A Study on Schistosomiasis in Three Communities along Lake Alau, Konduga Local Government Area, Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

 Schistosomiasis, despite the control strategies adopted for its control in Nigeria, remains a public health problem in North Eastern part of the country. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Schistosomiasis among the residents of Alau, Kayamla and Wanori living around Lake Alau in Konduga Local Government. Data on Gender, Age, and Occupation and Water source were analyzed using a questionnaire. Formal Ether concentration technique was used for detection of eggs of Schistosoma mansoni in stool samples and sedimentation technique was used for detection of eggs of Schistosoma haematobium in urine. Out of the 460 people, examined, 21.1% had Schistosomiasis, with Schistosoma haematobium (13.9%) being higher in prevalence than Schistosoma mansoni (7.1%). Males had higher prevalence of both Schistosoma haematobium (16.3%) and Schistosoma mansoni (8.2%) than the Females (10.8%) and (5.9%) respectively, and the difference was significant. Males had higher intensity of infection for both Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni than their female counterparts did. The highest rate of infection was recorded among the fishermen (46.6%), followed by farmers (19.3%) while the traders had 7.7%.These statistically showed significant difference (P<0.05). Subjects who used Lake Water (23.7%) were more affected than those who used well Water (8.6%).Which shows significant difference.(P<0.05).This study has established the presence of Schistosomiasis in the study area. These constitute potential public health significance and could be a threat to important socio economic activities in the area as it could rise if not quickly checked. There is the need for the authorities concerned to initiate and establish feasible control programmes against the disease in the area.