Schistosoma haematobium infection in Abeokuta

Abstract

Ten years after the initial report of the outbreak of schistosomiasis in the vicinity of Sokori stream (a tributary of Ogun River) in Abeokuta, Nigeria, investigation was carried out to determine the present status of the disease, given the increased socioeconomic activities in the city. A total of 1670 school pupils in three schools within one kilometer radius of the stream, and 234 adults found using the stream for some water related activities were examined for eggs in their urine. One hundred and ninety-eight (11.9%) of the pupils and 98 (7.7%) of the adult group were infected. Compared to results of earlier surveys 1985 (55%) and 1987 (60.9%), there was a considerable reduction in the prevalence of infection. Also, 20.1% of pupils examined in the 1987 survey excreted between 200 and 1000 eggs/10 ml urine while the highest egg count in this survey was 189 eggs/10 ml urine. In addition to the improved water supply observed in the city, there has also been increased alternative recreational sites which may have reduced the propensity of the children to swim in the stream. Three snail species were seen (Bulinus forskalii, Physa waterlotti. and Melanoides voltae), none of which was naturally infected with cercariae