Oliver Bärenbold and other Swiss TPH scientists developed a modelling approach to translate currently used schistosomiasis prevalence thresholds based on stool microscopy to a new point-of-care urine test. (Photo: Swiss TPH)
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic worm infection affecting 250 million people globally. The current prevalence thresholds for preventive chemotherapy of intestinal schistosomiasis are based on the Kato-Katz method using stool samples. A new more sensitive point-of-care urine test is now available in particular for settings with low prevalence. Swiss TPH was mandated by the World Health Organization (WHO) to translate the existing thresholds to the new diagnostic test using a modelling approach. The findings and recommended thresholds were published today in the open-access journal PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases. Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic flatworms. Globally, 250 million people are infected and almost 800 million people are at risk.
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