# Soil‐Transmitted Helminthes (STHs) and Asymptomatic Bacteriuria Amongst Preschool Children in the Bosomtwe District of Ghana

## TL;DR

This study examines the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths and asymptomatic bacteriuria in preschool children in Ghana, finding high rates of both infections and highlighting the need for improved sanitation and healthcare.

## Contribution

The study provides new data on the co-occurrence of soil-transmitted helminths and bacteriuria in preschool children in the Bosomtwe District of Ghana.

## Key findings

- Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) affected 19.8% of children, with Ascaris lumbricoides being the most common.
- Asymptomatic bacteriuria affected 44.8% of children, with Escherichia coli being the most common pathogen.
- Gentamicin was the most effective antibiotic against bacteriuria isolates.

## Abstract

Soil‐transmitted helminths (STHs) and urinary tract infections (UTIs) pose major public health challenges, especially in regions with poor healthcare access, inadequate sanitation, and limited clean water supply. When these two conditions recur, they can cause stunted growth in children between 24 and 59 months of age, a vital phase for physical development. This study sought to assess the prevalence of STHs and asymptomatic bacteriuria among preschool children aged 1–5 years in the Bosomtwe District. A total of 344 children from 5 educational circuits were randomly selected for this study. Fecal specimens were obtained from each child and examined for STHs via the formol‐ether concentration method, while urine samples were inoculated onto CLED agar to isolate and identify asymptomatic bacteriuria isolates. Antibiotic susceptibility was assessed using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion test. Participant demographics were obtained using a predesigned and structured survey questionnaire. The study found a prevalence of 19.8% (68/344) for STHs and 44.8% (154/344) for bacteriuria, with 6.1% (21/344) having both infections. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most common STH, accounting for 12.2% (42/344), followed by Trichuris trichiura 4.4% (15/344) and hookworm 3.2% (11/344). More males, 24.2% (40/165), than females, 15.6% (28/179), were affected by STHs. The Kuntenase circuit recorded the highest STH positivity with 26.1% (18/69). For bacteriuria, more females, 47.5% (85/179), than males, 41.8% (69/165) were affected, with age 5 being the most at‐risk group, 46.6% (41/88). Escherichia coli was the most isolated Bacteriuria pathogen, 37.5% (129/344), followed by Klebsiella spp. 6.1% (21/344) and Proteus spp. 1.2% (4/344). Gentamicin was the most effective antibiotic against Bacteriuria isolates. Given the high prevalence of both STHs and bacteriuria, stakeholders should ensure better sanitation and health services, distribute anthelminthic drugs regularly, and raise awareness of bacteriuria in the district.