Studies on biochemical characterization of salmonella and mixed infection cases with schistosomiasis in kwande lga, benue state, nigeria

Bacterial Salmonella infections and helminthic schistosomiasis are classified under Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD). Biochemical characterization was carried out on Salmonella serovars in Kwande LGA, Benue State, Nigeria. The aim was to determine the prevalence of the infection and mixed cases of schistosomiasis. The best biochemical test for the detection of Salmonella was also targeted.  A total of 180 subjects were randomly investigated from five different locations (Iange, Sati, Kyogyen, Ikov Sati and Adikpo). Two specimens (stool and urine) were collected from each subject. Preparation and culture of specimens followed standard practices. Salmonella cases were diagnosed on stool samples using six biochemical tests. Schistosoma haeamatobium and S.mansoni were diagnosed using urine and faecal specimens respectively. Average prevalence of Salmonella infection in Kwande LGA was 13.9%  (8.3% female, 5.6% male) consisting of 44% S. typhi and 56% of other serovars. Infection was associated with location (?2 = 145.79, p=0.000). Ikov Sati had the highest cases (65%) followed by Adikpo (15%). No cases was recorded at Kyogyen. Infection was most common among farmers (8.3% prevalent), thus associated with occupation type (?2 =52.63, p=0.000). Among the five biochemical tests, catalase test was the best in the identification of Salmonella serovars followed by hydrogen sulphide and citrate. Among the 180 subjects studied, six mixed infection cases of Salmonella-Schistosomiasis were recorded with a prevalence of 3% unassociated age, sex and location. However, farmers and school children recorded 2 cases each while okada riders and civil servants had a single case each. Based on organism type, S.typhi-S.mansoni-S.haematobium mixed infection had only one case. Co-infection of S.typhi-S.mansoni also had a single case. Salmonella-S.haematobium co-infection cases were four (2.2% prevalent). From all indications, Salmonella cases in the study area were high. Farming practices are implicated. This may be due to unhygienic practices in the handling, washing, and consumption of fresh food crops. Both farmers and school children are more vulnerable to contact Salmonella-Shistosoma co-infections than other occupational status, probably due to water pollution factors. The information given in this report is crucial in the diagnosis and prevention of Salmonella infections known to be a major killer in rural areas most especially when combined with shistosomiasis. Urgent control measures should be put in place at the Ikov Sati community recording an alarming rate of Salmonella infection among farmers