Abstract:
objectives To evaluate the utility of a simple questionnaire and urine reagent strip testing for the rapid
diagnosis of Schistosoma haematobium in rural northern Ghana.
methods Cross-sectional parasitological and questionnaire survey in a community in northern Ghana.
Participants provided two urine specimens that were examined under a microscope using a centrifu-
gation method. The first urine sample was additionally subjected to reagent strip testing. A short
questionnaire was administered to all participants.
results Microscopy of urine samples obtained from 208 individuals aged 1–77 years revealed an
S. haematobium prevalence of 6.8%. The presence of any blood or protein on a urine reagent strip was
100% and 42% sensitive, and 93% and 80% specific for S. haematobium diagnosis. Questionnaires
were completed by 198 individuals. Self-reported haematuria showed a sensitivity of 53% and a
specificity of 85%. A dichotomous two-question panel was helpful in S. haematobium diagnosis, with
working and playing near the river significantly associated with S. haematobium infection (P < 0.001).
conclusion The use of urine reagent strips, coupled with questions pertaining to water contact
patterns, might be considered for point-of-contact diagnosis of S. haematobium where microscopy is
unavailable.
