Prevalence of Intestinal Schistosomiasis in some Respondents in Emelogo and Ogboloma Communities in Odua, Abua-Odua Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease, mostly prevalent in poor, rural and under developed countries. Globally, Nigeria has been stated to have the greatest number of positive cases of this disease. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 504 participants from Emelogo and Ogboloma communities, Abua/Odua Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. Faecal samples were screened for the presence of Schistosoma mansoni eggs using the Direct saline method and Kato-katz technique. Among the 504 participants, Ogboloma (n=257) and Emelogo (n=247), 21 (4.2%) were positive for S. mansoni. Chi-square showed that there was no association between the parasite and communities (χ2=1.914; p=0.0557). T-test also showed there was no significant difference between the prevalence in both communities (p=0.063). Considering gender, there were 247 males, 4 (1.62%) were positive while females were 257 with positive cases 17(6.61%). There was a gender associated prevalence (χ2=2.806; p=0.0050). Age group 18 ≥ had the highest prevalence rate 12 (6.06%) while 0-5 age group was the least as no positive case was recorded. There was no age associated prevalence recorded (χ2=4.42; p=0.218). The case of intestinal schistosomiasis is of light intensity. The communities were very rural, under developed and lacked basic amenities. NTD program managers and policy makers should resume the global fight against Schistosomiasis as the disease is resurfacing in these areas. Source of potable water be provided so as to reduce their contact with these cercariae infested waters