Schistosoma haematobium 1 19.jpg

Taxonomy: s.f. Schistosomatoidea
Animal: Schistosoma haematobium 1 19.jpg
Sites: Blood / Vascular
Comment:
Schistosoma haematobium egg in urine 112 - 170 x 40 - 70 microns - note terminal spine - saline preparation. . Three specimens should be collected over 10 days if schistosomiasis is suspected. To increase the chances of detecting an infection, urine which has been collected between noon and 3pm, may be centrifuged at 500 g for 5 minutes and examine all of the sediment for eggs and/or live miracidia. Another concentration technique uses membrane filters (nucleopore) but this is not as good as centrifugation. Serological testing is also useful for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis. This infection was in an Australian traveller to Africa infected while wading in infected waters. Although asymptomatic, she presented for testing 2 months after returning home when a fellow traveller presented with seizures and was found to be infected. IHA serology was 256. She was treated with 20mg/kg Praziquantel every 4 hours for 3 doses. The urine was re-examined 1,3,6 and 12 months later to ensure success of treatment. This case emphasises the importance of obtaining the best prophylactic advice, avoiding eating suspect foods, taking appropriate measures to avoid arthropod bites, avoid wading in suspect waters and having some tests when the traveller returns, especially if it has been an intrepid adventure and even if asymptomatic.

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