[Bilharziasis, clinical course of the disease: acute and chronic phase. Two clinical cases]

To report two cases of bilharziasis and review the literature with special reference to treatment according to the stages of the disease.

Two patients that had previously visited endemic areas consulted for hematuria and renal colic, respectively. One patient was in the acute stage of the disease. Diagnosis was made on the demonstration of eggs of the schistosome in urine. Good response was achieved by medical treatment. The other patient was in the chronic stage. No eggs were demonstrated in urine and diagnosis was based on the anatomopathological findings: This patient required reconstructive surgery.

Although bilharziasis is uncommon in our setting, its incidence is rising due to increasing migration and travel. The disease has different clinical manifestations depending on its stage and therefore different diagnosis and treatment. Recognizing the disease in the early stage prevents progression to the chronic stage and the morbidity and mortality of the late stage of the disease, as well as more aggressive treatment.