Background and Objective: Schistosomiasis, the worldʼs second-largest parasitic endemic, is a disease caused by worms of the genus Schistosoma.This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with schistosomiasis in the city of Galim. Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in the city of Galim from March to June, 2020.Urine and stool samples from 320 participants aged 5 to 75 years, from five, randomly selected neighborhoods (Menazoh, Tatah, Mifi, Urban Centre and Haoussa) were examined using the Kato-Katz qualitative and semi-quantitative method and the centrifugal technique respectively to identify and count Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium eggs.A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to participants to obtain socio-demographic data and risk factors.Results: The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis was 1.88%, with 1.25% for Schistosoma haematobium and 0.63% for Schistosoma mansoni.Infections concerning age, sex, neighborhood and occupation showed no significant difference.However, there was a significant difference between schistosoma infection with respect to the level of education (X 2 = 8.22, ddl = 3, P = 0.04).The overall parasite load was 9 eggs/10 mL of urine and 168 eggs per gram (Epg) of stools with an average of 2.25 eggs/10 mL of urine in females and 84 Epg of stools in males.Participants aged 10 to 20 and 20 to 35 years had high parasite loads of 3 eggs/10 mL of urine, respectively.Also, people who visited the Mévobo River (OR =2.22) and contaminated water (OR = 67.78) to wash and/or bath had a high risk of contracting this disease.Conclusion: The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis observed in this region shows that the region is a low-risk area.This region requiring mass care and increased awareness campaigns to completely eradicate the disease.

Yamssi Cedric

Noumedem Anangmo Christelle

Amaley Kueka Marie Leti

Epidemiology of Schistosomiasis in Galim, Bamboutos Division, West Region, Cameroon

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