Evaluation of Schistosomal Morbidity in Subjects with High Intensity Infections in Qualyub, Egypt

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
We report details of a population-based clinical morbidity study of 77 subjects from the Qalyub Governorate, Egypt, with high intensity schistosomal infections. Male Egyptians, mostly farmers, infected with either Schistosoma mansoni, S. haematobium, or both were hospitalized for a routine battery of screening tests, including a standardized history and physical examination, quantitative schistosomal egg counts from serial urine and stool samples, examination of stools for parasites, urinalysis, urine and blood cultures, hepatitis-B surface antigen, complete blood count, liver and kidney function tests, blood chemistries, electrocardiogram, proctoscopy, chest and abdominal X-rays, and intravenous pyelography in those with high intensity S. haematobium infections. Study participants were selected on the basis of schistosomal egg count and age (not on the basis of symptoms of physical findings), agreed to participate, and had not received antischistosomal therapy during the previous 3 months. Schistosomal egg counts ranged from 10 to 3,580 eggs per gram of stool for S. mansoni, and 0.26 to 2,432.8 per 10 cc of urine for S. haematobium. Despite the high intensity of S. mansoni infections the degree of morbidity was not striking, with the possible exception of rectocolonic polyposis noted in 12% of our sample. Infections with S. haematobium were associated with considerable damage to the urinary tract, although significant urinary tract infections and the nephrotic syndrome were notably absent. The findings are interpreted in light of recent changes in the pattern of schistosome transmission in the Nile Delta.

This publication has 6 references indexed in Scilit: