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Updated: Aug 5, 2026

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Establishment and Characterization of UTI and CAUTI in a Mouse Model
Published on: June 23, 2015
Human bilharzial ureters. II. Cellular dynamic against deposited eggs
1Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia.
Summary
Host cells dynamically respond to Schistosoma haematobium eggs in urinary schistosomiasis. Macrophages are key in invading and eliminating parasite eggs after shell layer removal.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Urology
Background:
- Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by Schistosoma worms.
- Urinary schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma haematobium, affects the urinary tract.
- Chronic infection leads to significant tissue damage and inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular dynamics in response to Schistosoma haematobium eggs.
- To understand the role of different host cells in different stages of egg damage.
- To elucidate the mechanisms of egg elimination in chronic urinary schistosomiasis.
Main Methods:
- Histological examination of ureteral tissues from Saudi patients with chronic urinary schistosomiasis.
- Observation of cellular interactions with Schistosoma haematobium eggs at various embryo viability stages.
- Analysis of fibroblast, plasma cell, and macrophage activities.
Main Results:
- Fibroblasts form cytoplasmic barriers around healthy eggs.
- Plasma cells surround partially damaged eggs, releasing granular contents.
- Macrophages actively phagocytose and invade eggs with dead embryos or empty shells.
- Macrophages fuse to form multinucleated giant cells after egg shell invasion.
Conclusions:
- Fibroblastic extensions act as a barrier against parasite eggs and products.
- Plasma cell secretions may facilitate macrophage migration towards eggs.
- Macrophages are the primary dynamic cells responsible for egg shell invasion and potential elimination.
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