%0 Journal Article
%A Konan, Ahou S. Konan
%A Zika, Kalou D. Zika
%A Kouakou, Affoué S. J. Kouakou
%A Dou, Gonat S. P. Dou
%A Tamboura, Marietou Tamboura
%A Nassoué, Olivia D. M. Nassoué
%A Adoubryn, Koffi D. Adoubryn
%D 2026
%J African Journal of Parasitology, Mycology and Entomology

%@ 1987-1473

%V 3
%N 2
%P 8

%T Epidemiological Profile of Urinary Schistosomiasis in Urban School Children in Bouaké, Ivory Coast
%M doi:10.35995/ajpme03020008
%U https://ajpme.jams.pub/article/3/2/291
%X 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.