investigation

Last reviewed 01/2018

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Worms take six to ten weeks to start egg production and so screening tests for schistosomiasis should be delayed until about 12 weeks after last exposure (1).

• microscopic demonstration of eggs in urine - ova are detected on microscopy of clinical specimens in about 45% of cases (1)
• serological testing (ELISA for egg antigens) - this is positive in about 85% of UK cases (1)
• cystoscopy - reveals characteristic "sandy patches"
• abdominal X-ray - bladder calcification
• intravenous urogram - may demonstrate hydro-ureter, hydronephrosis or filling defects in the bladder
• about 45% of cases will have a peripheral blood eosinophilia (1)

Reference:

1. Pulse (2004); 64 (31); 44.