Prevalence and Distribution of Urinary Schistosomiasis in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Studies were carried out on urinary schistosomiasis in 9 communities of Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. Of the 487 persons examined, 55 (11.3%) were positive for Schistosoma haematobium ova. Highest prevalence was recorded in Umuokanne (27.8%), followed by Umukene (16.3%) and Nwori (13.2%), while Umuagwo had no infected persons. The infection varied significantly among various age and occupational groups (P<0.05). The males had higher infection rate (13.2%) than the females (8.8%). About 80.0% of all the infected persons were within the 1-40 years age bracket, while only 20% were within the fifth decade of life and above. A greater proportion of infected persons (47.3%) had haematuria, while supra-public pain and painful urination was observed in 18.2 and 14.5% respectively. The implications of these findings on the community health management in Imo state are discussed. (The Journal of American Science. 2006;2(4):45-48)