Relation between intensity of Schistosoma haematobium infection and clinical haematuria and proteinuria

Abstract

In an endemic area on Lake Volta, Ghana, urinary blood and protein levels as determined by chemical reagent strips in persons infected with Schistosoma haematobium, particularly in children aged between 5 and 14, correlated positively with urinary egg counts. Geometric mean S haematobium egg counts were 10 or more times higher in urine specimens with at least 10 mg/dl of protein and detectable haematuria than in those without detectable blood or protein. Chemical reagent strips were both specific and sensitive for detection of urinary blood associated with S haematobium infection. This simple technique could be useful for screening entire populations in which urinary schistosomiasis is endemic so that heavily infected persons needing specific treatment can be identified.