Schistosomiasis-induced squamous cell bladder carcinoma in an HIV-infected patient

Int J Infect Dis. 2015 Nov:40:113-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2015.10.004. Epub 2015 Oct 22.

Abstract

The burden of Schistosoma haematobium-associated bladder cancer is very high in Africa; nevertheless the disease can pose considerable diagnostic challenges in low prevalence countries. We present the case of a 40-year-old HIV co-infected woman, originally from Mozambique, who had persisting haematuria for more than a year. Investigations revealed invasive S. haematobium-associated squamous cell bladder cancer. If her origin had been taken into account, the diagnosis might have been made earlier. Awareness of the disease prevalence among HIV co-infected patients from endemic areas and timely screening of such patients is important for the early diagnosis of schistosomiasis and related complications, such as S. haematobium-associated squamous cell bladder cancer.

Keywords: Bladder cancer; Human immunodeficiency virus; Schistosoma haematobium; Schistosomiasis; Squamous cell carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Africa
  • Animals
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / etiology*
  • Coinfection
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • Humans
  • Prevalence
  • Schistosoma haematobium
  • Schistosomiasis haematobia / complications*
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / etiology*