Endemicity And Intensity Of Vesical Schistosomiasis: Epidemiological Profile Of Two Local Government Areas Of Benue State - Nigeria

Vesical schistosomiasis is one of the major public health problems facing developing countries with severe social and economic consequences. Studies were carried out to ascertain the prevalence, incidence, intensities and aspects of morbidities in Schistosoma haematobium infection in two Local Government Areas of Benue State, Central –Nigeria. The study was conducted in the dry season between November 2008 and March 2009. Seven hundred and fifty (750) urine samples were obtained from primary schools, secondary schools and communities. Using the urine filtration technique for the quantification of Schistosoma haematobium eggs, an overall infection of 44.6% was observed out of the 750 urine examined. The months of February 2009 and March 2009 recorded the peak of infection with 52.0% each and no significant difference was observed between monthly infection (X 2 =27, P>0.05). A linear relationship was observed between the season of greatest risk (dry season) and prevalence of infection (r = 0.1, p<.01). The age groups (7-10), (11-13) and (15-18) years had the highest prevalence rates of 7.2%, 15.1% and 12.8% respectively. Males recorded higher infection than females, 24.8% and 19.8% respectively, there was no significant difference in infection between age groups, and between males and females (X 2 = 15.7, P>0.05). Painful urination, urinary frequency, visible haematuria and terminal haematuria were the common symptoms encountered in the study area and were significantly associated to infection (r = 0.3; r = 0.3; r = 0.4; r = 0.5 respectively, p<.01). The study revealed that Schistosoma haematobium infection is endemic and is considered as a public health problem in the areas. Therefore, treatment of infected people and health education are recommended as the first line of intervention.