Epidemiological studies on urinary schistosomiasis and bacterial co-infection in some rural communities of Abia State, Nigeria

Urinary Schistosomiasis though being second to malaria as the most economically devastating disease is highly neglected in Nigeria. Infant it was only in 2010 that it was introduced into the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR). This has made the control of the disease more challenging despite its known high endemicity in the country. Several studies have shown that the disease can lead some dangerous complications ranging from gross mental retardation in children to renal complications such as bladder cancer. In Abia State Urinary Schistosomiasis is endermic is same rural communities, however not much attempt has been made on bacteria co-infection and to establish some socio – economic variable and clinical presentations carried out a cross – sectional survey of some school children between the ages of 5 – 16 years and above. A questionnaire was administered also. Urine samples were subjected to parasitological and bacteriology studies to determine prevalence, intensity tract infection.
A Urinary Schistosomiasis pooled prevalence of 23.1% in Akwete community, 33.9% in Ozuitem and 0% in Ohuruisinmiri communities. Escherichia coli was the most prevalent micro-organism in co-infection with the prevalence rate of 37.5%, Klebsiella spp 15.6%, Pseudomonas spp 9.4%, Streptococcus spp 6.3% and Proteus spp 3.1%.