Abstract

Schistosomiasis is an environmentally-mediated disease that depend on the presence of suitable habitats for snails, which serve as intermediate hosts for the causative parasites. Research has shown that the disease is endemic in Osun state and remains unabated. Until now, there has never been any mapping of the disease in the State. This study will serve as a reliable baseline data for intervention planning in the State. School children were randomly selected and examined for schistosomiasis infection at Community Primary School, Eggua, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. Urine samples were collected in wide mouthed plastic container and were examined for schistosome eggs, using sedimentation by gravity method of the 121 pupils examined. 62 (51.2%) were tested positive for Schistosoma haematobium ova, the highest prevalence (53.9%) was recorded in age group 11-15 years. Also the heaviest intensity of infection (11.8%) based on the egg count per 10ml of urine was found in this age group, while 0-5 years had no infection. Males had higher infection rate (54.2%) than females (49.3%), which however was not statistically significant (P<0.05). Hence, considering the high prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in the study community, there is a need for health education, provision of alternative sources of water, Mass Drug Administration and freshwater snail control in the area.

Key words: Urinary schistosomiasis, prevalence, intensity, eggua.