Intestinal schistosomiasis in an apparently healthy rural population in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

* 1Odoya, E. M., 2Edosomwa, E. U., 1Iribhogbe, O. I.,2Damina, A. A., and 3Asojo, O. A.  

 1Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria

2University of Benin, Nigeria

3National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA                                  

*Correspondence to: ebubeodoya@yahoo.co.nz

Abstract:

 Background: Schistosomiasis is endemic in Nigeria and three species; Schistosoma haematobium, Schistosoma mansoni, and Schistosoma intercalatum have been reported in Niger Delta, Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of schistosomiasis in rural communities of Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Methodology: Four rural homogeneous communities; Otuegala, Immiringi, Otuesega, and Ibelebiri in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria, were randomly selected for the study. A structured questionnaire was administered to each participant in their native language and used to collect participant’s biodata and swimming history. Stool samples collected from all participants were examined qualitatively by wet preparation and after formolethol concentration. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 software and results presented in proportion and tables. Continue reading “Intestinal schistosomiasis in an apparently healthy rural population in Bayelsa State, Nigeria”