Prevalence of urinary schistosomosis among school aged pupils in Maiduguri, Nigeria

Abstract

This study on the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in primary/nursery school children in Maiduguri was conducted in September, 2006. A total of 300 urine samples were examined using the sedimentation technique, which revealed an overall prevalence of 5.7% made up of 12(6.3%) males and 5(4.6%) females (p>0.05).Age groups of 4-7 years, >7-12 years, and >12-15
years had 2 (4.1%); 6 (4.3%); and 9 (8.2%) respectively (p<0.05). Disease distribution among the schools examined indicated that Kings Private School, Distinction Preparatory School, and Munac Primary School had relatively lower prevalence (0.0%, 4.3% and 6.1%, respectively) compared with Ultimate Primary/Nursery School with 12.5% (p<0.05). In general, the prevalence
of the disease was low in this study but medically significant. Consequently, efforts for containment should be emphasized among the pupils.