Genital Schistosomiasis Leading to Ectopic Pregnancy and Subfertility: A Case for Parasitic Evaluation of Gynaecologic Patients in Schistosomiasis Endemic Areas

Atta Owusu-Bempah,Alexander Tawiah Odoi,Edward Tieru Dassah

doi:10.1155/2013/634264

Atta Owusu-Bempah, Alexander Tawiah Odoi + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/634264

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Abstract

Female genital schistosomiasis is a significant risk factor for ectopic pregnancy and infertility in schistosomiasis-endemic areas. A case of one previous ectopic pregnancy and subsequent obstruction of the contralateral tube in a secondary subfertility patient with chronic genital schistosomiasis is presented, emphasizing the need for a detailed history and parasitic evaluation of patients presenting with ectopic pregnancy or subfertility in areas where the disease is endemic.

Highlights

Schistosomiasis affects over 240 million people worldwide, more than 90% of whom live in Africa [1]
A case of one previous ectopic pregnancy and subsequent distal obstruction of the contralateral tube in a secondary subfertility patient with chronic schistosomiasis is presented. This case highlights two different stages of untreated female genital schistosomiasis in one individual and emphasizes the need for a meticulous history and parasitic evaluation of patients presenting with ectopic pregnancy or subfertility in schistosomiasis endemic areas
Over 70% of these pelvic infections are caused by Neisseria gonorrhea and Chlamydia trachomatis [10, 11], female genital schistosomiasis remains a significant risk factor for infertility and ectopic pregnancy in schistosomiasis endemic areas where up to 3.6% of ectopic pregnancies and 41% of infertility cases have been attributed to the disease [5, 6]

Summary

Introduction

Schistosomiasis affects over 240 million people worldwide, more than 90% of whom live in Africa [1]. Up to 50% of women in Schistosoma haematobium endemic areas suffer from genital schistosomiasis. Female genital schistosomiasis is associated with significant morbidity including infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and vesicovaginal fistulae [4,5,6,7,8,9]. A case of one previous ectopic pregnancy and subsequent distal obstruction (hydrosalpinx) of the contralateral tube in a secondary subfertility patient with chronic schistosomiasis is presented. This case highlights two different stages of untreated female genital schistosomiasis in one individual and emphasizes the need for a meticulous history and parasitic evaluation of patients presenting with ectopic pregnancy or subfertility in schistosomiasis endemic areas

Case Report

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion