Distribution and Prevalence of Infection in Schistosoma haematobium Intermediate Hosts in Three Selected Local Government Areas of Adamawa State Nigeria

Schistosomiasis is a blood fluke infection caused by parasite of the genus Schistosoma. The aim of this study was to identify snail intermediate host, its relative abundance and assess its cercaria shedding rates in the three Local Government Areas (Ganye, Jada and Mayo Belwa) of Adamawa State, Nigeria. Sample collection was conducted using Scoop technique. In totality, 2,321 snails consisting of 883 (38.0%) Bulinus globosus, 1106 (47.7%) of B. truncatus as well as 332 (14.3%) Lymnea natalensis were collected and identified. Highist large quantity of snail species was observed in July 239 (10.3%) with least abundance in January 140 (6.02%). Total of 1,989 of the 2,321 snails were identified as carrier of Schistosoma haematobium. The overall prevalence of cercaria shedding of 3.8% (76/1,989) was reported in this study. Jada LGA recorded highest prevalence of snail infected with cercaria 4.5% (29/642), followed by Ganye LGA 3.5% (25/708), while Mayo Belwa LGA 3.4% (22/639) had the least prevalence. Based species of snails, highest infection with cercaria was observed in Bulinus globosus 4.3% (38/883) wjile Bulinus truncatus had the least prevalence 3.4% (38/1106). There was insignificant statistical difference between cercarial infection with both locations and snail species (P>0.05). Water body recorded highest infected snails 4.8% (53/1,111) than irrigation sites 2.6% (23/878). Seasonal variation also showed highest prevalence during dry season 5.4% (42/777) than wet season 2.8% (34/1,212). There was significant statistical difference between cercarial infection with both sampling sites and season (P<0.05). In conclusion, Bulinus globosus and B. truncatus were identified as intermediate host of schistosomiasis with cercaria shedding occurring around water bodies as well as during dry season in the study area. The need for further expanded study that would cover the entire state to prevent higher prevalence and public enlightenment on the mode of transmission and control was recommended.