Case report of rare presentation of schistosomiasis: delayed diagnosis of genitourinary schistosomiasis in an adolescent
Published: January 3 2025
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All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
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Schistosomiasis is a tropical infection endemic to developing nations that can result in chronic liver damage, renal failure, infertility, and bladder cancer. Genitourinary localization is marked by dysuria, visible hematuria, and urinary obstruction. We present the case of a 17-year-old male adolescent from a rural area of Central Africa, who arrived in Italy two years prior, exhibiting hematuria and urinary symptoms. He came to our attention with a history of terminal hematuria, dysuria, and intermittent abdominal pain since the age of ten. We conducted initial blood tests, urine analyses, and ultrasonography, all yielding negative results. Cystoscopy was conducted with biopsy of an atypical bladder lesion due to the persistence of hematuria. Histopathology revealed morphological findings indicative of Schistosoma haematobium. The patient received praziquantel treatment and was monitored through parasitological urine analyses. Bladder schistosomiasis should be considered in children exhibiting terminal hematuria from endemic regions. Diagnosis can be established through a urinary microbiological examination. An endoscopic evaluation may assist in the diagnosis if the results are negative.
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How to Cite
Case report of rare presentation of schistosomiasis: delayed diagnosis of genitourinary schistosomiasis in an adolescent. (2025). La Pediatria Medica E Chirurgica, 46(2). https://doi.org/10.4081/pmc.2024.331
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