First reports of urogenital schistosomiasis in the Ndikiniméki health district, Center Cameroon.

Objectives: Schistosomiasis is still a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Cameroon. In this context, a cross-sectional study was carried out from June 2023 to July 2023 in the Ndikiniméki subdivision, with the aim of knowing the status of this locality in relation to infection.

Methods: A parasitologic analysis of eggs was carried out on urine samples using the sedimentation technique.

Results: A total of 402 urine samples were collected from households. The age range of participants was 1-96 years, with the most signified age group being 1-9 years. Women were the most represented, with a proportion of 56.47%. Of the 402 people examined, 18 (4.45%) were affected, with an average intensity of 54.43 ± 85.30 eggs/10 mL urine. Women were the most affected, with a prevalence and average parasite intensity of 3.73% and 53.10 ± 131.27 eggs/10 mL of urine. The most affected age group was 10-19 years, with a prevalence and intensity of 4.60% and 49.49 ± 67.00 eggs per 10 mL of urine, respectively. Of those infected, 72.22% were lightly infected and 27.28% were heavily infected.

Conclusions: This study indicates that this locality is a risk area for urinary schistosomiasis despite its low prevalence.