A study on the transmission, prevalence and intensity of schistosoma-haematobium infection among school childhen at kigogo-Kinondoni district-Dar-es-Salaam.

Abstract

A cross sectional survey for S.C.Jl.iRt.QQ-OU)a. h.a.~m.a.tQbi1Jm infection and some factors influencing its transmission were studied among school children from two schools at Kigogo- Kinondoni district of Dar-es-Salaam city. The overall prevalence rate was 230/483 47.6% based on microscopic examination of a single urin!3 sample. The prevalence rates were 111/249 (44.6%) and 119/234 (50.9%) in Kigogo and Darajani Primary School respectively. Males (54.6%) ~ere more infected than females (40.8%). The overall intensity of infection was (47 eggs/lOml urine). It was higher in males (54 eggs per 10ml urine) than in females (38 eggs/l0ml urine). The 10-14 years age group had the highest prevalence rate and intensity of infection: The frequency of micro-haematuria among infected children was high (84.3%) reaching 92% from an egg output of 50 or more eggs/lOml urine: and the frequency of visible haematuria was 37.7%. Human water contacts were mainly for recreational activities and domestic use. Males showed a higher frequency of water contact than females. tvlalacological surveys recovered B1.dill.Uq LPh .e J. glQb_QJ3JJS, .B ..•.. LPh., . .1 D...a.§1l,t.JJ.Q. and B.., .. J.Ph.,.J.a.fri .. G..a.m.1p from 8 out of 12 water contact sites searched. Metrifonate in 3 doses at 2 weekly intervals had overall ., ..

.;.;J,J' •••• ;.......... • ~- -~ - --- ----- - ~ - -- - ---- iii cure rate of 88.7%. Of the studied children, (47.5%) had never heard about the disease . However,knowledge about the disease among those children who had heard about the disease was high as assessed by the question1.1aire survey. It is conclud~d that the current prevalence rates and intensities of infection in the area are unacceptably high. Selective chemotherapy, health education and provision of alternative water sources for recreational activities are suggested as possible methods for the control of the disease in the area.