Prevalence of Schistosomiasis among Secondary School Boarding Students in Potiskum Metropolis, Yobe State, North-Eastern Nigeria

Schistosomiasis remains one of the world’s most prevalent diseases of public health importance. Despite more than a century of control efforts and the introduction of highly effective antischistosomal drug the eradication of the disease is still far from actualization. Six hundred (300 stool and300 urine) samples were collected randomly from the students who consented after obtaining some vital demographic data from them. The stool samples were processed using formol ether concentration techniques while the urine samples were processed by ordinary centrifugal sedimentation technique. The result obtained was tested using Chi-square. Of 600 samples, 30 urine samples were positive for S.haematobium giving 10.0% urinary schistosomiasis, while 6 faecal samples were positive for S. mansoni giving 2.0% intestinal schistosomiasis and an overall 6.0% of schistosomiasis.The result indicates that there is an increase in prevalence with increase in age. The infection rate was significantly higher (p < 0.05) among males (8.5%) than among females (1.0%).Infection was higher (11.2%) among students whose normal source of drinking water is stream, followed by those whose source of drinking water is well (4.0%) and the least among those using tap water (2.2%). The prevalence of schistosomiasis in relation to schools indicates a significant relationship (p < 0.05).FGSS had the highest prevalence (11.5%), followed by GSSTSS with 5.5% and GGSS recorded the least with 1.0%. Lack of prompt diagnosis, inadequate knowledge on the causes of schistosomiasis, unsuitable water supply and exposure to water bodies may be the likely predisposing factors responsible for the prevalence rate recorded in the study area

Prevalence of Acid-Alcohol-Fast Bacilli among Patients with Suspected Cases of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Jos, Nigeria

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a major public health problem in globally due to its high tendency of person-person transmission, morbidity, and  mortality. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of AAFB within the study area. Sputum samples were collected from three hundred and three (303) patients with suspected cases of pulmonary tuberculosis attending Plateau State Specialist Hospital and Faith Alive Foundation. The samples were examined using Ziehl Neelsen method. Structured  questionnaires were administered to obtain some demographic data from patients that consented. Results were tested statistically for significance at p < 0.05 using Chi-square test. Out of the samples examined,29(9.57.0%) were positive for AAFB .The study showed that the prevalence of smear-positive increased with age between 15 and 45 and then decreased from age groups 46 and above. The study also revealed that males had a higher prevalence with 19(12.34%)than females who had 10(6.71%  ).Marital status showed that divorced individuals had the highest  prevalence of 2(12.50%) followed by married ,singles and the widowed with 18(11.76%),8(6.34%),and 1(5.90%) respectively. Statistically the study reveals that age groups, sex, hospital (location) does not have any effects on the prevalence (p > 0.05) while marital status showed a significant  effect on the prevalence (p < 0.05).There is need for a more collaborative efforts and political will by the government and non-governmental agencies in order to fast track prevention and control measures aimed at eliminating the infection in the nearest future.Key words: AFB, Tuberculosis, Jos, Nigeria