Intestinal helminthiasis and urinary schistosomiasis in some villages of Ijebu North, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Intestinal helminthiasis and urinary schistosomiasis were studied between April and December, 2002, in six villages of Ijebu North Local Government, Ogun State, Nigeria. Faecal samples from 199 subjects were examined using direct smear and brine concentration methods. Urine samples were tested for haematuria and proteinuria using diagnostic reagent strips. Three helminthic parasites were identified in the faecal samples; Ascaris lumbricoides (62.8%), hookworm (16.6%) and Schistosoma haematobium (2.5%). None of the parasites was sex-dependent. A. lumbricoides had ³50% prevalence in all the age groups. The more common mixed infection was A. lumbricoides and hookworm (22.5%). The prevalences of haematuria and proteinuria were 7.5% and 15.7%, respectively. After single dose levamisole treatment, 16.8% of the subjects with intestinal helminths voided and submitted A. lumbridoides adult worms.


Key Words: Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, Schistosoma haematobium, haematuria, proteinuria, levamisole, Nigeria.


African Jnl Biotechnology Vol.3(3) 2004: 206-209