Comparison of three diagnostic methods for the determination of prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among residents and pupils of Badagry Area of Lagos State, Nigeria

Studies on the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis was carried out in Badagry area of Lagos State, South West Nigeria with a population of about 30,000. The study was conducted in the rainy season between May September 2004. The detection of some schistosome snail vectors coupled with regular habit of swimming by children, and household washings by adults in local ponds and streams necessitated the investigation for schistosomiasis. Two hundred urine samples were obtained from out-patients who came to the General Hospital, Badagry, for medical check. The urine samples were examined by the visual method for haematuria, diagnostic chemical reagent strip and filtration technique. Structured questionnaires based on knowledge, attitude and practises (KAP), was used to elicit information from 200 pupils in two selected primary schools in the area. Macrohaematuria was observed in 25 (12.5%) of the urine samples, while diagnostic chemical reagent strip detected 13 (6.5%) positive cases. Filtration did not reveal the presence of eggs in any of the urine samples observed. Response obtained from the administration of questions revealed that only 8 (4.0%) knew about schistosomiasis while 192 (96.0%) did not have any idea about the disease. 96 (48.0%) did swim in rivers, 128 (64.0%) fetched water from rivers, 40 (20.0%) had itching sensation after swimming and 25 (12.5%) experienced blood in urine. Males with haematuria recorded a higher prevalence of infection (14.1%) than females (11.3%) but the difference was not statistically significant (P < 0.05).