Prevalence of Schistosoma Infections among Residents along River Niger, Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of schistosomiasis among individuals living along the coast of river Niger, in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria. Stool and urine samples were collected from 463 residents across the three study sites (Kpata, Adankolo and Ganaja) in Lokoja, with 165 (35.6%) individuals were found to be infected. Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni were detected in urine and stool samples respectively, using sedimentation techniques. The results showed that individuals within the age range of 13-17 years 106 (64.2%) had a higher prevalence as compared to individuals within the age range of 18-50 years 59 (35.7%). The results also showed statistical significance (P < 0.05) within sex groups with higher infection rate in females 98 (59.8%) as compared to their male 67 (40.6%) counterparts. Participants who had no formal education 108 (65.4%) pooled the highest prevalence for both S. mansoni and S. haematobium infections, while least infection was observed in participants with tertiary education 7 (4.2%). Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences (p>0.05) in infection rate between the study sites. The results of occupational status revealed highest prevalence in fishermen 52 (31.5%), and the lowest prevalence was recorded in student (7.8%). Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were observed among the participants in the study area with respect to their proximity to the contaminated water sources. Participants <50m 305 (65.8%) prove to have highest prevalence of infection in the study area. The study concluded that schistosomiasis is prevalent in the study area. Thus, need for health education programmes on the danger of open defecation around water bodies, bathing, farming and drinking from such contaminated water sources in the areas, as well as urgent mass treatment with praziquantel and mass treatment of water sources with molluscides should be considered paramount. Public toilets and other basic amenities need to be provided for the people living in the study area.