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Subclinical vascular damage in Schistosoma spp. endemic regions

Valeria Silvestri1, Mwanahawa Idavas Mshana1, Vivian Mushi1

  • 1Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Applied Science, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

VASA. Zeitschrift Fur Gefasskrankheiten
|March 22, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Schistosomiasis infection history is linked to increased abdominal aortic diameter in endemic populations. This suggests potential subclinical cardiovascular damage, warranting further investigation beyond current diagnostic methods.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular epidemiology
  • Infectious diseases
  • Vascular ultrasound

Background:

  • Cardiovascular abnormalities are noted in schistosomiasis patients, but prevalence and features in endemic areas are unclear.
  • Schistosomiasis, caused by parasitic flatworms, affects millions globally, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.
  • Subclinical cardiovascular damage may precede overt symptoms, impacting long-term health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of subclinical cardiovascular damage in a schistosomiasis-endemic population.
  • To assess the association between schistosomiasis infection history and vascular parameters.
  • To investigate aortic and carotid artery health in adults residing in Kome Island, Tanzania.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 264 adults (>18 years) in Kome Island, Tanzania.
  • Colour-ultrasound assessment of carotid intimal medial thickness, carotid plaque, abdominal aortic diameter, and aneurysms.
  • Collection of anamnestic data on schistosomiasis history and laboratory confirmation of current Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium infections.

Main Results:

  • A history of schistosomiasis was reported by 27.3% of participants; 5.9% had current Schistosoma mansoni infection.
  • A statistically significant increase in Latero-lateral Abdominal Aortic Diameter was observed in participants with a history of schistosomiasis (p=0.02).
  • Adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for increased aortic diameter associated with schistosomiasis history was 1.15 (p=0.007).

Conclusions:

  • A history of schistosomiasis is associated with a significantly larger abdominal aortic diameter.
  • These findings suggest potential aortic damage in endemic populations, irrespective of current infection status.
  • Further research is recommended to understand the long-term vascular consequences of schistosomiasis.

Keywords:
SchistosomiasisSouth Saharan Africaabdominal aortic aneurysmcardiovascular riskcarotid artery IMTcolour-ultrasound

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