Urinary schistosomiasis among primary school pupils in selected communities of Abua/Odual Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

The aim of the study was to determine urinary schistosomiasis in primary school pupils in some selected communities in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria, the risk factors of schistosomiasis with the view of suggesting control measures suitable to reduce infectivity and morbidity. Urine samples were collected and investigated using centrifugation and sedimentation techniques for the presence ofS. heamatobium eggs. Also, the urine was examined using the chemical reagent strip, Medi-test Combi-9 for the presence of haematuria and proteinuria in the urine. Of 140 urine samples collected and examined, haematuria and proteinuria shows prevalence of 61 (43.6%) and 94 (67.1%) respectively, and an overall prevalence of S. haematobium infection of 25% was recorded. Males (51.9%) had higher infection rate than females (17.4%). Children within age 10-13 years had the highest occurrence (55.4%), due to frequent visit in the water bodies to swim, paddle, play in the mud, fish, wash, fetch water from the infected water while the least was recorded among children within age 3-5 seen as infant whose parents restrict from visiting the river often. Emago-Kugbo recorded the highest infection with (32.3%), but the least was recorded in Akani-Kugbo with (15%). Statistical analysis showed that the infection varied significantly among sexes, age at p>0.05, community infection was equally significant at 0.05. The result of this study has shown the presence of urinary schistosomiasis in the Kugbo Clan, though prevalence was below 50%. The childrenhave no knowledge about schistosomiasis infection in the area. Also the presence of snail species especially the Bulinus globosus and increase contact with fresh water were taught to be responsible for the occurrence of the infection in the Kugbo Area. The results show that the communities around the Kugbo Clan are prevalent with schistosomiasis and that there is immediate attention for mass drug distribution of praziquantel and public health education in curbing the disease in the study-area. Keywords: Urinary schistosomiasis; primary school pupils; Abua/Odual LGA; Rivers State; Nigeria.