Assessment of urinary schistosomiasis prevalence and praziquantel treatment outcomes among residents of the Hadejia River Valley, in Auyo Local Government, Jigawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Schistosomiasis, a significant public health concern associated to trematodes of the genus Schistosoma, poses serious health risks in Nigeria. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium among individuals residing along the Hadejia River Valley, Jigawa State, Nigeria. A total of 317 participants were screened for the presence or absence of S. haematobium in the selected communities, with 167 from Majiya village and 150 from Argina village. The study included both children and adults of both sexes. The overall prevalence of S. haematobium was 42.3% in Majiya and 48.5% in Argina village. Higher prevalence was observed among younger individuals compared to older participants in both communities. Males exhibited a slightly higher prevalence than females. Individuals engaged in occupations other than farming showed higher infection rates than farmers. No statistically significant differences were found in prevalence based on age, sex, or occupation (p > 0.05). Praziquantel remains the drug of choice for treating S. haematobium infection. The overall cure rate two weeks after treatment with praziquantel was 96.8%. In this study, repeated doses of 40 mg/kg praziquantel achieved a complete cure rate of 100% in the study area. The findings indicate the need for immediate mass distribution of praziquantel and the provision of household toilet facilities. Schistosoma haematobium infection is confirmed to be present in the study area.