Urological manifestations of chronic schistosomal myeloradiculopathy

Beyond schistosomiasis: unraveling co-infections and altered immunity

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the helminth Schistosoma spp. and has the second highest global impact of all parasites. Schistosoma are transmitted through contact with contaminated fresh water predominantly in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and South America. Due to the widespread prevalence of Schistosoma, co-infection with other infectious agents is common but often poorly described. Herein, we review recent literature describing the impact of Schistosoma co-infection between species and Schistosoma co-infection with blood-borne protozoa, soil-transmitted helminths, various intestinal protozoa, Mycobacterium, Salmonella, various urinary tract infection-causing agents, and viral pathogens. In each case, disease severity and, of particular interest, the immune landscape, are altered as a consequence of co-infection. Understanding the impact of schistosomiasis co-infections will be important when considering treatment strategies and vaccine development moving forward.

Spinal cord tumor leading to urinary retention resulting from Schistosoma mansoni infection in a child

Schistosomose mansoni is an endemic disease in Brazil. It rarely affects the central nervous system, particularly in children. We report the case of a child that presented with an acute spinal cord compression condition, resulting from a mass that proved to be a granuloma caused by a Schistosoma mansoni infection. Proper treatment had no effect on the regression of urological symptoms and the child had to undergo a Mitrofanoff principle.

Prevalence of urodynamic changes with risk for upper urinary tract damage in neuroschistosomiasis patients

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to identify the prevalence of urodynamic changes with an associated risk of developing upper urinary tract damage in neuroschistosomiasis patients.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted, wherein68 patients were admitted for analysis of urodynamics, urea and creatinine levels, and uroculture.

RESULTS

Blood test results did not indicate kidney failure. There were cases of asymptomatic bacteriuria. Common symptoms were frequent nocturia and detrusor overactivity. Results of low compliance and low cystometric capacity were both statistically significant (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

A high prevalence of negative urodynamic changes were found in neuroschistosomiasis patients.