BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis and hepatitis B are both tropical diseases with more than 200 and 350 million people infected worldwide respectively, but are rare in western countries. Worldwide a high rate of coinfections can be expected. CASE REPORT: A 34-year-old African patient was referred to our clinic with known hepatitis B/D-coinfection for evaluation of antiviral treatment. RESULTS: Surprisingly, liver biopsy showed a granuloma with the egg of Schistosoma in addition to virus induced alterations. Subsequent examination of the stool allowed to classify the parasite as Schistosoma mansoni. Thus, before initiation of an antiviral treatment, an antischistosomal therapy with praziquantel leading to elimination of schistosomiasis was started. CONCLUSION: Patients from tropical countries suffering from chronic viral hepatitis may present with additional coinfections which can be earily overlooked in daily clinical routine. Screening of African patients from endemic areas for schistosomiasis should include examinations for tropical diseases by specialists.
BACKGROUND:Schistosomiasis and hepatitis B are both tropical diseases with more than 200 and 350 million people infected worldwide respectively, but are rare in western countries. Worldwide a high rate of coinfections can be expected. CASE REPORT: A 34-year-old African patient was referred to our clinic with known hepatitis B/D-coinfection for evaluation of antiviral treatment. RESULTS: Surprisingly, liver biopsy showed a granuloma with the egg of Schistosoma in addition to virus induced alterations. Subsequent examination of the stool allowed to classify the parasite as Schistosoma mansoni. Thus, before initiation of an antiviral treatment, an antischistosomal therapy with praziquantel leading to elimination of schistosomiasis was started. CONCLUSION:Patients from tropical countries suffering from chronic viral hepatitis may present with additional coinfections which can be earily overlooked in daily clinical routine. Screening of African patients from endemic areas for schistosomiasis should include examinations for tropical diseases by specialists.
Authors: Andreas Erhardt; Thomas Göbel; Amei Ludwig; George K K Lau; Patrick Marcellin; Florian van Bömmel; Ulrike Heinzel-Pleines; Ortwin Adams; Dieter Häussinger Journal: J Med Virol Date: 2009-10 Impact factor: 2.327
Authors: Erik H C J Buster; Bettina E Hansen; George K K Lau; Teerha Piratvisuth; Stefan Zeuzem; Ewout W Steyerberg; Harry L A Janssen Journal: Gastroenterology Date: 2009-09-06 Impact factor: 22.682
Authors: Sanaa M Kamal; Bradley Turner; Qi He; Jens Rasenack; Leonardo Bianchi; Ahmed Al Tawil; Ahmed Nooman; Mahmoud Massoud; Margaret James Koziel; Nezam H Afdhal Journal: Hepatology Date: 2006-04 Impact factor: 17.425