Water Contact, Infection and Re-Infection Rate of Urogenital Schistosomiasis in Shelleng Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is on the increase despite intervention by the Government, Non-Governmental Organization (NGOs) and World Health  Organization (WHO) due to the method of intervention used. The research on water contact, infection and re-infection rate of urogenital  schistosomiasis was carried out in Kiri dam and Shelleng water bodies. Urine samples were collected from the month of MarchApril 2019  and examined in the laboratory using urine microscopy for schistosoma parasite and from October-November 2019 for re-infection with  schistosoma parasite. Results generated ten (10) days after praziquentel administration indicate that the overall prevalence rate for  schistosomiasis infection was 13.3% of the 442 study participants examined. Male had the highest rate (18.0%) while female had 8.6% rate  of infection. Children that refused to take praziquentel had the highest 25.0%. Participants who adopted Washing/Bathing /Swimming/Drinking (WBSD) had the highest (17.3%). The prevalence rate was low due to the administration of praziquentel. The overall  prevalence rate for schistosomiasis re-infection was 52.0% of the 442 study participants examined. Male had the highest rate of 52.9% while female had 51.1%, the intensity of infection shows that male had high intensity of 12.7%. Children whose parents are fishermen had  the highest infection of 72.7%, the least infection rate was recorded among children whose parents are in to business (44.9%). Those  that involved in picking of snails had the highest rate of 62.6%. Participants who adopted Washing/Bathing/Swimming/Drinking (WBSD)  had the highest of 65.7%. The results obtained show that there was equal exposure to the source of infection irrespective of age gender,  parents’ occupation and education. It is recommended that integrated method of treatment of the water bodies and populace should be  carried out simultaneously.