Survey of schistosomiasis and associated risk factors amongst residents of suburban riverine communities in Makurdi, Nigeria – Zoonotic implication

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease prevalent in underprivileged suburban and rural dwellers, characterised by poverty, poor sanitation and lack of basic amenities. Most published studies on schistosomiasis in Benue State are school-based, with a dearth of information about the disease epidemiology in suburban riverine communities. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of urogenital and intestinal schistosomiasis and associated risk factors in residents of some suburban riverine communities in Makurdi, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was designed in which stool and urine samples were collected from 452 participants from three riverine communities, after due consent was obtained. Samples were screened for Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni using centrifugation to enhance the sedimentation of eggs and Kato-Katz techniques, respectively. Information on participants' demography and water contact activities was obtained using a structured questionnaire. Results revealed an overall prevalence of 16.8%. Specific prevalence for urogenital and intestinal schistosomiasis was 16.4% and 0.4% respectively. 0ne case (0.2%) of ectopic Schistosoma mansoni was recorded. Specific prevalence for Agyetashi, Afubo and Ijaha communities were 3.8%, 2.5% and 27.4% respectively. Infected participants mostly had light intensity (98.7%) of infection. While haematuria was significantly associated with schistosomiasis (p = 0.000), proteinuria was not (p = 0.384). Age and sex were not determinants of the infection (p > 0.05). Multivariate analysis confirmed that the participants’ community, proximity to open water bodies and drinking from open water bodies were the key factors significantly associated with schistosomiasis among the residents. Participants who occasionally engaged in open water activities were significantly more infected than those who regularly engaged in these activities. The study has shown the endemicity of schistosomiasis in Benue State. The authors recommend mass administration of praziquantel to the studied communities and public education to prevent exposure to the parasite.