Prevalence of Urinary Schistosomiasis and Associated Uropathogens in Some Riparian Areas of Ekiti State, Nigeria

Background: Schistosomiasis is an acute and chronic parasitic disease caused by blood flukes (trematode worms) of the genusSchistosoma. The disease is prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas, especially in rural communities without access to potable drinking water and adequate sanitation. It is estimated that about 90% of those needing treatment for schistosomiasis live in sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria taking the leading in the pack. Aim: The study aimed to assess the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis and associated urinopathogens in selected riparian areas in Ekiti State, Southwest, Nigeria. Methodology: A total of 330 subjects were enrolled for the study. Structured questionnaire was administered on them for socio-demographic information, after obtaining their informed consent. Urine samples were collected from them for analysis, microscopy, urinalysis and bacterial investigations were carried out on the urine samples. Results: The demographic profiles of the respondents revealed that they were 5-73 (26.0±0.6) years old. The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis was 12.2%. Schistosomiasis prevalence was found to show significant association with education, gender, marital status, household’s source of water, frequency of human contact with river and season of the year the respondents were more frequent to river. The results of urinalysis, as biomarkers for urinary disorder, showed the prevalence of schistosomiasis to be significantly associated with proteinuria), leukocyturia, haematuria, nitrituria, ketonuria and bilirubinuria. Prevalence of schistosomiasis increased significantly with increasing pH (p=0.001). Microscopy revealed significant association of urinary schistosomiasis with presence of pus cells, yeast and crystals in urine. The Schistosoma positive urine samples had higher bacterial loads than the negative samples. Schistosomiasis and bacteriuria showed significant association with proteinuria and leukocyturia. Thirteen different species of uropathogens were associated with the urines with schistosome eggs. Conclusion and Recommendation: The high prevalence of schistosomiasis in the study, despite the state being enlisted in the Schistosomiasis Control Initiative of Nigeria, calls for more proactive measures from government at all levels.