ISSN 2756-3391
African Journal of Parasitology Research ISSN 2756-3391 Vol. 8 (10), pp. 001-008, October, 2021. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Investigation of an epidemic outbreak of urinary bilharziosis in the locality of Katadji (Sikensi) in the south of Côte d'Ivoire
Karim Tuo1*, Assi Fiacre Tanguy N’Docho1, N’GuessanTiacoh Landry1, Melaine Thibaut Brou2, Attoungbré Clément Koffi1,Yao Kra Dongo2, LobohFélicité Kouassi2, Lazare Kouassi3, Issaka Tiembre3,4 and Offianan André Touré1
1Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Pasteur Institute of Côte d'Ivoire.
2Sikensi Health District, Côte d'Ivoire.
3National Institute of Public Hygiene, Côte d'Ivoire.
4FETP Frontline Resident Advisor, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Accepted 07 September, 2021
Abstract
A review of data for the year 2017 revealed an increase in suspected cases of urinary bilharziosis at the Katadji Rural Health Center. This study was carried out in order to confirm suspected cases of endemo-epidemic bilharziosis, to determine the cause and to propose control and prevention measures. Urine and stool samples were taken after administering a questionnaire to people who came for consultations for haematuria or a gastrointestinal problem, and suspect cases from the three primary schools in Katadji. Then an epidemiological investigation of each case was carried out to identify the sites of exposure. Laboratory examinations were carried out for S. haematobium in the urine and S. mansoni in the faeces in order to confirm the cases. 139 urine samples and 83 stool samples were collected. Results show that 74 samples are positive for S. haematobium (53%) with high parasite burdens. All the confirmed cases have in common a water contact with the rivers (M'gbebou and Kpinnankpin) which cross the village. No cases of intestinal bilharzia were found in the stool. The cause of the epidemic seems to be the rivers (M'gbebou and Kpinnankpin) that run through the village of Katadji.
Key words: Bilharziosis, Parasite, S. haematobium, Hematuria, School-age children.