Urinary schistosomiasis among pupils in Afipko District south-eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Information is lacking on the endemicity level of urinary schistosomiasis in Ogbu Edda Community, Afikpo South LGA, EnohiaItim Community and Ndibe  Community, Afikpo North LGA of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. This study assessed the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among pre-school-aged and school-aged  children in these communities. The study was conducted between June and August 2013. One hundred and fifty urine samples were collected from the three  communities. Visual observation of urine samples, diagnostic chemical reagent strip and sedimentation technique were employed to detect traces of blood  (haematuria) in urine and the presence of Schistosoma haematobium eggs in urine. Questionnaires were also administered to collect information on socio-  demographic data and water contact activities. Result showed no prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in Ogbu Edda and EnohiaItim Communities in Afikpo South LGA and Afikpo North LGA respectively but high prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis was reported in Ndibe Community (62%), Afikpo North LGA. Of the fifty (50) urine samples examined in Ndibe  Community, visual observation revealed 15 (30%) macrohaematuria, while diagnostic chemical reagent strip detected 30(60%) positive cases. Sedimentation technique revealed 31 (62%) positive cases for S.heamatobium eggs. Their knowledge about urinary schistosomiasis is poor as only 5% of the  respondents have good knowledge of the disease while 95% respondents have no idea. 94% respondents from Ndibe Community visit the streams  frequently for their daily activities. This study thus provides baseline information on urinary schistosomiasis in Ndibe Community, and the result calls for control intervention of the disease in the area.

Keywords: urinary schistosomiasis, school pupils, Afipko District, Nigeria.