Indicateurs simples de la prévalence et de l'intensité de la bilharziose urinaire au Tchad

Four indicators of the presence and intensity of infections by S. haematobium have been compared, in 195 children from three schools in Chad, to the egg excretion/10 ml as to the concordance, sensitivity, specificity and predictive values. The finding of a gross haematuria is specific, the more so in heavier infections, but not very sensitive, through methodological improvements are possible. The most efficient method is the use of reagent strips for haematuria. Its cost compares favourably with egg counts. Statements of children of voiding bloody urine are quite unreliable, perhaps for circumstantial cultural reasons. The detection of albuminuria offers no additional advantages and increases the cost of diagnosis in a community. The economic consequences for mass treatment of diagnosis beforehand are discussed. The integration of contol activities in a primary health care system depends a.o. on the perception of haematuria and the frequency of its appearance in the history of heavier infections.