Studies on schistosomiasis in the Niger Delta: Prevalenceof Schistosoma haematobium among inhabitants of Ahoada district

Abstract

The prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium infection among inhabitants of Ahoada District in the Niger Delta belonging to various age groups has been assessed. One out of 12 children under 2 years is infected. Thereafter the prevalence rises steeply and is effectively 100% between 4 and 8 years; thus all persons growing up in the district become infected. Prevalence begins to decline at the end of the first decade of life and is fairly constant from 25 years onwards. Intensity of infection is generally low. Counts of less than 1000 ova in total bladder content were common. No significant difference between the sexes was recorded. Temporary bodies of water (in borrow pits and drainage gutters) around residential quarters were identified as the major contact sites of the infection in the area. Bulinus forskalii was the only freshwater snail species in the district asoociated with Schisotosoma infection. Eradication of the infection in the area is possible through improved environmental sanitation, treatment of infected persons and spraying of the limited Schistosome snail sites with molluscicides especially at the peak of the snail season in the area (April–September). This campaign is indicated and it is being conducted by our unit.