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Studies on Schistosoma haematobium... ( Cont.. 7)

DISCUSSION

This survey showed that S. haematobium is still being transmitted within Ile-Ife. From the results obtained, it can be inferred that 30.3% of the population of school children of both primary schools examined in Ile-Ife are likely to be infected. The overall prevalence and intensity of infection are lower than the previously reported study in the region by Amole and Jinadu (1994) in which they showed that nearly half (48.5%) of the school children were infected. The slight reduction in the infection rate may be as a result of awareness about the source of infection and perhaps enforcement of certain rules and regulation in schools aimed at preventing infection. Climatic conditions that appear unfavourable might affect the transmission and endemicity of S. haematobium infection (Adewunmi et al., 1990).

Male pupils excreted more eggs in their urine than the female pupils and this could be due to the fact that boys are more active and engage in activities that have to do with water bodies than girls. This agrees with previous studies (Okoli and Odaibo, 1999; Arinola, 1995). The insignificant difference in prevalence of infection in both sexes was also similarly reported by Edungbola et al. (1988). It was noticed that pupils of C.A.C Modakeke that have streams close to their areas of residence were more than pupils of L.A primary school. A seasonal stream was not far from the C.A.C Primary school in Modakeke and (Ernould et al., 2000) had suggested that areas of residences of pupils may influence the rate of infection.

 The overall mean intensity reflects the low frequency of water contact and usage. And this also is related to rate of infection (Adeyeba and Ojeaga, 2002). The insignificant difference in mean intensity between the two study areas shows the same average amount of egg burden carried by infected pupils of both schools. However, a male pupil passed 51 eggs/10ml urine, which shows high intensity of infection. Pupils under the age of 13 – 14 years are mostly affected followed by those in the age group 11–12 years, probably because they frequently involve themselves fully in activities that bring them in contact with the source of infection. A similar occurrence was reported by Amole and Jinadu (1994). 
The visible and subjective haematuria reflect the low rate of infection recorded amongst the infected pupils. Likewise, Onayade et al., (1996) established the sensitivity and specificity of haematuria for detecting urinary schistosomiasis. Parental occupation influences the transmission of S. haematobium with children of traders exhibiting the highest prevalence. This observation agrees with the results obtained by Okanla (1991). However, this study has shown that people engage in more than one type of occupation and jobs in Ile-Ife are diverse with some involving water-contact and usage (Edungbola, 1980). Trading which is the major form of occupation can involve handling of snails, fishes, agricultural products, foodstuffs, bricklaying in irrigation work and among other activities that bring people in contact with infected water bodies. In addition, some religious practices require the contact and use of streams and rivers.

The sharp increase in both prevalence and intensity of infection up to age 13 which declined by age 14 could be related to exposure factors. Mansour et al. (1981) observed similar patterns. Children in this age range are stronger, more active and therefore swim more frequently in infected streams than the younger ones. They are less restrained by social factors than their older counterparts who swim less frequently and perhaps prefer alternate form of recreation (Edungbola et al., 1988). However, one remarkable finding in this survey was the recovery of S. mansoni (causative agent of intestinal schistosomiasis) in a urine sample of an infected male pupil. Similar recovery was reported by Okoli and Odaibo (1999). ...... READ MORE>>      
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