BACTERIURIA CO-INFECTION AND IMPACT OF URINARY SCHISTOSOMIASIS ON DAILY ACTIVITIES OF WOMEN IN YALA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, CRS, NIGERIA

Abstract

Urinary schistosomiasis is one of the most important tropical diseases, which has received insufficient attention in developing countries. The burden of urinary schistosomiasis is further exacerbated by co-infection with bacterial Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). This study was aimed at assessing bacteria co-infection and the impact of urinary schistosomiasis on daily activities of women in Yala L.G.A in Cross River State, Nigeria. Macroscopy, urinalysis, and microscopy were used to examine the 650 urine samples (400 from Okpoma and 250 from Ugaga villages) collected to determine presence of Schistosoma haematobium eggs. The presence of bacterial strains in urine samples positive for Schistosoma eggs was evaluated using standard microbiological protocol. Questionnaires administered to women provided information on socio-demographic data and water-contact activities. Results revealed that out of the 650 urine specimens examined in the two villages, 202 (31.08%) were infected as overall prevalence. The highest prevalence (48.53%) was found among the 11-22 years age group, and the least (12.80%) among the 59-70 years age group. Statistical analysis at significance level (P≤ 0.05) revealed that there is a significant relationship between occupation and infection rate of schistosomiasis in the area. One hundred and sixty women (72.07%) who were infected complained of suprapubic pain and painful urination. Also, the infection prevented them from going to farm, market, carrying out their daily domestic activities (cooking, washing, fetching water), attending social functions, and performing their functions as caregivers. A total of eight (8) bacteria genera were isolated and identified from 202 urine samples positive for Schistosoma eggs. The bacterial species include Klebsiella sp. 3 (2.47%), Staphylococcus aureus 39 (32.23%), Enterococcus aerogenes 6 (4.95), Escherichia coli 32 (26,45), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 14 (11.57), Staphylococcus saprophyticus 10 (8.26), Enterococcus faecalis 9 (6.61) and Proteus sp. 8 (6.61). Significant bacteriuria was detected in 121 (59.90%) and co-infection was detected in 65 (53.68%) of schistosomiasis cases. This investigation revealed the impact of urinary schistosomiasis on the daily activities of the women and significant bacteriuria in the study area which suggest that bacterial presence may be a potent complication in the management of urinary schistosomiasis. The integration of complementary control strategies such as disease surveillance, chemotherapy, health education, potable water supply, provision of toilet facilities and sanitation in the study area would lead to great success..