Ecological Assessment of freshwater Snails and Schistosoma Transmission in Doma Local Government Area ,Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Authors

  • L. E. Kubiangha
    Department of Zoology Federal, University of Lafia
  • J. I. Maikenti
    Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Federal University of Lafia, PMB 146, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
  • A. Ombugadu
    Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Federal University of Lafia, PMB 146, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
  • M. A. Ashigar
    Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
  • H. O. Ahmed
    Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Federal University of Lafia, PMB 146, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
  • A. M. Maigoro
    Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Federal University of Lafia, PMB 146, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
  • S. O. Ayuba
    Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Federal University of Lafia, PMB 146, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

Keywords:

Schistosomiasis, Schistosoma haematobium, Transmission,Water-contact behaviour,Microhaematobium,Public health

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by trematode worms of the genus Schistosoma. This study assessed freshwater snails’ occurrence and schistosomiasis transmission in Doma LGA, Nasarawa State, Nigeria, from November 2024 to January 2025. Snails and water physicochemical parameters were sampled weekly across nine sites using scoop nets and manual collection. Ethical approval was obtained, and stool and urine samples were collected from 361 consenting participants and analyzed using sedimentation (urine) and direct smear (stool) techniques. Physicochemical parameters varied, with some sites showing slightly acidic conditions (pH 5.5–6.5) that may limit snail survival. The overall schistosomiasis prevalence was 4.43%, all due to S. haematobium infection. The highest infection rate (11.76%) occurred in Yelwa Doma 1 with significant variations among sites (χ² = 39.472, df = 8, p < 0.001). Prevalence was slightly higher in males (4.49%) than females (4.31%) though not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Infection correlated significantly with residency of 1–5 years, poor knowledge of the disease, and frequent water contact activities such as bathing and swimming. Children aged 1 – 10 years old had the highest infection intensity, while microhaematuria was most common among those aged 11 – 20 years. These findings highlight the need for sustained integrated control strategies including health education, improved access to clean and safe water, and targeted mass drug administration.

Dimensions

Atah, F. P., Longdoh, N. A., Thumamo, B. P., & Akoachere, J. F. (2023). Malaria, HIV, and Intestinal Coccidian Parasites Mixed-Infections in Adult Patients in the Fundong Health District, Northwest Region, Cameroon. International Journal of Tropical Disease & Health, 44(19), 16-29.

Boni, G. (2022). Paleoenvironmental reconstruction based on mollusc macrofaunal analysis: A case study from the Middle Pleistocene of Megalopolis basin (Peloponnesus, Greece) (Doctoral dissertation, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki).

Buddenborg, S., Lu, Z., Sankaranarayan, G., Doyle, S., & Berriman, M. (2023). The stage- and sex-specific transcriptome of the human parasite Schistosoma mansoni. Scientific Data, 10. https://doi.org/10.3390/scientific data 2024. e10121538

Cheesebrough, M. (2013). District Laboratory Practice in the Tropical Countries. 2ndEdition. Classification of Diogenes (Platyhelminthes, Treated) based on nuclear renal sequences before entering the age of the next generation Tree of Life. Journal Helminthes. ; 93,178 -219.

Chidimma, E. O., Chijioke, N. U., Okuko, A. J., Ombugadu, A., & Ozioma, N. C. (2025). Species Composition and Abundance of Freshwater Snails in Omor, Ayamelum Local Government Area of Anambra State. South Asian Journal of Parasitology, 8(3), 325-335.

Duan, Y., Al-Jubury, A., Kania, P., & Buchmann, K. (2021). Trematode diversity reflecting the community structure of Danish freshwater systems: molecular clues. Parasites & Vectors, 14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-020-04536-x

Ekloh, W., Asafu-Adjaye, A., Tawiah-Mensah, C., Ayivi-Tosuh, S. M., Quartey, N. K. A., Aiduenu, A. F., Gayi, B. K., Koudonu, J. A. M., Basing, L. A., Yamoah, J. A. A., Dofuor, A., & Osei, J. H. (2024). A comprehensive exploration of schistosomiasis: Global impact, molecular characterization, drug discovery, artificial intelligence and future prospects. Heliyon,10. https://doi.org/10.3390/heliyon 2024. e10121538

Etuk, I., Iwuala, A., Njoku, K., Olagbegi, B., Ogboye, A., Akpakli, J. K., & Mobisson, N. (2023). Barriers to health in women of reproductive age living with or at risk of non-communicable diseases in Nigeria: a Photovoice study. BMC Women's Health, 23(1), 3.

Guo, S., Li, L., Zhang, L.-J., Li, Y., Li, S., & Xu, J. (2021). From the One Health Perspective: Schistosoma Japonica and Flooding. Pathogens, 10 . https://doi.org/10.3390/pathog

ens10121538

Hailegebriel, T., Nibret, E., & Munshea, A.(2022). Distribution and seasonal abundance of Biomphalaria snails and their infection status with Schistosoma mansoni in and around Lake Tana, northwest Ethiopia Scientific Reports, 12(1), 17055

James, S., Abate, K., Abate, S., Abay C., Abbafati, N., Abbasi, H., Abbastabar, F., Abd Allah, J., Abdela, A., & Abdelalim (2018). Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 354 diseases and injuries for 195 countries and territories, 19902017: a systematic analysis for the global burden of disease study. The Lancet 392 (10159),17891858.

King, C. H., Dickman, K., & Tisch, D. J. (2005). Reassessment of the cost of chronic helminthic infection: A meta‐analysis of disability‐related outcomes in endemic schistosomiasis. The Lancet, 365(9470), 1561–1569.

Mafiana. C. F., Ekpo, U. E., & Ojo, D. A. (2003). Urinary Schistosomiasis in Preschool Children in Settlements around Oyan Reservoir in Ogun State, Nigeria: Implications for Control. Tropical Medicine and International Health 8, 78-82.

Mewamba, E., Nyangiri, O., Noyes, H., Egesa, M., Matovu, E., & Simo, G. (2021). The Genetics of Human Schistosomiasis Infection Intensity and Liver Disease: A Review. Frontier in Immunology 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2021.613468

McManus, D., Bergquist, R., Cai, P., Ranasinghe, S. L., Tebeje, B. M., & You, H. (2020). Schistosomiasis from immunopathology to vaccines. Seminar in Immunopathology, 41, 355 - 371. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00281-020-00789-x

Mwinzi, P. N. (2018). Schistosomiasis in children: A review of the current status and future directions. Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, 13(3), 249-258. Ndubuisi, J., & Yin'Allah, M. V. (2023). Prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among primary school pupils in Keffi local government area, Nasarawa State. Lafia Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research, 8-11

Nasarawa Geographic Information Service (2024). Custom map of Doma Local Government Area showing sampling sites [Map].Provided by Nasarawa State GIS Department.

Ninokawa, A. T., Saley, A. M., Shalchi, R., & Gaylord, B. (2024). Multiple carbonate system parameters independently govern shell formation in a marine mussel. Communications, Earth & Environment, 5. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-024-01440-5

Okete, J. (2020). Impact of Mass praziquantel on the Transmission dynamics of schistosomiasis in Benue State. Unpublished Thesis, University of Calabar, 1- 233.

Ombugadu, A. (2022). Prevalence and Factors Associated With Urinary Schistosomiasis Among School-Aged Children In Lafia Metropolis, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Journal of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases. Journal of Tropical Medicine, 1(1), 1-8. 134-142.

Onasanya, A., van Engelen, J., Oladunni, O., Oladepo, O., & Diehl, J. C. (2023). Social Network Analysis of the Schistosomiasis control program in two local government areas in Oyo state, Nigeria: Insights for NTD elimination plans. PLoS neglected tropical diseases, 17(4), e0011266.

Pitaksakulrat, O., Sithithaworn, P., Kopolrat, K., Kiatsopit, N., Saijuntha, W., Andrews, R., Petney, T., & Blair, D. (2022). Molecular identification of trematode parasites infecting the freshwater snail Bithynia siamensis goniomphalos in Thailand. Journal of Helminthology, 96. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0022149x22000402

Reitzug, F., Ledien, J., & Chami, G. F. (2023). Associations of water contact frequency, duration, and activities with schistosome infection risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases 14. https://doi,org/10.1371/journal.pntd.001

1377

Santos, L., Santos, J., Gouveia, M., Bernardo, C., Lopes, C., Rinaldi, G., Brindley, P., & Costa, J. C. (2021). Urogenital Schistosomiasis, History, Pathogenesis and Bladder Cancer. Journal of Clinical Medicine 10. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10020205

Schernewski, G., Neumann, T., Piehl, S., & Von Weber, M. (2025). New approaches to unveil the unknown: oxygen depletion and internal eutrophication in a Baltic lagoon over decades. Frontiers in Environmental Science. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2025.16201

91

Umoh, N. O., Nwamini, C. F., Inyang, N. J., Umo, A. N., Usanga, V. U., Nworie, A., & Ukwah, B. N. (2020). Prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis amongst primary school children in Ikwo and Ohaukwu Communities of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. African Journal of Labo 23(3)

Wiegand, R., Secor, W., Fleming, F., French, M. D., King, C., Deol, A., Montgomery, S., Evans, D., Utzinger, J., Vounatsou, P., & De Vlas, S. D. (2021). Associations between infection intensity categories and morbidity prevalence in school-age children are much stronger for Schistosoma haematobium than for S. mansoni. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 15 (34-36). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0009444

Wilson, A. L., Courtenay, O., Kelly-Hope, L., Scott, T., Takken, W., Torr, S., & Lindsay, S. (2020). The importance of vector control for the control and elimination of vector-borne diseases. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases 14. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.000

7831

Wisch, C. (2023). The effect of cottage development on aquatic macroinvertebrate communities and water quality in central Ontario lakes (Doctoral dissertation).

World Health Organization. (2023). Prevention and control of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis. Technical Report Series, No. 912.

Yamane, T., & Davidson, N. (1961). On the complexing of desoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) by mercuric Ion1. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 83(12), 2599-2607.

Zhong, H., Gui, X., Hou, L., Lv, R., & Jin, Y. (2022). From Inflammation to Fibrosis: Novel Insights into the Roles of High Mobility Group Protein Box 1 in Schistosome-Induced Liver Damage. Pathogens, 11. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11030289

Published

2026-10-31

How to Cite

Ecological Assessment of freshwater Snails and Schistosoma Transmission in Doma Local Government Area ,Nasarawa State, Nigeria. (2026). THE INCUBATOR: Journal of Postgraduate Studies, FULafia, 1(1), 44. https://journals.fulafia.org.ng/index.php/incubator/article/view/44

Issue

Volume 1, Issue 1, January-June 2026

Section

STEM SECTION
Copyright & Licensing

Copyright (c) 2026 L. E. Kubiangha, J. I. Maikenti, A. Ombugadu, M. A. Ashigar, H. O. Ahmed, A. M. Maigoro, S. O. Ayuba (Author)

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Ecological Assessment of freshwater Snails and Schistosoma Transmission in Doma Local Government Area ,Nasarawa State, Nigeria. (2026). THE INCUBATOR: Journal of Postgraduate Studies, FULafia, 1(1), 44. https://journals.fulafia.org.ng/index.php/incubator/article/view/44

Similar Articles

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.

Most read articles by the same author(s)