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Schistosoma haematobium infections in preschool children from two rural communities in Ijebu East, south-western Nigeria

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 August 2011

U.F. Ekpo ,
O.M. Alabi ,
A.S. Oluwole  and
S.O. Sam-Wobo
U.F. Ekpo*
Affiliation:
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
O.M. Alabi
Affiliation:
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
A.S. Oluwole
Affiliation:
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
S.O. Sam-Wobo
Affiliation:
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
*
*E-mail: ekpouf@unaab.edu.ng
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Abstract

There is an urgent need for information on schistosomiasis in preschool children, who are often excluded in mass treatment programmes. The prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma haematobium infection were determined in preschool children aged ≤ 6 years in two rural communities in Ijebu East, south-western Nigeria. Two urine samples each were collected from 83 preschool children from the two communities, tested for microhaematuria using reagent strips and then processed and examined with a microscope for S. haematobium eggs. Focus group discussions on perceptions of the disease and water contact practices were held in the communities with their guardians, caregivers and preschool children, using an interview guide. The prevalence of S. haematobium in the two communities was 14 (16.9%), with no significant differences (P = 0.661) in infection rate between boys (18.4%) and girls (14.7%). Both prevalence and intensity of infection did not increase significantly with age in both Korede and Obada community. However, there were significant differences in prevalence of infection between the two communities (P = 0.035). There was no association (P = 0.750) between intensity in boys (0.176 eggs/10 ml urine) and girls (0.110 eggs/10 ml urine). Focal group discussions with guardians and caregivers revealed that preschool children acquired infection early in their lives through exposure to infected stream water by their mothers, while the older children visit the stream for playing, bathing and swimming. It has therefore become imperative for preschool children to be included in the planning of schistosomiasis intervention programmes as a means of reducing transmission.

Type
Research Papers
Information
Journal of Helminthology , Volume 86 , Issue 3 , September 2012 , pp. 323 - 328
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2011

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