Two new field techniques for detection and counting of Schistosoma haematobium eggs in urine samples, with an evaluation of both methods

Abstract

Two new techniques for the quantitative determination of Schistosoma haematobium egg densities in urine samples, the first using sedimentation and the second filtration, have been developed and evaluated. In the first method the concentrated sediment is examined in a counting chamber under a low-power microscope and in the second method the final concentration achieved by filtration is also examined microscopically. Both procedures are easily carried out under primitive field conditions, while retaining their reproducibility and reliability. The techniques can be useful in mass surveys of populations suffering from schistosomiasis.