MOLECULAR DETECTION OF SCHISTOSOMA HAEMATOBIUM INFECTION IN ISOKO SOUTH, DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic worms, posing significant public health challenges in Nigeria. This study investigated the molecular detection of Schistosoma haematobium infection in Isoko South, Delta State, among patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of schistosomiasis. A cross sectional survey was conducted at Egbo-Igbide Health Center, Igbide; General Hospital, Oleh; Irri Primary Health Center; General Hospital, Aviara; and Umeh Primary Health Center. A total of 120 participants were recruited. Sociodemographic data and information on knowledge, attitude, and practices were collected using a structured questionnaire. Urine samples (≈10 ml each) were collected and analyzed using conventional PCR and end-point PCR (EP-PCR) techniques. Agarose gel electrophoresis was used to confirm the presence of S. hematobium which resulted at 480bp. Statistical analysis were performed using IBM SPSS software version 26.0 with significance set at p<0.05 at a 95% confidence level. Participants aged 40 years and above formed the majority (55.9%). Igbide had the highest number of positive cases, with 17 of 24 individuals (14.2%). Among males, 22 of 60 (18.3%) tested positive, while 17 of 60 females (14.2%) were infected. Significant associations were observed between knowledge level and infection status (p = 0.045) and between attitude toward schistosomiasis prevention and infection prevalence (p = 0.038). The study confirms the effectiveness of molecular methods in detecting S. haematobium and emphasizes the need for integrated, community-based control programs that consider local socio-demographic factors and endemicity patterns.