article · FUOYE Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences (FJPAS)
A cross-sectional investigation evaluated the prevalence and intensity of schistosomiasis across twelve urban and semi-urban communities in two municipal councils of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. Stool and urine samples from 565 participants were examined microscopically and visually for Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium eggs between February and September 2021. The overall combined prevalence of schistosomiasis reached 60.7 percent, comprising 33.9 percent for Schistosoma haematobium and 26.8 percent for Schistosoma mansoni. Individuals aged 10 to 14 years experienced the highest infection rates for both species. Gwagwa recorded the highest prevalence and heavy infection rates for Schistosoma haematobium, while Gwako I experienced the highest heavy infection rate for Schistosoma mansoni. The findings indicate that endemicity persists despite mass drug administration, highlighting the necessity of integrated interventions such as clean drinking water and health education campaigns.
Schistosomiasis remains a serious public health burden in Nigerian urban and semi-urban settings despite regular mass drug administration. Pinpointing high-transmission communities and vulnerable age groups, particularly school-aged children, helps public health authorities recognise where existing drug interventions are falling short and where combined sanitation, clean water, and educational measures must be prioritised to curb infection.
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Schistosomiasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases and a public health challenge, with high endemicity in Nigeria. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and intensity of schistosomiasis in some urban and semi-urban communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria. This cross-sectional study was carried out among 565 participants from 12 communities in 2 municipal councils in the FCT between February and September 2021. Stool and urine samples were collected and examined visually and microscopically for eggs of Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium, respectively, following standard protocols. The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis (Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium combined infection) was 60.7%: S. haematobium (33.9%) and S. mansoni (26.8%). Prevalence of infection was highest in the age group, 10-14 years: S. haematobium (41.2%) and S. mansoni (30.6%). The Gwagwa community had the highest prevalence of 62% for S. haematobium and S. mansoni (52%). The Angwandodo community had the lowest prevalence for S. mansoni (1%), while S. haematobium was not recorded. Gwagwa also had the highest occurrence of heavy infection of S. haematobium (> 50 eggs/10 mL) (34.5%), while Gwako I had the highest occurrence of heavy infection of S. mansoni (> 400 eggs per gram [epg] of faeces) (21.1%). This study shows that despite mass administration of medicines (MAM), schistosomiasis endemicity persists, and its prevalence is still high among the assessed communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria. Aside from Mass Drug Administration (MDA), integrated control measures, like the provision of potable water, health education and enlightenment campaigns, should be implemented in these communities to control the scourge of schistosomiasis.
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DOI: 10.55518/fjpas.suhl2254
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