Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Schistosome Species Detected among Primary School Pupils around Gwaigwaye Reservoir, Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State

Schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni, causes morbidity and mortality throughout the African region, raising concerns about public health. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and molecular characterization of schistosome species affecting primary school students in the Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State. Pupils from five different primary schools in Gwaigwaye were randomly selected to provide urine and stool samples which were analyzed using sedimentation and formal ether concentration methods for S. haematobium and S. mansoni, respectively. Positive samples were characterized using Polymerase Chain Reaction. Data obtained were analyzed using GraphPad instant version statistical software package. The molecular characterization revealed the presence of two species of Schistosomes which were S. haematobium and S. mansoni. The results showed a prevalence of 35.8% and 15.3% for S. haematobium and S. mansoni, respectively. The highest prevalence of 36.1% and 16.9% were observed for S. haematobium and S. mansoni among age groups 10-15 years. Males had a higher prevalence of 40.4% and 19.3% for S. haematobium and S. mansoni than females who had 25.0% and 5.8%, respectively. The prevalence of both S. haematobium and S. mansoni infection vary significantly with respect to age and sex. Conclusively, this study showed that both S. haematobium and S. mansoni remain prevalent in the study area and appropriate control measures such as treatment of all infected individuals, should be employed to reduce the prevalence of both S. haematobium and S. mansoni.