Acute pulmonary schistosomiasis in travelers: Case report and review of the literature

Abstract

We report the case of an American traveler who developed acute pulmonary schistosomiasis after swimming in a lake in Madagascar, and we review the literature on acute pulmonary schistosomiasis. Schistosomiasis is one of the world's most prevalent parasitic diseases, with three species (Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma japonicum) causing the greatest burden of disease. Pulmonary manifestations may develop in infected travelers from non-endemic areas after their first exposure. The pathophysiology of acute pulmonary disease is not well-understood, but is related to immune response, particularly via inflammatory cytokines. Diagnosis of schistosomiasis may be either through identification of characteristic ova in urine or stool or through serology. Anti-inflammatory drugs can provide symptomatic relief; praziquantel, the mainstay of chronic schistosomiasis treatment, is likely not effective against acute disease; the only reliable prevention remains avoidance of contaminated freshwater in endemic areas, as there is no vaccine. Travelers who have been exposed to potentially contaminated freshwater in endemic areas should seek testing and, if infected, treatment, in order to avoid severe manifestations of acute schistosomiasis and prevent complications of chronic disease. Clinicians are reminded to elicit a detailed travel and exposure history from their patients.