Prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium among Qur’anic School Pupils in Zaria, Kaduna State

Abstract

Urinary schistosomiasis is a major public health problem particularly in developing countries and is associated with high morbidity. The study aimed at determining the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among Qur’anic school pupils in Zaria, Kaduna State. One hundred and fifty-five (155) urine samples were collected from Qur’anic school pupils in Zaria. The samples were immediately transported to the laboratory of the Department of Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University (A.B.U), Zaria and processed using sedimentation technique. The ova of Schistosoma haematobium were detected in fifty-eight (58) samples giving a prevalence of 37.4%. The infection was highest in age group 10-12 years with 41.9%, followed by those in age range 13-15 years (41.0%) while the least was observed among pupils between the ages of 7-9 years (27.5%). Risk factors observed to be associated with schistosomiasis include; swimming in river or dam, fishing and place of laundry. The infection was associated with clinical signs and symptoms including abdominal pain, haematuria, painful and frequent urination. Regular community-based treatment should be conducted using anti-helminthic drugs to reduce urinary schistosomiasis.