Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis is a tropical parasitic infection caused by Schistosoma parasite. Schistosoma haematobium causes urogenital/genitourinary schistosomiasis while other Schistostoma species cause intestinal schistosomiasis. The parasite lives in contaminated water. The parasite penetrates the skin and enters the circulation, from where it may infect the bladder or the intestines. It may take years for symptoms to appear. Urogenital schistosomiasis notably increases the risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder, a non-urothelial form of bladder cancer.

• Epidemiology
  • Endemic in Africa and Middle east
• Clinical features
  • Haematuria
  • Hydronephrosis
• Pathology
  • Cause granulomatous inflammation
• Diagnosis
  • Eosinophilia on labs
  • Calcified bladder on imaging
  • Observation of eggs in urine
• Complications
  • Infertility (women)
  • SCC of the bladder
• Treatment
  • Praziquantel