Schistosomiasis: A case series, with review of literature

Background and Objective: Schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent parasitic infections in the world, and continues to be a global public health concern in the developing world. The main objective of the article is to study the various clinicopathological features of Chronic schistosomiasis in different anatomical sites; also emphasizing on the need to suspect this parasitic disease even in non-endemic or low-endemicity areas. Material and methods: Ours was a prospective study, conducted at King Faisal Hospital (Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) from year 2001 to 2005. The study included 32 cases of schistosomiasis involving various organs. Background and Objective: Schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent parasitic infections in the world, and continues to be a global public health concern in the developing world. The main objective of the article is to study the various clinicopathological features of Chronic schistosomiasis in different anatomical sites; also emphasizing on the need to suspect this parasitic disease even in non-endemic or low-endemicity areas. Material and methods: Ours was a prospective study, conducted at King Faisal Hospital (Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) from year 2001 to 2005. The study included 32 cases of schistosomiasis involving various organs. Results:32 cases of schistosomiasis affecting various organs were reported. Appendix was the most common organ involved with 16 cases, while ureteric involvement was seen only in 1 case. Urinary bladder involvement was seen in 5 cases while 4 cases affected intestinal tract. Liver, gall bladder and prostate involvement was seen in 2 cases each. All cases were completely cured on treatment with Praziquantel except 2 cases of urinary bladder which developed squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and treatment of the infection results in complete cure without any complication, and therefore high level of suspicion is required in persons visiting or residing in highly endemic areas.