Schistosoma haematobium infections in preschool children from two rural communities in Ijebu East, south-western Nigeria

Abstract

There is an urgent need for information on schistosomiasis in preschool children, who are often excluded in mass treatment programmes. The prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma haematobium infection were determined in preschool children aged ≤ 6 years in two rural communities in Ijebu East, south-western Nigeria. Two urine samples each were collected from 83 preschool children from the two communities, tested for microhaematuria using reagent strips and then processed and examined with a microscope for S. haematobium eggs. Focus group discussions on perceptions of the disease and water contact practices were held in the communities with their guardians, caregivers and preschool children, using an interview guide. The prevalence of S. haematobium in the two communities was 14 (16.9%), with no significant differences (P = 0.661) in infection rate between boys (18.4%) and girls (14.7%). Both prevalence and intensity of infection did not increase significantly with age in both Korede and Obada community. However, there were significant differences in prevalence of infection between the two communities (P = 0.035). There was no association (P = 0.750) between intensity in boys (0.176 eggs/10 ml urine) and girls (0.110 eggs/10 ml urine). Focal group discussions with guardians and caregivers revealed that preschool children acquired infection early in their lives through exposure to infected stream water by their mothers, while the older children visit the stream for playing, bathing and swimming. It has therefore become imperative for preschool children to be included in the planning of schistosomiasis intervention programmes as a means of reducing transmission.

Efficacy of praziquantel in the treatment of Schistosoma haematobium infection among school-age children in rural communities of Abeokuta, Nigeria

“…Many epidemiological studies emanating from this region over the years have consistently revealed a high prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis [14,30,15]. Some of these reports show that the community members are aware that their constant continuous contact with endemic water from the river is responsible for their high infection rates, but because there is no alternative water source they have no choice but to continue to depend on the contaminated water for their daily domestic activities [31].…”

Geohelminth Infections and Nutritional Status of Preschool Aged Children in a Periurban Settlement ofOgun State

“…Community members of the selected area were sensitized about the research through the assistance of Primary Health Care (PHC) centre staffs and the Community Development Association (CDA) leaders. A total sampling of households within the community was done and consenting parents with children belonging to age category 0–6 years were recruited into the study in accordance with Ekpo et al [ 16 ]. Parents of children who could provide adequate stool specimen at the point of visit were asked to converge at the PHC centre where detailed anthropometric measurements of their children and interviews were made.…”

Clinical morbidity associated with Schistosoma haematobium infection in pre‐school age children from an endemic district in Zimbabwe

“…In the liver, they mature into adult worms and copulate [18]. After copulation females then deposit eggs into the vesicular and pelvis venous plexus of bladder [19]. The eggs then move to lumen of bladder and ureters where they are eliminated with urine [20].…”