Prevalence and intensity of schistosoma haematobium infection among primary school children in Katagun town, Bauchi state, Nigeria

Abstract

The objectives of the study were to establish the prevalence and intensity of infection with schistosoma haematobium which is a waterborne disease in a rural community, Katagum town. All the school children who attended the only primary school in the town made up the population studied. 11 out of 444 children studied were shedding ova of S. haematobium and that gave the prevalence of infection to be 2.5%. Varied intensities were noted in those shedding ova and that reflected in the degrees of haematuria and proteinuria. Though the prevalence is low compared to most earlier studies, the potential for spread is high considering the greater viability of schistosoma ova in younger children. In view of the potential complications, it was recommended that various tiers of government should be involved actively in control efforts.


Sahel Medical Journal Vol. 10 (1) 2007: pp. 11-14