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Cutaneous schistosomiasis in Nigeria. An update
The British Journal of Dermatology
|May 1, 1986
Summary
Cutaneous schistosomiasis, a rare skin manifestation of Schistosoma haematobium, was diagnosed in two Nigerian patients. Both responded well to niridazole treatment, highlighting the need for clinical awareness of this ectopic form.
Area of Science:
- Tropical Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease prevalent in tropical regions.
- Cutaneous manifestations of schistosomiasis are uncommon, particularly in endemic areas.
Observation:
- Two cases of cutaneous schistosomiasis were documented in Northern Nigeria.
- Diagnosis was confirmed via histological identification of Schistosoma haematobium ova in skin lesions.
- The first case was not clinically suspected, emphasizing diagnostic challenges.
Findings:
- Both patients achieved successful treatment outcomes with niridazole (Ambilhar).
- This brings the total reported cases in Nigeria to eight over 40 years, with four in indigenous individuals.
- High endemicity may confer natural immunity, reducing ectopic schistosomiasis occurrence in locals.
Implications:
- Clinicians must consider cutaneous schistosomiasis in differential diagnoses, especially in endemic regions.
- Early diagnosis and specific chemotherapy, such as niridazole, lead to excellent treatment responses.
- Further research into natural immunity mechanisms against ectopic schistosomiasis is warranted.