Prevalence of Schistosomiasis in Wurukum, Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Schistosomiasis was surveyed in Wurukum, situated in Makurdi Local Government Area, of Benue State, between the months of April and July 2001. A total of 400 samples, made up of 200 urine and 200 stool samples were collected. The stool samples were prepared using the formol-ether concentration technique, while the urine samples were prepared using the sedimentation technique. Samples were examined microscopically for eggs of schistosomes. The overall prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis (Schistosoma haematobium) in the study area was 23.0%. Schistosoma mansoni infection was not detected. Males were slightly more infected (23.7%) than females (22.4%) (p > 0.05). Among the occupational groups examined, students/pupils were the most infected followed by individuals in other trades. Individuals that made use of streams were the most infected (prevalence 43.3%), while none of those who use pipe borne and bore-hole water exclusively was infected (p < 0.05).

Key words: urinary schistosomiasis, prevalence, water sources

Journal of Medical Laboratory Science Vol.12(2) 2003: 47 - 51