European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

INDEX OF POTENTIAL CONTAMINATION FOR URINARY SCHISTOSOMIASIS IN AFIKPO NORTH L.G.A. EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA

Nwosu,D.C.,Nwachukwu,P.C.,Avoaja,D.A.,Ajero,C.M.U.,Nwanjo,H.U.,
*Obeagu,Emmanuel Ifeanyi, Nnorom,R.M., Okpara,K.E., Kanu,Stella Ngozika

ABSTRACT

A study was carried out to investigate and identify population responsible for the potential contamination of Schistosoma haematobium in Afikpo North L.G.A. Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Urine samples of 1,010 subjects living in Afikpo North L.G.A. Ebonyi State, Nigeria were screened in order to determine the prevalence of infection, intensity of infection and index of potential contamination (IPC) for urinary schistosomiasis. Altogether 50 (5.0%) persons were found infected and the intensity of infection among those infected was 48eggs/10ml of urine. Prevalence in males 33 (5.48%) was higher than in females 17(4.17%). Intensity of infection in males 30 eggs/10ml urine is higher than in female 18eggs/10ml urine though with no statistical significant. (X2= 0.3123, P>0.05). Both prevalence and intensity of infection were highest in age group 10-14 years for both males and females. There was no significant association in prevalence between the age group and the sex subjects (X2~ 0.346, p>0.05). Children between the ages of 10-19 years contributed about 69% of the daily egg output into the environment. Consequently, they were responsible for 82% of environmental contamination. The 10-14 years old, which constituted of 44% of infected population, ranked highest among the age group by contributing 56.4% to contamination of environment. Recommended appropriate strategies for control include mass chemotherapy and intensive health education, in order to reduce the high rate of transmission and contamination of environment.

Keywords: Schistosoma haematobium, schistosomiasis, potential contamination.