Pathogenic Effects of Genital Schistosomiasis on Men and Women Health

Abstract

Genital Schistosomiasis (GS) is a disease condition of the genitalia caused by invasion of reproductive tissues by Schistosoma ova. This health condition has been associated with reproductive health problems such as ectopic pregnancies, postcoital bleeding, bleeding, low sperm count, cervical cancer and found to increase the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted disease(STD) including HIV/AIDS (1). According to the worldwide estimate of women with this condition, Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) is in the range of 2-13 million (2). Studies have shown that FGS is a common manifestation in S. haematobium infections; hence, a strong association has been observed between urinary schistosomiasis and genital schistosomiasis (3). Genital schistosomiasis (GS), a clinical manifestation of schistosomiasis is likely to occur in all adult cases of schistosomiasis with debilitating disease sequelae. Studies have shown a high prevalence of genital schistosomiasis in communities with endemic schistosomiasis(3). Schistosomiais is prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical areas, especially in poor communities without access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation. It is estimated that at least 90% of those requiring treatment for schistosomiasis live in Africa (4). There are two major forms of schistosomiasis – intestinal and urogenital – caused by five main species of blood fluke (Table 1). Schistosomiasis particularly affects populations involving in agricultural and fishing activities. Women doing domestic chores in infested water such as washing clothes, are also at risk. Inadequate hygiene and play habits make children especially vulnerable to infection (Figure.1). Migration to urban areas and refugee movements are introducing the disease to new areas. Increasing population size and the corresponding needs for power and water often result in development schemes and environmental modifications that also lead to increased transmission (5).With the rise in eco-tourism and travel “off the beaten track”, increasing numbers of tourists are contracting schistosomiasis. At times, tourists present with severe acute infection