Schistosoma haematobium DNA and Eggs in the Urine Sample of School-Age Children (SAC) in South-West Nigeria
Posted on: 24 November 2025
Preprint posted on 27 March 2025
Schistosoma haematobium DNA & eggs detected in urine of school-aged children in SW Nigeria. Findings underscore the urgent need for improved diagnostics & interventions in endemic regions.
Selected by Hala Taha
Categories: epidemiology, microbiology, molecular biology, pathology
Background
Schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma haematobium, remains a major neglected tropical disease in sub-Saharan Africa. School-aged children (SAC) are the most vulnerable group, yet diagnosis often relies on traditional microscopy, which may miss low-intensity infections. Molecular diagnostics, such as PCR-based detection, offer greater sensitivity but are rarely applied in endemic field settings. This study explores the combined use of egg detection and DNA analysis for improved diagnosis.
Key Findings
- Urine samples from SAC in South-West Nigeria were examined for S. haematobium.
- Microscopy confirmed the presence of eggs, while molecular methods (DNA detection) validated infections with higher confidence.
- Concordance between egg and DNA detection strengthens the case for molecular tools as part of field surveillance.
- Persistent infections in children highlight the need for improved diagnostics, regular monitoring, and reinforcement of control strategies, including MDA (mass drug administration).
Questions for the Authors:
- Given the cost and infrastructure required, how feasible is PCR-based diagnosis for routine use in endemic communities?
- Did you encounter cases where DNA was positive but eggs were not detected, suggesting low-intensity or pre-patent infections?
- How might molecular diagnostics be integrated into large-scale control programmes alongside MDA?
- Could DNA-based methods be used to monitor treatment efficacy and potential praziquantel resistance in endemic areas?
- What public health interventions, beyond diagnostics, would you prioritise to reduce school-level transmission?
Why I highlight this preprint
I was drawn to this study because it highlights the continuing challenge of diagnosing Schistosoma haematobium infections in school-aged children, a group that carries a heavy burden of disease. While microscopy remains the mainstay of detection, I believe the future lies in portable, field-ready molecular diagnostics. Some companies have already developed “handbag-sized” PCR devices, and integrating such tools into endemic settings could revolutionize surveillance and case detection.
Equally important is the identification of specific biomarkers for S. haematobium, which would improve both diagnosis and monitoring of treatment efficacy. This is especially relevant as concerns grow over reduced praziquantel effectiveness. The recent announcement of the DRIVERS project—a global collaboration led by the University of Glasgow and funded by Wellcome—represents a timely step toward understanding why schistosomiasis treatment outcomes remain suboptimal despite decades of mass drug administration.
Finally, my own research experience in Althawra Mobi, Sudan has shown me that controlling schistosomiasis also requires rethinking exposure pathways. Shifting daily community activities away from contaminated water bodies, alongside improved diagnostics and drug monitoring, could substantially reduce transmission. This perspective feels even more urgent today: following the devastating conflict in Sudan and the collapse of much of the country’s health system, efforts to monitor and control neglected tropical diseases have been severely disrupted. Studies of this kind serve as critical reminders of the ongoing burden of schistosomiasis and the importance of developing innovative, resilient strategies for control in vulnerable regions.
doi: https://doi.org/10.1242/prelights.42182
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