Combur10 test m

Urine samples were collected as previously described^{89 (link)}, on days 45, 51 and 57 (0, 7 and 12 post infection, respectively) from mice infected with the STEC V07-4-4 strain. Biochemical estimation of urine creatinine concentration was assessed using the Creatinine Kit (BioSystems, Spain) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Other clinical urine markers were measured by using Combur10 Test®M semiquantitative test strips (Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Germany). Each test strip consists of colorimetric reaction spots for ten markers: specific gravity (1.000−1.030), pH (5.0−9.0), leukocytes (range, negative to 500 cells/µl), nitrites (negative or positive), proteins (negative to 500 mg/dl), glucose (negative to 55 mmol/l), ketones (negative to 15 mmol/l), urobilinogen (normal to 200 µmol/l), bilirubin (negative to +3) and blood (negative; trace of nonhemolyzed; or hemolyzed, 10−250 cells/µl). Each square was wet with a drop of urine and the marker value was determined through comparison with a colorimetric standard.

Figure 2 depicts the flowchart of sample collection. Briefly, a sterile 20-mL universal container with a unique identification code was given to those who consented to participate with the request to collect a urine sample between 11:00 am and 13:00 pm. Dipstick (Combur 10-Test M Roche Mannheim, Germany) urinalysis was performed on site according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Of those who were confirmed as positive by conventional urine microscopy, 50 were randomly selected and asked to provide an additional sample 10 days after baseline screening. This small-scale posttreatment evaluation was done to examine whether drug treatment could influence the performance of the Schistoscope 5.0, possibly via praziquantel-induced changes in egg morphology.^{20 ,21} (link)
All urine samples were transported to the laboratory of the Department of Public Health, Abuja, FTC, within 2 hours of sample collection and prepared for microscopy by urine filtration.²² (link) Urine samples were homogenized, and 10 mL of urine was obtained with a syringe and pressed through a filter membrane (diameter 13 mm; pore size 30 µm; Whatman International Ltd., Maidenstone, UK). The filter membrane was then placed on a standard microscope glass slide, and a cover slip was placed over the membrane to keep the filter moist. Each slide was viewed under a standard microscope and the Schistoscope.