Abstract
BackgroundSchistosomiasis is one of the most contagious parasitic diseases affecting humans; however, glomerular injury is a rare complication mainly described with Schistosoma mansoni infection. We report a case of membranous nephropathy associated with Schistosoma japonicum infection in a Chinese man.Case presentationA 51-year-old Chinese male with a long history of S. japonicum infection presented to the hospital with a slowly progressing severe lower limb edema and foaming urine for over 5 months. Serum S. japonicumantigen test was positive and immunohistochemistry showed that the glomeruli were positive for the antigens. The renal pathologic diagnosis was stage III membranous nephropathy. The patient was treated with glucocorticoid, praziquantel, and an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. The edema in both lower limbs disappeared within 2 weeks, but his renal function declined progressively and proteinuria persisted after 5 months of therapy.ConclusionsDifferent classes of schistosomal glomerulopathy have completely different clinical manifestation and prognosis. Therefore, efforts should focus on alleviating symptoms, prevention, and early detection. S. japonicumassociated with membranous nephropathy may show a good curative effect and prognosis. However, it is necessary to monitor the renal function in such patients.
Highlights
Schistosomiasis is one of the most contagious parasitic diseases affecting humans; glomeru‐ lar injury is a rare complication mainly described with Schistosoma mansoni infection
S. japonicumas‐ sociated with membranous nephropathy may show a good curative effect and prognosis
We report the first case of S. japonicum associated with membranous nephropathy in a Chinese man
Summary
Different classes of schistosomal glomerulopathy have completely different clinical manifestation and prognosis. Efforts should focus on alleviating symptoms, prevention, and early detection. S. japonicumas‐ sociated with membranous nephropathy may show a good curative effect and prognosis. It is necessary to monitor the renal function in such patients
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