A survey was carried out between January and July 2002 to determine the prevalence of vesical
schistosomiasis in Bende Local government area of Abia State. A total of 2406 persons in eleven communities aged between
6 and 60 years were examined. Prevalence rates in the eleven communities ranged between 25.5% and 52.3% with an
overall prevalence of 41.5%. More males (42.6%) than females (39.4%) were infected in all the age groups, and high rate of
haematuria (78.2%) was observed among the infected subjects. Infection prevalence was significantly higher (65.3%) among
those in the age group of 11 – 20 years (P < 0.05) than those above 60 years. More than 70% of those infected excreted
above 50 eggs/10ml urine. Malacological studies conducted along water bodies in the study area indicated that infection was
localised. Bulinus globosus is implicated as the potential disease intermediate host