Annual Research & Review in Biology

Aims: To assess the prevalence of urinary Schistosomiasis among primary school pupils in Dutsin-Ma town, Katsina State, Nigeria.

Study Design: Five schools were selected using simple random sampling technique without replacement.

Place and Duration of Study: Dutsin-ma Local Government Area of Katsina state, Nigeria and laboratory study was at Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Dutsin-Ma between April and June 2015.

Methodology: Urine filtration technique was employed to process urine specimens and presence of Schistosoma haematobium eggs were determined microscopically. Questionnaires were also administered to children to collect socio-demographic data and water contact activities information.

Results: Out of the 300 urine samples examined, 52 (17.3%) were positive for urinary schistosomiasis, with 37 (12.3%) males and 15 (5.0%) females showing significant difference in the prevalence rate in the sex (X²_cal= 25.0, X²_tab = 9.5 at P<0.05 and df=2). Age group 10-13 years, 25 (61.0%) had highest prevalence of infection, while the lowest was in age group of 2-5 years, 3 (7.9%). Those who use dams/reservoirs as source of water for domestic use had highest prevalence, 17 (23.9%) while the lowest was among pupils who use tap water, 4 (10.3%). Pupils whose parents’ occupation is farming had highest prevalence of 27 (24.6%), while those whose parents are civil servants had 3 (10.0%). Pupils who swim in dams had the highest prevalence of 25 (22.7%) while pupils who use swimming pools had zero (0%) prevalence.

Conclusion: Infection with Schistosoma haematobium has been established in this study area and there is need for public health campaign among pupils and parents/guardians.