Simple Clinical Manifestations of Genital Schistosoma Haematobium Infection in Rural Zimbabwean Women

Abstract

Up to 75% of women with urinary schistosomiasis have Schistosoma haematobium ova in the genitals. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of gynecologic S. haematobium infection and to differentiate the disease from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Gynecologic and laboratory investigations for S. haematobium and STIs were performed in 527 women between the ages of 20 and 49 in rural Zimbabwe. Genital homogenous yellow and/or grainy sandy patches, the commonest type of genital pathology, were identified in 243 (46%) women. Grainy sandy patches were significantly associated with S. haematobium ova only. Genital S. haematobium ova was also significantly associated with homogenous yellow sandy patches, mucosal bleeding, and abnormal blood vessels. The presence of ova was not a predictor for ulcers, papillomata, leukoplakia, polyps, or cell atypia. Mucosal sandy patches seem to be pathognomonic for S. haematobium infection in the female genitals. Coexistence of ova and other lesions may not be causal.

Targeting molecular signaling pathways of Schistosoma haemotobium infection in bladder cancer

“…Moreover, as many as 75% of women infected with S. haematobium also suffer from female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) of the lower genital tract. 27 FGS results from deposition of the schistosome eggs in the uterus, cervix, vagina and/or vulva, with ensuing host inflammatory responses comprised of granulomas, fibrosis and pathological localized blood vessel formation. 27 FGS increases susceptibility to HIV/AIDS.…”

“…27 FGS results from deposition of the schistosome eggs in the uterus, cervix, vagina and/or vulva, with ensuing host inflammatory responses comprised of granulomas, fibrosis and pathological localized blood vessel formation. 27 FGS increases susceptibility to HIV/AIDS. 28,29 A recent study of Zimbabwean women aged 20 to 49 years with FGS revealed a 3-fold risk of HIV infection relative those without FGS.…”

HIV Target Cells in Schistosoma haematobium-Infected Female Genital Mucosa

“…[2][3][4][5][6] The lower female reproductive tract is the main site of HIV-1 transmission, and is also the predilection site for female genital Schistosoma haematobium ova deposition. [7][8][9] Similar to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), it has been suggested that genital lesions caused by S. haematobium ova may provide points of entry for HIV. 3,10 The schistosome-infected cervix appears inflamed with abnormal mucosal blood vessels, contact bleeding, and damage to the mucosal surfaces.…”

“…3,10 The schistosome-infected cervix appears inflamed with abnormal mucosal blood vessels, contact bleeding, and damage to the mucosal surfaces. 9 The CD4 + T lymphocytes located in the female genital mucosa are fundamental to sexual transmission of HIV-1 to women. [11][12][13] Cervicovaginal CD68 + macrophages and Langerhans cells are also thought to play a key role.…”

Female Genital Schistosomiasis: A Neglected Tropical Disease

“…7 The lesions seen in infected tissue have been described as circular, reticular, branched, convoluted, granny or sandy areas. [8][9][10] Lesions that develop in childhood are chronic.…”