Prevalence and Distribution of Urogenital Schistosomiasis and Trichomoniasis in Oju LGA, Benue State, Nigeria

Schistosomiasis is a disease of medical importance. Schistosomiasis is prevalent in Nigeria where it is responsible for grave economic losses. A cross-sectional study was conducted from July, 2017- December, 2018 among school children from six (6) schools in Oju local government area of Benue State Nigeria, in order to determine the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis with respect to sex, age and location. A total of 300 samples were collected and examined with the aid of a compound microscope (X10) and (X40) for the presence of Schistosoma haematobium eggs. The mean age of children that participated in the study was 15.32 years. Of the 300 children tested, 60 (20%) were infected. Urogenital schistosomiasis prevalence in males 38 (63%) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than in females 22 (36.7%). Of the six (6) schools visited, Government Secondary School Amenka-owo had the highest prevalence rates of 18 (30%), p>0.05. Among the different age groups, 11-15 years had the highest prevalence of 32 (53.3%), while significantly lower prevalence p<0.05 was recorded in those 21 years and above 6 (10%). In addition to Schistosoma parasite, Trichomonasvaginalis was also recorded in children 16years of age and above. Urinary schistosomiasis is a major public health problem affecting both males and females of different age groups andin different localities in Oju Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria.