Typhoid Fever and Helminth Coinfection: A Pediatric Case Report

Abstract

Enteric fever and helminth infestation coinfection is commonly seen among children below the age of 5, living in areas with poor sanitation in Africa. These can be explained due to the fact that both enteric fever and ascariasis, are contracted via fecal-oral routes. Although the immune system of children is presumed to be stronger and capable of eliminating several infectious agents, it is not applicable to children below the age of 5. Balanced nutrition also plays a vital role in sustaining strong immunity in children of all age groups and so, it could be one of the contributing factors to high susceptibility to co-infectious diseases among children living in poor countries. Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are very common in developing countries. They are caused by infection with roundworm, hookworm, or whipworm. Both typhoid fever and helminth infestation in children presents with almost similar clinical symptoms. We present a case of coinfection with typhoid fever caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria and helminth in a 4-year-old child from Nigeria.