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Many HIV/AIDS patients still present with low CD4 count and other complications even when placed on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Prevalence of intestinal parasitoses and their influence on CD4 levels of HIV/AIDS patients attending a Hospital in Nigeria was studied to determine their role in low CD4 levels during treatment. Two hundred and fifty HIV sero-positive and 100 sero-negative subjects were recruited for the study. HIV screening was done using Determine and confirmed with Unigold with Start Park as tie breaker. Questionnaires were used to obtain subject’s bio-data, Partec Cyflow counter (GEM Laboratories, Germany) was used for estimation and differentiation of CD4 cells while parasites were detected using direct stool microscopy, formal ether and modified Ziehl Neelson techniques. Prevalence of parasites was 25 (7.1%) with test subjects being more infected (7.6%) than controls (6.0%) (P < 0.001). The parasites detected were Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (7.8%), Ascaris lumbricoides (4.2%), Gairdia intestinalis (1.2%), Cryptosporidium parvum (0.6%), and Hookworm (0.4%). Parasite positive subjects had significantly lower mean CD4 count (373.3±275.6 c/μl) than their parasite negative counterpart (626.7±337.6 c/μl), P = 0.028, and likewise in the control group. HIV/parasite infected subjects on ART had significantly lower mean CD4 count (391.8±270 c/μl) than HIV/parasite negative subjects on ART (659.8±331.1), P = 0.01. Intestinal parasitoses may aggravate CD4 reduction in HIV/AIDS patients even when on HAART, hence undermine the potency of ART and hinder their successful management. Screening tests before baseline treatment for HIV/AIDS patients should include parasitological diagnosis.

Aim: The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in relation to mental illness among inpatients of Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabar was investigated with a view to improving the quality of their medical care. Study Design: This was cross sectional study. Ethical approval and patients’ informed consent were sought and obtained before collection and processing of samples. Place and Duration of Study: Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Calabar, between February and August, 2016. Methodology: We included 246 (126 patients, 120 apparently healthy) subjects. Intestinal parasites were detected by direct stool microscopy and formol ether concentration technique and the cellophane anal swab method for Enterobius vermicularis. Chi square analysis was used to compare percentages. Results: The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among the 126 studied patients was 49.2% compared to 11.7% recorded among the 120 apparently healthy (control) subjects examined (P < 0.0001). There was no significant association between intestinal parasites prevalence and gender in test as well as control subjects 60.0% v. 45.1%, respectively, p = 0.2022) and 14.3% v. 8.8%, respectively, P = 0.3113). Subjects with chronic mental cases insignificantly harbored more intestinal parasites than those with acute cases (53.8% v. 47.1%, respectively; P = 0.5699). Parasites detected in the study were Hookworm 34.6%, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 25%, Ascaris lumbricoides 17.3%, Trichuris trichiura 9.6%, Enterobius vermicularis 5.8%, Giardia intestinalis 3.8%, Taenia species and Schistosoma mansoni 1.9% each. Hookworm ranked highest 34.6% among the parasites encountered in the test subjects while Ascaris lumbricoides 33.3% took the lead in the control group. People diagnosed with Variance Psychosis disorder recorded highest infection rate (68.4%) while those with substance abuse had the least (28.0%). Conclusion: Intestinal parasitosis may possibly play aetiologic or enhancement role in mental ill health. For effective management of the mental challenge, periodic parasitic investigations and appropriate therapy before and after admittance should be effected in all psychiatric institutions.

BackgroundThe Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes are the most abundant, efficient and widely distributed vectors of the malaria parasite in sub-Saharan Africa. In most African countries, where malaria control programmes are focused on the use of long-lasting insecticide treated bed net, there is need to evaluate the biting behaviour and the identity of such mosquitoes to determine the relevance and appropriateness of the control measure implemented.MethodThis study investigated the distribution and molecular characteristics of the Anopheles species in selected forested areas in Cross River State, Nigeria. Mosquitoes were collected using pyrethrum spray catch and Centre for Disease Control light traps modified with yeast and sugar to generate carbon dioxide (CO2). Anopheles gambiae complex was identified using multiplex polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) for molecular forms characterization.ResultsOne hundred and four Anopheles gambiae s.l. were collected during the study. Multiplex PCR showed 75% of the species complex were A. gambiae s.s. and further characterization using PCR-RFLP showed that 53.8% of the A. gambiae s.l. identified were A. gambiae s.s.while 24.4% were A.coluzzii. The two species of the A. gambiae s.l. were found to be most abundant. The study also reported a 1.3% hybrid form of Anopheles gambiae s.s.and Anopheles coluzzii.ConclusionThe findings suggest the first documented evidence of hybrid forms of A. gambiae s.s./A.coluzzii in South Eastern Nigeria although its epidemiological implication is still not clear.

Background Cysteine-cysteine chemokine receptor 5 is the main HIV co-receptor involved in the virus and cell-to-cell spread. A variant of the CCR5 gene known as CCR5-Δ32 which is a product of 32 base pair deletion in the gene plays critical role in the infection and progression to AIDS. The study was carried out to determine the CCR5 genotype of HIV-infected subjects attending University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar. Methods A total of 100 subjects attending HIV clinic, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital were purposively recruited for this study. DNA was extracted from each sample using the Quick gDNA miniprep DNA extraction kit, Zymo Research. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used in the amplification of CCR5 gene in each DNA in a 9700 ABI Thermo cycler and then resolved on 4% agarose gel electrophoresis. Result Out of the 100 samples assessed, 100 (100%) were homozygous for the CCR5 wild type gene (CCR5-wt), while none (0%) was homozygous for the CCR5-Δ32 (mutant type), and heterozygosity was not observed. Conclusion This study observed absence of CCR5-Δ32 deletion gene among the studied subjects in Calabar, implying lack of genetic advantage in HIV infection and possible rapid progression towards AIDS if other precautions are not checked.

Summary The combined effects of praziquantel and artesunate in the treatment of urinary schistosomiasis were assessed among 312 randomly selected schoolchildren aged 4–20 years in Adim community, Nigeria. In the preliminary screening, infection was confirmed in 327 (38.5%) of the 850 subjects screened. Infected subjects who reported for treatment were then divided into six treatment groups of 52 subjects each; 44 subjects in each group completed their treatment regimens and submitted their urine for post-treatment assessment. Praziquantel and artesunate were administered orally at 40 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Adverse effects due to drug reactions were assessed 72 h after medication and all perceived episodes of illness were treated. Morbidity indicators were assessed 56 days after the final dose of the drug regimens. All treatment regimens were well tolerated. The cure rates were 72.7% in the praziquantel plus placebo-treated group and 70.5% in the artesunate plus placebo group, while the artesunate plus praziquantel group had the highest cure rate (88.6%). Haematuria and proteinuria were extensively reduced after treatment with the three drug regimens. This study confirmed that the treatment of urinary schistosomiasis with the combination of praziquantel and artesunate is safe and more effective than treatment with either drug alone.

We evaluated the malaria burden in randomly selected pregnant women (PW) attending antenatal clinics in Abuja, Nigeria, to establish an association between pregnancies, malaria. Structured questionnaire was administered by the ante-natal nursing staff and a research assistant. In total, 1400 pregnant women were screened between April and Sep- tember 2004, and capillary blood samples were obtained and screened for malaria parasites in thin blood films and quanti- tative buffy coat analysis (QBC). In total, 1035 (73.9%) pregnant women were positive for Plasmodium falciparum; of which 578 (55.8%) were primigravidae; 299 (28.9%) second gravidae; and 158 (15.3%) were multigravidae, while 297 (28.7) were in their first trimester, 311 (30%) were in their second trimester, and 427 (41.3%) were in their third trimester. The highest prevalence of malaria parasite (31.6%) was found in those aged 26-30 years while the lowest prevalence (2.9%) occurred in those aged 41-46 years. Socio economically, prevalence of malaria parasite is highest in non- automobile owners 84.4%, 66% in those with monthly income less than $100, and those living in vegetable thatched houses had 46.0%, while the lowest incidence (15.6%) was found in automobile owners. Of the 760 pregnant women who sought malaria treatment only 278 (34.2%) seek intervention in hospitals, while 59.4% got treatment outside the hospital or were on self medication. This study demonstrated a high prevalence of malaria in the population evaluated, and there- fore underlines the need for urgent intervention through capacity building, implementation of intermittent preventive treat- ment (IPT), use of insecticides treated-nets (ITN) and effective case management of malaria illness. The delivery of these interventions through ante-natal clinics in Nigeria is highly critical and needs to be encouraged; strategies that encourage pregnant women to attend antenatal clinics early and consistently need to be developed. It is also important to develop coherent and effective policies and tools to tackle malaria and poverty.

The efficacy and tolerability of oral artesunate for the treatment of urinary schistosomiasis was assessed among schoolchildren aged 5-18 years in Adim community, Nigeria. Overall, 500 children, randomly selected from those attending the Presbyterian primary school, were each invited to provide two consecutive urine samples. Using standard parasitological procedures, Schistosoma haematobium ova were found in the samples from 145 (29.0%) of the subjects. Most (87) of the infected subjects were then treated orally with artesunate, using two doses, each of 6 mg/kg, given 2 weeks apart. When the treated children were re-examined 4 weeks after the second dose of artesunate, 61 (70.1%) appeared egg-negative and were therefore considered cured. Post-treatment, the geometric mean egg count (GMEC) for the treated subjects who were not cured was significantly lower than the pre-treatment GMEC for all the treated subjects, with log10[(eggs/10 ml urine) + 1] values of 0.9 v. 1.75 (t = 4.45; P0.05). The cure 'rate' for the subjects agedor = 10 years was slightly higher than that among the younger subjects. It was lowest for the heavier subjects (70% for those weighing 41-50 kg) and highest (79%) for the subjects who weighed 31-40 kg. The artesunate was well tolerated. This observation of a therapeutic effect of artesunate against S. haematobium in Nigeria confirms recent observations from Senegal. In the Adim community at least, it would be more cost-effective to treat urinary schistosomiasis with artesunate than with praziquantel. The wide-spread use of artesunate against schistosomiasis has to be considered carefully, however, if it is not to compromise the efficacy of the drug as an antimalarial, by increasing the risk of resistance developing in local Plasmodium.

The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection was investigated among 100 women attending infertility clinics and compared with another subset of 100 pregnant women who served as control. Chlamydia trachomatis antigen detection cassette supplied by Biomil Diagnostics was used to detect the presence of chlamydial antigen in endocervical swabs collected from each of the subjects. Questionnaire-based interview was used by the attending clinician to collect the demographic characteristics of the subjects for analysis. Twenty two 22 (22%) women with infertility and 2 (2%) of the control group tested positive for chlamydial antigen (p 0.05). This study has demonstrated the involvement of Chlamydia trachomatis in female infertility and the need to put in place appropriate facilities to screen for Chlamydia trachomatis among women with infertility problem in the study area.

Childhood immunization remains an important strategy in the reduction of morbidity and mortality from common vaccine preventable diseases. Nigeria’s immunization coverage rates are among the lowest in the world. This low coverage rate can be attributed to challenges encountered by the programme. A quick turn around came in December 2005 when the World Health Organisation – Nigeria Expanded programme on immunization team supported a Government of Nigeria consultative process to strengthen routine immunization using a 4 – point strategy. This strong partnership resulted in the increase of routine immunization coverage of Diptheria-Pertussis-Tetanus 3 from 37.5% in December 2005 to 72% by end of December 2006. There was a decline in the transmission of wild polio virus type 1. Only 22% of the 1129 polio cases confirmed in 2006 occurred during the second half of 2006; the number of children never vaccinated with OPV also declined from 50% to 20%. Enhanced surveillance for measles has demonstrated the dramatic reduction in measles morbidity and mortality rate from 144,068 cases in 2005 with a case fatality rate of >4% to 16,629 cases in 2006 with a case fatality rate of 1.8%. Also, 26 million (83%) children under age five were also vaccinated for measles during the integrated measles campaign in 17 southern states in October 2006. The challenges encountered by the Nigerian’s immunization programme include inadequate vaccination supplies, collapse of primary healthcare services, poor acceptance of immunization particularly in northern Nigeria, civil unrest, wars, natural disasters and others.

The epidemiology and perception of Paragonimus infection were investigated in Oban community of Cross River State, Nigeria between January and June, 2006. Sputum samples collected on each of three consecutive days from 311 participants with productive cough were examined using standard parasitological procedures for the detection of ova of Paragonimus Spp. The samples were also processed and stained using the Ziehl-Neelsen technique to exclude Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Crabs collected from the village streams were dissected and examined for the presence of metacercariae of Paragonimus Spp. A questionnaire was also administered to test the perception of the disease. Paragonimus uterobilateralis was confirmed as the aetiologic agent of paragonimiasis with a prevalence of 4.2%. Peak prevalence of 7.7% was found among children aged between 1 to 10 years. More males (4.5%) were infected than females (3.9%) (P > 0.05). The mean egg count was high (222 egs/5ml of sputum). The intensity of infection was found to correlate moderately and strongly with haemoptysis (r = 0.6) and chest pain (r=0.8) respectively. Only 1.6% of the subjects had tuberculosis and presented with symptoms which mimic paragonimiasis. Sudanonautes africanus is the suspected vector of the disease in this locality. The disease, its vector and mode of transmission were poorly perceived by the respondents. The study has confirmed the endemicity of paragonimiasis in Oban community as well as provides comprehensive information on the disease and its transmission in this locality. There is urgent need to initiate the control of this disease in this community.

Background: The prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma haematobium infection were studied in Ukwelo-Obudu, and Abini communities of Cross River State, Nigeria. Aim: To screen for the presence of ova of S. haematobium in the urine of school children in the two communities. Method: Six hundred urine specimens (400 in Abini and 200 in Ukwelo-Obudu community) were collected by random sampling from school children aged 5-17 years from the two communities and screened for ova of Schistosoma haematobium by filtration of urine and counting of filtered carbol fuchsin-stained eggs of Schistosoma haematobium. Retrospective study of Schistosoma haematobium infection was also carried out in Ukwelo-Obudu community. Results: Infection with S. haematobium was not found in Ukwelo-Obudu whereas in Abini community, a prevalence of 4.5% was found. The highest prevalence of infection (7.7%) occurred in the age group of 11-13 years. There was a strong positive correlation between the presence of infection (ova of S. haematobium) and existence of haematuria (r = 0.81) and proteinuria (r = 0.71) in Abini community. There was a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of proteinuria between male and female subjects examined (P=0.0008). A retrospective study of Schistosoma haematobium infection in Ukwelo-Obudu community showed 2006 as the year with the highest record of infection [11(35.5%)] whereas the year 2004 recorded the lowest number of infection. Conclusion: This study has revealed a low prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium infection in Abini and the absence of infection in Ukwelo-Obudu communities respectively. Key words: Prevalence, Schistosoma haematobium, Abini, Ukwelo-obudu, School children

The antiplasmodial activity of the ethanolic leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium on chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghi berghi infection in mice was investigated in Calabar, Nigeria to assess its traditional use as an antimalarial remedy in Nigeria. The schizonticidal activity of the extract and that of chloroquine were determined in mice. The pharmacological property of the leaf was also assessed using standard procedures. The LD­50 of the extract was estimated using Swiss Albino mice by intraperitoneal route. The extract was found to produce an insignificant chemosuppressive effect during early and established infection. There was a dose dependent reduction in parasitaemia in the extract-treated group which was more pronounced with the highest dose of the extract (750mg/kg). The study has shown that the leaf extract possesses a weak schizonticidal activity that may not be adequate for the treatment of malaria but may be sufficient to alleviate symptoms of malaria like inflammation, pains and fever, thus acting in a similar manner to the analgesic drugs. Keywords : Pharmacological, Antiplasmodial, Gongronema latifolium Nigerian Journal of Health and Biomedical Sciences Vol. 7 (2) 2008: pp. 51-55

The relationship between the transmission of urinary schistosomiasis and the prevailing socio-economic factors was investigated in some villages in Lagdo District of the Republic of Cameroon in 2005. Urine samples obtained from participants in the study were examined microscopically for the presence of eggs of Schistosoma haematobium. Questionnaires were administered to school children to study their perception of the disease, and local socio-economic factors that may stabilize the infection in the community. Schistosoma haematobium was confirmed amongst 39.2% of the study-population. Mixed infecfions of S. mansoni and S. haematobium occurred in only 4.5% of the pupils. Subjects aged 5-9 years were most infected (45.7%). Male subjects (23.5%) were significantly (p < 0.05) more infected than females (15.7%). There was a statistically significant difference in the distribution of urinary schistosomasis from villages studied (p < 0.05). Infection occurred most in Boule Village (70%). The type of water and the location of the village from the lake significantly influenced the rate of acquisition of schistosomiasis (p < 0.05). Children of farmers and fishermen were more infected (82.3%) and (95.2%) respectively than children of civil servants (50%). Children out-of-school were significantly more infected than those in school (p < 0.05). The study support the immediate treatment of subjects in these villages and the investigation of the endemicity of S. mansoni infection in the area. Keywords: urinary schistosomiasis, socio-economic factors, rural community, Cameroon.Nigerian Journal of Parasitology Vol. 29 (1) 2008 pp. 5-10

The predisposition of children with severe malaria to urinary tract infection was investigated in a group of 112 clinically diagnosed and para sitologically confirmed severe malaria patients (test) and in another subset of 114 apparently physically healthy non-malaria infected subjects (control). Standard bacteriological and parasitological procedures were used in the diagnosis of urinary tract infection and confirmation of malaria infection respectively. Plasmodium falciparum was the only aetiologic agent of malaria encounted in the study. There was a statistically significant difference (P = 0.008) in the prevalence of urinary tract infection in severe malaria infected patients (30.4%) and control (2.6%) (P Escherichia coli was the predominant agent of urinary tract infection isolated in the study. It is suggested that the alteration of the physiology of the kidney and the lowered immunity prompted by severe malaria may be the enabling factors for the initiation of urinary tract infection. Screening for urinary tract infection among severe malaria patients is advocated in malaria endemic areas. Keywords : Severe malaria, children, urinary tract infection Nigerian Journal of Health and Biomedical Sciences Vol. 5 (2) 2006: 52-56

The prevalence of enterobiasis and its relationship with anal itching and enuresis were investigated among 799, randomly selected children aged 5-14 years, who lived, either in an area of high population density or one with a much lower population density, in Calabar, Nigeria. The eggs of Enterobius vermicularis were found in anal swabs (collected with transparent adhesive tape) from 60 (7.5%) of the subjects tested, with the prevalence of infection appearing markedly higher in the 403 children from the area with a high population density than in the 396 from the less densely populated area (11.7% v. 3.3%; P0.05). Questionnaire-based interviews were used to determine which of the children suffered from anal itching, enuresis or both. Compared with the egg-negative subjects, the 60 children who were egg-positive for Enterobius were found to be much more likely to be suffering from anal itching (78.3% v. 28.3%; P0.05) or enuresis (53.3% v. 36.4%; P0.05). Enterobiasis is therefore not a problem that is restricted to the temperate regions of the world, and may be a cause of enuresis or at least a contributory factor in the development of this complaint.

We recruited 600 pregnant women, whose ages were between 17 and 40 years in Calabar, Nigeria, out of which 300 of them who picked up folded pieces of paper marked \'Yes\' for themselves and their neonates were selected. The remaining 300 pregnant women who picked up the folded pieces of paper marked \'No\' for themselves and their neonates were excluded. Thereafter, we examined 300 blood samples each from the selected mothers, placenta, cord and neonates aged between 1 and 8 days for the presence of malaria parasites. The prevalence rate of 3.0% (9) for Plasmodium falciparum was observed in the neonates while 3.3%(10), 10.3% (31) and 17.0% (51) were observed in the cord, placenta and mothers respectively. The prevalence rates of infection of the neonates and cord were not statistically significant (P > 0.05) whereas statistically significant (P < 0.05) differences occurred between prevalence rates of infection of the mothers and the placenta. The infection of gametocytes only was 6% (18) and 1.3% (4) in mothers and placenta respectively. Both gametocytes and trophozoites infections were observed in 0.3% (1) maternal blood. No gametocytes or mixed infections were observed in the cord and neonates. No statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) occurred in the tissues infected with various stages of Plasmodium falciparum. The study has confirmed congenital malaria transmission in Calabar. Keywords: congenital malaria, prevalence, placenta, cord, neonatal blood Mary Slessor Journal of Medicine Vol. 5(1), 2005: 37-40

Oral artesunate although originally manufactured for the treatment of malaria has recently been shown to be effective in the treatment of S. haematobium infection. The usage of the presence/absence of haematuria and proteinuria in monitoring the outcome of treatment of urinary schistosomiasis patients with artesunate was assessed in the present study. The mean ova count, haematuria and proteinuria of 87 infected subjects who were treated were significantly reduced from 55.5 ± 1.3 ova/10ml, 168.6 ± 1.23 eryl/μgl and 458.6 ± 1.40 mg/dl to 1.8 ± 0 ova/10ml, 9.1 ± 0.4 eryl/μgl and 65.4 ± 1.64mg/dl respectively (P < 0.05 in all cases). This effect was also demonstrated by gender. It is concluded that reagent strips (Haematuria and proteinuria) are reliable in monitoring the efficacy of artesunate. Keywords; urinary schistosomiasis, treatment, artesunate, diagnostic markers Mary Slessor Journal of Medicine Vol. 5(1), 2005: 1-6

Urinary schistosomiasis is endemic in some parts of Cross River State, in Nigeria. Due to the prohibitive cost of diagnosis and the focal nature of the disease, endemic areas cannot be easily delineated for control operations. In this study, we report the outcome of our assessment of the newly introduced questionnaire approach in the diagnosis of urinary schistosomiasis amongst 5,453 pupils and also validated its performance among a subset of 310 pupils in Biase Local Government Area. The questionnaire which enquired whether pupils had urinary schistosomiasis or blood in their urine in the preceding month, was administered by class teachers to the pupils. Urine samples collected for the validation of the questionnaire diagnosis was also examined using dipsticks (by teachers and the research team) and for the presence of ova of Schistosoma haematobium. There was a strong positive correlation between the pupil's knowledge of schistosomiasis as a disease and the reported presence of blood in urine (r=0.96) although the later was a better indicator of the disease. The questionnaire technique (blood in urine) gave a comparable sensitivity (85.8%), specificity (81.4%), positive and negative predictive values (96.6% and 47.9%) to the dipstick test with values of 93.6%, 88.4%, 98% and 69.1% respectively. Age had a statistically significant influence on the results of the different survey techniques (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) unlike sex (P > 0.05). Teachers were able to detect haematuria with a high level of accuracy. We found this approach to be simple, cost-effect and reliable and have recommended its usage in other endemic settings with large land mass and dense populations like Nigeria. Key Words: Schistosomiasis, Diagnosis, Questionnaire, Cross River , Nigeria. Mary Slessor Journal of Medicine Vol.4(1) 2004: 63-71

Observations on the water-contact patterns of 2136 residents of Admin community in Nigeria were conducted at four streams between February 1993 and January 1994. Urine samples collected from those observed were used to estimate the prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma haematobium infection. A questionnaire was also completed for each of the subjects, to test their perception of urinary schistosomiasis and its transmission. Infection was detected in 1076 (50.4%) of the subjects, with peak prevalence among those aged 10-14 years. Intensity of infection was more closely correlated with the number of water contacts (r = 0.97) than with the total duration of the exposure (r = 0.77), emphasising the importance of specific/multiple activities, and of the surface area of the body submerged, in transmission. One stream (Culvet) was identified as the main transmission point, with bathing/swimming and fishing as the main activities predisposing people to infection. The awareness of urinary schistosomiasis and its symptom (blood in urine) were high but specific knowledge about the parasite, its vector and the interaction between the parasite and vector in the parasite's life-cycle were extremely low. Activities that require behaviour and attitude modification have been identified and encouraged as components in the control of schistosome-attributable morbidity (in the absence of pipe-borne water).

A cross-sectional study was conducted in February 1998 on the prevalence and intensity of urinary schistosomiasis among school-age children in and out of school at Adim village in Nigeria to test the objective of delivering a control programme through the school system. School enrollment figures and non-attendance rate were collated from questionnaires that were self-administered by heads of families. Prevalence and intensity of infection were determined following filtration of urine and counting of carbol fuchsin-stained eggs of Schistosoma haematobium. The rates of regular school attendance, irregular attendance and non-attendance were 69.1%, 5.1%, and 25.8%, respectively. These indices were not significantly associated with the age of the schoolchildren (P0.05). Boys (76.6%) were more associated with regular attendance than girls (61.4%) (P0.0001) while girls had a higher rate of non-attendance (32.7%) than males (19.1%) (P0.0001). Although more out-of-school children were infected (90.7%) than those in school (86.8%), the difference was not statistically significant (P0.05). The same association was established in the variation of mean egg count between the 2 study populations though intensity was higher among out-of-school children. The principal reasons proffered for the high rate of non-attendance listed in their order of importance were: economic, sickness, poor performance, refusal, farming and fishing. A dual method of control that would in incorporate the integration of recognized local authorities is suggested in areas with moderate school attendance rate like Adim, as lack of treatment of infected out-of-school children ensures continuous contamination and re-infection.