had A
lumbricoides, hookworm, Fasciola hepatica, and Trichuris trichiura infections. The helminth-infected (HI)
pregnant women, preschool-aged children, and school-aged children were matched with helminthnegative
(HN) pregnant women (n ¼ 21), preschool-aged children (n ¼ 42), and school-aged children
(n ¼ 50) who served as controls. Venous blood samples were obtained and analyzed for iron (Fe), zinc
(Zn), selenium (Se), and vitamins A and C. Statistical analysis was done using Student’s t test, and
P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
F I N D I N G S Serum levels of Fe, Zn, and Se were significantly lower in HI pregnant women than HN
pregnant women. In preschool-aged children, serum levels of Fe, Zn, and vitamin A were significantly
lower in the HI than in the HN group. Similarly, serum levels of Zn and vitamin A were significantly lower
in HI school-aged children than in the HN group. However, serum levels of Se were significantly higher in
HI children (both age groups) than in the corresponding HN group.
C O N C L U S I O N Helminth infection alters different types of micronutrients in children and pregnant
women. Results from the present study therefore suggest monitoring Fe, Zn, or vitamin A supplementation
with an anti-helminthic regimen.