Prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis among school children in Biu Local Government Area, Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

Intestinal schistosomiasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases caused by four species of the genus Schistosoma. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, knowledge and risk factors associated with intestinal schistosomiasis in the study area. A total number offour hundred and twenty (420) fecal samples were collected from the study participants in the three sampling locations; Tum, Buratai and Biu metropolis. Samples collected were examined using formal-ether concentration technique. Other information about the participants’ knowledge on the disease and associated risk factors were obtained using a structured questionnaire. Three 3(0.7%) out of the entire samples examined were found with the eggs of Schistosoma mansoni and only age group 11-13years and 14-16years 1(0.7%) and 2(1.8%) has egg of Schistosoma mansoni in their fecal samples respectively. All the 3(1.6%) infected participants were male while no female 58 participant was infected with the parasite. Miringa had the highest prevalence of (1.9%) followed by Buratai(0.9%) and no infection in Biu metropolis. The difference in the prevalence rate between the age groups, sexes and locations of th eparticipants was statistically not significant. There was high level of ignorance and poor knowledge about the transmission, prevention and treatment of schistosomiasis among the participants. Other parasites encountered during the study were Ascaris lumbricoides (54%) Trichiuris trichiuria (33%), Giardia intestinalis (3%), Entamoeba histolytica (4%), Ancylostoma duodenale (6%). During this study, Schistosomiasis was not endemic in the study area but other intestinal parasites. Therefore, there is need for stakeholders to educate the people on the effect of this parasite and treat the few infected individuals using praziquantel for schistosoma spp and other anthelmintic drugs for mass administration to avoid further escalation of the intestinal parasites in the area.