Original Research Article
Year: 2015 | Month: November | Volume: 2 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 641-645
The Availability of Snail Hosts of Schistosoma Species and Prevalence of Urinary Schistosomiasis in Primary School Children (5 - 15) Years in Ihite - Ude Ofeme Umuahia North Local Government Area, Abia State
Ihemanma C.A, Ohiagbar O.N, Ajuga M.U
Department of Biology/Microbiogy, Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, Abia State, Nigeria.
Corresponding Author: Ihemanma C.A
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to determine the availability of snail hosts of Schistosoma species and prevalence of urinary Schistosomiasis among primary school children aged 5 - 15 years old in Ihite Ude Ofeme Umuahia North local government area of Abia State. Out of two hundred (200) children that participated in the study, 84 were males and 116, females. The urine samples were tested with combi 9 test strip, centrifuged and examined microscopically in the laboratory. The prevalence of infection of Schistosoma haematobium in the area was 40 (20%) out of which 16 (16.67%) were males and 24 (23.33%) were females. The highest prevalence rate of Schistosoma haematobium infection was observed in the age group 13 –16 (25.6%) years, whereas 5 - 8years had the lowest prevalence rate (17.3%). The prevalence rate of infection is moderate in the area. On the other hand, snails picked from the river and its surroundings were observed, out of 404 snails, 263 (65.9%) were found to be Bulinus, 68 (16.8%) Biomphalaria and 73 (18.65%) oncomelania. Instructing children on dangers of swimming in infested river and provision of a reliable source of water for the people will improve the health status of children living in the study area.
Keywords: Schistosoma haematobium, Prevalence, Urine Samples, Umuahia, School Children.