Epidemiological survey on schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni in primary schools in the Sub-Division of Taïbong-Dziguilao, Far-North Region Cameroon

Abstract

Objective: To assess the current state of schistosomiasis (Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni) in Taïbong Sub Division, in Mayo-Kani Division, an epidemiological survey was conducted from September to November 2014 in four government primary schools, to determine the prevalence of these human parasites.
Methodology and results: 360 pupils responded to a previously developed questionnaire and underwent urine and stool tests. The examination of urinary sediment and stool samples under the microscope revealed a prevalence of 05.83% (21/360) of bladder schistosomiasis caused by S. haematobium and 1.11% (04/360) of intestinal schistosomiasis caused by S. mansoni. The age groups of 9-11 years had the highest prevalence rate with 7.5% (09/120); while the prevalence rate in the age group of 6-8 years was 5.83% (07/120) and the lowest was the age group 12-14 years with (4.17%) (05/120).A non-significant difference (χ² = 0.21, df= 1, p> 0.05) was noted between the sexes. Girls and boys presented the same proportions in terms of infestation with S. haematobium (5.81%; 10/172) for girls against (5.85%; 11/188) for boys. The public primary school Dziguilao II is the most affected by schistosomiasis with (10/90; 11.11%).
Conclusion: This study assessed the current level of endemicity of urogenital and intestinal schistosomiasis in human populations of this mixed focus and permitted to put in place adequate means of perpetual control of these parasitic diseases.

Keywords: Epidemiological survey, Schistosomiasis, prevalence, pupils, Taïbong, Cameroon