[Evaluation of the Kato-Katz technique for monitoring Schistosoma mansoni infestation in endemic areas].

The Kato-Katz technique has become the gold standard for all studies on intestinal schistosomiasis. Though repeatability and reproducibility can be disappointing and the sensitivity is low, it remains easy, inexpensive, and fast and as such, is perfectly suited for epidemiological surveys or to monitor the effectiveness of mass treatment. For optimal interpretation of the Kato-Katz results in a recent study of three endemic villages in the Senegal River basin, a study of the measurement uncertainties of this analysis was conducted according to Cofrac and ISO 15189 guidelines. Repeat examinations of stool smears from the same individual, taken a few days apart, can significantly increase the sensitivity of the Kato-Katz test, which allows its use as a technique in clinical biology.