Identification of salmonellosis-malaria co-infection in patients consulted in health facilities in N’zérékoré, Guinée

Abstract

Introduction: The co endemicity of malaria and salmonellosis is a reality in Guinea. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of Salmonellosis-Malaria co-infection in patients attending health facilities in the N’zérékoré region. Methodology: The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for the detection of Salmonella, the Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT), the thin smear, confirmed by the Thick Drop (GE) for the identification of the plasmodia were carried out. Results: Out of a total of 900 patients registered in health facilities in the N'zérékoré region between September 1, 2021 and November 30, 2021, 442 cases of febrile syndromes were identified, including 183 cases of malaria alone, i.e. 20, 33%; 126 cases of salmonellosis alone, 14%; 133 cases of Salmonellosis-Malaria co-infection or 14.78% and 458 cases of fever syndrome not determined or 50.89%. Co-infection most affected the 45-50 age group, 19.5%. The age groups 6 months to 5 years and 75-80 years, were the least affected, respectively 3% and 3%; with a significant difference (P = 0.03). Co-infection was more present in the female sex, 51.1% against 48.9% in the male sex, non-significant difference, (P = 0.4). Conclusion: These results show that salmonellosis and malaria co-infection exists in the N’zérékoré region and that laboratory results must be taken into account when prescribing.