A Rare Parasitic Infection Diagnosed in a Traveller in India: Urinary Schistosomiasis- A Case Report

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is prevalent in tropical countries but it is rare in Indian subcontinent. Basically two major forms of schistosomiasis are there- intestinal and urogenital which are caused by five species of schistosomes. Urinary schistosomiasis is caused by Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium). Though this infection is endemic in Africa and Middle-east, population movement from endemic zones has resulted in detection of such cases in non-endemic developing countries. Detection of egg of S. haematobium is the gold standard test for diagnosis of schistosomiasis. Histopathological examination of urinary bladder is an alternative diagnostic method. Here, we report a case of urinary schistosomiasis in a 12-year-old Nigerian traveller who was presented with terminal haematuria. Patient had history of bathing in fresh water ponds and rivers. Ultrasound abdomen and cystoscopy revealed nodular lesions on the wall of urinary bladder. Diagnosis of schistosomiasis is made by detection of egg of S. haematobium in urine sample and biopsy of urinary bladder. Patient was treated with oral Praziquantel.

Keywords

• bilharziasis
• terminal haematuria
• urinary bladder