~ 24 ~ International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies 2014; 1 (5): 24-26 ISSN 2347-2677 IJFBS 2014; 1 (5): 24-26 Received: 28-04-2014 Accepted: 13-05-2014 Lucy Anyaegbunam Department of Biological Sciences, Anambra State University, Uli Nigeria Zita Obi Department of Science Education, Anambra State University, Uli Nigeria Correspondence: Lucy Anyaegbunam Department of Biological Sciences, Anambra State University, Uli Nigeria Urinary Schistosomiasis among inhabitants of Aluu, rivers state, Nigeria Lucy Anyaegbunam, Zita Obi. Abstract The investigation of Urinary Schistosomiasis was carried out in Aluu community in Rivers State, Nigeria. This was because of the lifestyle of the inhabitants who are mostly farmers and fishermen. A total of 1,500 individuals was sampled from the seven quarters of the community made up of 755(50.3%) males and 745(49.7%) females. Urine samples were collected from the consented individuals in pre - numbered, screw capped bottles, between 10.00 am to 1.30 pm. 10 ml of each sample was centrifuged for parasitological examination. The overall infection recorded from the investigation was 2.0%. In the community related infection, the following was recorded, Mbodo (1.3%) and Omahunwo (0.7%) while other communities had no infection. The infection was found to be sex dependent that is all the positive results recorded were males, 30(2.0%). According to age specific infection, the results were 40 – 49(1.7%) and 50 – 59(0.3%) respectively. The occupational assessment of the infection stood as, fishermen (1.47%) and farmers (0.53%). Aluu community, though recorded low infection rate, requires prompt treatment of the infected few to avoid subsequent spread to healthy areas. Keywords: Schistosomiasis, Aluu community, fishermen, farmers, Mbodo, infection. 1. Introduction Schistosomiasis is a chronic, parasitic disease caused by blood flukes of genus schistosoma. There five major strains of schistosoma worm infection in man namely, Schistosoma haematobium, which causes urinary schistosomiasis, Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma japonicum, Schistosoma intercalatum and Schistosoma mekongi which are responsible for intestinal schistosomiasis [8] . Schistosomiasis affects agricultural and fishing populations. People who do domestic chores in infested water, such as washing of cloths, and swimming are at risk. Children are also susceptible as a result of inadequate hygiene and play habits. Urinary schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma haematobium constitutes a major public health problem in tropical and subtropical countries [4] . S. haematobium infection can cause haematuria, dysuria, nutritional deficiencies, lesions of the bladder, kidney failure and growth retardation in children [5] . Nigeria has been recorded as one of the highly endemic countries has estimated 101.28 million persons at risk [1] . Studies among school children has recorded 20-40% prevalence in typical communities [6] . Human contact with appropriate snail intermediate host in contaminated water bodies promotes parasitic penetration [10] . This study tends to survey the occurrence of urinary schistosomiasis among different age groups in Aluu community because of the nature of their terrain and major occupation. 2. Materials and Methods 2.1 Study area The study was carried out in Aluu community in Rivers State, Nigeria, which is located at latitude 4.57 0 N and longitude 6.25 0 E. Aluu has seven quarters; Omike, Omoda, Omochiorlu, Omoko, Mbodo, Omahunwo, and Omokiri. The inhabitants are farmers, fishermen, hunters, few civil servants, pupils and students. Their settlement pattern is compact such that family houses overlap. Ethical consideration was obtained from the community head, who in turn addressed his subjects who gave their consent for the study. 2.2 The study population The study population was 1,500 individuals made up of 755 males and 745 females selected randomly from the seven quarters of Aluu community. The participants were classified into five age groups.