Glomerular lesions in patients with Schistosoma haematobium infection

In order to investigate the prevalence and type of glomerular lesions in patients with overt Schistosoma haematobium (S H) infection, renal biopsies obtained from 13 patients were studied by light microscopy (in 13), ultra-structural (in 9) and immunofluorescence (in 11) techniques. Renal function was normal in all patients, only two had mild proteinuria. Glomerular deposits were absent in four patients. Electron microscopy showed in four cases an increase of the mesangial matrix with subendothelial deposits in the mesangial area. Subepithelial deposits were also present in one of these cases. Associated or isolated deposits of IgM, IgG, Clq, C3 were identified in the glomeruli of seven patients. Attempt to detect schistosomal antigen by using a high titer human anti-SH conjugate serum was unsuccessful. The relation between the glomerular lesions observed and schistosomiasis and other parasitic diseases is discussed.