Burden and Predictors of Polyparasitism Among Schoolchildren in Three Ecological Zones of Taraba State

Polyparasitism, defined as simultaneous infection with two or more parasitic species, amplifies morbidity in schoolchildren and complicates single-disease control strategies in ecologically diverse endemic settings. This analytical cross-sectional study quantified the burden and identified predictors of polyparasitism among 480 primary school children across three distinct ecological zones of Taraba State, Northeast Nigeria. Stool, urine, and blood samples were collected and examined for soil-transmitted helminths, Schistosoma haematobium, and Plasmodium falciparum by Kato-Katz, urine filtration, and rapid diagnostic test respectively. Logistic regression modelling identified independent predictors of polyparasitism. Overall polyparasitism prevalence was 38.5 percent. The combination of malaria and soil-transmitted helminths was the most frequent co-infection pattern at 19.8 percent. Children in riverside ecological zones had significantly higher odds of schistosomiasis co-infection. Age between 8 and 11 years, male sex, absence of latrine use, and living in a riverside community were the strongest independent predictors. Nutritional status declined progressively with increasing parasite species count, documenting a dose-response relationship. The study provides ecological zone-specific burden data to guide integrated control planning and recommends adoption of combined preventive chemotherapy platforms delivering concurrent anthelminthic and antimalarial interventions in Taraba State schools. Keywords: polyparasitism, schoolchildren, ecological zones, Taraba State, integrated control.