Prevalence and Intensity of Human Schistosomiasis in Selected Rural Communities of Mecha District and Bahir Dar town Administration, West Gojjam, Northwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract The study was conducted in Selected Rural Communities of Mecha District and Bahir Dar Town Administration, West Gojjam, Northwestern Ethiopia, to determine the prevalence and intensity of human schistosomiasis. A total of 490 stool and urine specimens were collected using stool cup and test tubes respectively. The overall prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma mansoni was 10.4% and 128.03 eggs per gram of stool (EPG) respectively. The prevalence of infection ranging from 7.8% in Wotet Abay Peasant Associations to 12.9% Kudmi Peasant Associations. The prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection among males and females was 13.2% and 7.5%, respectively, and the intensity of infection was 132.37 EPG and 120.42 EPG, respectively. The prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infection among different age groups ranging from 3.9% in ≥ 30 years to 20.5% in 10–14 years whereas, the intensity of infection was ranging from 89.47 EPG in ≥ 30 years to 168.22 EPG in 10–14 years. It signifies the fact that the age groups 10–14 and 15–19 years are the highest risk groups. It is recommended that to control schistosomiasis in the areas should target at the youngest segment of the population.