![parasite city pregnant parasite city pregnant](https://www.spritesanddice.com/media/images/parasite_eve_plot.width-1080.png)
The roundworm, Ascaris lumbricoides, infection has also been implicated in diminished food intake and weight loss in pregnant women. Infection with intestinal parasites such as hookworms is known to cause anemia in pregnant women, contributing to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight and impaired milk production. Variations in geographical location and hygienic practices have been identified as important contributing factors to prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in any population. Data from previous studies in Ghana showed that intestinal parasitic infections among pregnant women were 41.2% and 49.6%. In Nigeria, it was observed that 18.2% (73/401) pregnant women were living with intestinal parasitic infections. A recent study in Ethiopia found 70.6% (553/783) pregnant women to be infected with intestinal parasites with helminthes being the predominant species. Pregnant women, especially those in Africa, are at greater risk of intestinal parasitic infections. They are therefore prevalent in areas where there is overcrowding, limited access to clean water, and poor personal hygiene. Intestinal parasitic infections are associated with socioeconomic and environmental factors. They are frequently transmitted via consumption of contaminated food, bathing, and wading through contaminated water as well as spread from person to person through fecal-oral contact. Intestinal parasitic infections are primarily caused by protozoans and helminthes. Routine stool examination and provision of public health education are recommended to prevent infection of pregnant mothers and their unborn babies. The major factors noted were age, gravidity, and gestational age.
![parasite city pregnant parasite city pregnant](https://www.ajtmh.org/view/journals/tpmd/96/1/full-170fig1.jpg)
It however suggests that intestinal parasitic infection is still a problem. A prevalence of 14.3% pregnant women compared to previous studies in Ghana is relatively low. Entamoeba histolytica (5.0%) was the most predominant parasite species identified followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (4.3%), Giardia lamblia (2.3%), Trichuris trichiura (1.3%), Schistosoma mansoni (0.3%), Hookworm (0.3%), Hymenolepis nana (0.3%), and Isospora belli (0.3%). Overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 14.3% (95% CI 11–19%). Stool samples were collected from each pregnant woman and examined for the presence of intestinal parasites by microscopy using direct wet mount as well as formol-ether sedimentation techniques. Structured questionnaires were administered to the study participants to assess sociodemographic and other possible factors. A hospital based analytical cross-sectional study was carried out among three hundred (300) conveniently sampled pregnant women receiving antenatal care services at the Kasoa Polyclinic. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Kasoa Polyclinic. In Kasoa, Southern Ghana, there is paucity of data on the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections among pregnant women.
![parasite city pregnant parasite city pregnant](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/347970806/figure/tbl4/AS:975608691564545@1609614646137/Correlation-of-haemoglobin-and-intestinal-parasites-in-pregnancy_Q320.jpg)
Sub-Saharan Africa is known to harbor the greatest proportion of intestinal parasitic infections largely due to socioeconomic and environmental factors.
![parasite city pregnant parasite city pregnant](https://fasressential125.weebly.com/uploads/1/2/5/7/125735609/468017283.jpg)
The infection has been implicated in causing life-threatening conditions in both gravid women and their developing foetus. Intestinal parasitic infections affect pregnant women worldwide.