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Schistosoma haematobium infection in children in Britain
Insights
Schistosoma haematobium infection, causing haematuria in children, is a concern for travellers to Africa and the Middle East. Early diagnosis and treatment with praziquantel are crucial for reversible outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Schistosoma haematobium is a parasitic worm causing urogenital schistosomiasis.
- The infection is endemic in parts of Africa and the Middle East.
- Cases in non-endemic regions like Britain may be linked to travel or ethnic minority groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To raise awareness among healthcare professionals about Schistosoma haematobium.
- To emphasize its presence in specific ethnic minority groups in Britain and travellers.
- To include it in the differential diagnosis for pediatric haematuria.
Main Methods:
- A 2-year observational study of six pediatric patients.
- Patients presented with haematuria and a history of travel to endemic areas.
- Diagnosis confirmed by identifying Schistosoma haematobium ova in urine samples.
Main Results:
- All six patients were diagnosed with S. haematobium infection.
- Symptoms of dysuria and haematuria appeared 2-3 months post-infection.
- Terminal urine samples after midday exercise were diagnostic for S. haematobium ova.
- Praziquantel chemotherapy proved effective.
Conclusions:
- Schistosoma haematobium infection is treatable if diagnosed early, preventing irreversible fibrotic lesions.
- Midday exercise-induced terminal urine sampling is a reliable diagnostic method.
- Consider S. haematobium in the differential diagnosis of haematuria for travellers and specific ethnic groups.
Objective:
To highlight the existence of Schistosoma haematobium in certain ethnic minority groups in Britain and in English citizens who have recently visited Africa and the Middle East, so that general practitioners and paediatric nephrologists/urologists are aware of its occurrence and consider it among the differential diagnoses in children presenting with haematuria.
Patients And Methods:
Over a 2-year period, six consecutive boys (mean age 13.5 years, range 8-15) presented with haematuria and were subsequently diagnosed to be infected with S. haematobium. All patients were from Africa and had recently visited their native country. There had all reported paddling in freshwater lakes and streams.
Results:
Dysuria and haematuria was noted 2-3 months after the infection. Terminal urine samples taken after exercise at midday were positive for S. haematobium ova. Praziquantel anti-schistosomal chemotherapy was effective in treating the infection.
Conclusion:
S. haematobium infection is treatable in the early stages and the changes are reversible before the development of fibrotic lesions, which may result in anatomical obstruction. A terminal urine sample taken at midday after exercise was diagnostic in showing Schistosoma ova in all cases. This infection must be considered in the differential diagnoses of haematuria in some ethnic minority British citizens and in those Britons who have visited Africa or the Middle East in the recent past.