Schistosomiasis and Bladder Cancer in Egypt: A Historical Analysis

Abstract

Abstract 8 Background: Schistosoma haematobium has an extensive history in Egypt, with certain regions of the country reporting infection rates as high as 70%. This parasite has also been linked to bladder cancer since the beginning of the 20th century. However, little was done to elucidate a causal linkage between schistosomiasis and bladder cancer prior to the 1940s. This paper examines the reasons for this lack of attention, and the conditions that eventually stimulated research in Egypt on the connection between the two diseases. Methods: Through a review of secondary sources, interpretation of primary sources, and archival research at the Rockefeller Foundation, I have been able to trace and analyze the relationship between schistosomiasis and bladder cancer in Egypt. Results: Much of the research spearheaded by imperial powers during the colonial era focused on maintaining the short-term health of agricultural workers crucial to the colonial economy. As a long-term sequelae of infection, bladder cancer did not immediately impede the efficiency of this labor force. Thus, while research into schistosomiasis infection boomed throughout the colonial period, inquiry into its relationship to bladder cancer was stifled until power transitioned to Egyptians themselves and reforms took hold that brought Egyptian scientists to the forefront. Conclusion: Renewed interest in the link between schistosomiasis and bladder cancers from the 1940s followed an important shift in the political structures that governed scientific research in Egypt and led to the ascendancy of Egyptian scientists and physicians. This shift changed research agendas. As public health and medical practitioners work globally to advance health systems, lessons learned from Egypt's early experiences in schistosomiasis control and bladder cancer intervention are a reminder of the importance of including local scientific communities and internal organizations in the process of producing medical knowledge and public health infrastructures. AUTHORS' DISCLOSURES OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: Afkera Daniel No relationship to disclose Ami Bhatt Patents, Royalties, Other Intellectual Property: I have a patent pending focused on therapeutic, diagnostic and interventional approaches to targeting of Bradyrhizobium enterica, a novel bacterium I and colleagues discovered that appears to be associated with a complication of stem cell transplantation.