Experience with schistosomiasis in renal transplantation

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Infectious Diseases
• Nephrology

Background:

• Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that can affect the urinary tract.
• Chronic urinary schistosomiasis can lead to urinary tract abnormalities, potentially impacting kidney transplant function.
• North American literature has limited reports on urinary schistosomiasis, especially from American hospital experiences.

Observation:

• A cohort of renal transplant recipients from schistosomiasis-endemic regions was evaluated.
• Six patients exhibited evidence of schistosomal disease during pre-transplant assessment.
• These patients received appropriate treatment for schistosomiasis prior to transplantation.

Findings:

• No postoperative complications were observed that could be attributed to schistosomal disease in the treated patients.
• Effective management of urinary schistosomiasis pre-transplant did not negatively affect surgical outcomes.
• The study highlights the absence of schistosomal disease-related complications post-renal transplant following targeted treatment.

Implications:

• Routine pre-transplant urologic evaluation should include cystoscopic examination and bladder biopsies for patients from urinary schistosomiasis-endemic areas.
• Early detection and treatment of urinary schistosomiasis are crucial for successful renal transplantation in at-risk populations.
• Implementing specific screening protocols can mitigate risks associated with parasitic infections in transplant recipients.