ABSTRACT

The study aimed at surveying the prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium, freshwater snail vector of S. haematobium, physio-chemical properties of freshwater and factors influencing the transmission and spread of S. haematobium in Afikpo North Local Government Area, Ebonyi State from February 2016 to January 2017. The subjects’ urine were examined for S. haematobium through centrifugation and sedimentation. Of 504 persons randomly screened for S. haematobium, 20 (3.97%) were infected. Males were more infected 12 (4.8%) than the females 8 (3.15%). Sex was not statistically associated with prevalence of S. haematobium (X² = .901, df= 1, P> 0.05). The average intensity/10ml count among those infected was 21eggs/10ml of urine. The intensity of infection (8.1) was highest in age group 14-16 yrs.  There was no significant relationship that exist between the age and the prevalence of S. haematobium (X² = 1.506, df= 4, P> 0.05). There exist a significant relationship between sources of water and the prevalence of S. haematobium (P< 0.05). There was no significant relationship between occupation of the parents and the prevalence of S. haematobium (P> 0.05). Prevalence of S. haematobium was high in February 3 (7.8%) and low in October 1(1.85%). There was no significant relationship between the season and the prevalence of S. haematobium (P> 0.05). This study revealed freshwater snails with particular reference to Bulinus species. A survey of snail abundance in relation to location/sampling site showed that Ohia stream had the highest abundance of snail with a total of 44 snails while Iyi Akpoha had the least abundance of snails with 27 snails. Each of the Bulinus species was placed in a glass beaker filled with 100ml of water, and then exposed to sunlight for 30mins which facilitated shedding of cercariae and examined. A survey of the infection rate of Bulinus species collected in different sampling sites showed that out of 102 Bulinus species collected 11 (10.8%) were infected. Ohia sample location had the highest infection rate of Bulinus species 5 (15.6%) and the least was in Iyi Akpoha 0(0%). There was no significant relationship between sampling sites and the rate of snail infection (P> 0.05). Bulinus species infection rate in relation to month/season was high in December 1 (25%). A survey of snail abundance in relation to physico-chemical properties which include temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity and conductivity was conducted. There was no significant relationship between physico-chemical properties of water and snails abundance as well as infected snail (P>0.05). The most densely occurring macrophyte was Carex austro-africana. The result revealed that increase in aquatic macrophytes yielded concomitant increase in the snail abundance (P< 0.05). Based on the findings of this study, it is evident that prevalence of S. haematobium infections in the area is low. Therefore, effort should be intensified to maintain levels below threshold and eradicate urinary schistosomiasis in Afikpo North L.G.A. Ebonyi State.