URINARY SCHISTOSOMIASIS IN PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS IN AN URBAN COMMUNITY IN JOS-NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Urinary schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the parasitic worm Schistosoma haematobium. Although significant efforts have been made to control neglected tropical diseases, schistosomiasis continues to pose a major public health challenge in Nigeria. This study was conducted among primary school pupils in Anguwan Rogo community of Jos-North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria, to determine the status of urinary schistosomiasis. Between June and November 2020, 250 urine samples were collected from pupils in three primary schools. The samples were analysed for S. haematobium eggs using the standard sedimentation technique. The overall prevalence of S. haematobium was 4(2.0%) with infection observed only at L.E.A Primary School, Anguwan Rogo (p < 0.05). Only males (4.12%) acquired the infection while subjects aged ≥ 13 years accounted for the highest prevalence (7.9%) of the infection (p < 0.05). Although, there was no significant association (p > 0.05) between S. haematobium infection and water source, subjects who used well (3.4%) and tap (2.0%) as source of water accounted for the highest burden of the infection. Overall, it is concluded that although the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis is low in this study, the finding highlights the need for targeted interventions and control measures to prevent transmission and protect vulnerable populations in urban areas.