[Bilharziasis as the etiology in hematuria and proteinuria in childhood].

Haematuria and proteinuria are important symptoms of primary and secondary nephropathies. We report three african children presenting to our center in whom infection with S. haematobium resulted in haematuria and proteinuria. The third patient concomitantly suffered from steroid-sensitive relapsing nephrotic syndrome with the histological features of focal and segmental glomerulo-sclerosis. The diagnosis was in all cases established by light microscopy and urinary symptoms improved after treatment with praziquantel. In the third patients long term remission of the nephrotic syndrome could be maintained after 4 doses of praziquantel for recurrent bladder symptoms. We conclude that bilharziosis must be considered in the differential diagnosis of children with haeamturia and proteinuria even in Europe. The diagnosis can be established easily by light microscopy and an effective and low-risk treatment (with Praziquantel) can be offered.