Accuracy of the sedimentation and filtration methods for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis in cattle

Infection with blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma causes considerable human and animal morbidity, mortality and economic loss to the livestock industry. Current diagnostic tools have limitations. In this study, we compared the sedimentation and filtration methods for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis in livestock. A total of 196 faecal samples from cattle in Cote d'Ivoire were subjected to sedimentation and filtration for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis and other intestinal parasite infections. Schistosoma eggs or miracidia were discovered in 32 samples: 15 by filtration only, seven by sedimentation only, six concurrently by both methods and four by observing miracidia swimming on the sedimentation slide. The sensitivity of sedimentation and filtration was 41% and 66%, respectively. Cases with no Schistosoma eggs identified in the sediment but miracidia swimming on the slide indicate that eggs had hatched before microscopy. More accurate diagnostic are required for livestock schistosomiasis, in order to better understand the epidemiology and inform control and elimination efforts in livestock and human populations.