Clinical presentation and management of schistosomiasis at a hospital in a rural area in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection affecting both adults and children. It occurs on contact with infected fresh water that harbours the intermediate host. It is a chronic disease and its urinary symptoms manifests as dysuria and haematuria.

METHOD: This is a nine months prospective study of patients diagnosed and managed for urinary schistosomiasis at General Hospital Aliero, Nigeria from February to October 2006. The patients were followed up after presentation and commencement of therapy.

RESULT: During the period of study, 35 patients were managed at the centre for urinary schistosomiasis. The patients presented with haematuria (13), dysuria (12), abdominal pain (4), fever (3), oliguria (2), polyuria (1), penile pain (1), and urethral discharge (1). The patients were managed with praziquantel.

CONCLUSION

Haematuria and dysuria were the main symptoms of urinary schistosomiasis. There is need for mass treatment of schistosomiaisis in affected areas. Regular continuous education and campaign against schistosomiasis is necessary for control ofthe disease.