Prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium Infection
in a Neglected Community, South Western Nigeria
Olaoluwa P Akinwale*, Morakinyo B Ajayi,
David O Akande, Monsuru A Adeleke,
Pam V Gyang, Adeniyi K Adeneye,
Angelina A Dike
Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Public Health Division,
Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, P.M.B 2013, Yaba,
Lagos, Nigeria
*For
Correspondence:
Tel:
+234 805 514 6173
Email:
pheabian@yahoo.co.uk
Received:
16-Feb-09 Revised: 04-May-09
Accepted: 05-May-09
International Journal of Health Research,
June
2009; 2(2):
149-155 (e226p45-51)
Original
Research Article
Abstract
Purpose:
Schistosomiasis ranks second to malaria among parasitic
diseases of socio-economic and public health importance.
In Nigeria, urinary schistosomiasis caused by
Schistosoma haematobium is endemic. This study aimed
at producing an accurate data on the prevalence of
urinary schistosomiasis in Apojula, a neglected
community located around Oyan Dam, southwest Nigeria,
using parasitological and molecular techniques.
Methods:
Parasitological examinations were carried out on urine
samples from 63 participants whose ages ranged between 7
and 63 years. Matched blood and urine samples were also
screened for S. haematobium infection by
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the
schistosome Dra1 repeat.
Results:
Of the 63
participants, 33 (52.4%) were positive for heamaturia
while 6 (9.5%) had S. haematobium ova in their
urine. PCR amplification of S. haematobium Dra1
repeat from their urine and blood samples showed that 59
(93.65%) and 62 (98.4%) were infected respectively.
Conclusion:
There was
a high prevalence of S. haematobium infection as
detected by PCR amplification of schistosome Dra1 repeat
from the urine and blood samples of the study
participants. In addition, the PCR was able to detect
schistosome infection in cases otherwise shown to be
negative by parasitological examinations thereby making
them also to receive chemotherapy.
Keywords:
Schistosoma
haematobium, heamaturia, urine, blood, PCR, Dra1.
