Prevalence of Schistosoma and other parasites among female residents of some communities in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Prevalence of Schistosoma and other parasitic infections in 507 females (5-78 years) was determined in a cross-sectional study undertaken in seven communities of Oyo State, Nigeria. Urine and stool samples were examined, and 25.2% overall parasite prevalence was recorded. Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni prevalence was 5.5 and 0.3% respectively. Ascaris lumbricoides (11.4%), Hookworm (9.3%), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.6%), Trichuris trichiura (0.3%), Taenia saginata (1.2%) and Entamoeba histolytica (0.8%) were also identified from stool and Trichomonas vaginalis (0.3%) from urine of participants. Schistosoma haematobium egg intensity ranged between 100-145 eggs / l0 ml urine. PCV was determined for all participants, values ≤ 32% was recorded for 67.1% of the parasite positive participants and 100% of Schistosoma infections. A correlation (0.75, p > 0.05) was established between PCV and parasite intensity. Schistosoma infection was highest (13.5%) amongst 11-20 year olds but absent in women 41-50 year old. There was a positive correlation (0.90, p > 0.05) between age and S. haematobium egg intensity. A. lumbricoides and hookworm infections were predominant in children (1-10yrs) while women (21-30 years) had infections of all the identified parasites. Concomitant infections (2.2%) of S. haematobium with other parasites were recorded. The high prevalence of infections amongst women of child bearing age and adolescent girls with the attending low PCV suggests the importance of parasitic infections in these groups. This emphasizes the need for intervention measures targeted at all members of these communities to interrupt transmission.

Fresh Water Snails (Bulinus and Lymnaea) in Canals in Imo State, Nigeria: Their Public Health Importance and Implications for Control

“…Realizing that availability of such information is crucial in identifying and implementing effective control measures to prevent infection [33][34][35], this study intends to identify feasible strategies that will protect residents in the study area from infections from Bulinus and Lymnaea snails. However, studies have shown that the complex schistosome life cycle and the intricate interactions that are encountered with the host immune system make it difficult for neither drugs nor vaccines to adequately control schistosomiasis [35][36][37][38].…”

Influence of physico-chemical parameters on the intermediate host of Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni in Makwaye and Kubanni Reservoirs, Zaria, Nigeria

“…Transmission of schistosomiasis depends on the extent and duration human-water contact (Ofulla et al, 2013). The women working frequently in water and domestic chores are at greater risk (Awobode et al, 2016). Morbidity and mortality are mostly associated with teenagers, young adults, women and infections in schoolage children (Rollinson et al, 2013).…”

“…The symptoms developed by the disease included fever, headache, abdominal pain, malaise, urticarial and diarrhea (Awobode et al, 2016). Transmission of schistosomiasis depends on the extent and duration human-water contact (Ofulla et al, 2013).…”