Does schistosomiasis interfere with application of Knodell score for assessment of chronic hepatitis C?

Schistosoma Mansoni (SM) is a significant etiology of liver disease in Egypt. Chronic hepatitis, predominantly HCV, is a major health problem worldwide. Whether, schistosomal affection could interfere with assessment of necroinflammatory injury and degree of fibrosis in liver biopsy of chronic hepatitis, is not a settled issue. The present study is an attempt to highlight this problem.

185 individuals--pure schistosomal affection (25 pts), pure HCV (100 pts), and mixed schistosomal and HCV (HCV + SC) (60 pts)--were included. They were selected from among 222 biopsied patients with chronic liver disease attending the liver unit of Internal Medicine Department, Mansoura University July 1999-May 2000. They were subjected to rectal snip and serological test for schistosomiasis, liver functions, HBV, HCV serological markers, serum qualitative and quantitative PCR and liver biopsy. Masson trichrom stain was performed to assess fibrosis. Immunohistochemical staining for HBsAg & HBcAg were performed. Modified Knodell score was applied to assess the biopsy.

Five out of the 25 pure schistosomal and only 2 of the mixed group revealed schistosomal granuloma. 30% and 33% of pure HCV and mixed patients, respectively, were found to be cirrhotic. No significant statistical difference was identified between the two groups with respect to necroinflammatory injury and Knodell score (p = 0.81). Additionally, no significant difference was identified related to the stage of fibrosis (p = 0.77).

Schistosomal hepatic affection does not alter or interfere with assessment of necroinflammatory injury or fibrosis in mixed HCV-schistosomal liver affection.