HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Schutte, C. H. J. Articles by Lamprecht, T. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Schutte, C. H. J. Articles by Lamprecht, T.

A Cross-Sectional Study on the Prevalence and Intensity of Infection with Schistosoma Haematobium in Students of Northern Kwazulu^*

C. H. J. Schutte, J. M. G. van Deventer AND Tyna Lamprecht

The urines of 7,944 students (aged 5–25 years) from 42 different localities in Northern KwaZulu were screened for the presence of Schistosoma haematobium eggs. Fifty-four percent were infected, but prevalence varied from 8–92% depending on conditions existing in the localities. The age-specific prevalence in each of the four topographical areas was unusual in that peaks were not distinct and sharp decreases towards the end of the 2nd decade of life did not occur. Egg output, determined by using a helminth filter and staining of eggs, was expressed in relation to time (2-hour mid-day specimens) rather than urine volume. Unlike the prevalence, egg output decreased considerably after a distinct peak which occurred at 8 years of age in the low prevalence area and at ages 10 and 11 years in the heavily infected areas. Statistical analyses of the results revealed that the observed prevalence of S. haematobium was dependent on area and age but not on sex. The significance of the findings in this area are discussed.

Accepted for publication September 6, 1980.

^* Address reprint requests to: Dr. C. H. J. Schutte, Research Institute for Diseases in a Tropical Environment, South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 17120, Congella 4013, South Africa.

Present address: Department of Business Science, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa.