Prevalence of Schistosomiasis in Alkreab Village, East Nile Locality, Khartoum State

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Alkreab village, East Nile province from December 2008- January 2009. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of schistosomiasis in the study area. In this study, ٨6 stool samples (81 from school children and 5 from house wives) and 202 urine samples (145 from school children and 57 from house wives & farmers), were randomly collected, with ages ranging between 5-60 years. The school children were classified to three age groups as (5-9), (10-14) and (15-19) while the farmers and house wives were classified also to three educational levels as (uneducated, with primary education and with secondary education). The stool samples were examined by using kato-katz technique, while the urine samples were examined by ordinary sedimentation concentration technique. The overall prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis (Schistsoma haematobium) out of 202 urine samples examined was found to be 21(7.3%) and intestinal schistosomiasis (Schistsoma mansoni) out of 86 stools samples examined was found to be zero %. The prevalence of urinary shistosomiasis was found to be highest among school children 18(8.0%). Males are more exposed to infections than females. While the prevalence of urinary shistosomiasis among farmers and house wives were found to be 3 (4.8%). Statistical analysis showed significant associations between the prevalence rate and sex, prevalence rate and age, prevalence rate and occupation, prevalence rate and behaviors of the inhabitants and prevalence rate and swim in Alselate canal. It was concluded that mass treatment by praziquentel lead to a significant decrease in the disease prevalence as previous studies from the same area revealed higher prevalence.