The prevalence, intensity and clinical signs of urinary schistosomiasis in Imo state, Nigeria

J Helminthol. 2004 Dec;78(4):337-42. doi: 10.1079/joh2004251.

Abstract

Urine samples were assayed for urinary schistosomiasis in four local government areas (LGA) of Imo State, Nigeria between May 1998 and September 2000. A total of 3504 persons were sampled, with 880 (25.1%) being positive for urinary schistosomiasis, based on records of eggs of Schistosoma haematobium. The prevalence of S. haematobium infection differed in the various LGAs, with Oguta (38.9%) and Owerri-West (10.4%) showing the highest and the lowest values, respectively. Prevalence was higher in males (67.4%) than in females (32.6%) and in subjects 11-20 years of age (31.5%), while prevalence varied among different occupational groups, with farmers ranking the highest (41.6%). Visible haematuria was the predominant symptom (P<0.05). Of 880 persons positive for eggs of S. haematobium, 452 (51.4%) had visible haematuria, followed by suprapubic pains 214 (24.3%) and painful micturition 97 (11.0%). Although 367 (10. 5%) of the sampled subjects with eggs of S. haematobium showed no visible haematuria, 513 (14.6%) clearly demonstrated haematuria.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Animals
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nigeria / epidemiology
  • Parasite Egg Count
  • Prevalence
  • Schistosoma haematobium / isolation & purification*
  • Schistosomiasis haematobia / epidemiology*
  • Sex Distribution
  • Urinary Tract Infections / epidemiology*
  • Urinary Tract Infections / parasitology*