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ABSTRACT
Intestinal parasites and Helicobacter pylori are infectious diseases with significant global public health implications. Both infections are commonplace increasing the chance of co-infection. The study aim to determine the prevalence of H. pylori, intestinal parasitic infection and co-infection with both as well as the effect of these infections on haematological parameters. Blood and stool specimens were collected from 521 patients with gastrointestinal complaints accessing care in General Practice Clinics of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. Socio-demography data were obtained with a questionnaire while full blood count was determined on the blood specimens using an auto-analyzer. The stool samples were used to detect H. pylori antigen using an immunochromatographic kit. The prevalence of H. pylori infection, intestinal parasitic infection and co-infection was 28.21%, 3.26% and 4.76% respectively, and H. pylori was not significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infection (OR=1.820, 95%CI=0.679, 4.877; p=0.3506). Ascaris lumbricoides (2.88%) and hookworm (0.38%) were the only intestinal parasites recovered. Patients with single marital status (p=0.0362) had higher prevalence of H. pylori while those with primary level of education had higher prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection (p=0.0008). Other demographic data did not significantly (p>0.05) affect the prevalence of H. pylori and intestinal parasitic mono-infections. H. pylori infection only resulted in significant increase in total white blood cell count (p=0.0020); intestinal parasitic infection caused significant reduction in haematocrit values (p=0.0365) and haemoglobin concentration (p=0.0036) while co-infection only caused a significant reduction in haematocrit values (p=0.0279). Measures to prevent mono- and co-infection and associated sequelae are advocated
