Abstract
Background
A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the emergence of Sh 22.6 kDa antigen among the S. haematobium infected people in riverine communities of the Northwestern part of Nigeria because urinary schistosomiasis is one of the most pathogenic neglected tropical diseases that emerge and reemerge-in-Nigeria. Nine hundred (900) urine samples were collected and analysed using the standard filtration method, all microscopy-positive samples were subjected to PCR analysis for confirmation of the positivity, and the PCR-positive samples were subjected to SDS-PAGE and western blotting analysis to investigate the presence of Sh 22.6 kDa.
Results
Out of 276 PCR-positive individuals, 6.2% (17/276) were harbouring Sh 22.6 kDa antigen. The distribution of the antigen was significantly associated with the location (P > 0.05); however, a higher frequency was observed in Shagari [7.1% (6/84)]. Males were more highly infected with the antigen [7.1% (14/197)] than females [3.8% (3/79)] and there was a significant association (P = 0.000). Although, the age group is not significantly associated with the antigen frequency (P > 0.05), infected people aged ≥ 56 years old had the highest Sh 22.6 kDa antigen [40.0% (2/5)] than other age groups. Bloody urine experience (P = 0.017) and urine colour (P = 0.000) were the study area's clinical manifestations associated with Sh 22.6 kDa distribution.
Conclusion
The present study showed that a small proportion of the infected people harboured S. haematobium which has Sh 22.6 kDa antigen. Therefore, health education campaigns and mass chemotherapy should be considered by the authorities concerned in the fight against urinary schistosomiasis in the area.