PARASITE INTENSITY OF URINARY SCHISTOSOMIASIS IN COMMUNITIES IN BIASE LGA

Abstract

Schistosomiasis remains a significant public health challenge in many rural communities in Nigeria, particularly where dependence on natural freshwater sources sustains transmission. This study investigated the intensity of urinary schistosomiasis among residents of selected communities in Biase Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 915 participants, comprising 405 adults and 510 school-aged children, selected through multistage sampling. Mid-day urine samples were collected and examined for Schistosoma haematobium eggs using the standard filtration technique. Infection intensity was expressed as eggs per 10 ml of urine and classified according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The overall mean intensity was 47.15 ± 20.68 eggs/10 ml urine, indicating moderate transmission. Significant variations in infection intensity were observed among communities (p < 0.01), with Abini (56.45 ± 24.30 eggs/10 ml) and Adim (54.84 ± 22.95 eggs/10 ml) recording the highest intensities, while Betem (15.17 ± 7.92 eggs/10 ml) recorded the lowest. Children had significantly higher infection intensity than adults (49.31 ± 21.85 vs. 43.97 ± 19.42 eggs/10 ml; p < 0.05), and 48% of infected children harboured heavy infections. Infection intensity declined progressively with age. The findings reveal persistent hotspots of schistosomiasis transmission in Biase LGA and underscore the need for targeted mass drug administration, improved water and sanitation facilities, and continuous surveillance to support elimination efforts.