Prevalence of Schistosomiasis in Warwade Community, Jigawa State, Nigeria

There is currently no documented literature on the status of transmission of schistosomiasis in Warwade community situated near a dam. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of schistosomiasis in the community. A total of 300 urine and stool samples from randomly selected participants were analysed for S. haematobium and S. mansoni using sedimentation and kato-katz techniques respectively. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was administered to all the participants and in the case of minors their parents/guardians. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25 to determine if there was any significant difference between schistosomiasis and demographic characteristics of participants as well as the association between schistosomiasis and risk factors at P<0.05. The results revealed an overall prevalence of 20.3% with urinary and intestinal schistosomiasis having 12.3% and 8% respectively .Out of every 8 persons in the community one had urinary schistosomiasis while in every 12 persons, one had intestinal and in every 5 persons, one had at least either of the species. Urinary schistosomiasis was higher in females, but was the opposite in intestinal infection. Schistosomiasis infection was highest among children ≤ 18 years and ≤40 years and the opposite was the case for intestinal schistosomiasis, where 19 to 29 years had the highest prevalence. Age and occupation were the risk factors associated with schistosomiasis infection at P<0.05. All the positive samples for urinary schistosomiasis subjected to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification were positive. This study showed that Warwade community is endemic for schistosomiasis. Keywords: Sedimentation, Kato-katz, schistosomiasis, endemic