This study investigates the impact of anthelminthic treatment on the prevalence and intensity of intestinal helminth infection, hemoglobin levels, and prevalence of anemia among school-age children in Ethiopia. Children in the study area who tested positive for helminth infection were given one of three treatments: albendazole for soil-transmitted helminths, praziquantel for H. nana, T. saginata or S. mansoni infection, and both treatments for those infected with two or more species. Findings showed that infections with helminths are associated with increased risk for anemia, and that anthelminthic treatment significantly reduced the prevalence of helminth infections and increased hemoglobin levels one month after treatment.
BMC Infectious Diseases, October 2016