Epidemiological survey and chromatographic profiling of ligands associated with Schistosoma haematobium infection in Oke-Alafia, Ondo State, Nigeria

Objective: Nigeria is the world's most endemic country for schistosomiasis, with the disease burden second only to malaria globally. Objective: This study aimed to survey Schistosoma haematobium infection in Oke-Alafia, Ondo State, and identify ligands associated with urinary schistosomiasis. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 400 participants was conducted in the Oke-Alafia community to assess the distribution of Schistosoma haematobium infection and identify associated ligands. Microscopy and cultural techniques were employed on urine samples from randomly selected subjects to detect S. haematobium and exclude bacterial infections. Statistical analysis used the Chi-square test (p < 0.05). Results: The prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis was 18.75%. The most abundant ligands in infected urine samples included Methyl 4-hydroxybutyl, Trimethyl Silyl, Thiazole, 2-Pyrrolidinone, 1-methyl, and Piperidine. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in ligand abundance related to urinary schistosomiasis (X2 = 1.7312; P > 0.05). In contrast, normal urine samples (without parasitic or bacterial infections) had five distinct ligands, including Hydrazine carbothioamide, Dihydroartemisinic acid, and Silane, with significant differences in abundance (X2 = 5.242; P < 0.05). Conclusion: Identified ligands may serve as potential biomarkers for rapid diagnostic methods in urinary schistosomiasis.