Infection Rates of Schistosoma Haematobium among Primary School Children in Garsen Constituency, Tana River County, Kenya and the Types of Snail Vectors

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by blood flukes (trematodes) of the genus Schistosoma. Both urinary schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma haematobium and intestinal schistosomiasis caused by S. mansoni occur in various regions of Kenya, including the coastal region. River Tana which flows through Garsen, offer breeding sites for Bullinus snails which are the fresh water snail vectors for S. haematobium. A study was conducted at Garsen constituency to assess the infection rates and intensity of S. haematobium infections among the school going children, and also determined the main water contact activities influencing infection in the area and the vector involved in transmission.The study involved collection and examination of urine samples using a microscope for diagnosis as well as quantification of eggs for determination of intensity. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect qualitative data. ANOVA test was used to analyse infection rates among the age sets and the water contact activities. Chi square computation was used to analyse snails collected at different sites. T test was used to compare the difference in infection rates and intensities between male and female pupils. An overall prevalence of 21% was obtained with male pupils recording the highest prevalence of 27.5%. A total egg count of 3798 eggs per 10ml of urine was recorded among 63 pupils who were positive. 67% of the positive pupils had heavy infection intensities. Swimming was the predominant activity among the pupils along the river, while Bullinus nasutus were the predominant vector.