Prevalence of schistosomiasis and other intestinal helminth infections among senior primary school children in Makenene Sub-Division, Cameroon.

Abstract

A study was carried out in four villages of Makenene Sub-Division some 85 km north-west of Yaounde, between November 1993 and March 1994 to assess the prevalence and intensity of schistosomes and other helminth infections among senior primary school pupils aged 9-16. An extensive questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic information and information on water-related activities. The overall prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 228 (23.6%) while S. haematobium infection was practically non-existent 03 (< 1%). Infection rates with intestinal nematodes were very high, up to 98% in some villages. Prevalence rates of schistosomiasis varied significantly (P < 0.05) between villages with the highest (36.2%) recorded in Makenene. Infections with other parasite species encountered were significantly different (P < 0.01) while a marked association was observed between water contact activities and the distribution of S. mansoni infections. However, S. mansoni infection intensities were not significantly different (P > 0.05) between those with a history of previous infection and treatment and those without.