Endemicity of schistosomiasis in some parts of Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Investigation on the prevalence of infections with schistosoma was carried out amongst inhabitants of two local government areas (LGAs), Nigeria between October 2007 and September 2008. A total of 2064 randomly selected subjects had their urine and stool samples examined for eggs of Schistosoma and 323 (15.7%) were excreting eggs of S. haematobium in their urine with geometric mean egg count (GMEC) of 10.1 eggs/10 ml of urine. No eggs of S. mansoni were found. Prevalence of infection varied between 12.8 and 19.8% between the LGAs, but the differences were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Prevalence also varied significantly between the age groups (P<0.05) with peak occurring among persons aged 11 to 20 years and decreased thereafter. There was a close association between haematuria and the presence of eggs of S. haematobium in the urine (P<0.05). People that tested positive for schistosomiasis were 26.4 times at greater risk (P<0.001) of haematuria as compared to those who tested negative. The result indicated 83.1% sensitivity and a specificity of 91.4%. Farmers (OR=2.31; P<0.05) were significantly at greater risk of schistosomiasis infection as compared to the artisans. The importance of these findings and their implications for control of the disease in Anambra State are discussed.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Schistosomiasis Among Hausa Communities in Kano State, Nigeria

“…Hence, provision for their treatment should be considered in control programs. In accordance with our findings, previous studies have shown the age-dependent occurrence of schistosomiasis and indicated that the prevalence peak occurs during the adolescence and then decreases slowly 26 , 30 , 46 , 47 . The excessive mobility of adolescents in terms of swimming, bathing and playing in open water could explain the higher prevalence rate in this age group.…”

“…Similarly, another study from Ogun State reported that the prevalence of S. mansoni and S. haematobium infections was 2.3% and 0.6% respectively 29 . A recent study among 2,064 participants from Anambra State, Nigeria reported that 15.7% of them were infected with S. haematobium while none of the participants was found to be positive for S. mansoni 30 . Moreover, it was shown that schistosomiasis is focally distributed and prevalence rates vary in different communities and locations of Nigeria 28 , 31 , 32 .…”

“…This factor has also been identified as a significant predictor of intestinal polyparasitism among aboriginal children in rural Malaysia 52 . The occupational risk of schistosomiasis is well documented and considered as a proxy for the nature and intensity of water contact 30 , 53 . A significant association between schistosomiasis and employment status was reported in Brazil and China 54 - 56 .…”

Urogenital schistosomiasis and associated determinant factors among senior high school students in the Dutsin-Ma and Safana Local Government Areas of Katsina State, Nigeria

“…The mean intensity of infection was 30.27(17.97-42.57) eggs/10 ml of urine in this study. Previous records from Anambra State, South East Nigeria (10.1 eggs/ 10 ml of urine), Kaduna State, North West Nigeria (73.93 eggs/10 ml of urine) and the Republic of Chad (<13.5 eggs/10 ml of urine) further confirm the focal nature of urogenital schistosomiasis [ 20 – 22 ]. These differences might be as a result of seasonal variations, proximity of infested water bodies, natural tendency of subjects towards recreation (swimming and playing in shallow water), and the state of social amenities in both the study area and some states in Nigeria mentioned above.…”

Persistent Transmission of Schistosomiasis in Southwest Nigeria: Contexts of Culture and Contact with Infected River Water

“…It is speculated that their exposure to river water may not only be because of ignorance but also poverty, as the source of water "before civilization of getting bore hole, was majorly from the river." Ugochukwu et al (2013) noted that rivers and ponds, with divers' freshwater environment, offer favourable habitats for aquatic snails that serve as an intermediate host for schistosomiasis. As such, living in this environment without other sources of water supply can lead to a high prevalence of schistosomiasis disease.…”