<b>Efficacy of Parazoquantel against <i>Schistosoma Heamatobium</i> Enfection among Residents of Wasai Dam in Minjibir Local Government, Kano State, Nigeria</b>

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is a chronic debilitating infection due to Schistosoma species belonging to parasitic trematode worms. It continues to threaten millions of people, particularly the rural poor in the developing countries. A study was carried out to determine the prevalence of urinary Schistosomiasis among dwellers of Wasai dam in Minjibir, Kano State and to evaluate efficacy of single dose of Parazoquantel. A total of 402 people in four selected villages residing around the study area were screened for the present or absence of Shistosoma haematobium ova and efficacy of single dose Parazoquantel was evaluated. Eggs of S. haematobium were examined using urine concentration sedimentation technique. The overall prevalence of the infection was 61.9% and Mean Eggs Per cubic Centilitre (EPC) of 31.8% were recorded. Males were more infected (67.9%) than females (54.8%). Cure rate in the present study was 97.9%. There was significant difference between mean EPC and cure rate (p<0.05). This study concludes that Parazoquantel is still highly efficacious at a single dose for the treatment of S. haematobium infection.

Keywords: Parazoquantel, therapy, Schistosomiasis, Wasai, Dam, Kano-Nigeria.