Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS): from case reports to a call for concerted action against this neglected gynaecological disease. Issue 7 (June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Christinet, Vanessa; Lazdins-Helds, Janis K.; Stothard, J. Russell; Reinhard-Rupp, Jutta
• Is Part Of: International journal for parasitology. Volume 46:Issue 7(2016)
• Page Start: 395
• Page End: 404
• Publication Date: 2016-06
• Subjects: Urogenital schistosomiasis -- Gynaecology -- FGS -- HIV/AIDS -- Praziquantel -- Female genital schistosomiasis; Parasitology -- Periodicals; Parasitology -- Periodicals; Parasitologie -- Périodiques; Parasitology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 571.999
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2016.02.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7519

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) is a forgotten gynaecological disease. Since 1899, FGS has been constantly reported with many different clinical consequences. More than 100 years later, easy diagnosis and curative treatment are still not available. FGS has a correlation with HIV/AIDS and requires collection of further epidemiological data and research. Abstract: In recent years, control of neglected tropical diseases has been increasingly gaining momentum and interventions against schistosomiasis are being progressively scaled-up through expansion of donated praziquantel and preventive chemotherapy campaigns. However, the public health importance of female genital schistosomiasis is not fully recognised nor its control is adequately addressed. Taking a clinical and anatomopathological perspective, we evaluated the available literature to highlight the importance of female genital schistosomiasis and its connections with two sexually transmitted infections of global importance, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Human Papilloma Virus. Outside the long list of clinical descriptive reports beginning in 1899, there is presently a shocking gap in epidemiological assessment and a significant underestimation of the burden of FGS remains. The scarcity of integrated approaches to address female genital schistosomiasis calls for more concerted action in its detection, treatment and prevention alongside other concomitant women's health issues, otherwise female genital schistosomiasis will remain a neglected gynaecological disease.