Female genital schistosomiasis: facts and hypotheses

Acta Trop. 2001 Jun 22;79(3):193-210. doi: 10.1016/s0001-706x(01)00086-9.

Abstract

In this paper we summarise the parasitological, clinical and epidemiological characteristics of female genital schistosomiasis (FGS), a frequent manifestation of the infection with Schistosoma haematobium. Means to diagnose and treat lesions in the lower and upper genital tract are discussed. Based on clinical findings and available pathophysiological as well as immunological data it is conceivable that FGS of the cervix and vagina not only facilitates the infection with agents of sexually transmitted diseases, but presumably also alters the natural history of such infections. Two infectious agents are of particular concern: the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and the oncogenic Human Papilloma Viruses. Possible interactions and their consequences are discussed and research areas which should be addressed are outlined.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Africa / epidemiology
  • Animals
  • Female
  • Genital Diseases, Female / complications
  • Genital Diseases, Female / epidemiology
  • Genital Diseases, Female / parasitology*
  • Genitalia, Female / parasitology
  • Genitalia, Female / pathology
  • HIV
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • Humans
  • Madagascar / epidemiology
  • Papillomaviridae
  • Papillomavirus Infections / complications
  • Papillomavirus Infections / virology
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Schistosoma haematobium*
  • Schistosomiasis haematobia / complications
  • Schistosomiasis haematobia / epidemiology
  • Schistosomiasis haematobia / parasitology*
  • Tumor Virus Infections / complications
  • Tumor Virus Infections / virology
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / etiology