Urinary schistosomiasis among school age children in some rural communities of Abia State, south eastern Nigeria

Abstract

The prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in school age children in Azumini, a schistosomiasis endemic community in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State was studied. Early morning urine samples were collected in a clean, transparent, screw cap plastic bottle and transported to the laboratory for examination. These samples were examined both macroscopically and microscopically using standard Sedimentation method. A well-structured pre-tested questionnaire was administered and relevant information’s were obtained from 720 school age children between January and December, 2012. An overall prevalence of 53.8% was observed in the study. The sex pattern of infection showed a higher prevalence in males (60.5 %) than females (43.9 %). The subjects aged 10 – 14 had the highest prevalence of 70.3%.The sensitivity of haematuria and proteinuria in Schistosoma infected patients were 50.6% and 35.9% respectively. Subjects who were exposed to river as a source of water supply had the highest infection of 80.1% with tap having the least. The result showed that there is a high prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in the studied community. Poor knowledge of causative agent of the infection and subsequent means of transmission has contributed to the high prevalence recorded. Provision of potable water in the community and proper health education is recommended for the eradication of the disease.