Prevalence and molecular characterization of human urogenital schistosomiasis in selected communities in Keffi local government area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Urogenital schistosomiasis is a major public health concerns in Sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, it is important to describe the burden of the disease in this research work using innovative diagnostic tools. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and molecular characterization of schistosomiasis in some selected communities in Keffi. A cross-sectional survey was carried out across all ages in May - October, 2024. A total of 320 participants’ urine samples were enrolled in this study. Out of which, 14(4.4%) (95% CI: = 2.13 - 6.62) were positive and 306 (95.6%) were negative to Schistosomiasis. Urine samples of the participants were examined using Combi 10 reagents strips, sedimentation technique and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Male participants had a higher prevalence of 82.8% (265/320) (95% CI: 78.7% – 86.9%), compared to female participants - 17.2% (55/320) (95% CI: 13.1% – 21.3%). The age group of <5–14 years had the highest overall prevalence of 47.5% (152/320) (95% CI: 42.0% – 53.0%). Farmers have the highest occupational prevalence of 34.1% (109/320) (95% CI=28.9-39.3) followed by pupils with a prevalence of  30.6% (98/320) (95% CI=25.6-35.7). Educationally, Uneducated and Non-formal education have the highest prevalence of 35.3% (113/320) (95% CI= 30.1-40.5) and 28.1% (90/320) (95% CI= 23.2-33.1) respectively. Angwan Jaba has the highest schistosomiasis prevalence of 71.4% (10/14) (95% CI= 14.19-40.19). Participants whose source of water was from the stream and those who bath in stream have higher risk of 71.4% (10/14) (95% CI: 2.75–10.95) and 57.1% (8/14) (95% CI= 1.14-5.98) respectively. All the samples that were negative by microscopy were also negative by PCR. Conclusively, Schistosomiasis is prevalent and those who uses contaminated stream water are at higher risk of the disease therefore control measures should be employed to avoid the spread of the disease in the study population.