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  • Urinary schistosomiasis in rural communities of some Local Government Areas in Plateau State, Nigeria: a preliminary parasitological and malacological Survey

Journal of Helminthology

Table of Contents - 1996 - Volume 70, Issue 01  

Research Papers

Urinary schistosomiasis in rural communities of some Local Government Areas in Plateau State, Nigeria: a preliminary parasitological and malacological Survey

P. F. Akufongwea1 c1, D. A. Dakula1, P.D. Michaela2, P.D. Dajagata2 and W.L. Arabsa1

a1 Department of Zoology, Applied Entomology and Parasitology Unit, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria

a2 Qua'an-Pan Cottage Hospital, Ba'ap, Nigeria

Abstract

A preliminary parasitological and malacological survey was effected in rural communities of some Local Government Areas (LGA) in Plateau State, Nigeria, to estimate the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis and identify active transmission foci. Out of 2888 persons examined in six LGAs, 1381 (47.82%) were excreting eggs of Schistosoma haematobium in their urine. Prevalence rates did not vary significantly (P > 0.05) between the LGAs: Pankshin (62.4%), Shendam (40.2%), Qua'an-Pan (22.9%), Langtang South (45.4%), Langtang North (58.8%) and Wase (50.0%). Infection rates were significantly different (P < 0.001) between the sexes. Many water bodies in the study communities were colonized by infected Bulinus snails. Snail infection rates varied significantly (P < 0.001) between the dry and wet seasons. A positive correlation was observed between snail infection rates and the prevalence of S. haematobium.

(Accepted August 23 1995)

Correspondence:

c1 P.O. Box 835, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria