Urinary schistosomiasis among primary school pupils in selected communities of Abua/Odual Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

he aim of the study was to determine urinary schistosomiasis in primary school pupils in some selected communities in Abua/Odual  Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria, the risk factors of schistosomiasis with the view of suggesting control measures  suitable to reduce infectivity and morbidity. Urine samples were collected and investigated using centrifugation and sedimentation  techniques for the presence of S. heamatobium eggs. Also, the urine was examined using the chemical reagent strip, Medi-test Combi- 9 for the presence of haematuria and proteinuria in the urine. Of 140 urine samples collected and examined, haematuria and  proteinuria shows prevalence of 61 (43.6%) and 94 (67.1%) respectively, and an overall prevalence of S. haematobium infection of 25%  was recorded. Males (51.9%) had higher infection rate than females (17.4%). Children within age 10-13 years had the highest  occurrence (55.4%), due to frequent visit in the water bodies to swim, paddle, play in the mud, fish, wash, fetch water from the infected  water while the least was recorded among children within age 3-5 seen as infant whose parents restrict from visiting  the river  often. Emago-Kugbo recorded the highest infection with (32.3%), but the least was recorded in Akani-Kugbo with (15%).  Statistical analysis showed that the infection varied significantly among sexes, age at p>0.05, community infection was equally  significant at 0.05. The result of this study has shown the presence of urinary schistosomiasis in the Kugbo Clan, though prevalence  was below 50%. The children have no knowledge about schistosomiasis infection in the area. Also the presence of snail species  especially the Bulinus globosus and increase contact with fresh water were taught to be responsible for the occurrence of the infection  in the Kugbo Area. The results show that the communities around the Kugbo Clan are prevalent with schistosomiasis and  that there is immediate attention for mass drug distribution of praziquantel and public health education in curbing the disease in the  study-area.