Seroprevalence of schistosomiasis in African patients infected with HIV.

BACKGROUND

Schistosomiasis is a highly prevalent parasitic infection causing significant morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Infection is asymptomatic for many years. Long-term complications such as portal hypertension and bladder cancer can be prevented by treatment with praziquantel.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of schistosomiasis in HIV-infected African patients attending our department.

METHODS

From March 2005, all patients of African origin attending our HIV clinics were tested for schistosomal antibodies using a peroxidase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Stool and urine specimens from seropositive patients were examined for ova. All seropositive patients were offered treatment with praziquantel.

RESULTS

Of 122 patients tested, 21 (17%) were ELISA positive for schistosomiasis. Ova were found in stools from four patients and on a cervical smear in one patient. There were no significant differences between infected and uninfected patients other than the presence of eosinophilia (48 vs. 6%; P<0.001), and 17 seropositive patients were treated with praziquantel.

CONCLUSIONS

The seroprevalence of schistosomiasis in HIV-infected patients of African origin in the UK is high. We recommend that screening for schistosomiasis should be offered to these patients and those found to be positive treated with praziquantel.