Schistosomiasis infections in South African pregnant women: A review

Melissa D Bengu,Vinogrin Dorsamy,Jagidesa Moodley

doi:10.4102/sajid.v35i1.171

Melissa D Bengu, Vinogrin Dorsamy + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4102/sajid.v35i1.171

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Abstract

Background: Schistosomiasis, a chronic parasitic disease caused by Schistosoma species, has a negative impact on pregnancy outcomes and child development. The disease affects over 230 million people worldwide, and in South Africa an estimated 5.2 million people are thought to be infected. However, there is scant data on the impact of schistosomiasis in pregnancy in South Africa and globally. The aim of this review was to analyse the current knowledge of schistosomiasis in pregnancy, particularly in South Africa, focusing on maternal and neonatal complications linked directly to the disease or its treatment. Methods: An electronic search of online databases was used to identify and collect relevant research articles related to schistosomiasis in pregnancy, with a focus on South Africa. Results: Schistosomiasis can cause severe organ damage when left untreated and influences maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality. Although South Africa’s first helminth control programme was established in 1997, there is currently no ongoing treatment strategy programme, and little information is available on prevalence rates in pregnant women for the last 20 years. There is also an absence of data from well-controlled clinical trials that focus on the efficacy and safety of treatment during pregnancy, which has led to this vulnerable group being neglected. Conclusion: This review highlights the dearth of information on the impact of schistosomiasis in pregnant women in South Africa and the need for high-quality evidence-based studies.

Highlights

Schistosomiasis, a chronic parasitic disease caused by Schistosoma species, has a negative impact on pregnancy outcomes and child development
Infections are complicated by socio-demographic factors associated with poverty such as lack of access to clean water and adequate sanitation, as well as co-infections with other helminth infections, malaria, tuberculosis (TB), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).[3]
The objective of this review is to summarise the existing literature on schistosomiasis in pregnant women and to identify research gaps relating to schistosomiasis, in South Africa (SA)

Summary

Introduction

Schistosomiasis, a chronic parasitic disease caused by Schistosoma species, has a negative impact on pregnancy outcomes and child development. Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) is a common chronic disease caused by parasitic infection with trematodes of the genus Schistosoma. It is one of the most prevalent tropical diseases and is the second most important neglected tropical disease.[1] In 2017, an estimated 220 million people required preventive treatment and about 700 million people were said to be at risk of infection globally.[2] Infections are complicated by socio-demographic factors associated with poverty such as lack of access to clean water and adequate sanitation, as well as co-infections with other helminth infections, malaria, tuberculosis (TB), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).[3]. This, coupled with the increased ease of mobility, poses a risk of re-establishing Schistosoma species in areas that are non-endemic, or where the disease has been eliminated.[7]

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