PREVALENCE OF SNAIL VECTORS OF SCHISTOSOMIASIS ALONG ANTAU RIVER, KEFFI, NASARAWA STATE

Schistosomiasis, or bilharzia, is a parasitic disease that affects over 230 million people worldwide, with 700 million at risk, primarily in tropical and subtropical regions, including Nigeria. The disease is transmitted through freshwater snails that host Schistosoma parasites. This study aims to understand the prevalence of snail vectors responsible for transmitting schistosomiasis along Antau River, Keffi, Nasarawas State. A snail sampling survey conducted at three locations - Saura Bridge, Antau Bridge, and Mannu Bridge - along Antau River yielded a total of 216 snails. The distribution showed Saura Bridge with the highest population (96 snails, 44.4%), followed by Antau Bridge (81 snails, 37.5%) and Mannu Bridge (39 snails, 18.1%). Five snail species were identified, with Melanoides spp dominating (173 snails, 80.1%), followed by Anisus spp (28 snails, 13.0%), Planorbarius spp (11 snails, 5.1%), Biomphalaria spp (3 snails, 1.4%), and Physa spp (1 snail, 0.5%). Biomphalaria spp, a known schistosomiasis vector, had a high cercarial shedding rate (66.7%) near Antau Bridge, signaling a potential risk for disease transmission. Physico-chemical analysis revealed favorable snail habitat conditions, with a mean water temperature of 28.0°C, pH of 7.0, and dissolved oxygen ranging from 6.58 mg/L to 6.75 mg/L. The study concludes that while the overall risk of schistosomiasis transmission may be low due to the small population of Biomphalaria spp, targeted vector control measures are necessary, particularly around Antau Bridge, to prevent further transmission of schistosomiasis. Key recommendations include regular monitoring of snail populations, public health education, and targeted mollusciciding to control the Biomphalaria spp population. The findings provide data for the development of control strategies aimed at reducing the burden of schistosomiasis in the region.