Schistosomiasis, intestinal
Diagnostic Strategies
- To assess the prevalence of schistosomiasis in an endemic area
For rapid assessment, questionnaires (e.g. in schools) can be used and validated (in a smaller sample) by Kato-Katz stool examinations
- To confirm a symptomatic case outside endemic areas
A combination of serology and one or several stool examinations seems the best available diagnostic strategy today. If an indicator case is observed in an exposed group of people (e.g. in a family), all (also asymptomatic) members should be screened by serology.
- To assess drug therapy in a returning traveller
Multiple stool samples would be the ideal approach to monitor drug therapy. In cases where a blood hypereosinophilia is detected before treatment, one might also monitor the number of eosinophilic granulocytes.
