Human schistosomiasis: clinical perspective: review

Area of Science:

• Medical Parasitology
• Immunology
• Tropical Medicine

Background:

• Schistosomiasis manifests in distinct clinical stages (acute, subacute, chronic) corresponding to the host's immune response and parasite lifecycle.
• Immune responses progress from innate to TH1 and TH2 adaptive immunity, potentially leading to concomitant immunity.
• Complications include secondary infections, organ damage (urinary tract, colon, liver, kidneys), fibrosis, and potential malignancy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the clinical manifestations of schistosomiasis across its different stages.
• To describe the host immune responses involved in schistosomiasis pathogenesis.
• To outline current treatment strategies and prevention methods for schistosomiasis.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical and immunological aspects of schistosomiasis.
• Description of pathological changes associated with different stages of infection.
• Summary of epidemiological data and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

• Acute schistosomiasis is species-independent, influenced by host factors.
• Subacute manifestations involve granuloma formation around eggs/worms in target organs.
• Chronic morbidity results from fibrosis, calcification, immune complex deposition, and secondary amyloidosis.

Conclusions:

• Schistosomiasis presents a complex interplay between parasite, host immunity, and environmental factors.
• Effective management relies on early diagnosis, mass drug administration (praziquantel), and addressing co-infections.
• Ongoing research for vaccines and novel therapeutics is crucial for disease control.