Status of Schistosoma haematobium Infection among Pupils around the Kainji Dam, Niger State: A Paradigm Shift In Infection Rate

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is the second most prevalent tropical disease after malaria, and a major public health problem among schoolaged
children. This study was carried out to assess the current status of Schistosoma haematobium infection among pupils around Kainji Dam. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 5 communities around Kainji dam. Urine samples were collected and processed using the standard filtration technique. Filter papers were examined with compound microscope and eggs of S. haematobium were identified with their terminal spines. Data were analyzed with SPSS 23. The overall prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium infection among the 410 pupils examined was 5.1% and a geometric mean egg count of 5.97 eggs/10ml urine. There was statistically significant association between infection and age with peak infection in age group 12-14 (11.8%, x2 = 14.185, p < 0.005). The males (6.8%) were more infected than the females (2.9%) and there was no significant difference (Χ² =3.1, P>0.05) in infection among sexes. The occupation of Pupils' Parent was found to have a statistically significant association with the risk of being infected (x2 = 38.7, P<0.05), prevalence of infection was shared between the fishermen (47.6%) and farmers (52.4%). Compared to other studied communities, a pupil stands over 400times [OR 412.2 (95% CI: 52.4 – 3245.1)] risk of being infected with Schistosoma haematobium in Yuna community. The lack of infection in 3 of the studied communities could be attributed to the impact of current efforts at controlling Schistosoma haematobium infection around the Kainji dam which is a paradigm shift from what used to be experienced from previous studies. This current experience advocates for intensified efforts at total elimination.

Keywords: Schistosoma haematobium, Prevalence, Pupils, Kainji dam