Detection of Schistosma heamatobium among Orphanage Children Attending Jarma UK Orphanage Home and Bakin Gulbi Primary School Sokoto

Urinary schistosomiasis or Bilharzia caused by fluke worm Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium) is one of the seventeen (17) neglected tropical diseases associated with serious health problems and morbidities. It affects over 200 million people globally with an estimated death rate of more than 200, 000 annually and very common in Sub-Saharan African countries. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of S. haematobium and provide epidemiological data in part of Nigeria. This cross-sectional study was carried out on 202 consenting participants, using both male and female attending Jarma Uk Orphanage home and Bakin Gulbi primary school. Detection and evaluation were done using Gold Standard Microscopy and commercially available Rapid Detection Test strips. Statistical analysis was carried out using a statistical package (SPSS version 26). A prevalence of 34(16.8%) among 202 from gold standard microscopy and 13(6.4%) circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) were obtained. High infection risk was observed among participant on swimming as a recreational activity 32(15.8%) at p<0.046 A gender prevalence of 26 (12.87%) and 8 (3.96%) at p<0.067 from male and female respectively were obtained. Female at the age group 11-15 had 27 (13.36%), and those with agriculture as recreational activity had the least infection risk 2(0.99%). This study showed that CCA has a less sensitivity and specificity than gold standard microscopy.