Publication:

Prevalence and intensity of urinary schistosomiasis among selected people in Tulus area, South Darfur State, Sudan

Background Urinary schistosomiasis is a major public health issue in Sudan. The disease is endemic in many rural communities across the country.

Methods This is a cross-sectional study conducted to determine the prevalence and intensity of urinary schistosomiasis among selected individual in the city of Tulus, South Darfur state, Sudan. One hundred terminal urine samples were collected and examined for Schistosoma haematobium eggs using standard filtration technique.

Results A total of 100 individual were enrolled in the study with a mean (±SD) age of 17.7±0.73 years. Out of them, 62 (62%) were found to be infected with Schistosoma haematobium. The statistical analysis showed significant association with gender (p=0.043) with higher prevalence 70.9 % (39/55) in female than males 51.1 % (23/45). Majority of the S. haematobium infections were classified as intense infection (82%, 51/62) with egg count ≥50 eggs/10 ml urine, while gross haematuria was observed in 10% of urine samples.

Conclusions In conclusion, the prevalence of S. haematobium infection in the study participants was remarkably high. However, further studies, including large sample size will be essential to assess the burden of the disease in the study area.