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Prevalence of schistosomiasis and other intestinal helminth infection among senior primary school children in Makenene Sub-Division, Cameroon

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 June 2009

P.F. Akufongwe ,
C.O.E. Onwuliri ,
V.P.K. Titanji  and
V.N. Okwuosa
P.F. Akufongwe*
Affiliation:
Applied Parasitology Unit, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
C.O.E. Onwuliri
Affiliation:
Applied Parasitology Unit, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
V.P.K. Titanji
Affiliation:
Faculty of Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameron
V.N. Okwuosa
Affiliation:
Applied Parasitology Unit, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
*
*Address for correspondence: c/o PO Box 835, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
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Abstract

A study was carried out in four vifiages of Makenene Sub-Division some 85 km north-west of Yaounde, between November 1993 and March 1994 to assess the prevalence and intensity of schistosomes and other helminth infections among senior primary school pupils aged 9–16. An extensive questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic information and information on water-related activities.

The overall prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 228 (23.6%) while S. haematobium infection was practically non-existent 03 (<1%). Infection rates with intestinal nematodes were very high, up to 98% in some villages. Prevalence rates of schistosomiasis varied significantly (P<0.05) between vifiages with the highest (36.2%) recorded in Makenene. Infections with other parasite species encountered were significantly different (P<0.01) while a marked association was observed between water contact activities and the distribution of S. mansoni infections. However, S. mansoni infection intensities were not significantly different (P>0.05) between those with a history of previous infection and treatment and those without.

Type
Research Papers
Information
Journal of Helminthology , Volume 69 , Issue 2 , June 1995 , pp. 103 - 105
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995

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