Protein excretion in urine during Schistosoma haematobium infection

Abstract

An epidemiological survey of protein excretion in the urine of people living in Schstosoma haematobium endemic area around Atavu stream in Amagunze, Enugu State, Nigeria was conducted between 1994 and 1995. A verification of the endemicity of the diseases revealed differences in prevalence rate ranged from 46.66 % to 8000 %. The proteins levels in urine were within normal limits for all pupils and working class studied. The presence of proteinuria and haematuria either singly or in combination signify disease condition. Proteinura was present in 31 (54.38 %) of school chidren, 17 (29.82 %) of working class and 4 (7.02 %) of aged individual. Four dominant bands were revealed with bands from uninfected persons darker than infected individuals using the cellulose acetate strip method. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in prevalence and intensity of urinary schistosomiasis due to age. The incidence of infection in these villages shows that Schistosoma haematobium was high in Umunevo than in Isienu.

Keywords: Schistotosomiasis, Schistosoma haematobium, Protein excretion, Proteinuria, Amagunze