Epidemiological Profile of Urinary Schistosomiasis in Urban School Children in Bouaké, Ivory Coast
1 Parasitology and Mycology Laboratory, CHU Bouaké, Bouaké 01 BP 1174, Ivory Coast; (K.D.Z.); (S.D.J.K.); (K.D.A.)
2 School of Medecine, Alassane OUATTARA University, Bouaké BP V 18, Ivory Coast
3 Parasitology and Mycology Laboratory, School of Medicine, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, Abidjan BP V 166, Ivory Coast; (G.S.P.D.); (M.T.); (O.D.M.N.)
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 5 Sep 2025 / Accepted: 3 Feb 2026 / Published: 26 Feb 2026
Abstract
Introduction: Urinary schistosomiasis due to Schistosoma hӕmatobium is a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. In the Ivory Coast, this disease is endemic in several regions where poor hygiene conditions, the presence of stagnant bodies of water, and children’s risk-taking behavior favor its transmission. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiological features of urinary schistosomiasis in urban areas. Methods: This descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2024 in Bouaké, a city located in central Côte d’Ivoire (≈7°69′ N; 5°03′ W), characterized by a transitional subequatorial climate and the presence of several surface water bodies conducive to human–water contact. The survey included 140 children aged 5 to 14 years attending Barakat School in the Belleville neighborhood, a densely populated urban area crossed by small streams and seasonal water channels. Urine samples were collected and analyzed after centrifugation to detect Schistosoma haematobium eggs. Results: The prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis was 3.6%. None of the children were aware of the disease. All positive cases regularly swam in freshwater areas, mainly during their break time. There was a statistically significant association between this exposure and the presence of eggs (p = 0.02). However, age, gender, and school level were not related to infection contagion. Conclusion: These results, although showing a low prevalence, underline the silent persistence of the disease in urban areas and the need for intensive awareness campaigns and preventative action against schistosomiasis.
Keywords: urinary schistosomiasis; ; urban school; children; Bouaké
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CITE
Konan, A.S.; Zika, K.D.; Kouakou, A.S.J.; Dou, G.S.P.; Tamboura, M.; Nassoué, O.D.M.; Adoubryn, K.D. Epidemiological Profile of Urinary Schistosomiasis in Urban School Children in Bouaké, Ivory Coast. AJPME 2026, 3, 8.
Konan AS, Zika KD, Kouakou ASJ, Dou GSP, Tamboura M, Nassoué ODM, Adoubryn KD. Epidemiological Profile of Urinary Schistosomiasis in Urban School Children in Bouaké, Ivory Coast. AJPME. 2026; 3(2):8.
Konan, Ahou S.; Zika, Kalou D.; Kouakou, Affoué S. J.; Dou, Gonat S. P.; Tamboura, Marietou; Nassoué, Olivia D. M.; Adoubryn, Koffi D. 2026. "Epidemiological Profile of Urinary Schistosomiasis in Urban School Children in Bouaké, Ivory Coast." AJPME 3, no. 2: 8.
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