Comparative analysis of urinary schistosomiasis among primary school children and rural farmers in Obollo–Eke, Enugu State, Nigeria: Implications for control

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the prevalence, sex-age related intensity of urinary schistosomiasis and to compare such parameters among rural school children and rural farmers in selected communities in Obollo-Eke located in Southeast, Nigeria.MethodsA cross-sectional survey involving 1 337 school children and farmers was conducted in Obollo-Eke community between September 2006 and July 2007. Demographic data of subjects was collected using a questionnaire prepared for this purpose. Urine samples were collected and examined for haematuria and ova of Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium) using Medi-test Combi 9 and sedimentation technique respectively.ResultsThe prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis based on microscopic examination of the urine sediment for the ova of S. haematobium was 17.5% while the prevalence of haematuria was 15.6%. Infection intensity varied from light to heavy. In general, the prevalence was higher among males (20.8%) than females (14.6%; P>0.05) and was slightly higher among primary school children (18.0%; n=762) than farmers (16.9%; n=575; P>0.05). The age-specific prevalence of schistosomiasis among the study subjects ranged from 8.3% to 21.2% in 0-5 years and 11-15 years age groups respectively.ConclusionsHaematuria and mean egg/10 mL urine (r = 0.95; P