Comparing the Sensitivity of Microscopy to Diagnostic Strip in the Survey for Urinary Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis is one of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) recording high morbidity and mortality rate for developing countries in Africa, South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Asia. The sensitivity of microscopy to the use of diagnostic strip in the survey for urinary schistosomiasis among students attending some selected secondary schools was investigated in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Four hundred and sixty two (462) urine samples were collected and examined for the eggs of Schistosoma haematobium using sedimentation and microscopy method. Microhaematuria and proteinuria were investigated using combi 11 test strips. This study revealed 11.5% prevalence rate for urinary schistosomiasis among the studied subjects based on direct egg detection method, 22.9% based on micro-haematuria detection and 44.8% based on proteinuria. The sensitivity of Urine dip strip when compared to direct egg detection methods, shows that there is high sensitivity on the use of urine dip strip.