UROGENITAL SCHISTOSOMIASIS AMONG COMMUNITIES SURROUNDING KIRI RESERVOIR, ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is endemic and remains a life-threatening problem in Nigeria, especially among communities that come in frequent contact with water bodies. Information on the level of endemicity varies from place to place and is vital for control purposes. There is a paucity of such data for the Kiri reservoir and environs. A longitudinal study was undertaken in 7 communities surrounding the reservoir from 2018 to 2019 to assess the prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis. A total of 688 urine samples were assayed for schistosome ova using the sedimentation technique. Out of these, 296 (43%) were positive for Schistosoma heamatobium ova. Males were significantly more infected than females (p<0.05). Infection was also significantly higher in younger than older individuals (p<0.05). There was a significant relationship between the prevalence of infection and distance from the reservoir, occupation as well as the level of education of individuals. With the observed level of endemicity, mass chemotherapy, provision of potable water and health education are advocated as mitigation measures that will reduce endemicity and curtail the further spread of the infection.