Urinary schistomiasis in the Niger-Benue basin of Kogi state, Nigeria

Abstract

A survey to determine the prevalence and intensity of urinary schistosomiasis among primary and postprimary schools children in four Local Government Areas (LGAs) namely, Ibaji, Idah, Lokoja and Ofu in Kogi State was carried out between January, 2002 andDecember 2005. About 26 (16 primary and 10 postprimary) schools were randomly selected from the four LGAs. A total of 1,104 urine samples were collected and analysed using parasitological and reagent strip (screening) techniques. Of this figure, 206 (18.7; 95% CI: 0.164-0.210) were infected with the parasite. An overall geometric mean intensity of 118.2 eggs/10 mL urine was recorded. Prevalence of infection was significantly higher in males (19.4%) than in females (16.5%, p<0.001) but there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in intensity of infection between the two sexes. About 76.7% of infected children excreted >50 eggs/10 mL urine; 58.3% were males and 18.4% were females. Primary school children had the higher prevalence (21.5%) than those in postprimary schools (14.5%, p<0.05). The peak prevalence of infection was 22.7 and 20.8% among the primary and postprimary school children were recorded in 10-14 and >20 year age groups, respectively. Ibaji LGA exhibited the highest overall prevalence of infection (40.1; 95% CI: 0.345-0.457). Hence, children of 10-14 year age group contributed more to the transmission of the disease in the Niger-Benue basin than those of any other age groups. © Medwell Journals, 2010.