Eosinophil cationic protein, soluble egg antigen, circulating anodic antigen, and egg excretion in male urogenital schistosomiasis

Abstract

Markers of male genital schistosomiasis (MGS) are needed to elucidate the consequences for reproductive health. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and soluble egg antigen (SEA) in urine and semen, and circulating anodic antigen (CAA) in serum were assessed as MGS markers. Egg counts, ECP, and SEA in urine and CAA in serum, correlated positively. Seminal egg excretion exhibited marked day-to-day variations, but counts correlated positively with urinary egg counts and SEA in semen and with CAA. Positive predictive values with reference to seminal egg excretion were as follows: seminal ECP (52%), seminal SEA (83%), CAA (97%), and urinary egg excretion (82%). SEA in semen and CAA in serum constitute potential markers of MGS. However, urine egg counts as an indirect marker of MGS remains the preferred diagnostic method from a public health perspective. Copyright © 2008 by The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.