Urinary schistosomiasis among school children in an endemic community in south-eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Studies were carried out on urinary schistosomiasis among school children aged 6 to 21 in Abia State, Nigeria. Of the total 1,165 children examined for eggs of S. haematobium in their urine, 245 (21.03%) were infected. Male children had significantly (P < 0.05) higher infection (64.08%) than their female counterparts (35.92%). Age-related infection rate showed significant difference (P < 0.05) with the highest infection rate (46.94%) recorded among children between the ages of 12 and 14 years. As with infection rate, the intensity of infection was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in males (35.50 eggs/10 ml urine) then in females (28.73 eggs/10 ml urine). 4 (1.63%) of the infected individuals had heavy infection (400 eggs/10 ml urine). There was a gradual increase of mean egg count with age up to 12-14 years after which there was a decrease. Viability test showed that of the 245 children infected 151 (61.63%) had viable eggs in their urine sample. The number of males with viable eggs (62.25%) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the females (37.74%). Also in the number of infected individuals with viable eggs a significant difference among age groups was observed. It was significantly higher (P < 0.05) among the age group 12-14 years than in any other group. Among the infected children 38 (15.51%) had haematuria (which represents 95% of the 41 individuals with trace of blood in their urine). There was a significant association (P < 0.05) between haematuria and infection rate/intensity.