Abstract:
This study aimed to determine the prevalence rate of malaria/ helminthic infection in irrigated area in central Sudan (Genaid). A cross- sectional study was carried out during the period from December 2008 to June 2009. A total number of 250 students (age between 6-16 years old, mean age was 11 ±3 years) were included in this study. Blood, urine and stool samples were taken from all subjects. Clinical and parasitological data were obtained and recorded. Seventy one out of 250 (28%) blood samples were found to be positive for P. falciparum when stained by Giemsa stain. Moreover, 82 out of 250 (32%) blood samples were found to be positive when examined by immunochromatogrophic test (ICT). On the other hand, 35 out of 250 (14%) stool samples were positive for S. mansoni when examined by wet preparation while 41 out of 250 (16%) stool samples were positive for S. mansoni when using Kato technique. Eighty out of 250 (31%) urine samples were positive for S.haematobium. The study showed that 60 out of 250 (24%)stool samples were positive for other protozoal and helminthic infections. The prevalence rates of malaria/ schistosomiasis co-infection were detected in 31 out of 250 students (12%). This study indicated that the study area is highly endemic for malaria and schistosomiasis as reflected by the high prevalence rate of malaria/ schistosomiasis co-infection
