Prevalence and intensity of urinary schistosomiasis in primary school children of the Kotto Barombi Health Area, Cameroon.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the prevalence and intensity of urinary schistosomiasis in school pupils aged five to sixteen years.


METHODS
Barombi Kotto Health Area, southwest Cameroon.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Three hundred and forty seven primary school children.


METHODS
All children found to be infected were treated with praziquantel (biltricide).


METHODS
The study would be able to provide baseline information on the epidemiology of schistosomiasis which is vital for control strategies.


RESULTS
The overall prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium in the study areas was 53.6%, with the highest prevalence of 73.9% recorded in Barombi Kotto village. Children resident on Barombi Kotto island were more significantly infected than those on the peripheral mainland (93.3% versus 46.2%, p < 0.01). Prevalence rate and intensity of infection did not vary significantly (p > 0.05) with sex, class or age of the pupils. The mean egg count varied significantly between schools (p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Barombi Kotto village was identified as the focus of urinary schistosomiasis, with the highest recorded in children dwelling on the island, the surrounding lake being the main focus of transmission. Focal snail control as an adjunct of chemotherapy and intensive health education for the local population are strongly recommended as a means of reducing the high infection rate in the area.
Ndamukong
K J
KJ
Faculty of Science, University of Buea, South West Cameroon.
Ayuk
M A
MA
Dinga
J S
JS
Akenji
T N
TN
Ndiforchu
V A
VA
Titanji
V P
VP
D000293:Adolescent; D002163:Cameroon / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011634:Public Health / Q000193:education; D012553:Schistosomiasis haematobia / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission