Effect of Schistosoma haematobium infection on the physical growth and school performance of Nigerian children.

A cross-sectional study of urinary schistosomiasis among 510 primary school children in Ijiman community in south eastern Nigeria was undertaken in May 1992. Schistosoma prevalence and intensity of infection including the impact of the disease on the physical growth and school performance of the subjects aged 5-15 years was assessed. Prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium was 44 pc with the rate rising progressively with age, with a peak prevalence at 10-15. The ova burden was of light intensity (1-49 ova/10 ml) in a majority (73 pc) of the cases. No significant impact of the disease could be demonstrated regarding anthropometric parameters, school attendance and academic performance among the infected children compared with the controls. The lack of discernable effect of S. haematobium infection on these parameters is similar to the general pattern in the west African sub region and is attributed to the generally light ova burden among these children. It is also suggested that differences in the strains of the parasite between regions may be important determinants of morbidity.