AN EDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF SCHISTOSOMIASIS AMONG PUPILS OF SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA
AN EDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF SCHISTOSOMIASIS AMONG PUPILS OF SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA
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Date
2001-07
Authors
IDRIS, HALIMATU SA'ADIYYA
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Abstract
A study on schistosomiasis among pupils of five local government areas in Katsina
state was carried out between November 1994 and September 1996 while snail
survey was conducted between March 1997 and February 1998. A total of 8000
samples consisting of 4000 urine and 4000 faecal samples were collected in 100
randomly selected primary schools from pupils between the ages 5 and 19 years.
Parasitological analysis revealed that 522 (13.1%) pupils had S. haematobium while
161 (4.8%) had S.mansoni. The highest prevalence rate of 29.0% for S.
haematobium was recorded in Dutsinma Local Government area and the least
prevalence (13.0%) was recorded in Katsina Local Government area. On the other
hand the highest prevalence rate of (26.7%) for S. mansoni was recorded in Rimi
LGA while the least prevalence (10.6%) was in Jibia LGA. There was a significant
relationship (P<0.05) between sex-specific rates of schistosomiasis in Katsina State.
The highest prevalence rate of 16.1% and 56.5% for S.haematobium and S.
mansoni respectively were recorded for the two seasons in the 10-14 years age
group. There was a significant relationship (p<0,05) between frequency of water
contact and infection rate of schistosomiasis. The presence of blood in both urine
and faeces was found to be associated with infection. Majority of the pupils showed
their ignorance of the disease and its etiologic agent. The relationship between other
parameters such as types of toilet, sources of drinking water and types of treatment
taken (if any) were also investigated. Other intestinal parasites encountered in the
4000 faecal samples examined included Ancyclostoma duodenale (Hookworm)
(15.6%), Hymenolepis nana (4.1%), Enterobius vermicularis (3.8%), Trichuris
trichura (1.0%), Ascaris lumbricoides (0.7%) and Entamoeba histolytica (0.1%).
Snail
of medical importance isolated were Bulinius globosus, B. forskalii,
Biomphalaria pfeifferi and Lymnaea natalensis. A total of 1107 snails were isolated,
of which 364 were B.globosus, and 170 were B. pfeifferi. The distribution of infected
B. globosus and B. pfeifferi was highest during the months of February and May
when water temperature ranges between 26.0°C and 32.8°C. Lack of potable
drinking water, ignorance of the disease and its etiologic agent contributed to the
high prevalence rate of schistosomiasis in Katsina State. Enlightenment of the
people, provision of potable drinking water, use of chemotherapy and application of
mollucicide in water bodies during the dry season by the Government will be of
paramount importance in controlling the disease.
Description
A DissertationThesis Submitted to Postgraduate School, Ahmadu Bello University,
Zaria, in partial fulfillment for the award of the degree of Doctor of
Philosophy in Veterinary Parasitology
Department of Parasitology and Entomology
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Ahmadu Bello University
Zaria, Nigeria