Comparative studies of immunochromatographic strips and microscopy in the diagnosis of urinary schistosomiasis in selected children in Zaria, Nigeria

Schistosomiasis remains endemic in many developing countries due to poor hygiene and access to potable water sources. The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in selected children. A total of 100 urine samples were collected randomly from the selected population and screened using the CCA rapid immunochromatographic test strips and microscopy for the ova of the Schistosoma haematobium . It was observed at the end that out of the 100 samples examined, the prevalence was found to be 8(8%) for microscopy and 14(14%) for immunochromatographic test strips. The observation shows similar prevalence of S. haematobium infection in children; with the highest prevalence occurrences in male children. The age group 9-11 years had the highest prevalence rate of 23.8% and 38.1% for microscopy and immunochromatographic test strips respectively and males were more infected than females. Of 48 male subjects examined, 5(10.4%) were positive for microscopy while 10(20.8%) were positive for strips. Of 52 females, 3(5.8%) were positive for microscopy while 4(7.7%) were positive for strips. For 70%, their source of water for domestic purpose was bore hole, 20% was from the well, 4% from river/stream and 6% were from other sources. A total of 10% did swim regularly in nearby water bodies and 6% of the children go fishing.The risk factors associated with S. haematobium in this survey were drinking water from lakes, swimming in lakes or ponds and presence of snails ( Bolinus ) in such lakes. Sanitary control measures should be put in place in the areas so as to prevent people from defecating in the open.