Seasonal Transmission Dynamics of Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni in Endemic Areas of Ardo-Kola and Jalingo LGAs of Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

Schistosomiasis remains an important neglected tropical disease in endemic communities where transmission is influenced by environmental conditions and human water-contact behaviour. This study assessed seasonal variation in the transmission of Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni in selected endemic communities of Ardo-Kola and Jalingo Local Government Areas of Taraba State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study with seasonal sampling was conducted during the rainy (October and early November), dry-harmattan (December and January), and dry-heat seasons (late February and March). A total of 600 participants were examined, with 200 participants sampled in each season. Urine samples were examined for S. haematobium eggs using the urine filtration technique, while stool samples were examined for S. mansoni eggs using the Kato-Katz thick smear method. Questionnaire-based information on sociodemographic characteristics was also collected. The data generated from this study were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. The overall prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis was 16.8% (101/600), while intestinal schistosomiasis was 14.7% (88/600). Co-infection with both species was recorded in 3.2% (19/600) of participants. Seasonal variation was observed for both urinary and intestinal schistosomiasis. Urinary schistosomiasis was highest during the dry-heat season, with 51 infections among 200 participants, followed by the rainy season with 27 infections and the dry-harmattan season with 23 infections. Intestinal schistosomiasis was also highest during the dry-heat season, with 40 infections among 200 participants, compared with 24 infections in both the rainy and dry-harmattan seasons. Co-infection was highest during the rainy season and lowest during the dry-harmattan season. Statistical analysis showed significant seasonal variation in urinary and intestinal schistosomiasis, while seasonal variation in co-infection was not significant. The findings indicate that schistosomiasis transmission persists in the study communities and varies by season. Seasonal patterns should be considered when planning surveillance, health education, water, sanitation, hygiene interventions, and mass drug administration.