Prevalence and distribution of schistosomiasis and other intestinal parasites in nasarawa state

Abstract

This study assessed the current prevalence and distribution of Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni infections in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, with emphasis on variations across Local Government Areas (LGAs), age groups, and gender. It also identified co-existing intestinal parasites. A total of 900 participants from Nasarawa, Doma, and Akwanga LGAs were sampled. Urine and stool specimens were examined using standard filtration and Kato-Katz techniques. The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis was 11.3%, with S. haematobium (9.3%) more prevalent than S. mansoni (2.0%). Males had a significantly higher infection rate (16.7%) compared to females (5.4%), and the highest prevalence was recorded among children aged 10–14 years (16.5%). Other intestinal parasites identified included Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia intestinalis, hookworms, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Trichuris trichiura. These findings confirm that schistosomiasis and other parasitic infections remain significant public health issues in Nasarawa State, stressing the need for integrated and targeted control strategies.