Post-treatment evaluation of urogenital schistosomiasis among elementary school children in Erin Osun, a peri-urban community in Irepodun Local Government Area, Osun State.

Abstract

This study assessed the post-treatment status of urogenital schistosomiasis among school-aged children in Erin Osun in Osun State, Nigeria. A total of 357 children from five elementary schools that had participated in the Osun State Elementary School Feeding and Health Programme (O-MEALS Programme) and received praziquantel as part of the deworming programme were examined for the study. Urine samples were collected and tested for microhaematuria and proteinuria using urinalysis reagent strips. The urine samples were further examined for Schistosoma haematobium ova. A snail survey was conducted in the River Awesin at the water contact points in the community. Out of the 357 participants examined, (4.2%) had S. haematobium infection; males had a higher prevalence (5.5%) than females (2.9%). Christ Apostolic Church Elementary School had the highest (7.2%) prevalence of infection while Ansar-Ud-Deen ‘A’ Elementary School had the least prevalence (1.5%). There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the prevalence between gender and between schools. The highest prevalence was recorded among children of age group 13-15years (20.0%) while the least was among the age group 5-8years, and there was a significant difference in the prevalence of infection between age groups (p < 0.05). The overall geometric mean intensity of infection was 1.14 eggs/10mls of urine. There was a high (52.9%) prevalence of proteinuria. However, 47.1% of the participants had no proteinuria, 43.7% had 1+ amount (0.3 g/L) and 1.9% had 3+ amount (5.0 g/L). The low prevalence (4.2%) and intensity (1.14 eggs/10ml) of S. haematobium infection, in this study, suggest a positive impact of the O-Meals programme, which used Praziquantel twice a year to treat the pupils. No snail intermediate host of S. haematobium was encountered during the survey. Continuous drug administration with the feeding initiative and provision of safe drinking water in the community will help sustain the current level of control.