A systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the association between urogenital schistosomiasis and HIV/AIDS infection

Abstract

Background Urogenital schistosomiasis and HIV/AIDS infections are widespread in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) leading to substantial morbidity and mortality. The co-occurrence of both diseases has led to the possible hypothesis that urogenital schistosomiasis leads to increased risk of acquiring HIV infection. However, the available evidence concerning this association is inconsistent. The aim of this study was to systematically review and quantitatively synthesize studies that investigated the association between urogenital schistosomiasis and HIV/ AIDS infection. Methods A systematic review basing on PRISMA guidelines was conducted. It is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42018116648. We searched four databases, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health and Global Index Medicus for studies investigating the association between urogenital schistosomiasis and HIV infection. Only studies published in English were considered. Results of the association were summarised by gender. A meta-analysis was performed for studies on females using random-effects model and a pooled OR with 95% confidence interval was reported. Results Of the 993 studies screened, only eight observational studies met the inclusion criteria. Across all studies, the reported unadjusted OR ranged from 0.78 to 3.76. The pooled estimate of unadjusted OR among females was 1.31 (95% CI: 0.87-1.99). Only four of the eight studies reported an adjusted OR. A separate meta-analysis done in the three studies among females that reported an adjusted OR showed that the pooled estimate was 1.85 (95% CI: 1.17-2.92). There were insufficient data to pool results for association between urogenital schistosomiasis and HIV infection in the males.

Association of schistosomiasis and HIV infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Urinary S. haematobium among women was the closest proxy of FGS. Therefore, the summary estimate that we generated likely underestimates the association between HIV and FGS, but our findings are nonetheless relevant in understanding the relationship between HIV and FGS and corroborates recent findings 82 . In rare instances S. mansoni has caused the genital lesions of FGS, thus we included these outcomes as well.…”

Immunomics-guided discovery of serum and urine antibodies for diagnosing urogenital schistosomiasis: a biomarker identification study

“… 1 Schistosoma haematobium is the most common cause of urogenital schistosomiasis in humans, responsible for infection in approximately half of the estimated 200 million people with the disease throughout the world's tropical and subtropical regions. 2 Moreover, S haematobium infection in women substantially increases the risk of acquiring HIV/AIDS, 3 and the International Agency for Research on Cancer recognises urogenital schistosomiasis as a group 1 carcinogen because of its association with squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder. 4 The focus of the schistosomiasis intervention agenda is shifting from morbidity control to elimination, and a WHO-mandated objective exists to eliminate the disease as a public health concern and interrupt transmission in selected areas.…”

Trends in the prevalence of microscopically-confirmed schistosomiasis in the South African public health sector, 2011–2018

“…Schistosomiasis has been linked with other problems in children including impaired cognitive development [ 8 , 17 ] and typhoid fever relapses [ 1 ]. The urogenital form is implicated in poor reproductive health outcomes in women and bladder neoplasia [ 2 , 18 ], and it may increase the risk of HIV acquisition and transmission among women [ 3 , 18 – 20 ].…”