The usefulness of indirect diagnostic tests for Schistosoma haematobium infection after repeated rounds of mass treatment with praziquantel in Mpwapwa and Chakechake districts in Tanzania

BACKGROUND: Indirect diagnostic tests are used to assess the disease burden and to monitor the impact of different interventions in areas endemic for urinary schistosomiasis. This study was performed to assess their accuracy in the diagnosis of urinary schistosomiasis among primary school children in low and moderate transmission areas in the districts of Mpwapwa and Chakechake, respectively. METHODS: School children were interviewed regarding their history of haematuria and participation in treatment campaigns. Urine samples were collected and inspected for macro-haematuria (visual haematuria) and tested for micro-haematuria using urine reagent strips and Schistosoma haematobium eggs by urine filtration method. RESULTS: The prevalence of S. haematobium was 6.8% in Mtera Dam area and 38.7% in Uwandani Shehia. In Mtera Dam area, a history of haematuria and visual haematuria had low sensitivity (<60%) with high specificity (>90%). The urine reagent strips had high sensitivity and specificity (≥75%). In Uwandani Shehia, a history of haematuria had high sensitivity and specificity (>60%). Visual haematuria had low sensitivity (<50%) but high specificity (>80%). The urine reagent strips maintained high performance in all parameters assessed. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings suggest that urine reagent strips will continue to serve as a very useful adjunct test for monitoring the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in endemic areas.