Epidemiological Studies on Urinary Schistosomiasis in Osun State, Nigeria

Author(s)

Bolaji, O. S., Adeyeba, O. A., Ojurongbe, O., Ukaga, C. N., Ojo, J. A.

Author's Affiliation

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease of the tropics which is estimated to affect up to 300 million people worldwide. Studies on Urinary Schistosomiasis amongst school children in Osun state, Nigeria was carried out between January 2006 and October 2008 to determine the incidence, prevalence, intensity and the effect of human-water activity on the prevalence of Schistosomiasis in the study area. A total of 1200 urine samples were collected. Schistosoma haematobium infections were detected by microscopic examination of schistosome eggs in urine. Mean egg count (MEC) was calculated to determine the intensity and morbidity of infection. Incidence study and water contact activities were also carried out. The Incidence rate reduced from 25% in 2007 to 17% in 2008. Water contact activities observed include bathing, swimming, washing of clothes, fetching of water and farming (fishing). Domestic water contact amounted to 45.1% (780/1730) of all water contacts observed while recreational activities accounted to 31.2% (540/1730). The overall prevalence of S. haematobium infection in the study was 12.7% (152/1200). MEC was highest among males in age group 15-20 years (5 eggs/10mls) and lowest among males in age group 5-9 years (1.2 eggs/10mls). The result of this study shows that urinary schistosomiasis is still endemic in different senatorial district of Osun state Nigeria although incidence of the infection has greatly reduced compared to previous report. However, human contact with rivers that serves as breeding sites for the disease is still ongoing suggesting continuing human re-infection, which may lead to future increase in human prevalence.

Keywords

Urinary Schistosomiasis, Epidemiology, School children, Osun state, Nigeria

Cite This Article

Bolaji, O. S., Adeyeba, O. A., Ojurongbe, O., Ukaga, C. N., & Ojo, J. A. (2014). Epidemiological Studies on Urinary Schistosomiasis in Osun State, Nigeria. International Journal for Pharmaceutical Research Scholars (IJPRS), 3(1), 655-662.