Schisotosoma haematobium and Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in Some Part of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Urinary tract infection and urinary schistosomiasis still remain a public health problem to man with a focal prevalence. Schistosoma haematobium and other Urinary tract infections are chronic diseases that affect the urinary tract system. A total of 1,024 urine samples from volunteers attending Victory Clinic in Nabor village, a rural community in Jos North local government area and The Nigeria Air Force hospital were analyzed using sedimentation concentration and reagent strip techniques. Of the 1,024 examined, 58(5.7%) were found infected with S. haematobium. The severity of infection was recorded as light (< 50), moderate (>50- 100) and heavy (>100) ova /10ml of urine. Following macroscopic observation, 266 samples of urine were cultured on nutrient agar, 144(54. 2%) had Nitrogen reducing bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and a fungus, Candida albicans were isolated. Of these, 20(13.6 %) had co-infection with S. haematobium and other UTI the difference was significant at (p<0.05) between the age group <20yrs and adults >20yrs. There was no significant difference between males (8.5%) and females (4.2%). Infection according to main source of water contact revealed a higher prevalence with stream (6.7%) and least with rain water. This suggests the use of more than one major source of water. Control measures both in attitude and treatment can reduce the incidence of the co-infections. More effort is needed from government, non government organizations, (NGOs) and individuals in tackling urinary tract infections problems to bring it to the barest minimum.