Molecular Epidemiological Investigation of Urinary Schistomiasis Among Individual Residing Along Selected Riparian Communities in Bauchi State, Nigeria

Schistosomiasis, also known as snail fever or bilharziasis, is a prevalent tropical parasitic disease caused by blood flukes, Schistosoma species. It poses a great public health and socio-economic threat in sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigated the epidemiology of urinary schistosomiasis among individuals residing along selected riparian communities of Bauchi State, Nigeria. Ethical approval was obtained before sample collection. A total of 321 individuals were randomly selected from the riparian areas of Bauchi State for the study. A structured questionnaire was administered to the respondents following informed consent. Urine samples were analysed using microscopy, urinalysis, and molecular techniques. DNA was extracted from positive urine sediment, followed by Polymerase Chain Reaction amplification, sequencing, BLAST, and phylogenetic analysis. The demographic study of the respondents revealed that they were 4 - 65 years old, with a mean age of 15.1 ± 9.2 years; made up of 244 males and 77 females. The overall prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis was 22.7%, which was significantly associated with age, gender, education, the reason for going to the river, frequency of coming in contact with a river, and the household’s source of water supply. The urinalysis results showed strong associations of schistosomiasis with leukocyturia, proteinuria, and haematuria. Molecular analysis revealed genetic diversity among Schistosoma haematobium populations. The present study indicated that urinary schistosomiasis is prevalent in the study area, and a need for an effective urinary schistosomiasis control programme in the riparian communities of Bauchi State, Nigeria.