Quantitative assessment of eosinophiluria in Schistosoma haematobium infections: a new marker of infection and bladder morbidity

Eosinophiluria, as quantified by measuring eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in urinary extracts, microhematuria, egg excretion, and ultrasound-detectable bladder pathology were recorded in Schistosoma haematobium-infected Tanzanian school children at a baseline survey and during an 18-month post-tr...

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Published inThe American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene Vol. 62; no. 1; pp. 19 - 28
Main Authors Reimert, CM, Mshinda, HM, Hatz, CF, Kombe, Y, Nkulila, T, Poulsen, LK, Christensen, NO, Vennervald, BJ
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Lawrence, KS ASTMH 01.01.2000
Allen Press
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Summary:Eosinophiluria, as quantified by measuring eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in urinary extracts, microhematuria, egg excretion, and ultrasound-detectable bladder pathology were recorded in Schistosoma haematobium-infected Tanzanian school children at a baseline survey and during an 18-month post-treatment follow-up study. Significant correlations were seen between urinary ECP levels, intensity of infection, and bladder pathology. Treatment resulted in a marked reduction in prevalence and intensity of infection, in a delayed and less marked reduction in ECP levels, and in a resolution of pathology. The overall diagnostic efficiency of the ECP test (cut-off value for the ECP > or =5 ng/ml) in relation to infection was comparable with that of egg count and microhematuria, but with a better sensitivity than a single egg count. In relation to bladder pathology, the diagnostic performance of the ECP test (cut-off value for the ECP > or =25 ng/ml) exceeded that of a single egg count. In addition, the ECP was better in discriminating between different grades of bladder pathology. The present study points to the ECP as a useful marker of both S. haematobium infection and of associated bladder morbidity reflecting the inflammatory status of the bladder wall.
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ISSN:0002-9637
1476-1645
DOI:10.4269/ajtmh.2000.62.19