Microscopic and Molecular Diagnosis of Intestinal Schistosomiasis among Patients in Primary Healthcare Centres in Keffi, Nigeria

Abstract

Aims: This study was conducted to detect Schistosoma mansoni among patients in primary healthcare centres in Keffi, Nigeria using microscopic and molecular techniques. Study Design: The study was a cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Keffi, Nasarawa State, between March 2021 and September 2021. Methodology: Stool samples were collected from 200 (29 each from Gidan Zakara, Sabon Gida, Jigwada, Angwan Jaba and 28 each from Kowa, Kaibo Mada and Yarkadai PHCs) patients and information were obtained by structured questionnaires. The ova of S. mansoni were microscopically detected from the samples using the formol ether stool sedimentation technique. The S. mansoni DNA was extracted from the samples and detected by conventional PCR technique using type-specific primers. Data collected were analysed using Smith’s Statistical Package (version 2.8, California, USA) and P value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 200 patients screened, 2(1.0%) and 11(5.5%) were positive for intestinal schistosomiasis using microscopy and PCR respectively. Although age, gender and occupation of the patients were not significantly associated with the parasitic infection (P>0.05), however, higher prevalence was recorded among males (12.8%) pupils/students (22.7%) aged ≤14 (20.0%).  Conclusion: Our findings indicated a notable discrepancy between the two diagnostic methods, with PCR identifying a higher prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis suggesting it to be a more sensitive tool for detecting this infection. However, the choice between these methods should consider their respective strengths and limitations, as well as the practical implications for disease control and treatment.