Status of urinary schistosomiasis among residents of Ebonyi Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease prevalent in the sub-Saharan Africa. The present study determined the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in Ebonyi Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Six hundred (600) mid-stream urine samples from 348 males and 252 females were collected from the study participants and screened for the presence and intensity of Schistosoma haematobium ova using urine centrifugation microscopy. Out of the 600 urine samples examined, 408 (68.00%) were infected. Males were more infected 242 (69.54%) than females 166 (65.87%). The highest prevalence (85.15%) was observed among age group 11-20 years while age group 31-40 years had the least (36.00%). There were significant differences in parasite prevalence among age groups and sexes (p<0.05). It was also observed that 188 (31.33%) and 220 (36.67%) participants excreted < 50 eggs/10ml urine and > 50 eggs/10ml urine, respectively with an average infection intensity of 36.72 eggs/10ml urine. This baseline study for Ebonyi LGA shows that urinary schistosomiasis is a public health problem in the study area. Integrated control approach is therefore recommended to ensure significant reduction or possible elimination of the disease in the area.