Epidemiology of urinary schistosomiasis in school children at Umuikwu-Anam, Anambra West LGA, Anambra State, Nigeria

Urinary schistosomiasis is one of the parasitic diseases of public health importance in Nigeria. This cross-sectional, prospective study was designed to evaluate the epidemiology of urinary schistosomiasis in school children at Umuikwu-Anam, Anambra West LGA, Anambra state, Nigeria. A total of 232 children aged 7-14 years (Males 127, Females 105) were recruited into the study through systematic random sampling. A structured questionnaire was administered to obtain sociodemographic data with the help of their teachers and mothers. Urine samples were collected in clean universal bottles and packaged in ice packs and were taken to the Parasitology Laboratory of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi for analysis. Haematuria was tested using Combi-9 test strips. Microscopic examination of urine sample was done for ova of S. haematobium. Circulating Cathodic Antigen (CCA) test was also employed as a diagnostic tool. The results showed that out of 232 children tested, 17 (7.3%) were positive for eggs. Out of 127 males, 12 (9.4%) were positive while 5 of the 105 females (4.8%) were positive. Children aged 13-14 years were significantly more affected than other age groups (P<0.05) Male children were significantly more affected than females (P<0.05). Children who visited the streams more often were more affected than others (P<0.05). Sixteen (16) out of 232(6.9%) children tested positive to CCA test. The study concludes that urinary schistosomiasis was prevalent in the study area and was significantly influenced by socioenvironmental factors. Further studies are suggested.