American Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology 2016; 3(2): 7-12 http://www.aascit.org/journal/ajmb ISSN: 2375-3005 Keyword Cercariae, Schistosoma, Urinary Schistosomiasis, Schistosomiasis Received: February 13, 2016 Accepted: February 22, 2016 Published: March 24, 2016 Prevalence of Urinary Schistosomiasis Among Pupils in Endemic Communities of Rivers State, Nigeria Goodhead D. A., Dirisu C. G. * Department of Biology Education, School of Science, Federal College of Education (Technical) Omoku, Rivers State, Nigeria Email address chimeziedirisu@yahoo.com (Dirisu C. G.) * Corresponding author Citation Goodhead D. A., Dirisu C. G. Prevalence of Urinary Schistosomiasis Among Pupils in Endemic Communities of Rivers State, Nigeria. American Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology. Vol. 3, No. 2, 2016, pp. 7-12. Abstract A survey of urinary Schistosomiasis infection was conducted in Omokwa, Omalem and Odaga Communities of Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State to ascertain the current status of urinary Schistosomiasis. 130 urine samples were collected from individuals between the age brackets of 5-16 of both sexes. Using sedimentation techniques, 30(23.1%) were infected out of the total of 130 pupils examined, 17(22.4%) were males and 13(24.1%) were females. The highest prevalence rate of the infection was recorded among Omokwa Community 4(29.8%), while Odaga had the lowest prevalence rate of 9(22%) followed by Omalem 7(16.7%). The age group of 13-16years had the highest prevalence of 36.7%; 9-12years had 19.1% while the lowest prevalence was recorded among the age group 5-8years 18.9%. X 2 statistic indicated that there is significant difference of infection within the age and sex groups of the pupils (p>0.05). Effective and sustainable infection with S. haematobium control and management strategies for the study areas is recommended. 1. Introduction Schistosomiasis or bilharzia is a tropical parasitic disease caused by blood-dwelling fluke worms of the genus Schistosoma. It is a very serious environmental health problem in many tropical countries. Schistosomiasis is a clinical term applied to infection with one of a series of related trematode parasites that are endemic to 76 tropical and sub- tropical countries [1]. According to [2], about 200-300 million people may be suffering from the disease worldwide. Schistosomiasis is very focal and determined by the presence of competent snail vector, inadequate sanitation and infected human [3], [4]. The disease is endemic in Nigeria [5], [6]. In developing countries, the disease affects many people particularly school-aged children between 10 and 14, who are mostly at risk as they tend to spend time bathing and swimming in infected water containing infectious cercariae. Adult workers in rural areas employed either in agriculture or the fresh water fishing section are also infected. Udonsi, [7] also stated that water contact activities and traditional agricultural practices are also the factors in the distribution of the disease and its snail hosts in the developing countries. In terms of impact, this disease is second only to malaria as the most devastating