Cases Of Schistosomiasis Research Articles

Schistosomiasis of liver graft as a differential diagnosis of abnormal liver tests after transplantation: report of two cases

Schistosomiasis is a major health problem that affects over 200 million people worldwide. There are few reports of Schistosoma mansoni found in liver transplants as well as scarce information about the course of the disease and the long-term effects on the graft. Herein, we report two cases of schistosomiasis in liver transplant recipients who presented abnormal serum liver enzymes, with evidence of gradual improvement after antiparasitic treatment. Furthermore, we discuss the possible role of screening the parasite infection in potential liver transplant recipients from endemic areas.

Occurrence of Significant Bacteriuria Among Schistosomiasis Positive Individuals in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a disease caused by blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma. The most impacted countries are those in Sub-Saharan Africa, which accounts for nearly 90% of the world’s estimated 236.6 million cases. The study was aimed at investigating the occurrence of significant bacteriuria among schistosomiasis positive individuals in Ekiti State, Nigeria.Two hundred and forty-fourindividuals living in riparian areas of Ekiti statewere enlisted for the study. Urine samples were collected from the participants and examined microscopically for presence of Schistosoma eggs, followed by urinalysis and bacteriological investigations. Schistosoma eggs were detected in 35 (14.34%) of the 244 urine samples, while significant bacteriuria was recorded in 16 (6.56%) of the samples. Out of the 16 significant-bacteriuria positive samples only 3 (18.75%) were observed to have Schistosoma eggs; while significant-bacteriuria was recorded in 3 (8.57%) of the 35 schistosomiasis positive individuals. The bacteriuria was found to be significantly associated with proteinuria (χ2=25.055; p<0.001) and leukocyturia (χ2=16.011; p<0.001). The bacteria isolated were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Vibrio mirabilis, Escherichia coli, Corynebacterium xerosis, Bacillus cereus, Kurthia gibsoni, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus saprophyticus, among others. The Gram-negative bacterial isolates were highly susceptible to Gentamycin (100%), Tetracycline (85.7%) and Chloramphenicol (78.6%); while the Gram-positive bacterial isolates gave high susceptibility to Gentamycin (84.8%) and Ciprofloxacin (76.1%). Most of the bacteria isolated in this study have been reported to be associated urinary tract infection, except Kurthia gibsoni which has been found to spread from animal to a human by zoophilic sexual intercourse. A case of Schistosomiasis with positive proteinuria and leukocyturia should be taken as UTI and treated accordingly.

Imported parasitosis as a diagnostic challenge in Primary Healthcare Clinic in the non-endemic region — a case study of schistosomiasis in English Division student

Schistosomiasis is a parasitosis, most commonly caused by Schistosoma mansoni or Schistosoma haematobium, eventually by other species from the genus Schistosoma (blood flukes). This study presents a case of schistosomiasis in an African-origin student cured in the Primary Healthcare Clinic (PHC) in Lublin, Poland. The young adult male patient from Zimbabwe, studying in Poland, presented to the PHC, due to pain in the left down quadrant of the abdomen, bloody stools, and a single episode of drooling with a blood-stained jelly-like mass, without fever. In blood tests, there was neutropenia, lymphocytosis and eosinophilia. In a colonoscopy, numerous lymphoid nodules were observed with small regions of mucosal erythema, faded vascular drawing, and delayed small contact bleeding. The patient had an elevated level of IgE (329,5 IU/mL; N < 158) and minor abnormalities in the proteinogram. Abdominal CT showed calcification of intestinal walls, suggesting infection of flukes from the Schistosoma genus. The result of histopathological examination confirmed the presence of structures interpreted as parasite eggs in intestinal crypts, lamina propria and the lumen of mesenteric vessels. It is of great importance, that general medicine physicians working in schistosomiasis non-endemic regions are aware and pay attention to various risks as well as provide referrals to advanced imaging and endoscopic procedures in patients with unusual health problems. Keeping in mind, that early signs and symptoms of schistosomiasis, and results of blood tests may remain unspecific in contrast to a more complex gastrointestinal diagnostic approach, a chance of early diagnosis and successful therapeutic intervention may be facilitated.

Prolonged Scrotal Pain Resulting from Testicular Schistosomiasis: Case Report

Testicular Schistosomiasis causes acute and chronic scrotal pain causes, typically by one or more species of blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma, which are rarely seen. Therefore, specimens for the diagnosis are usually biopsies from the testes and tissue sections from orchidectomy. This case report was aimed to present the diagnosis of testicular Schistosomiasis resulting from orchidectomy due to prolonged scrotal pain. Microscopic examination of a histological specimen stained by hematoxylin and eosin revealed dispersed viable and calcified ova of Schistosoma haematobium. This finding provided a rare case of testicular Schistosomiasis that clinicians and other healthcare professionals should be mindful of when dealing with cases with scrotal involvement, especially in endemic areas, to avoid unnecessary orchidectomy. J Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 12(4):167-170.

ANALISIS SPASIAL PENYEBARAN PENYAKIT SCHISTOSOMIASIS MENGGUNAKAN INDEKS MORAN UNTUK MENDUKUNG ERADIKASI SCHISTOSOMIASIS DI PROVINSI SULAWESI TENGAH BERBASIS WEB DASHBOARD

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease which is caused by worm infection with worms from the Schistosoma class. This disease is zoonotic, consequently the source of transmission is not only infected on mammals but also on humans. The method used in this study is spatial autocorrelation. This is conducted to determine the presence or absence of global or local spatial autocorrelation as well as the pattern distribution of Schistosomiasis cases in Poso Regency by using Moran's I. The result in this study showed that the p-value of positive global autocorrelation is 2,2 × 10-16. This result is smaller than the 5% of significance level and also smaller than the Moran's I value (0,66). The Moran’s I value lies in the interval indicating that each adjacent area has the same number of Schistosomiasis cases. Meanwhile, the local spatial autocorrelation test (LISA) for Schistosomiasis cases in Poso Regency, such as villages at Lore Utara, Lore Timur and Lore Peore has the LISA value 1 determining the correlation is strong and positive. The distribution pattern of Schistosomiasis cases in Poso Regency forms a group pattern, namely disease prone areas (HH), disease spread areas (HL), disease alert areas (LH) and disease safe areas (LL)

Modeling the efficacy of CRISPR gene drive for snail immunity on schistosomiasis control.

CRISPR gene drives could revolutionize the control of infectious diseases by accelerating the spread of engineered traits that limit parasite transmission in wild populations. Gene drive technology in mollusks has received little attention despite the role of freshwater snails as hosts of parasitic flukes causing 200 million annual cases of schistosomiasis. A successful drive in snails must overcome self-fertilization, a common feature of host snails which could prevents a drive's spread. Here we developed a novel population genetic model accounting for snails' mixed mating and population dynamics, susceptibility to parasite infection regulated by multiple alleles, fitness differences between genotypes, and a range of drive characteristics. We integrated this model with an epidemiological model of schistosomiasis transmission to show that a snail population modification drive targeting immunity to infection can be hindered by a variety of biological and ecological factors; yet under a range of conditions, disease reduction achieved by chemotherapy treatment of the human population can be maintained with a drive. Alone a drive modifying snail immunity could achieve significant disease reduction in humans several years after release. These results indicate that gene drives, in coordination with existing public health measures, may become a useful tool to reduce schistosomiasis burden in selected transmission settings with effective CRISPR construct design and evaluation of the genetic and ecological landscape.

Occurrence of urinary schistosomiasis and associated bacteria in parts of Ondo State, Nigeria.

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by blood flukes (trematode worms) of the genus Schistosoma and is common among the rural community dwellers that have occupation or recreation activities that link them with infected water bodies. The disease wreak a lot of havoc in the victims which range from anaemia, increase risk of liver fibrosis and bladder cancer, enlarged liver, difficult and painful urination, infertility etc. Nigeria has been reported to be the most endemic country in the world for schistosomiasis with about 29 million infected cases. However, people with urinary schistosomiasis are vulnerable to secondary infections caused by bacteria as a result of the break down in the mucosa barrier occasioned by the wear and tear of the spiny eggs of the schistosomes. Meanwhile, the control measures instituted by various agencies against schistosomiasis paid little attention to its co-infection with bacteria. This study was designed to evaluate the occurrence of urinary schistosomiasis and co-infection with bacteria in parts of Ondo State, Nigeria. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethical Committee of the Ondo State Ministry of Health, Akure. Macroscopic and microscopic examinations, and microbiological analysis of the urine samples collected were performed using standard techniques. Of the five hundred and nine (509) urine collected, ova of Schistosoma haematobium were detected in one hundred and twenty one 121 (23.77%), significant bacteriuria was detected in 104 (20.43%) and co-infection was detected in thirty six 36 (29.75%) of schistosomiasis cases. There was a positive association between urinary schistosomiasis and bacteriuria (X2(1) = 8.481, p = 0.004). This study revealed a high occurrence of urinary schistosomiasis and significant bacteriuria in the study areas which suggests that bacterial presence may be a potent complication in the management of urinary schistosomiasis.

Urinary Schistosomiasis and Its Potential for Cancer and Hepato-Renal Function Alterations among the Residents of Asejire Dam, South-Western Nigeria

Urinary schistosomiasis is of public health significance in sub-Saharan Africa with its prevalence being linked to carcinogenesis. However, there is a paucity of data to support this relationship. This study explored the prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma haematobium infections and its associations with cancer and hepatorenal function alterations in villages along the Asejire dam in the State of Osun, Nigeria. Urine samples from 152 consented participants (aged 18–75 years) from four communities were collected and examined for Schistosoma haematobium using the microscopy method. The blood serum of randomly selected infected and non-infected individuals (10 per group) was screened for tumor, inflammatory and hepato-renal function biomarkers. From the results, only one out of the four communities recorded cases of schistosomiasis with a prevalence of 26.5% (22/83) and overall infection prevalence was 14.47% (22/152). There was no statistical difference (p ˃ 0.05) in kidney, liver antioxidants, and lipid peroxidation markers in the infected and non–infected participants. The concentrations of antioxidants, inflammatory, and tumor markers were higher in Schistosoma infected individuals as compared with non-infected individuals. This justifies the need to monitor schistosomiasis-infected individuals for tumor, inflammatory and hepato-renal function biomarkers before they develop into cancer, liver, and kidney failure.
 Keywords: Urinary Schistosomiasis; tumor; and inflammatory markers; antioxidants; hepato-renal function; Asejire dam Nigeria

906 Schistosomiasis: The New ‘Gap Year’ Problem

Abstract Introduction Schistosomiasis is endemic in Africa, Asia, and South America. The parasite, found in freshwater lakes, ultimately deposits eggs in the veins around organs including the bladder. It causes chronic inflammation resulting in fibrosis of the urogenital tract and malignancy. In the UK, cases of schistosomiasis are unusual and historically confined to the immigrant population. The patient We present the case of a British born 21-year-old who returned from a round-the-world gap year. Upon return he reported dysuria, abdominal pain, poor flow, and malaise. He was investigated for tropical diseases, treated for recurrent urine infections, and sexually transmitted infections before disclosing on direct questioning to swimming in Malawi. Cystoscopy demonstrated tight pan-urethral strictures. Sandy patches were seen throughout the bladder. Histology from bladder biopsy confirmed schistosomiasis eggs. The patient was treated with Praziquantel. Despite treatment he will likely require repeat urethral dilatations. Discussion Changes in travel practice has led to a shift in patients who present with schistosomiasis. Clinicians should consider the diagnosis in anyone with lower urinary tract symptoms who has visited Asia, Africa, or South America. In those diagnosed, clinicians have a duty to encourage them to urge fellow swimmers to seek urological input. Similarly travel-clinics should be encouraged to warn travellers against fresh-water swimming prior to travel. To avoid long term schistosomiasis sequelae, prevention is preferable, but early and prompt intervention is the next best alternative. Clinicians need a low threshold to suspect and exclude this damaging diagnosis.

Comparative mitogenomics of freshwater snails of the genus Bulinus, obligatory vectors of Schistosoma haematobium, causative agent of human urogenital schistosomiasis

Among the snail genera most responsible for vectoring human-infecting schistosomes, Bulinus, Biomphalaria, and Oncomelania, the former is in many respects the most important. Bulinid snails host the most common human blood fluke, Schistosoma haematobium, responsible for approximately two-thirds of the estimated 237 million cases of schistosomiasis. They also support transmission of schistosomes to millions of domestic and wild animals. Nonetheless, our basic knowledge of the 37 Bulinus species remains incomplete, especially with respect to genome information, even including mitogenome sequences. We determined complete mitogenome sequences for Bulinus truncatus, B. nasutus, and B. ugandae, and three representatives of B. globosus from eastern, central, and western Kenya. A difference of the location of tRNA-Asp was found between mitogenomes from the three species of the Bulinus africanus group and B. truncatus. Phylogenetic analysis using partial cox1 sequences suggests that B. globosus is a complex comprised of multiple species. We also highlight the status of B. ugandae as a distinct species with unusual interactions with the S. haematobium group parasites deserving of additional investigation. We provide sequence data for potential development of genetic markers for specific or intraspecific Bulinus studies, help elucidate the relationships among Bulinus species, and suggest ways in which mitogenomes may help understand the complex interactions between Schistosoma and Bulinus snails and their relatives.

Schistosomiasis of the Prostate in Sokoto, Nigeria: a case series

BackgroundProstate schistosomiasis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the prostate. In an endemic environment, it may mimic the sinister condition of the prostate in its clinical presentation. Despite the high prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis documented in our environment, prostate involvement is rarely encountered in routine clinical practice. We report and share our experience in the management of two cases of prostate schistosomiasis that presented with abnormal digital rectal examination and elevated prostate-specific antigen suggestive of prostate cancer but proved otherwise by the histology report.Case presentationThe first patient was a 50-year-old man who presented with a history of voiding and storage lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and urinary retention relieved by urethral catheterization. There was no other significant history except for past childhood terminal hematuria. The remarkable findings on physical examination were in the digital rectal examination which revealed enlarged prostate, hard, nodular, obliterated median groove, and restricted mobility of overlying rectal mucosa. The total serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was 1.2 ng/ml. Transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy and histology confirmed prostate schistosomiasis on a background of nodular hyperplasia. The second patient was an 80-year-old man who presented with a history of voiding and storage lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and urinary retention relieved by urethral catheterization. There was no other significant history and no past childhood terminal hematuria. There were no remarkable findings on physical examination except for the enlarged prostate with benign findings on digital rectal examination. The initial total serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was 31.0 ng/ml. The repeated PSA was 7.5 ng/ml after antimicrobial therapy. Transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy and histology confirmed prostate schistosomiasis on a background of nodular hyperplasia. He had two sessions of Bipolar Transurethral Resection of the Prostate following failed medical treatment.ConclusionsSchistosomiasis of the prostate may mimic the clinical or biochemical presentation of prostate cancer. The attending physician requires high index of suspicion to arrive at this diagnosis, especially for the urologist practicing in an endemic area.

Schistosomiasis of the Testis and Other Intra-Scrotal Organs: A Review and Update

Schistosomiasis of the testis and other intra-scrotal contents is a very rare condition which can be encountered within Schistosomiasis endemic areas of the world. Because of global travelling and swimming in rivers within Schistosomiasis endemic areas of the world, intra-scrotal Schistosomiasis tends to be sporadically reported in all areas of the world in male children and adults. Intra-scrotal Schistosomiasis may manifest as (a) testicular mass that may be painless and thus simulate testicular tumour, other intra-scrotal Schistosomiasis may present as hydrocele, epididymal cyst or solid/firm epididymal mass, a mass on the tunica or extra-testicular parts of the scrotum, testicular/intra-scrotal discomfort / pain. The lesion could mimic epididymo-orchitis on very rare occasions. There would tend to be a history of travel to or return from a Schistosomiasis endemic region in patients who normally dwell within the non-Schistosomiasis endemic areas of the world. There may also be a history of a previous episode of haematuria in some cases. The levels of serum Beta-Human Chorionic antigen, Alpha fetoprotein and Lactate Dehydrogenase usually tends to be normal. Some cases of Schistosomiasis of the testis had been mis-diagnosed as testicular cancer and the diagnosis of Schistosomiasis had been established based upon the histopathology examination findings of Schistosoma within the orchidectomy testis, but if there is a high-index of suspicion for Schistosomiasis of the scrotal content based upon a patient dwelling within or having travelled to a Schistosomiasis endemic area supported by a history of haematuria and the tumour or tumoral mass is completely excised for frozen section pathology examination, then the diagnosis of Schistosomiasis of the testis would be confirmed and the rest of the testis can be saved from excision. If all cases of excised epididymal cysts and Tunica from hydrocele operations are submitted for histopathology examination, then incidental cases of Schistosomiasis of scrotal contents would be made. Complete treatment of Schistosomiasis of testis and or scrotal contents does include excision / biopsy of the lesion for pathology examination confirmation and utilization of anti-Schistosomiasis medicaments. Schistosomiasis of intra-scrotal/testicular contents may be responsible for infertility and azoospermia and if this is properly investigated, diagnosed and treated this could be ensued by resolution of infertility with resulting pregnancy of the spouse and the production of a baby and because of this, individuals who have azoospermia and infertility in Schistosomiasis endemic areas, a high index of suspicion would be required in other to establish the cause as well as treat the cause of the infertility. Treatment of intra-scrotal content Schistosomiasis does entail excision / biopsy of the lesion plus utilization of anti-Schistosoma medicament and Praziquantel is a common medication that tends to be given and this tends to yield good outcome.

Schistosomiasis model with treatment, habitat modification and biological control.

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by Schistosoma worm infection. Some species of snails can serve as the intermediate hosts for the parasite. Numerous interventions have been performed to repress the snail population. One of them is the use of molluscicide. Nevertheless, it is debated that molluscicide intervention has negative impacts on the ecosystem. To investigate the impact of more environmentally friendly interventions, we develop a schistosomiasis model with treatment, habitat modification and biological control. The biological control agent examined in our model is a snail predator. Moreover, to investigate the impact of snail habitat modification, we assume that the snail population grows logistically. We show that all solutions of our model are non-negative and bounded. We also study the existence and stability conditions of equilibrium points. The basic reproduction numbers are determined using the next-generation operator. Linearization combined with the Routh-Hurwitz criterion is used to prove the local stability condition of disease-free equilibrium points. Bifurcation theory is applied to investigate the local stability condition of the endemic equilibrium points. To examine the global behavior of our model, we use asymptotically autonomous system theory and construct a Lyapunov function. We perform several numerical simulations to validate and support our deductive results. Our results show that early treatment can reduce the basic reproduction number and schistosomiasis cases. In addition, modifying snail habitat and releasing the snail predator at the snail habitat can reduce schistosomiasis prevalence. We suggest using snail predators which can hunt and kill snails effectively as a biological control agent.

Sigmoid Volvulus as the Initial Presentation of Chronic Intestinal Schistosomiasis Case Report and Literature Review

We report a chronic Intestinal Schistosomiasis which is presented as a Sigmoid Volvulus in a healthy 21-year -old Sudanese male who presented with abdominal pain. Sigmoid Volvulus was diagnosed, and he underwent exploratory laparotomy. Pathological study by microscope revealed a non-necrotizing granulomas with centrally located egg with a lateral spine characteristic of S. mansoni. To our knowledge, this is the fifth reported case worldwide.

Spatial distribution of the positivity of Schistosomiasis mansoni in Maranhao State, Northeastern Brazil, from 2007 to 2016.

ABSTRACTSchistosomiasis is considered one of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), which affects around 240 million people worldwide. In Brazil, Schistosomiasis mansoni has been registered in 19 states, predominantly in rural areas. This study aimed to analyze the spatial distribution of Schistosomiasis mansoni cases in the Maranhao State from 2007 to 2016, as well as the temporal trend over this period. The data were obtained from secondary sources: Schistosomiasis Control Program of Maranhao (PCE-MA) and Information System for Notifiable Diseases (SINAN). The State Health Regions (HRs) were considered analysis units. Maranhao had a positivity rate of 3.8 for the period. The Regions that presented the highest percentages of positivity in the state were Pinheiro (7.92), Ze Doca (3.30), and Viana (3.10). Municipalities such as Bacuri, Serrano do Maranhao, and Bequimao, located in the Pinheiro HR, showed positivity rates of 16.56, 13.31, and 11.01 respectively. The spatial analysis of schistosomiasis cases showed that Maranhao has two main centers for the spread of the disease, both located in the northern portion of the state, namely the Baixada Maranhense and the east coast. This study concluded that the positivity of Schistosomiasis mansoni in Maranhao was stable over the analyzed period. The state still maintains the Baixada Maranhense micro-region as an important area for the spread of the disease reaching socially vulnerable population groups.

Urban schistosomiasis: An ecological study describing a new challenge to the control of this neglected tropical disease

Social and environmental vulnerabilities contribute to the persistence and increase of Schistosomiasis, which has been a public health problem in Brazil and worldwide. In this study, we aimed to monitor the entry, installation, and maintenance of schistosomiasis transmission in an urban area on the Brazilian coast over two decades (2000-2010/2010-2020). This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Porto de Galinhas, state of Pernambuco, Brazil, to investigate the dynamics of schistosomiasis transmission in the urban area. Through 3 malacological and parasitological surveys and using geoprocessing technologies, schistosomiasis transmission foci (STF), as well as cases of the disease were identified and quantified. Statistical and geoprocessing tools were used to analyse the data. Overall, the number of STF decreased from 15 (2000) to 11 (2010) and then to 9 (2020). Although the infection ratio of snails in 2000 has decreased from 16·1% to 5·8% in 2010, we observed an increase to 7·2% in 2020. Additionally, 6,499 individuals were analysed (2012 in 2000; 2459 in 2010, and 2028 in 2020) and the prevalence of human infection has decreased over years, from 32·5% (2000), 16·6% (2010) to 8·8% (2020). The disorderly urbanization process was directly related to the spatial distribution of STF and schistosomiasis cases, causing a new scenario where people became infected by walking on unpaved and flooded streets. Although we observed a decreasing in schistosomiasis cases and STF, this NTD became a health problem related to urbanization in the study area. The challenge to overcome this new sort of transmission will require a greater understanding of the disorderly migration, spatial occupation, and degradation of the environment. National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovations and Communications, Brazil.

Reducing disease and producing food: Effects of 13 agrochemicals on snail biomass and human schistosomes

Abstract Agricultural expansion is predicted to increase agrochemical use two to fivefold by 2050 to meet food demand. Experimental evidence suggests that agrochemical pollution could increase snails that transmit schistosomiasis, a disease impacting 250 million people, yet most agrochemicals remain unexamined. Here we experimentally created >100 natural wetland communities to quantify the relative effects of fertilizer, six insecticides (chlorpyrifos, terbufos, malathion, λ‐cyhalothrin, permethrin and esfenvalerate), and six herbicides (acetochlor, alachlor, metolachlor, atrazine, propazine and simazine) on two snail genera responsible for 90% of global schistosomiasis cases. We identified four of six insecticides (terbufos, permethrin, chlorpyrifos and esfenvalerate) as high risk for increasing snail biomass by reducing snail predators. Hence, malathion and λ‐cyhalothrin might be useful for improving food production without increasing schistosomiasis. This top‐down effect of insecticides on predators was so strong that the effects of herbicides on schistosomiasis risk were masked in the presence of predators because there were so few snails. In the absence of snail predators, herbicide effects on snails were generally negative by reducing submerged vegetation Hydrilla verticillata. The exception was that atrazine and acetochlor significantly increased the biomass of infected snails and total snails respectively. Like insecticides, fertilizer had strong positive effects on snail populations. Fertilizer increased both snail habitat (submerged vegetation) and snail food (periphyton), but of these two pathways, the increases in snail habitat resulted in greater snail population growth. Total snail biomass was positively associated with both infected snail biomass and parasite production and thus human infection risk. Synthesis and applications. Our findings suggest that fertilizers and insecticides generally have consistently higher chances of increasing human schistosomiasis than herbicides in natural communities. Furthermore, our results highlight the need to identify other low risk insecticides, which might help reduce crop pests without increasing snails and thus risk of schistosomiasis.

The Dynamics of Hepatic Fibrosis Related to Schistosomiasis and Its Risk Factors in a Cohort of China.

China has had a long history against schistosomiasis japonica. The most serious prognosis of chronic schistosome infection is hepatic fibrosis, which develops into advanced schistosomiasis if the process is not effectively controlled. After a more than seven decades endeavor, China has gained remarkable achievements in schistosomiasis control and achieved transmission control nationwide (infection rate of schistosomes in residents and domestic animals both less than 1%) by 2015. However, new advanced schistosomiasis cases emerge annually in China, even in areas where the transmission of schistosomiasis had been interrupted. In the present study, the residents (>5 years old) in a schistosomiasis endemic village were examined for schistosomiasis every year during 1995–2019 by the modified Kato–Katz thick smear method and/or miracidium hatching technique. Residents who were identified to have an active infection method were treated with praziquantel at a dose of 40 mg/kg body weight. Ultrasonography was carried out to assess the liver morbidity related to schistosomiasis in 1995 and 2019, respectively. The prevalence of schistosomiasis among residents presented a downward trend annually, from 17.89% (175/978) in 1995 to 0 (0/475) in 2019. Among 292 residents who received ultrasound scan both in 1995 and 2019, 141 (48.29%) presented stable liver damage, while liver fibrosis was developed severely in 86 (29.45%) and reversed in 65 (22.26%) residents. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that anti-fibrosis treatment was the protective factor against schistosomiasis hepatic fibrosis. Males, residents aged 38 and above, fishermen, and people who did not receive anti-fibrosis treatment were groups with higher risk of liver fibrosis development. Our results revealed that although the infection rate of schistosome dropped significantly in endemic areas, liver fibrosis was still developing among some residents, even though they had received deworming treatment. Liver protection/anti-fibrosis treatment should be administered in endemic regions and regions with historically uncontrolled transmission to slow down the deterioration of hepatic fibrosis among patients in schistosomiasis endemic areas.

Evidence of autochthonous transmission of urinary schistosomiasis in Almeria (southeast Spain): An outbreak analysis

BackgroundSchistosomiasis is endemic in 78 countries belonging to tropical and subtropical areas. However, autochthonous transmission of urogenital schistosomiasis was reported in Corsica (France) in 2013. We present evidence of autochthonous transmission of urogenital schistosomiasis in Almería (Spain) in 2003. MethodsDescription of the outbreak in farmers and subsequent epidemiological studies aimed at searching for Bulinus snails and their genotypic characteristics. ResultsThe outbreak affected 4 farmers out of a group of 5 people who repeatedly bathed that summer in an irrigation pool in the area. Two of them presented macroscopic hematuria with bilharziomas, showing the presence of Schistosoma eggs in bladder biopsies. Two others were asymptomatic but the serology for schistosomiasis was positive. In 2015, the presence of the vector Bulinus truncatus was demonstrated in Almería in water collections of appropriate characteristics. DNA sequencing proving that local B. truncatus species were base-to-base identical to B. truncatus from Senegal. ConclusionsWe present a new outbreak of autochthonous transmission of urogenital schistosomiasis in Europe. Although no new cases of autochthonous transmission have been reported, some other cases may have occurred at that time or later on and be unnoticed as many cases of schistosomiasis are asymptomatic or present mild and unspecific symptoms.

Prostatic schistosomosis by Schistosoma Mansoni in a patient with prostatic adenocarcinoma: case report / Esquistossomose prostática por Schitosoma Mansoni em paciente com adenocarcinoma prostático: relato de caso

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infectious disease of global relevance and endemic in Brazil, especially in the state of Minas Gerais. However, genitourinary involvement by Schistosoma mansoni is not frequent, with S. haematobium being the primary cause for this ectopic infection. In the present study, we report a case of prostatic schistosomiasis identified incidentally in a biopsy of a patient with prostatic adenocarcinoma. Current studies show that the inflammation resulting from the presence of the parasite's eggs generates an oncogenic environment and indicates a possible association of schistosomiasis with the development of adenocarcinoma-however, few cases are described in world literature.