New Foci for Schistosoma haematobium in Khartoum State

Abstract

This cross-sectional study was carried out in residential areas on the banks of the White Nile in Khartoum state during August and September 2010.Four hundred and twelve urine samples were collected randomly from participants (336 males & 76 females) whose their ages ranged between 8-22 years. The participants were categorized according to age as follows , (8-10) , (11-13) , (14-16) and ( 20-22). The urine samples were examined using centrifugation concentration technique to determine the prevalence of S.haematobium among the school children, the study was also used to correlate disease prevalence with different factors, such as, sex, age, source of water supply and socio economic status. The prevalence of urinary Schistosomiasis was found to be (19.2%) with 79 positive samples out of 412. Of whom( 19.6%) were males while (17.1%) were females. Statistical analysis showed significant correlation between disease prevalence and some factors,such as: sex , age , educational level , source of water supply and swimming activity. It was concluded that the distribution of S.haematobium in these areas reflects, the presence of intermediate host of the parasite and the existence of an important public health problem in Khartoum state. It was also recommended that infection with Schistosoma mansoni should be looked for.