Abstract

The parasitological investigation assessing the ova of Schistosoma haematobium in urine of 138 volunteers in Ihieve-Ogben, Edo State, Nigeria revealed a prevalence of 43 (31.2%). Children had a higher prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis 30 (41.1%) than their adult counterparts 13 (20.0%). More volunteers had light intensity of infection 27 (19.6%) than heavy infection 16 (11.6%). The ultrasonographical investigation carried out on these 43 S. haematobium-infected volunteers revealed ten pathological conditions as abnormal wall thickness 24 (55.8%), abnormal shape 30 (69.8%), irregular bladder wall 12 (27.9%), masses 10 (23.3%), pseudopolyp 2 (4.7%), echogenic particles 30 (69.8%), residual volume 12 (27.9%), calcification 24 (55.8%), hydroureter 10 (23.3%) and hydronephrosis 8 (18.6%). These pathological conditions were higher in the volunteers with heavy intensity of infection than those with light infection. Also more pathological conditions were reported among the children than their adult counterparts. Hydronephrosis and hydroureter were absent in the volunteers with light intensity of infection.

Key words: Urinary tract pathology, Schistosoma haematobium, rural volunteers, Nigerian, Ultrasound, Light infection, heavy infection.