Journal of Bacteriology & Parasitology

Abstract

Nutritional Status and Prevalence of Intestinal Schistosomiasis among Al-majiri Population in Kawo District of Kaduna Metropolis, Kaduna State-Nigeria

Mahmood Mohammed, Philip Anthony Vantsawa, Umar Yahaya Abdullahi and Muhammad Dauda Muktar

A cross sectional study was carried out between July and November, 2014 to determine the nutritional status and prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis due to Schistosoma mansoni among Al-Majiri population in Kawo District, Kaduna Metropolis of Kaduna state, Nigeria. Three hundred and sixty (360) samples were collected and analyzed by formol-ether concentration techniques. Information on their ages and water contact activities were obtained through KAP questionnaire while anthropometric measurements were used to determine the nutritional status of the participants. Result obtained showed an overall prevalence of 18.6% and a mean intensity of 40 eggs/gram of stool. Prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni was not significantly different (p>0.05) among the age group. However, water contact activities significantly (p<0.05) influenced the prevalence of S. mansoni. There was an inverse correlation between intestinal schistosomiasis and nutritional status of Al-majiri population surveyed (r=-0.99). It is concluded that intestinal schistosomiasis is a significant health problem and a major cause of severe malnutrition among the population studied. To alleviate these problems, relevant government agencies and Non-Governmental Organization (NGOs) should embark on provision of potable water, adequate nutrition and regular mass literacy campaign on the need for improved personal hygiene.