INVESTIGATION OF SCHISTOSOMA SPECIES IN POND WATER SNAILS ACROSS EBONYI STATE, SOUTH-EASTERN NIGERIA
Ogah C.N, Ogbu O, Nwuzo A.C, Okonkwo E.C, Afiukwa F.N, Iroha I.R, Ugbo E.N, Ilang D.C, Ejikeugwu P.C*
ABSTRACT
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by the trematode worm Schistosoma haematobium; and its
transmission usually takes place only in places where fresh water snail vector is present and where there is contact
between the population and infected water. The disease is commonly observed in most tropical countries; and it is
a serious public health problem that needs concerted efforts to contain its spread or occurrence in any given
community. A total of 240 freshwater snail specimens were collected from three different sampling sites (ponds
near schools, market and farmland areas). Twenty freshwater snails were collected from each of the given locality
within the four selected local government area of Ebonyi State. The specimens were analysized using biological
and Microbiological Standard techniques. Out of the 240 freshwater snails collected, 200(83.33%) were identified
morphologically to be Bulinus species while 40(16.67%) was Biomphalaria species. The prevalence of 15(7.5%)
was recorded against Bulinus snail species that is an intermediate host of S. haematobium while Biomphalaria
snail species gave prevalence of 6(15%) which is an intermediate host of S. mansoni. The overall prevalence of
21(8.75%) was recorded in this study. The freshwater snails collected from Ezza South local government area
(LGA) yielded 8(13.13%) and Ikwo gave 7(11.67%) while least occurrence 4(6.6%) and 2(3.8%) were recorded
against pond water snails collected from Izzi and Afikpo North LGAs respectively. This study advocates for
public awareness and regular treatment of the pond waters in these areas to eliminate the intermediate host
responsible for the transmission of schistosomiasis in the environment studied.
Keywords: Schistosomiasis, Freshwater Snail, Schistosoma haematobium, Parasites, Nigeria.
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