Evaluation of indirect screening techniques for the detection of Schistosoma haematobium infection in an urban area, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

393 primary school children were screened for Schistosoma haematobium using four indirect techniques (a) history of haematuria, (b) visual appearance of urine and use of chemical reagent strips to detect presence of (c) blood and (d) protein in urine. Results showed that the use of chemical reagent strips for the detection of blood was the most specific and sensitive method, even in areas of lower prevalence and intensity. History of haematuria, protein in urine and visual appearance were respectively next in order in terms of specificity and sensitivity. The implications of these findings for further studies have been made.