Abstract
This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of urinary schistosomiasis among school pupils in Jama'are Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Nigeria, a parasitic infection affecting over 250 million people, with most cases concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the study area from January 2024 to May 2024 to address these issues. The urine samples of 384 school pupils aged 6-15 were examined to detect Schistosoma haematobium eggs. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data on socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors. Chi-square, univariate, and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to examine relationships. DNA extraction, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene amplification, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis were performed to determine the S. haematobium strain. The prevalence of S. haematobium was 14.60% (95% CI 11.20-18.50) among primary school pupils. The chi-square analysis revealed a significant association with all socio-demographic variables except age. Other risk factors, such as water source, fishing, playing in shallow water, toilet facility, itching experience, and blood in urine, were significantly associated with schistosomiasis infection. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that pupils who defecated anywhere were 43 times more likely to contract schistosomiasis compared to those who used the water system at homes [AOR (95% CI): 43.56 (1.15-1646.52)]. Children experiencing itching had a 105 times higher risk of contracting the infection [AOR (95% CI): 104.84 (15.45-771.37)], while those with haematuria had a significantly higher likelihood of becoming infected [AOR (95% CI): 281.88 (32.70-2429.96). A phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that S. haematobium isolates were primarily pure strains closely related to S. haematobium from Nigeria and other African nations. The study found a moderate S. haematobium infection among primary school pupils, recommending that government authorities implement chemotherapeutic interventions, educational campaigns, and safe water sources.