Urinary schistosomiasis in Ghana: A report of 53 cases, with special reference to pyelographic and cystoscopic abnormalities

Clinical and laboratory examinations were carried out on 53 young Ghanaians with urinary schistosomiasis. 18 of these (34%) had definite pyelographic abnormalities, and 3 others had questionable abnormalities. Hydronephrosis was found in 6, ureteral dilatation in 11, and calcified bladders in 7. Each patient cystoscoped had some schistosomal lesion, often correlated with the pyelographic changes. Secondary bacterial infections and hypertension were rare. Positive rectal biopsy was present in only 34%. There was no evidence of hepatic damage, anaemia, cor pulmonale, heart disease, or calculi directly attributed to the urinary schistosomiasis. Blood eosinophilia, in the absence of other parasites, was found to be an indication of schistosomiasis.