<![CDATA[Schistosoma haematobium is responsible for urogenital schistosomiasis which is still a significant public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. To better inform targeted interventions and control measures, it is important to know how the intensity of parasite infection and clinical diagnostic indicators differ by socio-demographic groups. The study was carried out in Ebonyi Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, Nigeria with a population of mainly farmers, traders and civil servants. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ozalla and informed consent was obtained from the respondents. Using a survey design, urine reagent strips for micro-hematuria and proteinuria were used to screen 1,110 subjects. 269 screen positive people were interviewed using a questionnaire that included socio-demographic, health and behavioral information, as well as biological samples. Mid-day urine samples were centrifuged to assess Schistosoma haematobium eggs and Giemsa stained thick blood smears were examined under oil immersion microscopy for Plasmodium parasites. Data were analysed statistically at 5% level of significance using SPSS version 20.0, chi-square test, ANOVA and Student's t-test were used. No significant differences were seen in infection intensities (p>0.05) of Schistosoma haematobium and malaria with educational level or occupation, with primary-educated, civil servants, and farmers having higher mean infections. In conclusion, micro-hematuria was the most common diagnostic index (63.2%). There was no significant gender difference for clinical indicators (p>0.05) and males had higher levels of proteinuria and reported symptoms. Micro-hematuria, proteinuria, reported blood and painful urination were significantly different between age groups (p<0.05) with the highest levels observed in children and young adults. The combination of rapid point-of-care indicators, age-targeted mass drug administration, and school-based health education will play a key role in control of urogenital schistosomiasis in endemic communities.]]>
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