Age-Specific Occurrence of Schistosoma mansoni Infection among Al-majiri Pupils in Rafin Guza and Hayin Dan Bushiya Schools, Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Schistosoma mansoni infection poses a significant public health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria bearing a substantial burden. Al-majiri pupils in Northern Nigeria are highly vulnerable to schistosomiasis due to poor sanitation and contaminated water contact. Despite recognized overall prevalence, study on the age-specific distribution of S. mansoni infection within the Al-majiri community in Kaduna metropolis remains an important gap for targeted control. This school-based cross-sectional study investigated 138 Al-majiri pupils aged 6-20 years from four schools in Rafin Guza and Hayin Dan Bushiya, Kaduna metropolis. Stool specimens were examined using the formalin-ether concentration technique. Participants were grouped into 6-10, 11-15 and 16-20 years age old. Pearson Chi-square (χ²) test was used to analyse locations and age-group differences. The overall prevalence of S. mansoni infection among the pupils was 14.5%. S. mansoni infection among Al-majiri pupils in Kaduna metropolis is significant (p = 0.003) age-dependent, with the highest burden concentrated in younger children (6-10 years) (25.4%), followed by pupils between 11-15 years old (7.8%). However, no infections were detected among pupils between 16-20 years old (0.0%). Occurrence of infection did not differ significantly between Rafin Guza (15.4%) and Hayin Dan Bushiya (13.3%). Results from this study is an indication that there is an urgent need for tailored control programmes, including routine screening, preventive chemotherapy, improved WASH interventions and age-appropriate health education, specifically targeting early school-aged Al-majiri children to achieve global elimination targets.